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.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2026

by | Jul 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2026

What’s going on with the Red Wings? What’s the latest on contract extension talks between the Senators and Drake Batherson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE RED WINGS

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen is wondering who’s minding the store for the Red Wings since their removal of Steve Yzerman as their general manager on July 15. Since then, there’s been little news regarding the search for his replacement, or the handling of key issues.

Yzerman is handling the day-to-day management duties until his successor is found. However, Allen believes Red Wings fans are wondering if Yzerman still has authority to make decisions or requires permission from team owner Chris Ilitch.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Dylan Larkin’s trade request saga hasn’t been sorted out yet. The club still needs more scoring, and restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson still hasn’t been re-signed.

Allen wondered if the interview process for Yzerman’s replacement has started yet. So far, there’s been no media chatter about teams granting permission to interview, who’s been interviewed, and who is no longer under consideration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wondered if the change in management might prompt Larkin to rescind his trade request, but there’s no indication he’s going to do that. He could be waiting to see who replaces Yzerman, or it might not matter because he’s already made up his mind to move on.

Apart from signing winger Viktor Arvidsson, the Red Wings haven’t done much to bolster their offense. The free-agent market has largely been picked clean, meaning they’ll have to turn to the trade market, where the cost of adding scoring punch is probably much higher than it was a month ago.

Edvinsson’s RFA status makes him eligible to sign an offer sheet with a rival club. With over $19 million in cap space, that’s likely an empty threat, but it doesn’t mean someone might not try, which could make the young blueliner more expensive to re-sign, assuming the Wings are willing to match.

As for Yzerman’s replacement, the Wings indicated their search will include internal candidates and those from other clubs. They could be leaning toward hiring from within. One reason we haven’t heard much about interviews with external candidates is most reporters and insiders who break that news are currently on vacation.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff noted the trade rumors about Alex DeBrincat that arose after Yzerman was moved out of his role as GM.

The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but Duff doesn’t see him moving on if the Red Wings pay him fair market value to stay put.

Duff believes DeBrincat wants to remain in Detroit. He’s a Michigan native surrounded by family, and he loves playing for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrincat is earning an AAV of $7.875 million on his current contract. Since joining the Wings in 2023-24, he’s been their leading goal scorer with 107 total goals (including 41 goals last season) and sits second in total points with 222.

Fair market value could be around $14 million annually after Leo Carlsson set the market with his $18 million AAV on his new contract. The Wings have the cap space in 2027-28 to re-sign him, but that will depend on what they consider fair market value.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators and winger Drake Batherson are far apart in their contract extension talks.

Batherson, 28, is in the final season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.975 million. He’ll be UFA-eligible next July. Garrioch indicates that some league executives believe he could command between $10 million and $11 million annually.

According to Garrioch, Batherson wants to stay with the Senators, and they want to keep him. However, finding an acceptable salary number will be difficult.

One league insider told Garrioch that the Batherson camp could use winger Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings as one comparable. Alex Tuch of the Washington Capitals could be another.

The Senators also hope to open contract extension talks with Artem Zub. Like Batherson, the 30-year-old defenseman is eligible for UFA status next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since his full-time NHL debut in 2020-21, Batherson sits third among the Senators scorers with 143 goals and 202 assists for 345 points. He’ll draw plenty of interest in next summer’s UFA market, especially if most of the top stars in next summer’s class re-sign with their current clubs.

Kempe signed an eight-year deal last fall with the Kings worth an AAV of $10.625 million. Tuch inked an eight-year contract on June 24 in a sign-and-trade with the Buffalo Sabres worth $10.5 million annually.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 28, 2026

by | Jul 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 28, 2026

A look ahead to next summer’s UFA class, and an updated look at who’s left in this summer’s UFA market in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau recently reported that winger Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars joined eight prominent players in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent class.

Robertson, 26, avoided salary arbitration by signing a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars. He’ll be eligible for UFA status next July.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

The UFA Class of 2027 also includes Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, and Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar.

Other notables are goaltender Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, winger Alex DeBrincat of the Detroit Red Wings, netminder Carter Hart of the Vegas Golden Knights, and goalie Scott Wedgewood of the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby, Hughes, Kucherov, and Makar could all sign extensions with their current clubs before next July. Robertson could also be re-signed, but the fact the Stars were prepared to trade him to the Seattle Kraken suggests his future in the Lone Star State remains uncertain.

Binnington will likely be moved by the March 1 trade deadline. Hart could be cut loose by the Golden Knights if he remains inconsistent. DeBrincat could move on if the Red Wings continue to be on a treadmill to nowhere. The cost of re-signing Makar could leave the Avalanche with insufficient cap space for Wedgewood.

