NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2026

by | Oct 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2026

What’s the latest on Simon Edvinsson, Dylan Larkin, and Alexander Nikishin? Are the Flyers and Panthers looking for help? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST RED WINGS RUMORS

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli reports sources say the Detroit Red Wings still want NHL-ready talent in return for Simon Edvinsson. However, they’re also open to the right package of draft picks and prospects for the 23-year-old restricted free-agent defenseman.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)

Seravalli wondered if the Red Wings are starting to come to grips with the reality of “rebuilding the rebuild” following a decade-long postseason drought. If Edvinsson is traded, center Dylan Larkin (who requested a trade this summer) could be next, with pending unrestricted free agent winger Alex DeBrincat another trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have reportedly made Edvinsson their priority. It’s believed they’re considering several different contract proposals. However, they cannot let this drag on for long. The deadline for signing restricted free agents is Dec. 1.

CASINO.ORG: Seravalli also claims the Montreal Canadiens would love to acquire Red Wings center Dylan Larkin. However, the 30-year-old center hasn’t included Canadian teams on his eight-team list of preferred trade destinations.

Seravalli cited an NHL front-office executive who believes Larkin could “end this saga tomorrow if he added the Canadiens to his list.” The executive thinks the Habs “are the one team with a chance to contend who can give Detroit what it wants for Larkin.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli pointed out the Canadiens convinced Chris Kreider to sign with them. Given Kreider’s ties to Canadiens hockey ops president Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and head trainer Jim Ramsay, that wasn’t a difficult sell.

The Canadiens will likely keep tabs on Larkin’s situation, but it’s unlikely he’ll include a Canadian team on his list.

NIKISHIN NOT A TYPICAL RESTRICTED FREE AGENT

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli pointed out that Alexander Nikishin is “not a true restricted free agent by the definition of the CBA.” The 24-year-old Carolina Hurricanes defenseman is a “10.2 (c) player without the right of first refusal via an offer sheet”, meaning whatever contract he signs now will have the same effect on the salary cap as a typical contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Detroit’s Simon Edvinsson, on the other hand, is a “true RFA”, meaning his new contract will result in an increased cap hit with an in-season signing. Seravalli points out that, if Edvinsson signed a seven-year deal worth $70 million today, it would be worth $10.4 million annually instead of $10 million in the first year. It increases for each day missed in the season.

It’s the same formula used during William Nylander’s long contract negotiation in 2018, when the first year of his deal was a prorated $10.2 million.

Seravalli also pointed out that Nikishin doesn’t fall under the Dec. 1 deadline for signing RFAs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He also reports that the Hurricanes continue to work with Nikishin’s agent to find a trade. Whoever acquires him must be prepared for a hefty prorated dent in their salary-cap payroll this season.

FLYERS COULD PURSUE DEFENSIVE HELP

CASINO.ORG: Seravalli reports the Philadelphia Flyers continue to monitor the trade market in search of defensemen with size.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony DiMarco suggested Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Justin Faulk of the Detroit Red Wings, and Luke Schenn of the Vancouver Canucks as possible trade targets for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rebuilding Flames will want a significant return of futures for Whitecloud. He’s under contract through 2026-27, so they’re not in a hurry to move him.

Faulk is UFA-eligible this summer and has a 15-team no-trade list. The Red Wings could prefer waiting until the calendar flips to 2027 before deciding to become sellers, and there’s no certainty the Flyers will be on Faulk’s list of destinations.

Like Faulk, Schenn is also slated for UFA status next summer. However, he has a full NMC and could prefer to play out this season in Vancouver. The Canucks aren’t in a rush to move him given his role as a mentor to young blueliner Zeev Buium.

Seravalli thinks Edvinsson would be a great fit with the Flyers. He certainly would be, provided he’s willing to sign with them.

WHO COULD THE PANTHERS TARGET TO REPLACE BRAD MARCHAND?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards explored the Panthers’ options to replace Brad Marchand if the veteran winger is sidelined long-term with a lower-body injury. The 38-year-old Marchand suffered the injury earlier this week against the Los Angeles Kings.

Richards considered a trade for Red Wings center Dylan Larkin unlikely, citing his expensive average annual value ($8.7 million) and the cost of acquiring him from the Red Wings.

