NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2026

by | Sep 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2026

Dylan Larkin will report to the Red Wings’ training camp, John Klingberg and Connor Ingram announce their retirements, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MLIVE.COM: Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings released statements that he would report to training camp but is no longer the team’s captain.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin, 30, requested a trade earlier in the offseason. He has a full no-movement clause, but is willing to waive it for the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. The Dallas Stars are also rumored to be a potential destination.

However, Larkin’s request remains in limbo as the Red Wings continue to search for a new general manager after relieving Steve Yzerman of those duties two months ago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friday’s statements end weeks of conjecture over whether Larkin would report to training camp. He had little choice given the circumstances. Missing camp and preseason play to force a trade would’ve resulted in suspension without pay and would’ve adversely affected his performance whenever he returned, either with the Red Wings or another club.

However, Larkin’s future still has to be decided.

MLive.com’s Ansar Khan wonders if reconciliation is possible once the Red Wings hire a new general manager and, if not, what it would take to make a trade possible. The teams on his trade wish list lack the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire him. Khan also pondered if Larkin would be welcomed back by his teammates and Red Wings fans.

NHL.COM: Defenseman John Klingberg announced his retirement after 12 NHL seasons. From 2014-15 to 2025-26, he had 96 goals and 351 assists for 443 points in 700 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks. He also had 43 points in 82 games, helping the Dallas Stars reach the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg’s best seasons were with the Stars. During his eight seasons in Dallas, the puck-moving blueliner reached or exceeded 40 points six times, including a career-high 67 points in 2017-18. Hip injuries eventually hampered his performance and derailed his playing career.

Goaltender Connor Ingram has retired after five NHL seasons. From 2021-22 to 2025-26, Ingram played with the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, and Edmonton Oilers. He has a record of 55 wins, 54 losses, and 18 overtime losses with a 3.01 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and nine shutouts.

Ingram, 29, won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2023-24 after seeking treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Elliotte Friedman reported Ingram’s goal is to return to school to study psychology and use what he learns to help others. Best wishes to Ingram in his future endeavors.

TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Kole Lind to a professional tryout offer.

DESERET NEWS: Utah Mammoth prospect forwards Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers will not take part in the club’s Rookie Faceoff games in San Jose this weekend. They are listed as day-to-day and are expected to report to the Mammoth’s training camp next week.

SPORTSNET: St. Louis Blues prospect forward Adam Jecho will be unavailable to the team for an indefinite period as he receives care in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report did not include the reason why Jecho is receiving assistance. Whatever it is, let’s respect his privacy and hope that he receives the help he needs.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former Nashville Predators assistant coach Brent Peterson had died at age 68 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterson was an NHL forward from 1978-79 to 1988-89 with the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Hartford Whalers, netting 213 points in 620 regular-season games.

Peterson turned to coaching following his playing career. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Whalers before becoming coach of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, guiding them to the WHL championship in 1997-98. He was an assistant coach with the Predators from 1998-99 to 2002-03. Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2002, he became their associate coach from 2003-04 to 2010-11.

My condolences to Peterson’s family, friends, former teammates and colleagues, and the Predators organization.

Long-time Florida Panthers blogger Todd Little has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover the costs of health insurance and medical treatment for his wife, Stacey, who is undergoing treatment for Stage III cancer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above if you’d like to contribute.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2026

by | Sep 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk, plus an update on the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who claimed the New York Islanders are “around that”, referring to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

During the 2026 NHL Draft, it was reported that Marchenko was unlikely to sign a contract extension. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent next July and is UFA-eligible in 2028.

Macias believes the cost of acquiring Marchenko is high now, but that price will drop as his RFA eligibility becomes closer on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias’ colleague, Stefen Rosner, believes the Islanders aren’t the only team interested in Marchenko. The Blue Jackets winger was frequently linked to the Montreal Canadiens this summer.

The Islanders did little during the offseason to address their popgun offense. A winger in his prime like Marchenko would provide a substantial boost among their top-six forwards.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell admitted he’s received trade offers but nothing yet that would entice him to part with Marchenko. That could change over the course of the season for teams that need additional scoring punch.

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk is not as keen to leave his rebuilding team as originally believed.

