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.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 5, 2026

by | Jul 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 5, 2026

Mason McTavish looks forward to a fresh start with the Blues; the Capitals are becoming a prime destination for notable talent; and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports Mason McTavish is looking forward to a fresh start with the St. Louis Blues.

After spending the first five seasons of his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, the 23-year-old center was traded to the Blues on June 26.

St. Louis Blues center Mason McTavish (NHL Images)

McTavish struggled last season after his contract negotiations kept him out of last fall’s training camp and the preseason. After signing a seven-year deal, his production dropped to 41 points in 75 games, and he was a healthy scratch in two regular-season games and two postseason contests.

Anxious to put that season behind him, McTavish said he’s motivated and excited about the coming season with his new team. He said he enjoyed his time with the Ducks, but believes this is the right time to move on and experience something different.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is part of the Blues’ retooling process that began last season under former general manager Doug Armstrong, who handed over the reins to Alexander Steen. He’ll slot in as their second-line center between wingers Pavel Buchnevich and Jake Neighbours.

A bounce-back performance by McTavish could help the Blues reach the playoffs next season. He could also provide a boost to Buchnevich’s sagging production.

McTavish joins winger Connor McMichael and defenseman Brandon Carlo as the Blues’ new additions for this season. McMichael was acquired from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou deal, while Carlo was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports the Washington Capitals are becoming a desired destination for some of the league’s notable talent.

The Capitals have been busy bolstering their roster this summer. They acquired winger Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres and winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, and signed free agent forward Boone Jenner and defenseman Vincent Desharnais.

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery is pleased that players want to come to Washington. Tuch said he wanted to play for a club that would be competitive for a long time while he’s in the prime of his career. Jenner is excited to join a team that wants to win at this stage in his career, while Desharnais said he heard good things about the organization and how they treat their players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For all the talk of players wanting to go to Sun Belt teams in no-tax states, the comments by Tuch, Jenner, and Desharnais about the Capitals indicate that playing for a competitive club with a strong team culture that treats its players well and wants to win remains the biggest motivating factor in where most of them want to go.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed forward Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

Bourque, 24, was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. The Predators acquired him and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Dallas Stars on July 1 in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourque is getting a significant pay raise after earning $950,000 on a one-year contract last season. A versatile forward who can play center or right wing, he had a career-best performance in 2025-26, scoring 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in 82 games. He’s expected to center the Predators’ second line.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs signed defenseman Emil Andrae to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $1.55 million.

Andrae, 24, was a restricted free agent. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers on June 16.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $1.75 million.

Mukhamadullin, 24, was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. The Oilers acquired him from the San Jose Sharks as part of the Darnell Nurse trade.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets center Isac Lundestrom is expected to be sidelined until December with a ruptured right Achilles tendon. He suffered the injury during a training session.










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.










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.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2026

by | Jun 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2026

Check out the latest trade speculation about Zach Werenski, Connor Hellebuyck, and Darnell Nurse in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE STARS OR SHARKS BE TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR ZACH WERENSKI?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Zach Werenski would prefer to be traded to an Eastern Conference team, but the 28-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman is open to joining a Western Conference club.

According to Dreger, the Dallas Stars are very interested in Werenski, who won the Norris Trophy as this season’s top NHL defenseman. He believes the Stars could potentially offer Thomas Harley to the Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

If so, Dreger doubted the Toronto Maple Leafs would be willing or able to match that level of an offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Stars are offering up Harley for Werenski, and if the latter is willing to go to Dallas, the Blue Jackets should jump on that proposal right away. Granted, the 24-year-old Harley isn’t on the same level as Werenski, but he’s still a big, skilled two-way defenseman who could fill the big gap left by Werenski’s departure. His contract is more expensive ($10.587 million), but he’s under contract through 2033-34. The Blue Jackets have the cap space to take on a skilled cost-controlled asset such as Harley.

And no, the Maple Leafs could not beat an offer of Thomas Harley for Werenski.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who dismissed the notion of the Sharks as a trade destination for Werenski.

Friedman believes Werenski wants to go to a club where he can win a Stanley Cup. However, he didn’t rule out the Sharks as a destination for the Norris winner when his contract expires in 2028.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks aren’t Cup contenders yet, but they could be within the next two or three years if all their young talent blossoms as expected.

JETS REPORTEDLY REJECTED SABRES’ OFFER FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye reports multiple sources claiming the Buffalo Sabres made a significant offer to the Winnipeg Jets for Connor Hellebuyck before the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft last Friday.

The offer was reportedly the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, a player believed to be winger Jack Quinn, and at least one additional asset.

However, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff rejected the offer. Tye believes Cheveldayoff wasn’t comfortable replacing the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning Hellebuyck with the volatile Luukkonen, who didn’t earn the bulk of the starts with the Sabres this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that Cheveldayoff doesn’t have to rush into moving Hellebucyk, whose contract expires at the end of the 2030-31 season. There’s also no indication that the goaltender has requested a trade.

This report suggests that Cheveldayoff wants a reliable starting goaltender as part of the return for Hellebuyck. If so, it could take a while until someone makes a pitch to Cheveldayoff’s liking.

