NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2026

by | Aug 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2026

Check out the latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen noted that Kalshi’s hockey prediction betting board numbers have 75 percent anticipating that Dylan Larkin will remain with the Detroit Red Wings for the coming season.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin, 30, requested a trade this spring. He initially listed the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers as preferred trade destinations. Larkin reportedly expanded the list to include the Dallas Stars, but the Detroit Free Press disputed this.

Of those who believe Larkin will be traded, 72 percent believe he’ll be headed to the Wild. However, Allen noted that the Red Wings and Wild have failed to find common ground in trade discussions. He indicated that the Red Wings aren’t enamored with the younger players the Wild are willing to part with, plus they want at least one proven player as part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings reportedly sought Matt Boldy in return, but the Wild aren’t parting with one of their best players to get Larkin.

Larkin may get traded to the Wild once a replacement is found for Steve Yzerman, who is leaving the general manager role to become a senior advisor to team owner Chris Ilitch. The next Wings GM could opt for a quick rebuild with the young assets from the Wild, or flip those assets to another club for an established player.

However, if the new GM takes the same hardline stance as Yzerman, the Red Wings could still have Larkin in their lineup when this season opens in late September.

The Wild are also short on salary-cap space. That means they’ll have to move out a contract or two to clear room for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value, or the Red Wings would have to retain a portion of his AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would take a significant sweetener (like an established top-six forward, preferably a center) to convince the Wings to retain any part of Larkin’s salary.

DAILY FACEOFF’s Anthony Di Marco reports sources say the Calgary Flames had previously shown an interest in Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

However, the Flames no longer see Xhekaj as a fit after acquiring defenseman Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames landed Middleton on July 2 as part of the trade that sent Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta to the Wild.

Di Marco was referencing a recent report by Herb Zurkowsky of The Montreal Gazette that cited rumors linking Xhekaj to the Flames and the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this summer.

As for the Flyers, Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News recently cast doubt on that speculation, noting they already have enough toughness on their blueline with Simon Benoit and Nick Seeler.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 3, 2026

by | Aug 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 3, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: we take another look at the notable players available in the UFA market, plus an update on the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Patrik Laine, defenseman Logan Stanley, and winger Vladimir Tarasenko top the list of notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New York Islanders insider Stefen Rosner recently reported that the Isles had some interest in Laine, but only in signing him to a professional tryout offer. It was also rumored that the Los Angeles Kings were interested, but nothing seems to have come of it.

Stanley was reportedly seeking a four- or five-year contract worth an average annual value of $5 million when the market opened on July 1. It’s doubtful the 27-year-old blueliner will find anything like that now.

Tarasenko had been mentioned as a possible option for the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators. Some observers wonder if he might attempt to return with the Minnesota Wild for another season.

Forward Michael Bunting and Eeli Tolvanen, goaltender Cam Talbot, and defenseman John Klingberg are also among the top 10 UFAs remaining.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been little speculation linking those four players to any specific teams. Sure, there’s been the occasional suggestion that one of them might be a good fit somewhere, but nothing to suggest they’ve had any meaningful discussions with any clubs.

That doesn’t mean they won’t be signed. Bunting, Tolvanen, and Klingberg still have some value that should earn them one-year contracts with clubs seeking affordable, experienced depth. Given the need for reliable goalies around the league, Talbot might land with someone on a PTO contract.

Other notable veterans still available include forwards James van Riemsdyk, David Perron, Jonathan Drouin and Adam Henrique, defensemen Nick Blankenburg and Carson Soucy, and goaltenders Connor Ingram and James Reimer.

THE DETROIT NEWS: cited NHL analyst John Shannon, who believes the Red Wings’ search for a new general manager “may not be rectified until September.”

Shannon made the remark to Daren Millard during a recent episode of their podcast, 100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon. He also said that he was told the search for a new GM would take “a lot longer than people realize.”

The Red Wings have been searching for a new general manager since announcing on July 15 that Steve Yzerman would be moving out of that role to become a senior advisor to team owner Chris Ilitch. Yzerman is handling the day-to-day management until his replacement is found.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no word regarding who the Red Wings could be pursuing as Yzerman’s replacement. They could also promote from within, with assistant GMs Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff mentioned as possible candidates.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 2, 2026

by | Aug 2, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 2, 2026

The latest on the Blues’ rumored pursuit of Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and an update on the Wild in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio noted that the St. Louis Blues have already added plenty of young talent to their roster this summer, such as Mason McTavish, Connor McMichael, and Milton Gastrin.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (NHL Images).

