NHL Rumor Mill – July 6, 2026

by | Jul 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 6, 2026

The ongoing effect of the Carlsson offer sheet plus the latest on Shane Wright and Vladimir Tarasenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ONGOING FALLOUT FROM THE CARLSSON OFFER SHEET

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman looked at the effects the offer sheets for Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson from the Philadelphia Flyers and Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton from the New Jersey Devils are having around the league.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

One of the ripples is how Carlsson’s offer sheet could affect the contract negotiations for Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson. Like Carlsson, they are restricted free agents coming off their entry-level contracts and lack arbitration rights.

The Blackhawks have sufficient salary-cap space to match any offer for Bedard. However, Goldman noted the Ducks are in the same position with Carlsson, and the Flyers’ offer sheet has thrown a wrench into their salary-cap outlook.

Goldman wondered if Carlsson’s $18 million average annual value raises the ask for Bedard and Fantilli. She also mused over what it might cost the San Jose Sharks to re-sign Macklin Celebrini next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The ripples from the Carlsson offer sheet will be wide-reaching.

It remains to be seen if Bedard, Fantilli, or Edvinsson are interested in receiving offers from rival clubs. Even if they’re not, Carlsson’s league-leading AAV sets the bar for comparable talent. For example, if Bedard feels he’s worth more, the Blackhawks could have little choice but to sign him rather than risk a protracted contract standoff that could grease the skids for his departure.

The Sharks can sign Celebrini to a contract extension now and were reportedly working toward doing so. They don’t have to worry about an offer sheet, but Carlsson’s new AAV could push the cost of re-signing him much higher than the Sharks anticipated.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Blue Jackets continue to negotiate with Fantilli, hoping to sign him before another team steps forward with an offer sheet.

Portzline wondered if the Flyers might pursue Fantilli if the Ducks match their offer to Carlsson by Friday. General manager Don Waddell said his club has the cap space to match any offer. “I don’t expect it, but you never know in this business,” Waddell said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline believes Waddell and the Blue Jackets will match any offer for Fantilli. Nevertheless, they might want to see if they can speed up negotiations to get the young center signed under their terms, rather than those set by a rival club.

UPDATES ON SHANE WRIGHT AND VLADIMIR TARASENKO

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols wondered if the Devils would turn to the trade market to acquire Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright if their offer sheet to center Barrett Hayton is matched by the Utah Mammoth.

The Devils signed the 25-year-old Hayton to a one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet last Wednesday. If the Mammoth fail to match it, Hayton will slot in as the Devils’ third-line center.

If the Mammoth match, the Devils will have to continue searching for a third-line center. Nichols suggested the 22-year-old Wright as a trade option. He’s struggled in Seattle, and he and the Kraken have agreed that a change of scenery will benefit both sides.

Nichols acknowledged it would cost more to acquire Wright from the Kraken than the 2027 second-round draft pick they would have to give to the Mammoth as compensation for a successful signing of Hayton. Nevertheless, he believes it would be a worthwhile and affordable fallback without overpaying for a one-year rental player while buying a handful of restricted free-agent years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll know by Wednesday at the latest if the Devils will need a “Plan B” option and if Wright would be on their radar in the trade market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins and Jim Matheson disagree over whether Vladimir Tarasenko would be a good fit with the Oilers. The 33-year-old right wing is among the few notable players remaining in this summer’s thin unrestricted free-agent market.

Leavins suggested Tarasenko as a possible answer to the Oilers’ need for a top-six winger. However, Matheson noted his footspeed has declined, and he didn’t think he’d be willing to accept a low-money $2 million deal.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 5, 2026

by | Jul 5, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 5, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the effect of Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet on the contract negotiations for Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli, what it could mean for future RFAs, plus the latest on Dylan Larkin and Claude Giroux.

HOW WILL CARLSSON’S OFFER SHEET AFFECT BEDARD AND FANTILLI?

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope reports Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, and Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson were waiting to see which one would set the market for their new contracts.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

The trio are restricted free agents coming off their entry-level contracts. On Friday, Carlsson signed a five-year offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers worth a league-leading average annual value of $18 million.

Pope doubted that Bedard would be targeted with an offer sheet for several reasons, including the center’s frequent communication with Blackhawks management and his intention to remain with the franchise for the long term. Still, nothing can be ruled out after Carlsson signed with the Flyers.

