NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2026

by | Aug 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2026

What’s the latest on Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrik Laine? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SICK PODCAST: Nick Lariviere cited Jimmy Murphy and Shayne Gaumond discussing the possibility of Vladimir Tarasenko being a free-agent option for the Montreal Canadiens.

Former Minnesota Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Murphy and Gaumond believe the 34-year-old Tarasenko could be a good fit with the Canadiens, who need second-line depth. Murphy cited the winger’s versatility as the best “plug-in” piece for the Habs.

However, Murphy’s Eye Test podcast co-host Pierre McGuire disagrees, saying he doesn’t believe Tarasenko would have a spot among the Canadiens’ top six.

Lariviere acknowledged Tarasenko lacks the speed of Canadiens’ second-line winger Alex Newhook. However, he believes the veteran’s pure skill and experience could make him a good short-term fit alongside fellow Russian Ivan Demidov on the Habs’ second line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Canadiens seek a suitable linemate for the talented Demidov, preferably a center. Trade rumors have linked them to Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Canadiens management has been unwilling to bring in aging veterans, preferring players in their mid-to-late 20s that would mesh well with their young core. If they wanted Tarasenko, they probably would’ve signed him by now.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Herb Zurkowsky reports former Canadiens winger Patrik Laine has been linked to several NHL clubs this summer.

Laine, 28, is an unrestricted free agent coming off a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $8.7 million. The sniper spent the past two seasons with the Canadiens, with injuries limiting him to 57 regular-season games.

Zurkowsky noted that Laine had been linked to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and, more recently, the Philadelphia Flyers. He believes a team could land the former 44-goal scorer for around $1.5 million on a one-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s skating has slowed, his defensive game is weak, and he’s become more of a power-play specialist at this stage of his career. Still, his powerful shot could land him with a team seeking additional scoring while playing with the man advantage. Whether it’ll be with one of the clubs mentioned by Zurkowsky remains to be seen.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2026

by | Aug 7, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2026

The Penguins make an unusually long investment in Ville Koivunen, the Blue Jackets risk alienating their long-suffering fans, the latest on the Flyers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed winger Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $4 million. Koivunen, 23, was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Ville Koivunen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is an unusually long contract for a player who has struggled to establish himself as an NHL forward. He had seven points in 39 games as a rookie last season with the Penguins, and has yet to show any indication that he’ll blossom into a top-six forward.

Koivunen’s new contract surprised those who follow and cover the Penguins. Josh Yohe of The Athletic was particularly critical of the deal, calling it one of the stranger moves by general manager Kyle Dubas.

If Koivunen fails to meet expectations, Yohe observed that he would be an affordable buyout candidate if the move is made before he turns 26, when the cost would be one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining tenure.

Penguins management obviously believes in Koivunen, but it remains to be seen if this pays off in the long run.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets’ recent decisions to part ways with popular radio play-by-play broadcaster Bob McElligott and beat writer and ambassador Jeff Svoboda angered a large number of the club’s fans.

Team president Mike Priest acknowledged the discontent, saying he understood how some of them felt. However, he believes the media changes will help the club adapt and better serve the fans.

However, the decisions to part with McElligott and Svoboda have created the impression that the Blue Jackets are being cheap and callous. Portzline believes the club risks losing the fans that have stuck by them through thick and (mostly) thin.

“The Blue Jackets, it’s been said, are the team that parity forgot, and parody won’t let free,” wrote Portzline. He feels if the club loses its fans, there will be dark days at Nationwide Arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The reaction to the layoffs of McElligott and Svoboda could be the last straw for a long-suffering fan base that has seen little payoff for their support. This year has been especially rough, with the club stumbling out of playoff contention late in the season, and the trade rumors swirling around superstar defenseman Zach Werenski and scoring winger Kirill Marchenko.

The Blue Jackets aren’t in any danger of relocation, but that could change over the next several years if things don’t improve.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen believes talk of Nazem Kadri’s decline is premature as the 35-year-old Colorado Avalanche center enters his 18th NHL season.