DeBrusk, 29, raised eyebrows before the March 6 trade deadline when he said that a rebuild “is not something I would be OK with or accepting. My game doesn’t fit that.”

He pointed out that he clarified those remarks the following day, explaining that it had been an emotional season. He said that he still believed in the group of players, adding that he still would’ve signed with them.

DeBrusk said he never asked for a trade and still believes he can help the Canucks win.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $5.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

DeBrusk may not have asked to be traded, but several teams (including the Ottawa Senators) reportedly looked into his availability. Another difficult season for the Canucks could prompt some teams to renew their inquiries, especially if he plays well.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports league insiders are questioning the lengthy process by the Detroit Red Wings to find a new general manager.

The Red Wings fired Steve Yzerman as GM in mid-July. Two months later, they appear to be no closer to finding a suitable replacement, with training camp opening next week.

On Monday, Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg withdrew from consideration. Khan indicated that’s often a sign that a hiring is imminent, but there’s still no word from the Red Wings.

Khan cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli’s recent appearance on Toronto’s The Fan 590 Morning Show, where he said he doesn’t know what’s happening, indicating that some of the rumored candidates haven’t even been interviewed.

Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday that the Wings “asked for permission from some people and haven’t interviewed them.”

Khan claimed some within the Red Wings’ organization “describe this entire process as bizarre” and had no idea what is happening.

Some of the potential candidates reportedly include “assistant general manager Brett Peterson of Florida, Jeff Kealty of San Jose, and Scott White of Dallas.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff is handling the day-to-day duties. With training camp less than a week away, the Wings must address Dylan Larkin’s trade request and sign restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a new contract.

The Red Wings ownership seeks someone who is “data and analytics-driven”, but it seems they haven’t found a suitable candidate yet. It’s becoming an unnecessary distraction for a once-proud franchise that is starting to resemble “The Dead Things” from the 1970s and 80s.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

by | Sep 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

Chris Kreider becomes a free agent, the Kings’ Kevin Fiala undergoes surgery, an update on Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks officially terminated Chris Kreider’s contract on Thursday after the 35-year-old winger cleared unconditional waivers. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

The Ducks terminated Kreider’s contract by mutual consent. The move frees up $6.5 million in salary-cap space, which should give the Ducks sufficient room to sign restricted free-agent winger Cutter Gauthier to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider reportedly wanted to return to an Eastern Conference team to be closer to his family, who live in the New York City area. It sparked speculation about potential landing spots for the veteran winger, who had a bounce-back season with the Ducks, scoring 22 goals and 50 points during the regular season and seven points in 12 postseason contests.

Kreider might not have to wait long to sign with an Eastern club. His sudden appearance in the UFA market could adversely affect the efforts of currently available wingers like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron to find contracts for the coming season.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala underwent a procedure related to his initial surgery to repair the season-ending leg fractures he suffered during the 2026 Winter Olympics in February.

Fiala will miss the upcoming start of the Kings’ training camp next week. No timeline has been set for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing one of their top scorers is an early setback for the Kings, especially if he’s sidelined for a significant period.

CALGARY SUN: Jonathan Huberdeau’s recovery from hip-resurfacing surgery is going well, but he’s still expected to miss the start of the regular season. He will skate on his own during training camp, but there is no timeline for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Kane is the only player to successfully continue his playing career following a similar procedure three years ago. Huberdeau and the Flames want to ensure that he doesn’t jeopardize his career by returning too soon.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed forward Braeden Bowman to a six-year contract extension. Bowman, 23, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. His new deal is worth an average annual value of $3.4 million beginning next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowman was called up last season to replace Mark Stone when the Golden Knights’ captain suffered a broken finger. He played so well that he earned a regular roster spot, netting 26 points in 54 games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed depth defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year, two-way contract.