DAILY FACEOFF: The already thin NHL unrestricted free-agent market got thinner last week when Patrick Kane returned to the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a two-year, $16 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane returning to the team where he had his best seasons is a nice feel-good, full-circle story, but the Blackhawks overpaid for the privilege.

Winger Patrik Laine, defenseman Logan Stanley, wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting and Eeli Tolvanen, and goaltender Cam Talbot are the top-five players still available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine, 28, has been mentioned as a possible reclamation project on an affordable one-year, “prove-it” contract. Stanley was reportedly seeking a four or five-year deal worth $25 million, but he’ll likely end up on a much shorter deal for less money.

Tarasenko has been linked to the Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators. Still, there’s no indication he’s getting closer to a deal. Bunting has value as a cost-effective depth forward, but clubs aren’t in much of a rush to sign him.

It’s still surprising that the 27-year-old Tolvanen hasn’t been signed yet. It’s believed his asking price and the drop in his production last season are the reasons why.

Other notables include goaltender Cam Talbot, defenseman John Klingberg, winger James van Riemsdyk, goaltender Connor Ingram, forward David Perron, and center Adam Henrique.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Time has caught up with most of those players. Some of them could end up on professional tryout offers when training camp opens in September.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 27, 2026

by | Jul 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 27, 2026

 

Are the Blue Jackets and Canadiens on the verge of a big trade involving Kirill Marchenko? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG MEDIA: Daria Tuboltseva reported that a source close to Kirill Marchenko claimed the Columbus Blue Jackets winger was expected to be traded in the near future. The Blue Jackets and another team were said to be finalizing the terms of the trade, and the 26-year-old winger’s camp is aware of it.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A month ago, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported sources informed him that Marchenko, who is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, was reluctant to sign a contract extension this summer.

The Blue Jackets weren’t actively shopping Marchenko. General manager Don Waddell recently said that the winger would be with the club when the season started.

Tuboltseva indicated that the Montreal Canadiens were among the clubs that pursued Marchenko earlier this summer. She speculated that they could factor into the current trade talks. She cited colleague Marco D’Amico, who recently said that the Canadiens were still in the market for a top-six scorer and Marchenko was among the most attractive options in the market, depending on whether he’d sign an extension with an acquiring team.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported Sunday that nothing was happening with Marchenko, despite the rumors out of Russia.

Portzline acknowledged that the situation could change later this summer. However, he stated that it was his understanding that the Blue Jackets hadn’t received any calls about Marchenko since earlier this summer.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Mark Scheig also stated that there was nothing new regarding Marchenko’s status despite the report and the rampant rumors it generated.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reported Waddell has refuted the report, claiming it’s been weeks since he’s spoken with general managers about Marchenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, took to social media to refute a false claim that he was discussing a contract extension for his client with the Canadiens.

Waddell could be denying the rumors because he doesn’t want it to get out that he’s in trade talks with other clubs about Marchenko. Maybe he is close to a deal that sends the scoring winger to Montreal or another NHL team.

Tuboltseva is reporting what her source is telling her. However, Portzline, Scheig, and Hedger are the Blue Jackets beat writers and are well-connected to sources within the organization, and they agree that there’s nothing to this rumor.

Meanwhile, some Canadiens followers have been speculating about what it would take for their club to acquire Marchenko.

The Canadiens don’t have anyone on their roster that they’re willing to part with that could land a player of Marchenko’s caliber. Waddell won’t be interested in Kirby Dach or Arber Xhekaj. Yes, Oliver Kapanen is promising, but he’s not the centerpiece of a trade that brings Marchenko to Montreal.

If the Canadiens are attempting to acquire Marchenko, they will be offering up draft picks and prospects. That means a first-round pick in 2027 or 2028, which most Habs fans probably wouldn’t mind parting with because of the young talent on the roster and within the system. However, it will also mean parting with Michael Hage and/or Alexander Zharovsky as part of the package.

Even then, Waddell probably wouldn’t be interested in an offer comprised of picks and prospects. He’s trying to turn the Blue Jackets into a playoff contender this season, and that means he wants a good young roster player. And no, Kapanen’s not enough to get it done. He wants an established young scoring forward.

For those of you who think the Canadiens could get Marchenko without parting with one of their good young roster players, or their top-two prospects, ask yourself this question: If I were Don Waddell, would I want to scuttle my club’s chances to make the playoffs this season by giving up my highest-scoring forward for a return of futures?

If you’re being honest with yourself, your answer is, “Of course not, I want the best return I can get, and if I can’t get it from the Canadiens, I’ll find it from another NHL club”.

Waddell must win now if he’s to convince Zach Werenski to remain with the Blue Jackets when his contract expires in two years. A return of futures for his leading goal scorer doesn’t address that need.