The Blues are also linked to defenseman Alexander Nikishin. It’s been reported that the Carolina Hurricanes are weighing trading the 24-year-old restricted free agent rather than re-signing him. The Hurricanes are already deep with left-shot blueliners, including Jaccob Slavin, K’Andre Miller, and Shayne Gostisbehere.

It’s believed the Blues are among the leading candidates for Nikishin. However, Gaudio believes the sticking points are whether he’ll be a good fit on their blueline; whether he’s worth the price to acquire him; and the cost of signing him to a new contract.

The Hurricanes’ asking price for Nikishin hasn’t been revealed. However, Gaudio noted that there’s speculation they could be trying to package center Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the deal. The Blues only have about $4.3 million in cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues could include a player in the deal if they were willing to take on Kotkaniemi as part of the return for Nikishin. However, they have little reason to do so as they already have Robert Thomas, McTavish, the promising Dalibor Dvorsky, and Pius Suter as their centers for 2026-27.

The Blues would likely still have to shed some salary if they acquire Nikishin, as the cost of signing him to a new contract will likely exceed their current cap space. They could try to offer up Pavel Buchnevich as part of the return, but the decline in the 31-year-old winger’s production and his $8 million cap hit through 2030-31 makes such a move unlikely.

TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports things have been quiet for the Minnesota Wild since general manager Bill Guerin acquired winger Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta a month ago.

Myers noted Guerin’s attempt to acquire Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings. However, the situation in Detroit has changed, with Steve Yzerman being replaced as general manager. That could mean Larkin ends up staying put.

The Wild have also been quiet in free agency. Myers wondered if they might convince winger Vladimir Tarasenko to return for another season at the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin was expected to make a big splash this summer by acquiring a first-line center, with Larkin as the prime candidate. It could still happen if Larkin remains determined to move on from the Red Wings, but the cost of acquiring him could prove too expensive.

Myers noted the Wings’ rumored asking price was Matt Boldy, but that’s not going to happen. There was speculation suggesting the possibility of a three-team trade, but that has yet to materialize. Guerin could end up waiting until a new GM is in place in Detroit, which could take weeks.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2026

by | Aug 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2026

Check out the latest on the Canadiens, Red Wings, and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANADIENS MAKE A TRADE FOR A BLUE JACKETS FORWARD?

THE SICK PODCAST: Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette recently speculated that the Canadiens could’ve made an offer to the Columbus Blue Jackets for winger Kirill Marchenko that would’ve been similar to what they offered for Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

According to Cowan, that offer was prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect, and a first-round pick. He believes the Canadiens are well-positioned with many draft picks and young prospects other teams are interested in, which is why general manager Kent Hughes can afford to wait for the right opportunity to present itself.

Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if the Canadiens make a significant move this summer. He noted that last year’s trade for Noah Dobson came out of nowhere.

THE STARR & D’AMICO SHOW: Marco D’Amico recently addressed speculation suggesting the Canadiens could look at Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson if they’re unable to land Marchenko.

“I would be surprised if the Canadiens tried another reclamation project like that,” D’Amico said. He expects that Johnson could bounce back this season, but doesn’t see it as being to the point where he fills a legitimate need for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buzz suggesting the Canadiens could acquire Marchenko has cooled since it flared up last weekend. That’s probably because Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell refuted a report out of Russia claiming he was working on trading the 26-year-old winger. Marchenkov’s agent, Dan Milstein, took to social media to dismiss the speculation.

As for Johnson, some Habs fans suggest he’d fill the Canadiens’ second-line center role. However, his performance thus far in his NHL career offers up little evidence that he can confidently handle that position on a reliable basis. Johnson has been used primarily as a winger with the Blue Jackets.

LATEST ON THE RED WINGS MANAGEMENT SITUATION

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman believes the reason why the Detroit Red Wings haven’t yet found a replacement for Steve Yzerman as general manager is that it’s still early in the process.

It’s been over two weeks since the Wings announced their management change, with Yzerman maintaining the day-to-day duties until his replacement is found.

Bultman noted that no other NHL clubs are seeking new management, meaning the Red Wings aren’t under pressure to make a quick change. Instead, they’ll continue to be patient in their search for the right candidate.

Whoever gets the role faces some challenging long-term decisions. They must address center Dylan Larkin’s trade request, sign restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a new contract, and negotiate an extension with winger Alex DeBrincat, who is UFA-eligible next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings have indicated they’ll consider all options, including promoting from within their ranks. So far, there’s no indication who they may have reached out to from other clubs or if they’re speaking with former NHL general managers.

ISLANDERS COULD SOON ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW ASSISTANT GM

THE HOCKEY NEWS’ Stefen Rosner reported Friday that Evan Gold is expected to join the New York Islanders as an assistant general manager.