NHL.COM: Former NHL stars Phil Kessel, Ryan Suter, and T.J. Oshie are among the five inductees in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Phil’s sister, Amanda Kessel, is also being inducted, as is longtime USA Hockey athletic trainer Stan Wong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to these five inductees for this well-deserved honor. It’s great to see the Kessels being inducted together. Phil and Amanda made their mark on hockey during their playing careers. They are the second brother-and-sister inducted into the US HHoF, joining Tony and Cammi Granato, but they’re the first to be inducted together.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2026

Sabres star Tage Thompson would love to have Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck as a teammate, the latest Blue Jackets speculation, and suggested landing spots for Chris Kreider in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TAGE THOMPSON STUMPS FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos reports Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson made no secret that he’d love for his club to acquire Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Thompson said he and his Team USA teammates regularly text with Hellebuyck in their group chat. Since the Jets goaltender’s trade request has gone public, Thompson said he’d love to have him in Buffalo.

“He’s the best in the world,” Thompson said of Hellebuyck. “There’s things that are out of your control. We’d love to have him, but if that doesn’t happen, then we just move forward with the group we got.”

The Sabres and Jets reportedly held trade discussions involving Hellebuyck before the 2026 NHL Draft, but the two sides failed to find common ground on a deal. However, it’s believed the two sides have re-engaged in their talks as the regular season approaches. Traikos believes any potential deal would have to include one of the Sabres’ goaltenders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Where the Sabres and Jets have better luck reaching a deal remains to be seen. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last week indicated that trade options open to the Jets in June might not be available to them now.

In case you’re wondering, Thompson’s comments and his texting with Hellebuyck don’t violate the NHL’s anti-tampering rules. Those restrictions apply to coaches, general managers, team owners, and other team executives.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE SICK PODCAST: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell acknowledged that he’s received trade offers for Kirill Marchenko. However, he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to part with the 26-year-old scoring winger.

Marchenko is reportedly unwilling to sign a contract extension, and his agent has made that clear on social media. However, Waddell indicated he won’t move the winger for less than his desired return.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Mark Scheig reports Waddell remains “100% confident” that a new contract for center Adam Fantilli will get done. “It’s not imminent, but we’re talking on a pretty regular basis now. I talked to his agent over the weekend and going to talk again here today or tomorrow.”

Fantilli, 21, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko was the subject of trade speculation from late June into late July. That speculation faded throughout August, but his absence from the club’s annual golf tournament earlier this week has resurrected them. However, he’s contractually bound to report to training camp unless someone meets Waddell’s asking price.

Fantilli also skipped the golf tournament, prompting some to wonder if it’s time to worry about the status of his contract negotiations. The young center has little leverage except withholding his services, a tactic that rarely ends well for players who’ve gone that route.

WHERE COULD CHRIS KREIDER LAND?

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed what he considers to be the five best landing spots for Chris Kreider. The 35-year-old winger is on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Kreider reportedly wants to return to the Eastern Conference to be closer to his family in the New York area. Wegman listed the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff listed why adding Chris Kreider might make sense for the Red Wings and why he wouldn’t.

The Red Wings need more scoring. However, they’re not geographically close to the New York area, and they haven’t been in the playoffs for a decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you’re wondering why there are no Canadian teams on that list, it’s down to geography. Kreider probably prefers remaining in the United States.

The Bruins and Flyers are more in the market for top-six centers, but they could opt for a scoring winger in the short term. The Sabres are more likely to give their young players more ice time. The Hurricanes and Lightning could be too far from home for Kreider’s liking.

Kreider could be a good short-term fit for the New York Islanders. Yes, I appreciate the rivalry between the Isles and Rangers, but the Isles need more scoring and didn’t really address that issue this summer.

It’s doubtful Kreider lands with the New Jersey Devils after their offseason acquisitions of Evan Rodrigues, Anthony Mantha, and Luke Evangelista. They also have Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, and Arseny Gritsyuk as their top three left wingers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2026

The Wild’s Quinn Hughes talks about his contract negotiations, the Ducks and Chris Kreider agree to terminate his contract, plus the latest on Leo Carlsson, Zach Werenski, Cole Caufield, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Quinn Hughes said he’s not in a rush to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes stated that it would be done whenever he feels it needs to be done. “I don’t feel backed against a wall. I’m very thoughtful. I want to make sure I’m taking my time on everything and make sure I’m making a decision that is going to be good for everyone. That’s kind of where my head has been at,” Hughes said.

