NHL Rumor Mill – September 14, 2026

by | Sep 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 14, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, it’s the latest on Red Wings blueliner Simon Edvinsson, Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff recently cited Simon Edvisson as telling the Swedish website Aftonbladet that he received interest this summer from several clubs regarding a potential offer sheet.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images).

The 22-year-old Red Wings defenseman is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract last season.

Edvinsson indicated that he’s not interested in signing with another team despite the Red Wings’ turmoil and uncertainty this summer. “I love Detroit, and I love the fans,” Edvinsson said. “Detroit is the place closest to my heart, absolutely. I love everything here. Now you want to have a talk with whoever becomes GM and see what happens.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks wondered if another club might take advantage of the situation and sign Edvinsson to an offer sheet. As I’ve noted whenever someone proposes such a gambit, the player has to be open to signing. If he’s not, it’s a waste of time.

Edvinsson’s contract negotiations with the Red Wings are in limbo until the club gets around to hiring a new general manager. He’s indicated he’ll report to training camp, but he can’t participate until he’s under contract.

The Red Wings may not have to worry about Edvinsson signing elsewhere, but that doesn’t excuse how badly they’ve botched their search for a new general manager. Edvinsson’s situation could’ve ended badly for them if he wasn’t so loyal to the team and the city.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Chip Alexander reports questions continue to swirl about defenseman Alexander Nikishin as the Carolina Hurricanes prepare to open training camp on Thursday.

Nikishin, 24, remains an unsigned restricted free agent. That’s generated speculation about whether he’ll be traded, signed to a short-term bridge deal, or hold out when training camp begins.

If he’s traded, the Hurricanes will need a replacement. Alexander suggested prospect Charles Alexis Legault, who saw action in 12 regular-season games with the Hurricanes last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article is mostly about Legault’s career and why he might be a solid replacement for Nikishin if the latter gets traded. Nevertheless, the uncertainty about Nikishin’s future will increasingly make him a topic of discussion in the rumor mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio wondered if the St. Louis Blues might pivot to Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei if they’re unable to pry Alexander Nikishin away from the Hurricanes.

Gaudio believes Lohrei would be cheaper to acquire and more affordable given his $3.2 million AAV for this season. The 25-year-old has said he’d love to stay in Boston and compete for his spot on the Bruins’ blueline, but he could have a difficult time with veterans Nikita Zadorov and Hampus Lindholm on the left side.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei’s availability could depend on his performance during training camp and postseason play. Even then, the Bruins could hang onto him to start the season and see how things unfold.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2026

by | Sep 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2026

The Canadiens re-sign Zachary Bolduc, Matty Beniers talks about stars not wanting to come to Seattle, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens re-signed winger Zachary Bolduc to a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $4.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bolduc signing came one day after the Canadiens inked unrestricted free agent winger Chris Kreider to a one-year, bonus-laden deal.

Montreal Canadiens winger Zachary Bolduc (NHL Images)

Bolduc, 23, was coming off his entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues in 2024-25, and the Canadiens acquired him on July 1, 2025. Bolduc struggled to adjust to the Canadiens’ system, sparking offseason speculation that he could become a trade candidate. However, management obviously believes he has potential as a middle-six winger.

The signing leaves the Canadiens with over $4.2 million in salary cap space. Defenseman Arber Xhekaj (who has also been the subject of trade rumors this summer) is their only unsigned player.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Speaking of the Canadiens, Karine Hains indicated that there is an unconfirmed report that defenseman Kaiden Guhle underwent offseason surgery and is still rehabbing. More information about Guhle’s status is expected to be revealed during the Canadiens’ annual golf tournament on Monday.