Kadri’s scoring dropped from 35 goals in 2024-25 with the Calgary Flames to 16 goals and 50 points with the Flames and the Avalanche last season. However, Deen believes a healthier shooting percentage, a full training camp, and a defined role with the Avs should improve his production.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Deen acknowledged that Kadri’s unlikely to return to 35 goals, but believes his output should be comfortably higher than 16. It’ll also depend on whether he’s filling a second- or third-line role and who he has for linemates this season.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers signed winger Nikita Grebenkin to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.1 million. Grebenkin, 23, had 14 points in 55 games in his rookie debut last season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at what the Washington Capitals can expect from rookie defenseman Cole Hutson, who had 10 points in 14 games last season when he joined the club late in the season from the NCAA.

Hutson, 20, is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. He’s spent this summer training with his brothers, working on getting stronger and fine-tuning his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like his older brother, Cole is a skillful puck-moving defenseman. If he can reach the same level of success that Lane has enjoyed thus far in Montreal, the Capitals will have themselves a superstar in the making.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2026

by | Aug 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: a look at what it might cost the Devils to acquire Quinn Hughes and the latest on the Sabres’ goaltending.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at what it might cost the New Jersey Devils to acquire Quinn Hughes if his contract extension talks with the Minnesota Wild fall through.

Negotiations between the Wild and the Hughes camp have been ongoing this summer. The 26-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. It’s rumored the two sides were discussing salary numbers in the mid-to-high teens. The Wild prefer a long-term deal, while Hughes might want a short-term commitment.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

So far, there’s no indication that a deal is close. Wild general manager Bill Guerin is preaching patience, pointing out it’s a major decision for both sides.

It’s believed Hughes would like to reunite one day with his brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Nichols noted that the Devils have the salary cap flexibility to acquire Hughes via trade or free agency if he doesn’t re-sign with the Wild. He also pointed out that they have the draft picks and prospects to draw on for trade capital. A roster player, such as Dawson Mercer, could also be used as part of a trade package.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols acknowledged that Guerin’s remarks don’t close the door on the Wild’s chances of re-signing Hughes. The two sides could agree to a three-year extension, giving the Wild a four-year window to chase the Stanley Cup with Hughes on their roster.

Nichols is correct in assuming that the longer Hughes goes without an extension, the more it could favor the Devils. It could force the Wild to move him before the March 1 trade deadline, or let him walk next summer as a free agent. In both cases, the Devils could be poised to pursue the superstar defenseman.

Nevertheless, if Hughes ends up on the trade block this season, there’s no certainty that the Devils will win a bidding war. However, he could narrow the potential destinations if he has no intention of signing an extension as part of the trade terms.

NHL.COM: Amalie Benjamin has goaltending among the three questions facing the Buffalo Sabres this season.

Benjamin observed that offseason rumors have been rife about the Sabres’ goalie situation, “which became a revolving door in the playoffs with time split between Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon.” She noted that most of the speculation centered around Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

The Sabres are currently heading into training camp with Luukkonen, Lyon, Colten Ellis, and Matt Villalta as their goalies. Benjamin wondered if Lyon and/or Luukkonen could be the answer for a team that believes it can improve on last season’s performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported that the Sabres and Jets were discussing a trade involving Hellebuyck before the June draft weekend, but the deal fell through.

So far, there’s no indication that those discussions have been renewed or whether the Jets intend to move Hellebuyck, who is under contract through 2030-31. If he’s unavailable, the Sabres could have little choice but to return with their Luukkonen/Lyon tandem for the coming season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2026

by | Aug 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2026

Cale Makar could be next to become the league’s highest-paid player, plus the latest on the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Penguins and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wonders if Cale Makar will be the NHL’s latest highest-paid player this summer.

The 28-year-old Colorado Avalanche defenseman is in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. However, he can sign an extension with the Avalanche now.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images)

Deen feels the amount of Makar’s next contract will overshadow the length of the superstar blueliner’s new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is currently set to become the NHL’s highest-paid player after signing a five-year contract extension with a league-leading average annual value of $18.8 million. His new contract eclipsed the offer sheet that Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson signed with the Philadelphia Flyers last month (five years, $18 million AAV), which the Ducks matched.

Celebrini has quickly risen to NHL superstardom, and Carlsson has the potential to join him. However, their respective teams are paying for potential, whereas Makar has the resume that justifies making him the league’s highest-paid player.