Free-agent options could include former Panthers winger Vladimir Tarasenko and former 44-goal scorer Patrik Laine. They could also promote Cole Reinhardt from their AHL affiliate in Charlotte.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2026

by | Sep 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2026

Red Wings center Dylan Larkin expands his trade list; several teams are interested in Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DYLAN LARKIN EXPANDS HIS TRADE LIST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is willing to expand his list of preferred trade destinations to as many as eight teams.

Larkin, 30, requested a trade earlier this year, and initially would approve a move to the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, or Florida Panthers. It was also rumored he’d accept a trade to the Dallas Stars.

Friedman thinks the Stars are among Larkin’s expanded list, along with the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report brings the list to seven destinations. No idea which club would be the eighth preferred landing spot for Larkin.

None of these teams are viable destinations for Larkin because they lack the cap space to absorb his $8.7 million average annual value. Even if the Red Wings agreed to retain half of his cap hit (which they won’t), those clubs still can’t afford him without sending a high-salaried player to Detroit, which is unlikely.

SEVERAL CLUBS INTERESTED IN MARCHENKO

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that several teams are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July. He’s reportedly unwilling to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets and was evasive when reporters questioned him about the rumor during training camp.

Friedman indicated the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders have already been mentioned as potential suitors. He also mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets. Friedman said he heard the Boston Bruins made an offer at one point, heard conflicting stories about interest from the Vegas Golden Knights, and thinks the Seattle Kraken could also be in on this.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan gauged the Maple Leafs’ rumored interest in Marchenko. He wondered if they could afford the winger’s next contract because they have already committed $105 million against the $113.5 million cap for 2027-28.

Koshan believes young winger Matthew Knies would have to be part of the return to the Blue Jackets. If not, the Maple Leafs could consider moving a promising youngster like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford. Koshan doesn’t consider Marchenko much of an upgrade over Knies, who is younger, carries a more affordable long-term deal, and is likely to keep pace offensively.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has made it clear that he wants a scorer in return for Marchenko. He’s not interested in a package of draft picks and prospects. It might be different if Marchenko were UFA-eligible next summer, but his RFA status gives Waddell leverage here.

Waddell could want Knies straight up for Marchenko, but I agree with Koshan that the Leafs would be better off keeping the 23-year-old power forward.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently acknowledged the trade rumors have resumed about Knies, but he doesn’t believe the Maple Leafs are shopping him. He thinks it’s teams that were interested in the young winger earlier this year circling back to check on his availability.

UPDATES ON NIKISHIN, EDVINSSON, AND TARASENKO

SPORTSNET: Friedman also reported the Carolina Hurricanes have permitted Alexander Nikishin’s camp to talk to some teams. The 24-year-old restricted free agent defenseman requested a trade following the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run.

Friedman wondered if Nikishin might be part of a three-team trade. He’s been mentioned as part of a possible trade offer by the Hurricanes if they were to pursue Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but Friedman said Nikishin isn’t believed to be interested in signing with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Nikishin is part of a three-team deal that sends him to another team and brings Hellebuyck to the Hurricanes? Friedman said he believes the Canes haven’t given up hope of landing the Jets goaltender. If so, which team would be the third party in this deal? Feel free to weigh in on this scenario in the comments below?

According to Friedman, the Detroit Red Wings prefer to sign RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a bridge contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The dysfunction continues in the Red Wings’ front office.

Edvinsson, 22, is one of the Red Wings’ top players. He and Moritz Seider form a solid young blueline tandem. He’s blossoming into a reliable, two-way defenseman. He’s been loyal to this struggling franchise, rejecting offer-sheet proposals from several clubs this summer. He reported to training camp and is practicing with his teammates, though he can’t participate in scrimmages or play in preseason games.

And for all of that, Wings management is thinking a bridge deal. A team with over $19 million in cap space, a once-proud club that hasn’t made the playoffs in a decade (!), a franchise still trying to find a full-time GM, is playing hardball with one of their better players.

I’m not suggesting they use up most of that cap space re-signing Edvinsson, but they’re wasting too much time getting one of their top-two defensemen under contract. The Red Wings continue to lurch from one self-inflicted disaster to another with nothing to show for it but an angry, disillusioned fan base and a team of players who could be losing faith in their playoff hopes before the season begins.

Friedman reported the Florida Panthers and UFA winger Vladimir Tarasenko might be considering a reunion. “Makes sense, he’s played there, and (Brad) Marchand is hurt for now,” Friedman said.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2026

by | Aug 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2026

Check out the latest on Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, and Canucks winger Brock Boeser in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports league sources are “emphatically” dismissing rumors that the Minnesota Wild are in trade talks with the New Jersey Devils regarding Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Russo indicated that Wild management is in ongoing discussions with Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, regarding a contract extension. They remain confident of signing the 26-year-old defenseman before the start of the regular season.