Hains also noted that blueliner Arber Xhekaj remains unsigned, raising questions about whether he’ll still be with the Canadiens when training camp opens. That could open the door for promising blueliner David Reinbacher to earn a full-time roster spot this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Plenty of blueline intrigue as the Canadiens approach training camp this week. We won’t have to wait long to find out what’s going on with Guhle, Xhekaj, and Reinbacher.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus recently reported that Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers and his teammates take it personally when stars reject joining the club.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Beniers said. “There’s a tough rep about Seattle because it’s rainy, and maybe the city. But guys love it in Seattle – the guys that are there. When the sun’s out, it’s beautiful. There’s so much nature; there are a lot of things to do. So yeah, it obviously doesn’t feel good when you’re on a team and you try to get someone and they don’t want to come. But at the same time, if you don’t want to be here, we don’t want you, anyway.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazerus observed that players around the league love Seattle as a road city, and it has a state-of-the-art arena. However, he noted that the Kraken’s postseason drought has made it difficult to attract talented players.

The Kraken attempted to acquire Artemi Panarin before he was traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings in February. They also tried to trade for Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. Both players blocked the trades, with Robertson re-signing a one-year deal with the Stars.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Carson Soucy to a professional tryout offer.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks prospect forward Cam Lund’s participation in training camp is in question after suffering an upper-body injury during a rookie tournament game with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Former Oilers owner Cal Nichols died Saturday. He was 84.

Nichols spearheaded a group of 38 investors who bought the Oilers in 1998. He served as team chairman and governor until the team was sold to current owner Darryl Katz in 2008.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers fans owe Nichols a debt of gratitude. His efforts kept the franchise in Edmonton when it was on the verge of being sold and moved to Houston in 1998.

My condolences to Nichols’ family, friends, and the Oilers’ organization.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 13, 2026

Check out the latest on Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin and Senators winger Drake Batherson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: During Thursday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Nashville Predators were “kicking around” Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the Predators traded winger Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils earlier this month for two draft picks. He believes they could have the tradeable assets necessary to make a pitch to the Hurricanes.

Nikishin is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. The 24-year-old defenseman is ineligible to sign an offer sheet because he lacks the required number of games played to qualify. He had a promising rookie campaign, with 11 goals and 33 points in 82 games last season.

Friedman believes Zeev Buium’s new contract with the Vancouver Canucks could factor into Nikishin’s new deal. The 20-year-old Buium signed an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $9.38 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the Stanley Cup Final, it was reported that the Hurricanes were mulling over whether to sign or trade Nikishin. It’s been three months since then with no sign of a resolution to his situation.

That’s likely to change with training camp opening later this week. Nikishin reportedly sought an average annual value of $8 million before Buium signed his deal, which could reinforce his asking price or perhaps push it higher, which could ensure that he ends up playing elsewhere this season.

The Predators aren’t the only club linked to Nikishin. For weeks, it’s been rumored that the St. Louis Blues were interested. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic recently speculated that Nikishin would likely be part of the return to the Winnipeg Jets if the Hurricanes attempt to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported Thursday that the Senators and Drake Batherson still have a gap to bridge before the Sept. 15 deadline for re-signing players to eight-year contracts. After that date, the maximum contract length for re-signings drops to seven years.

Batherson reportedly seeks an eight-year contract, adding that he wants to finish his career with the Senators. However, the two sides aren’t close to a deal yet, though general manager Steve Staios remains confident that a deal will get done.

Garrioch has reported that Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings and Alex Tuch of the Washington Capitals are comparables for Batherson’s next contract. Kempe is in the first season of an eight-year contract with a $10.625 million AAV, while Tuch’s is an eight-year deal with a $10.5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll know for certain how long Batherson’s next deal will be by 5 pm ET on Sept. 15.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

The Canadiens sign Chris Kreider, the Golden Knights extend Mark Stone’s contract, Mason McTavish hopes to reset with the Blues, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed left wing Chris Kreider to a one-year contract.

Montreal Canadiens sign winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Kreider, 35, became an unrestricted free agent last week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate the final season of his contract. His deal with the Canadiens is a $2.15 million base salary, with performance bonuses that could take him to $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m surprised Kreider signed with the Canadiens because he reportedly wanted to be closer to his family in the New York area. I expected him to sign with an American-based team, like the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Philadelphia Flyers.