THE LATEST ON DARNELL NURSE

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli telling Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer that the San Jose Sharks have “made a play” for Darnell Nurse. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman requested a trade earlier this month.

However, the Sharks aren’t believed to be on Nurse’s list of trade destinations. “And to this point in time, that hasn’t changed”.

THE BOSTON GLOBE’s Kevin Paul Dupont reports there were “murmurings” during the draft weekend that the Oilers would be willing to send Nurse to the Boston Bruins for Mason Lohrei, with the Oilers willing to “share” the difference in average annual values between the two players.

Nurse earns an AAV of $9.5 million, while Lohrei’s is $3.2 million. Dupont could see this move happening if the Oilers retain $3 million of Nurse’s cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers might have to retain some salary or take back additional salary in a deal to move Nurse. Unfortunately for them, the current CBA forbids three-team trades where each team picks up a piece of the playoffs AAV.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 28, 2026

by | Jun 28, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 28, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, it’s the latest on Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Jason Robertson, Dylan Larkin, and Darnell Nurse.

UPDATES ON ZACH WERENSKI AND KIRILL MARCHENKO

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets face three possibilities regarding defenseman Zach Werenski. They can trade the 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner during this offseason, wait until next summer when he has a year left on his contract, or keep him for the remaining two years of his deal.

LeBrun indicated that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell wants NHL players in return for Werenski, not draft picks and prospects. He also noted that the blueliner’s no-movement clause becomes a 10-team trade list next summer.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

It’s believed that eight to 10 teams have contacted the Blue Jackets about Werenski. LeBrun expects the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes to be among them. He also believes the Toronto Maple Leafs would be one team the blueliner might consider. It’s not believed that Werenski’s agent has given the Blue Jackets a list of preferred trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell can afford to take his time to evaluate his options and suitable trade offers. The fact that he wants players in return could make this situation drag on for a while.

Werenski’s $9.583 million cap hit for the next two seasons will also be a factor. It’s unlikely Waddell will retain any part of it. Of the teams noted by LeBrun, the Stars have the least amount of cap space ($9.26 million), plus they’re also dealing with the Jason Robertson situation. More on that below.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets must also deal with the news that Kirill Marchenko doesn’t intend to sign a contract extension. The 25-year-old winger is a year away from becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

LeBrun noted that Marchenko has not requested a trade and is ready to return to play next season and the season after that, as the Blue Jackets will still control his rights for that season. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to stick around for the long term.

Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, have called about Marchenko. However, Waddell has told teams that he’s not going to trade the winger this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell’s position could change if a team is willing to overpay for Marchenko. As with Werenski, he can afford to be patient with this situation.

STARS STILL NEGOTIATING WITH JASON ROBERTSON

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said his club still wants to re-sign Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Last week, Robertson rejected a trade that the Stars had lined up with the Seattle Kraken by refusing to accept an eight-year contract offer ($15 million average annual value) from the Kraken.

It’s believed the two sides are $2 million apart, with the Stars offering $12 million annually while Robertson seeks $14 million. He lacks a no-movement clause, but many teams won’t agree to trade for him if he’s unwilling to sign an extension with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nill and the Robertson camp could reach an agreement on a new contract. The winger could file for arbitration, forcing the two sides to settle on a one-year deal that takes him up to unrestricted free-agent status next July. If Robertson files for arbitration, he’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet from another club.

The fact that there was a sign-and-trade scenario with Seattle suggests that Robertson may have played his final game with the Stars. He could be on the move if the right team makes a contract pitch similar to what he received from the Kraken.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reports Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is no closer to trading center Dylan Larkin. The 29-year-old Red Wings captain submitted a trade request earlier this month.

Yzerman made a short statement yesterday, indicating that Larkin has five years remaining on his contract. He said that he will do what’s best for the Red Wings, adding that there is no guarantee that Larkin’s request could or should be met.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman’s statement suggests that he hasn’t received any offers that would entice him to move Larkin. He seems prepared to wait the entire summer if necessary.

Larkin initially listed three clubs (Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights) as preferred destinations. It’s rumored that he’d be open to expanding that list, and he might have to if he hopes to be moved before the start of next season.

DARNELL NURSE IS STILL WAITING FOR A TRADE

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychkowski reports the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins are believed to be on Darnell Nurse’s trade list.

Tychkowski suggested the Bruins could be the most likely landing spot. The Bruins need a left-shot defenseman to pair with Charlie McAvoy. They might be willing to include Mason Lohrei in the return, but he’d only be suitable for third-pairing minutes with the Oilers.

The Anaheim Ducks have been mentioned as a destination for Nurse. However, they already have Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov as their top four on left defense, and they need depth on the right side of their blueline.

Moving Nurse became more difficult with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski emerging as a trade candidate.

Meanwhile, Kurt Leavins believes Nurse’s situation is holding up management’s roster plans for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Nurse’s performance over the past two years, combined with his $9.25 million AAV for the next four seasons, already made him a difficult sell in the trade market. Werenski’s potential availability will make it even more difficult for the Oilers to move him this summer.