NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2026

by | Aug 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have an update on some of the top remaining unrestricted free agents, and three proposed offer sheet candidates for Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli.

DAILY FACEOFF: No changes to Matt Larkin’s listing of the top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Wingers Patrik Laine and Eeli Tolvanen and defenseman Logan Stanley remain among the best players in a shallow pool of UFA talent. Laine tops Larkin’s list, with Stanley ranked second and Tolvanen fifth.

Former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Other noteworthy UFAs include forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron; goaltenders Cam Talbot and Connor Ingram; and defensemen John Klingberg and Nick Blankenburg.

DFO RUNDOWN: NHL Network’s Mike Rupp talked to host Jason Gregor about potential landing spots for Patrik Laine.

Rupp believes the 28-year-old winger could help clubs looking to improve their power play. He suggested the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, whose power-play percentages were among the league’s worst last season.

Turning to the Anaheim Ducks, Rupp believes they must improve their defense and suggested Logan Stanley as a potential solution. However, he noted that they would have their work cut out for them, given their limited salary-cap space and efforts to re-sign winger Cutter Gauthier.

PACIFIC NORTH HOCKEY: Rob Simpson reports Eeli Tolvanen’s camp claims they’ve had conversations with multiple NHL teams. However, his former club, the Seattle Kraken, are not among them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There could be a flurry of free-agent signings once the calendar flips to September. With training camps opening in mid-September, some NHL clubs could scramble to address their lingering roster needs through free agency and trades.

Most of the players remaining on Larkin’s list, including Laine, Stanley, and Tolvanen, could find themselves signing one-year contracts for much less than they anticipated when the free-agent market opened on July 1. Some could sign professional tryout offers in the hope of earning a one-year deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert listed three teams that he believes should attempt to sign center Adam Fantilli to an offer sheet.

Fantilli, 21, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames should make a pitch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert lays out good reasons why the Red Wings, Kraken, and Flames would benefit from signing Fantilli if the young center is open to signing an offer sheet. However, if he were willing to sign an offer sheet, he probably would’ve done it by now. At this stage in the offseason, with training camps opening in a month, the offer sheet becomes a more remote possibility.










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.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 28, 2026

by | Jul 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 28, 2026

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

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

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

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2026

by | Jul 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2026

A look at the latest regarding the top remaining unrestricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest speculation regarding the top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Patrick Kane tops Fox’s list. He noted there were rumors that the 37-year-old winger was considering contract offers from his former club, the Chicago Blackhawks, and his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane seems to be taking his time to consider his options. He’s unlikely to be an expensive signing for either club.

Defenseman Logan Stanley is reportedly still weighing his options. The 28-year-old is said to be seeking a four- or five-year contract worth up to $25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stanley might have to revise his asking price. The best opportunity for him to get that deal was within the opening week of the market.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen is believed to be seeking term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 27-year-old Tolvanen is among the youngest players in this summer’s market. It’s a little surprising that he hasn’t signed yet. The longest term he’s had on his previous contracts was three years.

Some observers wonder if the Edmonton Oilers might have an interest in winger Vladimir Tarasenko after they previously “kicked tires” on Claude Giroux before he signed with the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News has the Oilers on his list of suggested destinations for Tarasenko. The others include the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Utah Mammoth.

Defenseman John Klingberg is fifth on Fox’s list. He noted the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers remain eager to boost the right side of their defense corps.

Winger Patrik Laine remains available. The New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild were reportedly considering him as a reclamation project.

Other notables include forwards Michael Bunting, Reilly Smith, and Philipp Kurashev, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The remaining players on this list might have to wait until late August or early September to get new contracts. Some could end up on professional tryout offers during training camp.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2026

by | Jul 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: five players who could seek maximum AAVs on their next contracts and the latest Rangers speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be taking time off on Sunday, July 19. The next update to this site will be Monday, July 20. And now, on to today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Justin Arenburg recently listed five NHL players who could seek the maximum average annual value on their next contracts.

The maximum AAV for NHL players is 20 percent of whatever the salary cap is on the date the player signs their contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum AAV for 2026-27 is $20.8 million. A player who signs a contract extension during this season would receive this season’s maximum rate.

The salary cap will rise to $113.5 million for 2027-28, making the maximum AAV $22.7 million. It would be beneficial for a superstar on an expiring contract to wait until July 1, 2027, when they can earn a higher maximum AAV.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

Arenburg lists Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche as the top candidates for 2027. Celebrini will be a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract, while Makar will be the top unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As explained earlier, if Celebrini and Makar sign extensions during this season for the league maximum, it would be $20.8 million. If they wait until July 1, it’ll be $22.7 million.

Celebrini has indicated he could be open to signing for less than the maximum, but he’ll still get a substantial raise. With Leo Carlsson’s new contract with its $18 million AAV setting the benchmark, Celebrini would be justified in seeking more because of his status among the league’s elite players.