In his seven-year NHL career, Makar’s become the league’s top defenseman, winning the Norris Trophy as the top blueliner twice and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Avalanche’s run to the 2022 Stanley Cup. He also won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2019-20.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reports the Red Wings are hiring a search firm to find a new general manager.

The Red Wings announced last month that Steve Yzerman was moving out of the general manager position into the role of senior advisor to team owner Chris Ilitch.

St. James indicated that Ilitch and the search firm will focus on an analytics- and data-driven successor to Yzerman. Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff is handling the day-to-day management duties, but they do not extend to trades.

Whoever replaces Yzerman must deal with center Dylan Larkin’s trade request. According to St. James, Larkin has not changed his mind.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wondered if a new general manager could foster a reconciliation with Larkin. Based on St. James’ report, that appears unlikely. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars are reportedly among his list of preferred destinations.

Honoring Larkin’s trade request will have to wait until the new GM is in place, which might not happen until September. Even then, it could be difficult to move him to one of the teams believed to be on his list.

NHL.COM: Finding a new team captain is among the three questions facing the Chicago Blackhawks this season. Bowen Byram’s readiness for top-pairing minutes and making the playoffs are the other questions to be addressed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram’s role as the Blackhawks’ new top defenseman will draw significant interest this season. Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in June, this will be the 25-year-old blueliner’s first opportunity to play first-pairing minutes on a full-time basis.

The article noted that the Blackhawks have invested heavily in Byram, signing him to a six-year contract extension with an AAV of $12.5 million. He’ll be facing considerable pressure to prove himself worthy of the role and the raise that came with it.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden is concerned that there may not be much room for younger players such as Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, and Bill Zonnon to crack the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster this season. It could potentially stall the club’s rebuilding process.

Ben Kindel will return after his promising rookie performance last season. However, the 19-year-old center will likely see third-line duty behind veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The top power-play unit (Crosby, Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell) has an average age of 36.

NHLPA: The NHLPA Goals & Dream program, in conjunction with New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, has donated 25 sets of hockey equipment to Hockey Loisir Gatineau through the Hull Minor Hockey Association. It will support children with continued access to the sport of hockey.

DAILY FACEOFF: Kelly Hrudey announced on social media that his contract with Sportsnet has not been renewed. He’d spent 28 years with Hockey Night in Canada following his 18-season NHL goaltending career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hrudey’s announcement has raised questions about what other changes might be in store for Sportsnet’s NHL coverage, especially with their broadcast and game analyst staff.

NEW YORK POST: Former NHL star Ron Duguay is out of the hospital and recovering after collapsing last week. He is battling Stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread to his liver.

Duguay, 69, was hospitalized after fainting and suffering facial injuries. Doctors determined that he suffered from dehydration after feeling sick and having trouble eating.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My thoughts are with Duguay and his family today.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2026

by | Aug 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2026

Are the Wild any closer to re-signing Quinn Hughes or acquiring Dylan Larkin? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

YARDBARKER: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin joined SKOR North’s Judd’s Hockey Show on Tuesday to discuss his contract extension talks with Quinn Hughes.

“I’ve been talking to Quinn and his camp all along,” Guerin said. “Like I said last year with Kirill (Kaprizov), these things take time. They’re big decisions for players. They’re big decisions for teams. So, it’s a process to work through, and this is no different than any other big contract negotiation.”

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 26, is in the final season of his contract and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. It was reported last week that Guerin met with the defenseman and his representatives in Michigan to discuss a new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Wild prefer to sign Hughes to a five-to-eight year extension before Sept. 16, when the maximum length for extensions will be shortened to seven years. However, the superstar blueliner could seek a three-year deal that expires at the same time as his brother Jack’s contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols believes the longer Hughes goes without an extension with the Wild, the more it benefits the Devils.

If the Wild aren’t able to re-sign Hughes, it raises the possibility that he could sign with the Devils next July, reuniting him with Jack and their younger brother, Luke. Nichols pointed out that the Devils have a projected $32 million in salary-cap space for 2027-28, with 14 active-roster players under contract and Dawson Mercer as their most notable player set to be a free agent.