Before the Carlsson offer sheet, a new contract for Bedard might have cost the Blackhawks between $13 and $16 million, assuming it went the maximum of eight years. Now, the Bedard camp could seek $18 million or more, up to the league maximum of $20.8 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Carchidi wondered if Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli might be the Flyers’ next target if the Ducks match the offer sheet for Leo Carlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell just came off a difficult week, during which he nearly traded Zach Werenski to the Dallas Stars amid reports that the defenseman wouldn’t sign a contract extension next summer, plus he had to deal with a similar contract situation with winger Kirill Marchenko.

While those situations have been resolved, at least for now, the effect of the Carlsson offer sheet on his contract negotiations with Fantilli could be another headache for Waddell.

Whatever figure Waddell was offering the Fantilli camp, he will likely have to raise it significantly if he hopes to re-sign the 21-year-old center, and now there’s the possibility that Fantilli could sign an offer sheet from a rival club.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner believes the Carlsson offer sheet likely means the New York Islanders won’t wait to sign Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Matthew Schaefer to a contract extension when he becomes eligible to do so next July 1.

Rosner wondered how high Schaefer’s next contract would be because of the Carlsson offer sheet. He speculated around $20 million annually on a seven-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It must be remembered that a player must be willing to sign an offer sheet. If Schaefer becomes a restricted free agent in two years, he could tell his agent that he’s not interested in any offers from other teams, giving him and the Islanders the breathing space necessary if contract negotiations take longer than expected to hammer out a deal over the summer.

Nevertheless, the Carlsson situation will likely force teams with rising young stars to sign them to contract extensions as soon as possible, rather than risk them becoming offer-sheet targets when they become restricted free agents.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN AND CLAUDE GIROUX

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster explains why it would be difficult for the Golden Knights to acquire center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.

Larkin, 29, requested a trade a month ago, with the Golden Knights among the clubs on his three-team trade list.

Webster doesn’t think the Golden Knights have sufficient tradeable assets to acquire Larkin. They do possess two first-round picks in 2028, unless the one they received from the New York Rangers in the Pavel Dorofeyev trade lands in the top-10, in which case, it becomes a 2029 first-rounder.

However, the Red Wings aren’t seeking futures for Larkin; they want a return that will help them immediately, preferably a center. Webster doesn’t see the Golden Knights gutting their roster to accomplish this.

The Golden Knights aren’t giving up Jack Eichel, who has full no-trade protection. William Karlsson is in the final season of his contract and isn’t going anywhere. Hertl has a three-team trade list, but he prefers playing for teams in warm-weather climates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Minnesota Wild is Larkin’s primary trade target. They are reportedly keen to get him, but meeting the Red Wings’ asking price has proven difficult thus far.

For those folks who might still be wondering why Karlsson isn’t going anywhere or why he wouldn’t be a good fit with the Red Wings: He’s 33 years old, often injured, and the Red Wings are likely on his 10-team no-trade list.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted a report on Friday claimed the Philadelphia Flyers were poised to sign Claude Giroux. However, the 38-year-old forward has not made a decision yet on which club he’s signing with for next season.

The Flyers and Giroux’s former team, the Ottawa Senators, are still in the mix for Giroux. Garrioch claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs have reached out and remain “keenly interested.” The Edmonton Oilers made a pitch, but they’re reportedly no longer interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ signing of Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet on Friday likely paused their discussions with the Giroux camp until they learn whether their efforts to land the Ducks’ center have been successful. Whether Giroux’s willing to wait remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2026

by | Jul 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2026

A look at the remaining notable UFA players, plus the latest on Alexander Nikishin and Shane Wright in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE NOTABLE REMAINING UFA PLAYERS

SPORTSNET: On Friday, Luke Fox looked at the top players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Anthony Mantha topped the list. The 31-year-old winger had a career-best performance (31 goals, 33 assists, 64 points) last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he has a history of injuries and inconsistency.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

According to Fox, the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets are still in the market for wingers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Montreal claim the Canadiens prefer to address their roster needs through the trade market. The Jets made a noteworthy foray into the UFA market this week, signing defenseman Mario Ferraro.

The Detroit Red Wings would welcome back Patrick Kane, but the 38-year-old winger appears headed to his fourth NHL team. Fox claimed Kane is reportedly working on a contract with his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres.

Logan Stanley, 28, is still weighing his options. The big defenseman is reportedly seeking a four- or five-year contract worth $25 million.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen, 27, was believed to be weighing offers of four or five years.

