NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2026

by | Aug 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2026

What’s the latest on Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrik Laine? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SICK PODCAST: Nick Lariviere cited Jimmy Murphy and Shayne Gaumond discussing the possibility of Vladimir Tarasenko being a free-agent option for the Montreal Canadiens.

Former Minnesota Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Murphy and Gaumond believe the 34-year-old Tarasenko could be a good fit with the Canadiens, who need second-line depth. Murphy cited the winger’s versatility as the best “plug-in” piece for the Habs.

However, Murphy’s Eye Test podcast co-host Pierre McGuire disagrees, saying he doesn’t believe Tarasenko would have a spot among the Canadiens’ top six.

Lariviere acknowledged Tarasenko lacks the speed of Canadiens’ second-line winger Alex Newhook. However, he believes the veteran’s pure skill and experience could make him a good short-term fit alongside fellow Russian Ivan Demidov on the Habs’ second line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Canadiens seek a suitable linemate for the talented Demidov, preferably a center. Trade rumors have linked them to Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Canadiens management has been unwilling to bring in aging veterans, preferring players in their mid-to-late 20s that would mesh well with their young core. If they wanted Tarasenko, they probably would’ve signed him by now.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Herb Zurkowsky reports former Canadiens winger Patrik Laine has been linked to several NHL clubs this summer.

Laine, 28, is an unrestricted free agent coming off a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $8.7 million. The sniper spent the past two seasons with the Canadiens, with injuries limiting him to 57 regular-season games.

Zurkowsky noted that Laine had been linked to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and, more recently, the Philadelphia Flyers. He believes a team could land the former 44-goal scorer for around $1.5 million on a one-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s skating has slowed, his defensive game is weak, and he’s become more of a power-play specialist at this stage of his career. Still, his powerful shot could land him with a team seeking additional scoring while playing with the man advantage. Whether it’ll be with one of the clubs mentioned by Zurkowsky remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2026

by | Aug 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: a look at what it might cost the Devils to acquire Quinn Hughes and the latest on the Sabres’ goaltending.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at what it might cost the New Jersey Devils to acquire Quinn Hughes if his contract extension talks with the Minnesota Wild fall through.

Negotiations between the Wild and the Hughes camp have been ongoing this summer. The 26-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. It’s rumored the two sides were discussing salary numbers in the mid-to-high teens. The Wild prefer a long-term deal, while Hughes might want a short-term commitment.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

So far, there’s no indication that a deal is close. Wild general manager Bill Guerin is preaching patience, pointing out it’s a major decision for both sides.

It’s believed Hughes would like to reunite one day with his brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Nichols noted that the Devils have the salary cap flexibility to acquire Hughes via trade or free agency if he doesn’t re-sign with the Wild. He also pointed out that they have the draft picks and prospects to draw on for trade capital. A roster player, such as Dawson Mercer, could also be used as part of a trade package.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols acknowledged that Guerin’s remarks don’t close the door on the Wild’s chances of re-signing Hughes. The two sides could agree to a three-year extension, giving the Wild a four-year window to chase the Stanley Cup with Hughes on their roster.

Nichols is correct in assuming that the longer Hughes goes without an extension, the more it could favor the Devils. It could force the Wild to move him before the March 1 trade deadline, or let him walk next summer as a free agent. In both cases, the Devils could be poised to pursue the superstar defenseman.

Nevertheless, if Hughes ends up on the trade block this season, there’s no certainty that the Devils will win a bidding war. However, he could narrow the potential destinations if he has no intention of signing an extension as part of the trade terms.

NHL.COM: Amalie Benjamin has goaltending among the three questions facing the Buffalo Sabres this season.

Benjamin observed that offseason rumors have been rife about the Sabres’ goalie situation, “which became a revolving door in the playoffs with time split between Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon.” She noted that most of the speculation centered around Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

The Sabres are currently heading into training camp with Luukkonen, Lyon, Colten Ellis, and Matt Villalta as their goalies. Benjamin wondered if Lyon and/or Luukkonen could be the answer for a team that believes it can improve on last season’s performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported that the Sabres and Jets were discussing a trade involving Hellebuyck before the June draft weekend, but the deal fell through.

So far, there’s no indication that those discussions have been renewed or whether the Jets intend to move Hellebuyck, who is under contract through 2030-31. If he’s unavailable, the Sabres could have little choice but to return with their Luukkonen/Lyon tandem for the coming season.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2026

by | Aug 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2026

Are the Wild any closer to re-signing Quinn Hughes or acquiring Dylan Larkin? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

YARDBARKER: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin joined SKOR North’s Judd’s Hockey Show on Tuesday to discuss his contract extension talks with Quinn Hughes.

“I’ve been talking to Quinn and his camp all along,” Guerin said. “Like I said last year with Kirill (Kaprizov), these things take time. They’re big decisions for players. They’re big decisions for teams. So, it’s a process to work through, and this is no different than any other big contract negotiation.”

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 26, is in the final season of his contract and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. It was reported last week that Guerin met with the defenseman and his representatives in Michigan to discuss a new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Wild prefer to sign Hughes to a five-to-eight year extension before Sept. 16, when the maximum length for extensions will be shortened to seven years. However, the superstar blueliner could seek a three-year deal that expires at the same time as his brother Jack’s contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols believes the longer Hughes goes without an extension with the Wild, the more it benefits the Devils.

If the Wild aren’t able to re-sign Hughes, it raises the possibility that he could sign with the Devils next July, reuniting him with Jack and their younger brother, Luke. Nichols pointed out that the Devils have a projected $32 million in salary-cap space for 2027-28, with 14 active-roster players under contract and Dawson Mercer as their most notable player set to be a free agent.

Guerin also spoke about his search for a first-line center. The Wild are among the preferred destinations for Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade following last season. However, his situation remains uncertain as the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

The possibility of starting next season without an established first-line center doesn’t concern Guerin. He believes his club must remain patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself, though he stressed that he would continue seeking ways to improve his club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Wild and Red Wings had discussed a trade involving Larkin, but the latter was unimpressed with an offer of draft picks and younger players, preferring an established player as part of the return. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claimed last month that the Wings’ asking price was winger Matt Boldy, but the Wild aren’t giving up a star of his caliber.

Larkin’s situation will likely remain unresolved until the Wings hire their new general manager, who might be more flexible in trade discussions if Larkin still wants out. Otherwise, Guerin will have to look elsewhere for a first-line center.










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.