Check out the latest on the Flyers, Canadiens, and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James recently wondered if the Flyers should return to the offer-sheet route and look into the availability of Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Fantilli and the Blue Jackets remain apart in their contract negotiations. Friedman speculated the 21-year-old center could seek a deal comparable to Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks (five years, $18 million average annual value) or Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks (five years, $15 million AAV). However, the Blue Jackets could prefer something within the $12 million to $15 million range.

James acknowledged a report from Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco last month indicating the Flyers are unlikely to pursue Fantilli with an offer sheet. According to Di Marco, they prefer to preserve their financial flexibility in case a better opportunity arises.

Nevertheless, James mused about whether it might be worthwhile to pursue Fantilli if he and the Blue Jackets remain apart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ultimately, James leans toward the Flyers maintaining their cap flexibility for better opportunities. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility. And if the Flyers aren’t interested, perhaps another club might consider it.

I’d be interested in hearing what Flyers fans think. Please let us know in the comments section below.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan pondered the possibility of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj and winger Zachary Bolduc becoming sign-and-trade candidates before training camp opens on Sept. 16.

Cowan noted the Canadiens’ ongoing need for a second-line center. He also pointed out that general manager Kent Hughes hasn’t ruled out a trade in September or October, though he ruled out making a “dumb trade” just to appease fans on a short-term basis.

Xhekaj, 25, and the 23-year-old Bolduc are restricted free agents coming off low-cost contracts. Cowan believes other teams will definitely have interest in them if they become available in the trade market.

The fact neither player has signed yet led Cowan to conclude they could become part of sign-and-trade scenarios.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer the duo remains unsigned, the more likely the possibility that they could be traded before training camp starts.

I doubt Xhekaj or Bolduc would be enough on their own to fetch a quality second-line center who would fit well within the Canadiens’ long-term plans. Perhaps as a package deal, but even then, the Habs would likely have to add another piece to the deal as a sweetener.

OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t ruling out making other moves to improve the club before the season begins.

Speaking with season ticket holders on Wednesday, Staios pointed out that he wasn’t done making trades after shipping Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, noting his acquisition of winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks soon afterward.

Staios maintained that he’s not done, adding he remains determined to bring the Stanley Cup to Ottawa. He also indicated that he’s focused on getting winger Drake Batherson signed to a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios wanted to add a scoring winger before he moved Tkachuk and brought in Eklund and winger Andre Burakovsky. That will remain his focus throughout the coming season if he cannot find a suitable option before training camp.