Gold’s contract with the Boston Bruins expires on Aug. 1. Rosner expects the hiring will be officially announced over the next several days.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2026

by | Jul 31, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2026

Check out the latest on Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider and Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano was recently asked whether the New York Rangers would offer defenseman Braden Schneider to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for center Shane Wright.

New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (NHL Images).

Mercogliano believes the Rangers would like to leverage Schneider into forward help. Given the few “sure-fire options” in the trade market, it might have to be for a reclamation project such as Wright. He also wondered about “defense-needy teams” like the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks, and “change-of-scenery” candidates such as Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Connor Zary of the Flames.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury could be content to stick with Schneider until the right deal comes along. It could be revisited at the March 1 trade deadline or next summer, when the 25-year-old blueliner will be a restricted free agent again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers currently don’t have to rush into moving Schneider for a forward. Drury can take his time and wait for the right opportunity, perhaps from one of those clubs Mercogliano mentioned.

Still, unless Schneider improves his stock to the point where the Rangers would prefer to keep him, he’ll likely remain the subject of trade rumors this season.

RG.ORG: Daria Tuboltseva reports defenseman Alexander Nikishin is staying out of contract negotiations with the Carolina Hurricanes, preferring to let his agents handle it.

Nikishin, 24, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He is ineligible to receive an offer sheet because he hasn’t played the required number of NHL games.

The young defenseman had a solid NHL debut last season, with 33 points in 81 regular-season games. However, his role diminished during the Hurricanes’ run to the Stanley Cup, with one assist in 17 games as his ice time fell from 18:11 per game to 14:50.

Nikishin became the subject of trade rumors following the playoffs, but he said he hasn’t reacted to them. “Trade rumors are normal for us,” he said. He didn’t say whether he hopes to sign a long-term contract, but he noted that player contracts are getting bigger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Rangers were reportedly very interested in Nikishin, but their acquisitions of Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi likely take them out of the bidding. It was recently reported that the St. Louis Blues had the young defenseman on their radar, but it depends on the Hurricanes’ asking price.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2026

by | Jul 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2026

​Check out the latest on the Penguins and the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported on what’s been a quiet offseason thus far for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

General manager Kyle Dubas was unsuccessful in his attempt to make a big splash and move up in the first round of this year’s draft. Yohe believes Dubas either misjudged the value of trade assets such as Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, or how challenging the trade market would be.

Dubas could have better luck next summer. He’ll have over $70 million in salary-cap space to work with, and the trade and free-agent markets should be better than they were this year.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Earlier this month, Yohe was asked what the Penguins plan would be for Erik Karlsson.

The 36-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Yohe stated that he’d be surprised if they re-sign Karlsson, pointing out that he’ll be 37 when his next contract begins. He speculated they could let him walk via free agency next July, or attempt to move him by the March trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Responding to Yohe’s comments about Karlsson, Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast expressed his belief that the Penguins would trade the puck-moving defenseman to the Ottawa Senators or Toronto Maple Leafs before the 2026-27 regular season begins.

The Senators are seeking another scoring forward, but maybe they’d be open to adding more offense to their blueline. Karlsson could be open to a return to the team where he spent his best seasons, and he’d fill their ongoing need to bolster the right side of their defense corps. However, that seems more like a move the Sens might make if they’re buyers at the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs’ new management has been busy shaking up its roster. Bringing in Karlsson (provided he’s willing to go to Toronto) would give them a short-term burst of experienced skill. However, they’re currently over the cap by $2.7 million, giving them no wiggle room to absorb his $10 million cap hit. And no, the Penguins won’t retain salary to make it happen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Herb Zurkowsky noted the recent flurry of trade rumors linking the Canadiens to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Zurkowsky acknowledged that having Marchenko and Ivan Demidov on the same line would probably improve the Canadiens, but it wouldn’t address its ongoing need for a second-line center.

The asking price for Marchenko would be high. Zurkowsky believes the Blue Jackets would want one of the Canadiens’ top prospects (Michael Hage or Alexander Zharovsky), a first-round pick, and another player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens were interested in Marchenko, but it doesn’t seem as though he’s available. Despite the recent flurry of rumors, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell refuted the speculation, claiming he hasn’t spoken with other clubs about the 26-year-old winger in weeks. He also stated earlier this month that Marchenko would be in the Jackets’ lineup to start the season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey acknowledged a rumor that linked the Philadelphia Flyers to Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

However, Bailey believes Xhekaj isn’t a fit with the Flyers. He noted they already have two physical defensemen with Nick Seeler and Simon Benoit. Adding another blueliner when they’re also trying to promote promising youngsters like Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek would be counterproductive.