The Ottawa Senators are leaving the door open for Claude Giroux. However, the 38-year-old winger reportedly received interest from the Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Philadelphia Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said there’s no confirmation yet that Giroux was about to return to the Flyers. That’s probably because they’ve been busy signing Leo Carlsson to an expensive offer sheet worth $18 million annually. If they succeed, they might not have enough cap space to bring Giroux back to Philadelphia.

Friedman also weighed in on Vladimir Tarasenko, wondering if the Edmonton Oilers might take a look at the 34-year-old winger.

Fox also heard that the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild were reportedly considering taking on winger Patrik Laine as a project.

UPDATES ON NIKISHIN AND WRIGHT

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the St. Louis Blues are taking a long look at Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Carolina Hurricanes indicated two weeks ago that they were open to moving Nikishin. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He is ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

The New York Rangers were reportedly keen on acquiring him. However, that may have changed following their recent additions of Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi.

Friedman also indicated that Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright is a player to watch. According to his agent, Kurt Overhardt, the Kraken have agreed to move the 22-year-old Wright this summer to a team seeking a top young center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright surfaced in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline, but nothing came of it. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, he’s struggled to establish himself as the “top young center” that his agent considers him to be.

The Kraken reportedly seeks a fair price and won’t be rushed into moving Wright. Still, he could be an affordable gamble for a club looking for promising depth at center.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2026

by | Jul 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2026

Check out the latest on Dylan Larkin, Morgan Rielly, and Jake DeBrusk in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RED WINGS SEEK MATT BOLDY IN RETURN FOR DYLAN LARKIN

PUCK GONE WILD: Chris Schad recently cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, who claimed the Detroit Red Wings “would have no problem” trading center Dylan Larkin to the Minnesota Wild if they got Matt Boldy in return.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin, 29, included the Wild on his three-team list of destinations when he requested a trade last month.

According to Kypreos, apart from Boldy, there is nothing else that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is interested in.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman reportedly seeks a return with a good young NHL player for Larkin. Boldy won’t fill the Red Wings’ need for a first-line center once Larkin is traded, but he would address their need for a top-six winger.

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that the Wild would part with Boldy for Larkin; otherwise, that trade would’ve happened by now. The Wild see themselves as a Stanley Cup contender with Boldy on the same line as their new first-line center. He also has terrific chemistry with superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov, so they’re not going to mess around with that.

It remains to be seen how the Larkin situation is resolved and whether the Wild will be his destination. However, they won’t part with Boldy to get him.

THE LATEST ON MORGAN RIELLY

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports there is nothing imminent regarding a trade for defenseman Morgan Rielly. Nevertheless, GM John Chayka and Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, will continue to try to get something done.

Rielly, 32, isn’t beating down Chayka’s door demanding a trade, and the Leafs GM has no desire to give him away for nothing. If a move takes place, it’ll be a hockey trade involving a player who can help the Maple Leafs.

If no trade happens this summer, Rielly will report to the Maple Leafs training camp in preparation for his 13th NHL season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there is no sign that there are teams with serious interest in Rielly. Based on Chayka’s recent remarks, he has no issue with the veteran blueliner being in the Leafs lineup when the regular season begins in October.

UPDATE ON JAKE DEBRUSK

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported Wednesday that there was no dialogue between the Vancouver Canucks and Jake DeBrusk about waiving his no-trade clause. For now, it looks like he’s staying.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I missed this during the blizzard of activity in the free-agent and trade markets on July 1. Since then, there’s no sign that this situation has changed for DeBrusk, but we’re still early in the offseason. The 29-year-old winger could draw more interest now that the free-agent market has been picked nearly clean of quality talent.

DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $5.5 million. He has a full no-movement clause but is reportedly open to waiving it to go to a contender. A playoff club seeking a second-line winger could come calling.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2026

by | Jul 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2026

Check out the latest on Jason Robertson, Connor Hellebuyck, Claude Giroux, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS INTERESTED IN JASON ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Pittsburgh Penguins “still absolutely want to trade for Jason Robertson.” He believes they have the assets to acquire the 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

The Stars still want to re-sign Robertson. However, the money that the winger is demanding makes it more likely that he will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins acquired Robertson’s brother, Nick, from the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday. Maybe that’s an additional enticement for Jason to accept a trade to Pittsburgh.

The Penguins have the cap space ($25.4 million) to sign Robertson to a lucrative long-term deal (perhaps $15 million annually). Whether he’s willing to sign an extension with the Penguins if they make an offer remains to be seen. He had the chance to join the Seattle Kraken, but his unwillingness to accept their contract offer killed the deal.