Hughes is in the final season of his six-year contract with a cap hit of $7.85 million. He can become an unrestricted free agent next July.

The rising salary cap is also raising the cost of new contracts, especially for superstars like Hughes. Russo speculated his next deal could be in the $19 million or $20 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo has previously reported that the Wild would prefer to sign Hughes to the league maximum contract term of eight years before it is reduced on Sept. 16 to seven years, but the Hughes camp prefers a shorter term, perhaps between three and five years.

As for the Devils rumors, it sounds like wishful thinking because he hasn’t signed an extension with the Wild yet. Everyone knows Quinn would love to play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke one day, but that could be in 2030, when Jack’s contract with the Devils is set to expire. Signing Quinn by that stage would be a great incentive for Jack to stay in New Jersey.

Predictions are for gypsies, but for now, I think Hughes agrees to a three-year deal with the Wild worth around $20 million annually. Feel free to weigh in on this topic in the comments section below.

SPORTSNET: During Tuesday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman proposed a theory that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson goes to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline.

Friedman cited a source who predicted the 36-year-old Karlsson becomes a Maple Leaf depending on how this season goes for both teams.

Karlsson is in the final season of his contract. If he and the Penguins have another solid performance like last season, Friedman doubts he’ll be traded. However, if Karlsson is in the trade market, his source believes Maple Leafs executives Mats Sundin and Daniel Alfredsson could help to entice the Penguins blueliner to come to Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that this is a prediction from one of Friedman’s sources and not an actual trade rumor. There is no indication the Maple Leafs are pursuing Karlsson, nor are the Penguins shopping him.

Nevertheless, if the Penguins are out of playoff contention by March 1, they will likely peddle some of their veterans. That would include Karlsson, as they probably won’t re-sign him given his age and their ongoing transition toward a younger roster.

If Karlsson becomes available, he might consider waiving his no-movement clause to join the Maple Leafs if they’re having a good season. If they’re not, he’ll likely prefer going to a Stanley Cup contender.

TSN: Travis Yost believes Brock Boeser could become a trade candidate as the Vancouver Canucks continue their rebuilding program.

Boeser, 29, is entering the second season of a seven-year contract ($7.25 million average annual value) with a full no-movement clause.

Yost believes Boeser is a better player than his stats over the past two years suggest. Nevertheless, he thinks his best seasons may be behind him, and it would be worthwhile moving him while his value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether Boeser wants to stay and be part of the solution for the Canucks. If he’s unwilling to waive his no-movement clause, they will rely on his leadership and experience to mentor their younger players.

However, Boeser could decide his future lies elsewhere if the rebuild takes longer than expected. This season could decide where that might be.

THE PROVINCE: Speaking of the Canucks, Patrick Johnston reports first-year GM Ryan Johnson is open to adding a veteran to his roster on a PTO or a full-on free-agent agreement.

Johnston noted that a handful of notable players remain in what was a talent-thin UFA market. Forwards include Michael Bunting, Patrik Laine, and Vladimir Tarasenko, while Logan Stanley and John Klingberg are among the noteworthy defensemen.

Johnson could sign one of them, hoping they’ll have a good enough season to make them a worthwhile trade chip later in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 17, 2026

by | Aug 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 17, 2026

What’s the latest on the Bruins and Panthers? Would Vladimir Tarasenko be a good fit with the Flyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy recently mused over when and how the Bruins will deal with center Pavel Zacha’s contract status.

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (NHL Images).

Zacha, 29, is in the final season of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. His durability and reliability make him worthwhile to retain, but he could also fetch valuable pieces in a trade.

The Bruins have promising centers on the team (Fraser Minten) or in their system (James Hagens, Dean Letourneau) who could be blocked if Zacha is re-signed.

If the Bruins are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline, moving him could be easy if he remains unsigned by then. However, it’s unlikely he’ll be traded if they’re in the thick of the postseason race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Bruins want to re-sign Zacha, but they’ve also been open to trade inquiries. Much will depend on what he’s seeking on his next contract, and where the Bruins are in the standings as the March 1 trade deadline approaches. For now, expect Zacha to be in the Bruins’ lineup when they open their season next month.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards believes the Panthers could give Patrik Laine a look if winger Brad Marchand is sidelined long term.