The superstar blueliner still believes in the Wild, claiming he has a strong relationship with the coaching staff and general manager Bill Guerin and that Minnesota has been a great fit for him. However, he won’t feel pressure if his negotiations carry over into the regular season. Hughes declined to publicly discuss details of his extension talks, saying it was between him and Guerin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes seems to be taking a cautious approach in his negotiations with the Wild. Understandably, he wants what’s best for his future. He could wait to see how this season unfolds before committing to the Wild beyond 2026-27. Nevertheless, the longer he goes without a contract, the more speculation about his future in Minnesota.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks placed winger Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

Kreider, 35, is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but his actual salary for this season is $4 million. The Ducks acquired him from the New York Rangers in June 2025. Kreider was fourth among Ducks scorers last season with 22 goals and sixth with 50 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider wants to be closer to his family, who live in the New York area. By terminating his contract, he can sign with any Eastern Conference team as an unrestricted free agent. It’s rumored he could refuse to report if claimed by a team that he doesn’t wish to join, but that scenario is unlikely because he’s expected to clear waivers later today.

This move could be a precursor to the Ducks signing restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier. They currently have $9.07 million in cap space, but the 21-year winger reportedly rejected a four-year deal worth $13 million last month. Clearing Kreider’s $6.5 million for this season should free up sufficient space for Gauthier’s new contract, which could come in at around $15 million annually.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Ducks, center Leo Carlsson said players are thanking him for signing a five-year offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3 worth $18 million AAV. The Ducks matched the offer six days’ later.

Carlsson acknowledged that his contract was “a huge deal for the league,” which is sure to have ripple effects for young, promising stars hoping to cash in as the salary cap rises.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those ripples have already been felt around the league.

Within three weeks of Carlsson’s new contract, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year extension worth $18.8 million AAV. Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard inked a five-year deal worth $15 million. Carlsson’s deal also affected the Ducks’ efforts to re-sign Cutter Gauthier.

It’s not just rising young stars who benefited from Carlsson’s contract. Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar recently signed an eight-year contract with a league-record $20.4 million AAV.

TSN: Florida Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk said it wasn’t an easy decision for him to request a trade from the Ottawa Senators.

“It was a really, really hard decision, and something that was emotional. It took a lot of time to get to that,” Tkachuk said, who was shipped to the Panthers in June.

Tkachuk’s first game back in Ottawa will be on Oct. 21. He’s not sure what kind of reception he’ll get from Senators fans. Whatever the reaction, he believes it’ll demonstrate how great the fan base is in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As a team, the Senators are tired of talking about Tkachuk’s departure and want to move on. To his credit, Tkachuk has spoken respectfully about his time in Ottawa, but it’ll be interesting to see the fans’ reaction when he returns in October.

NHL.COM: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski insists that he wants to stay in Columbus following an offseason of trade rumors.

Werenski believes the Blue Jackets will be in a good place this season, where people won’t question his future in Columbus. However, he admits that speculation will likely persist until next summer, when he can sign a contract extension.

Offseason reports indicated Werenski asked for a trade and that the Blue Jackets were close to moving him to the Dallas Stars. Werenski vetoed the trade, and he and general manager Don Waddell issued statements about his desire to stay in Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski maintains it was all a misunderstanding, insisting that he wants to stay and help Columbus become a winner. Nevertheless, he’s right about the conjecture regarding his future will continue throughout this season.

SPORTSNET: Despite the recent trend of American stars like Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck requesting trades out of Canadian markets, Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield doesn’t see himself following that path.

“Only speaking for myself, I think being in Montreal, if you love hockey and have a passion for it, there’s no better place or city to teach you lessons through the good and the bad. You learn to embrace it throughout those bad times that there’s brighter days ahead,” Caufield said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It can be difficult to play in high-pressure Canadian markets, and not everyone can handle that harsh spotlight. However, it’s easier to handle when the teams play as well as the rising Canadiens did last season.