Makar is earning an AAV of $9 million on his current deal. Given that he’s considered the best defenseman in the league, he is expected to seek more than Carlsson’s $18 million AAV. How much more remains to be seen.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews would be the top UFAs in the 2028 free agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given their accomplishments, McDavid and Matthews would be justified in seeking top dollar from their existing teams or from other clubs on the open market. With the 2028-29 salary cap projected to be $123 million, the maximum AAV would be $24.6 million.

Arenburg also included Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks on this list. The 21-year-old is currently an RFA coming off his entry-level contract. He’s struggled at times to play up to the hype as “the next McDavid”, in part due to injuries that have hampered his performance.

Nevertheless, it was recently revealed that Carlsson’s agents said they looked at Bedard as a comparable player when negotiating their client’s current contract. Arenburg suggested the possibility of the Blackhawks center signing for the league maximum.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how Bedard’s contract negotiations pan out. He and the Blackhawks were reportedly negotiating an extension when he suffered a shoulder injury earlier this month that has sidelined him for four months. What effect that has on those discussions remains to be seen.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently looked at several options for the New York Rangers to add another forward to their roster during the offseason.

According to Mercogliano’s sources, the Rangers poked around on Anthony Mantha (before he signed with the New Jersey Devils) and Eeli Tolvanen. Patrik Laine could be an option on a one-year, “prove-it” deal, but “Drury’s interest is unclear”.

Young trade targets could include Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken are currently entertaining trade offers for Wright, and it’s believed the Flames are open to offers for Zary. There hasn’t been much speculation about Johnson, but that doesn’t mean the Blue Jackets won’t entertain offers.

Mercogliano didn’t rule out the Rangers adding a veteran forward with ties to the club, such as Vancouver Canucks wingers Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk (through J.T. Miller) and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust (through head coach Mike Sullivan). However, all those players are 29 or older, and each one carries a significant salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My guess is Drury prefers adding one of those younger forwards. They carry reasonable contracts and could be solid additions for years if they flourish in New York.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2026

by | Jul 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2026

The notable players remaining in the UFA market, and Matthew Tkachuk bids farewell to former teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Evan Rodrigues. Check out the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Wingers Anthony Mantha, Patrick Kane, and Patrik Laine top the list of notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha has been linked to the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens in the rumor mill. It’s believed Kane could return to the Detroit Red Wings or sign with his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres. Some observers have suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs look into signing Laine, but there’s no indication whether those clubs are interested in him.

Other noteworthy players include defenseman Logan Stanley, wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanen, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There were some suggestions that Stanley would be a good option for the Canadiens or the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kurt Leavins and Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal recently debated whether Tarasenko would be a good fit with the Oilers.

Surprisingly, Tolvanen hasn’t been signed up yet. Given his age (27) and two-way play, he’d be an affordable middle-six addition for most clubs. As for Talbot, time may be catching up with the 39-year-old netminder.

Defensemen John Klingberg, Nick Blankenberg, and Carson Soucy, center Adam Henrique, goaltenders Connor Ingram and James Reimer, and wingers James van Riemsdyk and David Perron round out the list.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards reports Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk is going to miss former teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Evan Rodrigues.

Bobrovsky departed the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1. Rodrigues was traded to the New Jersey Devils two weeks ago as part of the return for Jacob Markstrom, who replaced Bobrovsky as the Panthers’ starting goaltender.

Speaking with his brother (and new teammate) Brady Tkachuk on their Wingmen podcast, Matthew said he would miss Bobrovsky on and off the ice, calling him one of his favorite teammates. However, he is excited about reuniting with Markstrom. The two were teammates with the Calgary Flames until Tkachuk’s trade to the Panthers in 2022.

Tkachuk described Rodrigues as “a Swiss Army knife” because of his versatility. He hopes their paths cross again because he loved playing with him.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports this season will be a critical one for Washington Capitals forward Ivan Miroshnichenko.

Chosen 20th overall in the 2022 draft, the 22-year-old winger has had 52 games with the Capitals over the past three seasons, but hasn’t yet nailed down a regular roster spot.

Silber observed that Miroshnichenko will face competition from incoming wingers Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miroshnichenko must elevate his game to have any chance of securing a regular spot on the Capitals’ roster this season. Otherwise, he’ll spend another season in the minors and could become a trade candidate before the March deadline.

ILLEGAL CURVE: Winnipeg Jets prospect Viggo Bjorck is leaving Swedish club Djurgardens to continue his playing career in North America.

Winnipeg chose the 18-year-old winger eighth overall in this year’s NHL Draft. It hasn’t been reported yet whether he’s signed an entry-level contract with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bjorck has either signed his ELC and it hasn’t been reported yet, or he will do so with the Jets later this summer, perhaps as early as this week.

THE ATHLETIC: Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is hoping to bring an NBA expansion franchise to his city. He publicly declared his intent to do so last month and is rounding up a group to submit a bid.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Real estate executive Stephen Stroud, who played a role in bringing the Carolina Hurricanes to Raleigh, passed away Saturday at age 83.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Stroud’s family, friends, and the Hurricanes’ organization.