Laine, 28, is among the notable players still available in this summer’s UFA market. Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Marchand recently underwent surgery and is expected to miss training camp and the start of the regular season.

Richards noted that Laine has some links to the Panthers. He played under head coach Paul Maurice during their tenures with the Winnipeg Jets, and played with Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during their youth hockey days.

Laine could be an affordable option on a one-year, “prove-it” contract. Richards suggested signing him to a professional tryout offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We don’t know what the Panthers’ plans are to replace Marchand, let alone if Laine would be part of them. He certainly wouldn’t replace Marchand’s energetic, gritty style of play. Still, as Richards pointed out, there is little downside with giving Laine a shot.

NHL NETWORK: Mike Rupp recently suggested that Vladimir Tarasenko could be a good fit with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 34-year-old winger is coming off a bounce-back performance with the Minnesota Wild last season, scoring 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games.

Rupp believes Tarasenko could help the Flyers improve their power play, which hasn’t been good for some time. He felt they need more finishers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rupp makes a good point about the Flyers needing help with the man advantage. Their power-play percentage last season (15.7) was dead last in the league.

Like Patrik Laine, Tarasenko is among the few notable players still available in this summer’s UFA market. Whether the Flyers share Rupp’s view that the veteran winger could help them remains to be seen. Rookie winger Porter Martone and a better performance from third-year winger Matvei Michkov could boost those stats significantly.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2026

by | Aug 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2026

 

Lingering offseason questions remain to be answered. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

YAHOO! SPORTS/USA TODAY: Mike Brehm recently looked at five offseason questions still to be answered before the 2026-27 NHL regular season begins next month.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Detroit Red Wings’ search for a new general manager tops the list, followed by Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last week that the Red Wings hired a search firm to help them find a new general manager. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated the search is ongoing.

For now, Larkin’s trade request will have to wait until a new GM is in place. Even then, there is no certainty that he’ll be moved quickly, if at all. A reconciliation is possible, though there’s currently no indication that a change of management will prompt Larkin to rescind his request.

Quinn Hughes’ contract extension negotiations with the Minnesota Wild must be resolved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not for lack of trying by the Wild. General manager Bill Guerin said he’d been in ongoing discussions with the Hughes camp thus far, and recently met with them in Michigan. Guerin is preaching patience, pointing out that it’s a big decision for both sides.

Several notable restricted free agents remain to be signed. They include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, and Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Blue Jackets and Red Wings fans remain concerned that Fantilli or Edvinsson could sign an offer sheet with another club. It’s possible but unlikely, given that the Jackets and Red Wings have plenty of salary cap space to match an offer.

Gauthier is ineligible to sign an offer sheet, but the Ducks could be forced to make a cost-cutting trade or two to free up cap sroom for his new contract. Meanwhile, speculation persists over whether the Hurricanes will sign or trade Nikishin.

Unrestricted free agents still available include forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanan, defensemen John Klingberg, Logan Stanley, and Nick Blankenburg, and goalie Connor Ingram and Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s now mid-August with no indication that those remaining UFAs are any closer to getting new contracts. Most could be signed before training camps open in September, but others might have to sign professional tryout offers to prove their worth during training camp.

NHL.COM: Speaking of questions, the Edmonton Oilers have three facing them for the coming season.

Mike Babcock’s impact as head coach is the main questions. They hired the controversial coach this spring, hoping he’ll be able to get them back into Stanley Cup contention following last season’s early playoff exit.

Goaltending depth and defensive play are the other questions that must be addressed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The defensive game should improve under Babcock, but the goaltending could remain their Achille’s heel if Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi struggle to adjust with their new club. Andersen’s injury history and Levi’s development remain concerning issues.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes will be holding a yard sale of game-used gear and signed collectibles at the Lenova Center on August 15.

OTTAWA SUN: A year after the Senators signed their agreement with Ottawa’s National Capital Commission for a new arena at LeBreton Flats, the club says there is plenty of activity behind the scenes to make the new venue a reality.

Senators ownership has agreed to pay $37 million for the 11 acres, with the option to purchase for additional acres. There is no firm date when construction will begin. Cleaning the site of more than 514,000 cubic acres of contaminated soil still has to take place.

The Senators have also held several meetings with Indigenous groups to secure a financial agreement, which is paramount to the project.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks hired Ryan Stewart as their new director of hockey strategy and player evaluation. He spent the past four seasons with the San Jose Sharks where he oversaw their professional staff in North America and Europe.










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.