Kreider’s ties with Canadiens hockey ops president Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay factored into his decision. It also suggests that Montreal could become a prime destination for stars who want to play for a potential Stanley Cup contender.

Some Canadiens fans might be uncomfortable with signing Kreider, given his accidental collision with goaltender Carey Price in the 2014 playoffs resulted in the knee injury that eventually shortened the Hall of Famer’s career. However, Price said last year that he doesn’t blame Kreider for the incident, and Canadiens fans will likely forgive him if he plays well this season.

Once again, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes’ patience has paid off. Kreider is an affordable addition that doesn’t require giving up any roster players or prospects in return. He should be a solid, short-term solution to bolster their second-line depth, bringing size, scoring experience, leadership, and physicality.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed right winger and team captain Mark Stone to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $9 million. The deal also has a full no-movement clause.

Stone, 34, is in the final season of an eight-year contract with a $9.5 million AAV.

“I think it’s reflective of what we think of Mark, and how much Vegas means to Mark and his family,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “It’s a peace of mind for Mark so it’s not hanging over him as the season starts. Same for the hockey club.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stone is among the longest-serving active players on the Golden Knights. He leads the club with 396 points since joining them in 2019. Despite being hampered by injuries since 2021-22, he led them to the Stanley Cup in 2023 and remains among the league’s best two-way forwards.

Given Stone’s age and injury history, that contract extension probably won’t age well. Nevertheless, the Golden Knights are comfortable taking that gamble, especially with the salary cap expected to rise rapidly in the coming years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports center Mason McTavish hopes to have a bounce-back performance with the St. Louis Blues after struggling through his final season with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Ducks traded the 24-year-old McTavish to the Blues this summer, leaving him with something to prove this season.

“Yeah, I think I have a chip on my shoulder, for sure,” McTavish said. “I’m not happy with the way things went in Anaheim. I mean I enjoyed my time there, it was awesome, guys were great, but at the same time, they traded me, and that’s something I’m passionate about and want to get better. I’m looking forward to doing that here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is projected to be the Blues’ second-line center. If getting traded provides additional motivation to improve, it could put his career back on track and perhaps push the Blues into playoff contention this season.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports the Maple Leafs invited defenseman Nick Blankenburg to training camp on a professional tryout offer.

Blankenburg, 28, was among the few notable players remaining in what was a thin free-agent market. The 5’9”, 177-pound blueliner split last season between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby believes Blankenburg will have a difficult time earning a roster spot when the Maple Leafs already have a comparable player in Emil Andrae, whom they acquired from the Flyers earlier this summer. However, a solid performance in training camp and preseason play could earn him a contract with another club.










Looking Back On The Sharks Re-Signing Celebrini

by | Sep 12, 2026

Looking Back On The Sharks Re-Signing Celebrini

With NHL training camps opening on Sept. 16, I’m looking back on my reaction to some of the summer’s biggest stories. Today, it’s the San Jose Sharks signing Macklin Celebrini to what was then a record-setting contract extension. 

Celebrini has only played two NHL seasons, but he earned that whopping pay raise after finishing fourth among NHL scorers last season with a franchise-best 115 points. He is truly a generational talent who established himself among the NHL’s superstars last season and the undisputed foundation player for the rebuilding Sharks. 

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

Celebrini is another high-salaried player earning the bulk of his money in annual signing bonuses. It’ll be interesting to see if the league allows that practice to continue in the next CBA once the current one expires in September 2030.

Signing bonuses aren’t a salary-cap loophole because the total value of the bonus counts against the average annual value. What it does is guarantee players more money upfront, even if there’s a lockout or an unforeseen event (like a pandemic) that could shorten or shut down a season.

What could make signing bonuses a contentious issue is that wealthy teams can afford them more easily than small-market or cap-strapped teams. That could give deep-pocketed clubs an edge in re-signing talent, especially those eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

It also creates the situation we saw with Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson. Earlier this month (July 2026), he signed an expensive offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, who gambled that the Ducks couldn’t afford to match it because of the hefty signing bonuses. The Ducks matched, but it created an expensive headache for them later.