We should note that Hughes and Hellebucyk made their trade requests after their clubs declined. Tkachuk’s request followed after back-to-back first-round playoff exits by the Senators. Those may be merely coincidences, but one wonders if those players would’ve made those requests if their Canadian clubs played as well as the Habs last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is expected to miss training camp and the start of the regular season because of complications from offseason surgery.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed former Ottawa Senators winger Alex Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second controversial decision by Oilers management, having hired Mike Babcock as head coach earlier this summer. Formenton is one of five players from the 2018 Canadian world junior team found not guilty of sexual assault in London, Ontario last summer.

TORONTO SUN: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and game analyst Kevin Bieksa have agreed to new contracts with Sportsnet.

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said expansion to Houston or Austin is not a done deal. The league is currently in the middle of a six-month review period with the Friedkin Group regarding a potential expansion franchise in Texas. It would require a $3.5 billion bid, part of which would go toward building a state-of-the-art arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not a done deal yet, but there’s a strong sense that it’s going to happen.

ESPN: Former NHL player, coach, and hockey analyst Barry Melrose died Wednesday at age 70.

Melrose played 480 professional games with the NHL and WHA from 1976-77 to 1985-86. He turned to coaching soon afterward, winning championships with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers (1987-88) and the AHL’s Adirondack Red Wings (1991-92). He spent three seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings (1992-93 to 1994-95), guiding them to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. He also did a brief stint as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09.

For over 25 years, Melrose was a well-known NHL analyst with ESPN. He stepped down from his duties in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens forward Andre Pronovost passed away at the age of 90.

Pronovost played nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings from 1956-67 to 1964-65. He spent the rest of his career in the minors except for a brief stint with the Minnesota North Stars in 1967-68.

In 556 regular-season games, Pronovost had 94 goals and 104 assists for 198 points. He also scored 22 points in 70 playoff games and won four Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. He was also the grandfather of current NHL winger Anthony Mantha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Melrose and Pronovost.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2026

by | Sep 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2026

Is Quinn Hughes reluctant to commit to the Wild? What’s the latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report Quinn Hughes will join Minnesota Wild teammate Matt Boldy on the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday. He will likely be questioned about where things stand with his contract extension talks.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Russo and Smith wonder if Hughes tells reporters he intends to sign with the Wild. If he ducks the question, it will put pressure on the Wild to trade him if they can’t reach an extension.

Hughes returns to Minnesota on Thursday. Wild general manager Bill Guerin hopes to sit down with the 26-year-old superstar defenseman and hammer out a deal in the coming days.

If the Wild hope to sign Hughes to an eight-year extension, they’ll have to do it by Sept. 15. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years. It’s rumored that the blueliner prefers a short-term deal of three years. If he wants three years at $20 million annually, Russo and Smith believe the Wild would do that.

RDS.CA: TSN insider Chris Johnston reports Hughes was having difficulty figuring out what he really wants for his future. He doesn’t believe the Wild have any restrictions on offering Hughes a big contract, but he has to be willing to sign it. “So far, I don’t believe he has committed to doing so or is even willing to do so,” Johnston said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Everyone knows that Quinn Hughes wants to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils. Guerin has preached patience, but Wild fans are growing concerned that Hughes could reject an extension, forcing Guerin to trade him before the March deadline, if not sooner.

If that happens, it will be a disaster for Guerin.

He gave up three promising young players to acquire Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks last December, betting that he could convince the puck-moving defenseman to sign an extension. However, if Hughes refuses to sign, he’ll be in a difficult situation.

The Wild GM could try to restock his prospect pipeline by trading Hughes, but if the blueliner intends to become an unrestricted free agent next July, few teams will want to part with a big return for a superstar who will walk on July 1. The Devils will be interested, but they won’t offer up much to get him, secure in the knowledge they can sign him next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth are among the possibilities on the Connor Hellebucyk trade front.

LeBrun indicated the Hurricanes remain interested. He believes any potential deal might involve defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who remains an unsigned restricted free agent. He also noted that the Sabres and Jets had trade conversations in June, but nothing materialized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been no indication the Jets are close to moving Hellebuyck. That would explain why he recently made his trade request public, hoping to speed things up.

Just because it’s been quiet doesn’t mean Cheveldayoff hasn’t been talking quietly with other clubs. He prefers to take his time to find the best deal possible. Unless Hellebuyck ups the ante by refusing to report to training camp, he will remain patient in his search for a suitable trade partner.