THE HELLEBUYCK TRADE WATCH IS STILL ON

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes the Winnipeg Jets’ signing of goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract leaves the questions about Connor Hellebuyck’s future unanswered.

The 33-year-old Hellebuyck has been the subject of recent trade speculation. It was reported that a deal that would’ve sent the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender to the Buffalo Sabres last Friday fell through before the opening day of the NHL Draft.

Ates pointed out that signing Skinner doesn’t transform the Jets’ defense or upgrade the second line. He thinks it means the Hellebuyck trade watch is still on, even if their trade options are limited.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner’s signing is insurance if they end up trading Hellebuyck. In the meantime, he’ll split the goalie duties with the Jets’ long-time starter as his understudy.

COULD CLAUDE GIROUX RETURN TO THE FLYERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie and Kevin Kurz report the Ottawa Senators have left the door open for Claude Giroux to return. However, the 38-year-old forward could reunite with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Giroux began his NHL career with the Flyers, spending 15 seasons with them before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2022. He spent the past four seasons with the Senators.

Flyers GM Daniel Briere, a former teammate of Giroux’s, confirmed there have been ongoing contract talks with the veteran forward. It’s rumored he could sign a one-year contract with the Flyers as a right-shot center who could help them on the power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Giroux is coming off a one-year, $2 million contract. He remains a versatile, well-respected two-way forward. However, his production has steadily declined, from 79 points in 2022-23 to 49 points last season.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE BRUINS?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes more moves could be coming for the Boston Bruins. He observed that they have $4.5 million in salary-cap space, leaving GM Don Sweeney with flexibility to continue exploring trade options, especially if he moves the salaries of Mason Lohrei ($3.2 million AAV) or Henri Jokiharju ($3 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t have enough space or tradeable assets to make a big acquisition, but Sweeney might be able to add one or two affordable depth players.










Notable NHL Free Agent Signings and Trades – July 1, 2026

by | Jul 1, 2026

Notable NHL Free Agent Signings and Trades – July 1, 2026

The Edmonton Oilers sign goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year contract with a $1 million base salary and $1.8 million performance bonus.

The Winnipeg Jets signed defenseman Mario Ferraro to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $4 million

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils have signed Utah Mammoth restricted free agent forward Barrett Hayton to a one-year offer sheet worth $4.775 million. The Mammoth will receive the Devils’ 2027 second-round pick as compensation if they don’t match the offer within seven days.

The Utah Mammoth signs winger Anders Lee to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $5.4 million.

The Edmonton Oilers sign defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $4 million.

The New York Rangers trade defenseman Will Borgen to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2028.

The New York Rangers acquire defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2030 first-round pick (top-10 protected).

The Edmonton Oilers trade defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect blueliner Zack Sharp. The Oilers did not retain salary in this deal.

The New York Rangers trade center Vincent Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Sean Durzi, prospect center Cole Beaudoin, and a 2027 third-round draft pick.

The Washington Capitals sign Boone Jenner to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.75 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs trade goaltender Dennis Hildeby, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Nick Paul.

The Boston Bruins trade goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fourth-round pick in 2028.

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million contract.

The New York Rangers signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign center Colton Sissons to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $4.25 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal worth an average annual value of $7 million.

The San Jose Sharks sign defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $8.25 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

The Winnipeg Jets sign goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.75 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign forward Jack Roslovic to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4 million.

The Colorado Avalanche sign forward Jaden Schwartz to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $3.25 million

The Florida Panthers re-sign forward Eetu Luostarinen to an eight-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights re-sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

The San Jose Sharks signed winger Mason Marchment to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $7 million.

The Detroit Red Wings sign winger Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign winger Mats Zuccarello to a one-year contract worth $1 million in base salary, along with a $5.5 million performance bonus. 

The Montreal Canadiens sign winger Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $9.125 million.

The Chicago Blackhawks sign defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million contract extension with an average annual value of $12.5 million.

The New Jersey Devils sign center Nico Hischier to a five-year, $58.5 million contract extension with an average annual value of $11.7 million.

The Dallas Stars trade forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a third-round pick in 2028.

The Florida Panthers sign Radko Gudas to a six-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs trade winger Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fourth-round draft pick (year TBD).

Buffalo Sabres re-sign defenseman Olen Zellweger to a three-year, $9 million contract with an AAV of $3 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign forward Erik Haula to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.