The Sharks had little choice but to sign Celebrini to his expensive new contract. It will also cost a lot to re-sign Smith, something Grier understandably wants to do now before his value climbs again. Misa could also be another high-priced re-signing next summer if he blossoms as expected in his sophomore campaign.

Misa is justified in his excitement about his promising team’s future. However, building the Sharks into a contender got more expensive.

PuckPedia indicates that the Sharks currently have $34.7 million cap space for 2027-28, the first season under Celebrini’s new contract. Assuming Smith gets $10 million annually and Graf $6.5 million on long-term deals, they’ll have around $18.2 million left. That will give them more than enough to re-sign promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov, who is an RFA with arbitration rights next summer, and sufficient space to fill out the remainder of the roster.

However, it could become more costly over the following two years. That’s when Misa, Sam Dickinson, Igor Chernyshov, and Stenberg will be due for new contracts. They’ll also face finding suitable replacements for aging core players Tyler Toffoli and Dmitry Orlov, and for backup goalies Alex Nedeljkovic and Eric Comrie.

The rising cap should help Grier in his efforts to re-sign or replace those players. However, the cost of doing so could reach a point where they run out of sufficient salary-cap space to add the necessary depth to become a Stanley Cup contender.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2026

by | Sep 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Chris Kreider, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Thursday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he believes the Buffalo Sabres remain interested in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He also felt the Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes were “still around it.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck, 33, recently revealed that he requested a trade. Friedman said his list of preferred destinations is “much, much wider” than some other NHL players who have requested trades

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hello there, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Friedman didn’t indicate how wide Hellebuyck’s trade list is, but it could be 10 teams, as that’s what his no-movement clause reverts to after this season.

Friedman also indicated he’s had “very mixed messaging” on the New Jersey Devils. He’d heard for a time that they weren’t interested in Hellebuyck, but some people believe they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What I’ve read and heard is that the Devils intend to stick with the trio of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich to start the season and see how things unfold. The Sabres, Mammoth, and Hurricanes also have more cap space and tradeable assets.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes free agent Chris Kreider could greatly help the Montreal Canadiens. The 35-year-old left winger became an unrestricted free agent this week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate his contract.

Lavoie believes the Canadiens have several factors that could entice Kreider. He has ties to the Habs president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay from their days with the New York Rangers.

Kreider could quickly fill the void left by Brendan Gallagher’s departure and could be an affordable signing on a bonus-laden contract. Lavoie doubted there would be any bad blood regarding Kreider accidentally injuring Carey Price during the 2014 playoffs, especially since none of the Habs players involved at that time remain with the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Canadiens seek a second-line forward (preferably a center) to skate alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov. Kreider might be a solid short-term addition, but he may prefer to sign with a team closer to New York, where his family lives.

LA PRESSE: Speaking of the Canadiens, Mathias Brunet recently previewed the Canadiens’ top prospects ahead of their rookie camp this week.

Among them was right-shot defenseman Bryce Pickford, who tallied 45 goals and 83 points in 55 games last season with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The 20-year-old blueliner will play for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval, but will miss the opening months of the season recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Brunet acknowledged Pickford’s offensive gifts, but believes he’ll be stuck behind Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, and Mike Matheson, and a defensive specialist role doesn’t suit him. He speculated that Pickford could be used as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsubstantiated rumors earlier this year suggested Pickford may have been part of the Canadiens’ pitch to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Matthew Knies. Whether management intends to peddle him for immediate roster help remains to be seen.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline suggested Cam Talbot as a replacement for Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who could miss the start of this season with an injured shoulder.

Talbot, 39, is an unrestricted free agent after spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Portzline proposed signing him to a low-salary contract with performance bonuses. He also pointed out that Talbot was a teammate of Blue Jackets netminder Jett Greaves on Team Canada at this year’s World Championships.