Guerin also spoke about his search for a first-line center. The Wild are among the preferred destinations for Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade following last season. However, his situation remains uncertain as the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

The possibility of starting next season without an established first-line center doesn’t concern Guerin. He believes his club must remain patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself, though he stressed that he would continue seeking ways to improve his club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Wild and Red Wings had discussed a trade involving Larkin, but the latter was unimpressed with an offer of draft picks and younger players, preferring an established player as part of the return. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claimed last month that the Wings’ asking price was winger Matt Boldy, but the Wild aren’t giving up a star of his caliber.

Larkin’s situation will likely remain unresolved until the Wings hire their new general manager, who might be more flexible in trade discussions if Larkin still wants out. Otherwise, Guerin will have to look elsewhere for a first-line center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 5, 2026

by | Aug 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 5, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond, Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Travis Jost believes the conditions are right for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews to get back on track in the scoring race.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Matthews tallied 368 goals during his first eight NHL seasons, including a career-high 69 goals in 2023-24. That prompted some observers to suggest that he could one day challenge Alex Ovechkin’s goal-scoring record. However, injuries over the last two seasons and the departure of play-making winger Mitch Marner have hindered his production.

Jost believes Matthews could regain his high-scoring form if he’s returned to full health this season. He’ll also have credible options on his wing such as Matthew Knies, William Nylander, or promising rookie Gavin McKenna.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews’ performance this season will play the most crucial role in the Maple Leafs’ bounce-back plans. Assuming he’s healthy, he will also be motivated to silence his critics this season by leading the Leafs back to playoff contention.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Max Smith noted that Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond’s development as a scoring winger has garnered attention around the league. The 24-year-old Raymond was among the youngest players on NHL Network’s recent ranking of the top-20 wingers in the league.

Raymond’s steady improvement has Smith believing the winger has the opportunity to rise further up that ranking this season. He’s tallied 25-plus goals in each of the last three seasons, with two of those seasons having a rookie as a linemate on the opposite wing. Patrick Kane’s departure could see Alex DeBrincat moved up to the top line alongside Raymond.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the Red Wings’ current upheavals, it’ll be interesting to see how Raymond adjusts to potential roster changes. His production could be affected by the potential departure of Dylan Larkin if the Red Wings honor the latter’s trade request.

NHL.COM/CALGARY SUN: Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf faces a critical season. After a promising rookie performance in 2024-25, he struggled during his sophomore campaign.

Derek Van Diest wondered if Wolf can have a strong 2026-27 season, noting he’s entering the first season of a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.5 million. Meanwhile, Kent Wilson mused about whether Wolf, who recently turned 25, might be too far ahead of his younger teammates on the rebuilding Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given his long-term contract, the Flames are fully invested in Wolf as their starter. He’s become a critical piece of their rebuilding program.

The emergence of Devin Cooley last season as Wolf’s backup should lighten the latter’s workload, taking some pressure off his shoulders. Nevertheless, they’ll need Wolf to be at his best if they’re to make significant strides this season.

AWFUL ANNOUNCING: The Columbus Blue Jackets’ elimination of their radio broadcast and the departure of Jackets Insider Jeff Svoboda has raised concerns among some fans about the club’s future.

The recent changes came on the heels of a season of turmoil, including a mid-season coaching change and missing the playoffs for the sixth straight year. That was followed by trade rumors involving Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski and scoring winger Kirill Marchenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets’ woes also had some observers wondering if relocation might be in the offing, with some comparing the club’s current plight to that of the woeful Arizona Coyotes, who were sold and relocated to Utah two years ago. However, there is no indication that ownership is looking to sell or move the franchise.

Nevertheless, the Blue Jackets are plagued by some troubling issues. They’ve only reached the playoffs six times in their 25-season history, advancing to the second round of the postseason only once. They’ve had difficulty retaining their best players, and while their attendance has remained steady since 2016-17 (averaging 16, 589), they’ve remained below Nationwide Arena’s capacity of 18,500.

If these issues persist, the prospect of relocation could become a legitimate concern.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Former San Jose Sharks superstar Joe Thornton will be inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. Thornton spent 14 of his 24-season NHL career with the Sharks, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2005-06.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.