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 – July 30, 2026

by | Jul 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2026

​Check out the latest on the Penguins and the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported on what’s been a quiet offseason thus far for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

General manager Kyle Dubas was unsuccessful in his attempt to make a big splash and move up in the first round of this year’s draft. Yohe believes Dubas either misjudged the value of trade assets such as Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, or how challenging the trade market would be.

Dubas could have better luck next summer. He’ll have over $70 million in salary-cap space to work with, and the trade and free-agent markets should be better than they were this year.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Earlier this month, Yohe was asked what the Penguins plan would be for Erik Karlsson.

The 36-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Yohe stated that he’d be surprised if they re-sign Karlsson, pointing out that he’ll be 37 when his next contract begins. He speculated they could let him walk via free agency next July, or attempt to move him by the March trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Responding to Yohe’s comments about Karlsson, Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast expressed his belief that the Penguins would trade the puck-moving defenseman to the Ottawa Senators or Toronto Maple Leafs before the 2026-27 regular season begins.

The Senators are seeking another scoring forward, but maybe they’d be open to adding more offense to their blueline. Karlsson could be open to a return to the team where he spent his best seasons, and he’d fill their ongoing need to bolster the right side of their defense corps. However, that seems more like a move the Sens might make if they’re buyers at the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs’ new management has been busy shaking up its roster. Bringing in Karlsson (provided he’s willing to go to Toronto) would give them a short-term burst of experienced skill. However, they’re currently over the cap by $2.7 million, giving them no wiggle room to absorb his $10 million cap hit. And no, the Penguins won’t retain salary to make it happen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Herb Zurkowsky noted the recent flurry of trade rumors linking the Canadiens to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Zurkowsky acknowledged that having Marchenko and Ivan Demidov on the same line would probably improve the Canadiens, but it wouldn’t address its ongoing need for a second-line center.

The asking price for Marchenko would be high. Zurkowsky believes the Blue Jackets would want one of the Canadiens’ top prospects (Michael Hage or Alexander Zharovsky), a first-round pick, and another player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens were interested in Marchenko, but it doesn’t seem as though he’s available. Despite the recent flurry of rumors, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell refuted the speculation, claiming he hasn’t spoken with other clubs about the 26-year-old winger in weeks. He also stated earlier this month that Marchenko would be in the Jackets’ lineup to start the season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey acknowledged a rumor that linked the Philadelphia Flyers to Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

However, Bailey believes Xhekaj isn’t a fit with the Flyers. He noted they already have two physical defensemen with Nick Seeler and Simon Benoit. Adding another blueliner when they’re also trying to promote promising youngsters like Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek would be counterproductive.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

Pursuing Connor Hellebuyck could be expensive for the Sabres; the Senators continue to search for a scorer; and an update on Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

WHAT COULD IT COST THE SABRES TO ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently pondered whether it would be worth it for the Buffalo Sabres to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The Sabres were reportedly working on a trade for Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets that fell through before the 2026 NHL Draft last month. It’s rumored the Jets sought the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall), goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, and a prospect.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Lambert suggested a package of Luukkonen and Quinn (or a player of similar value), a pair of first-rounders (to replace the value of that fourth-overall pick from the original offer), and maybe a pair of decent prospects might get it done.

It would be a worthwhile bet for the Sabres but would raise the bar for them to exceed expectations.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe looks at what it might cost the Sabres now to acquire Hellebuyck from the Jets.

Promising defenseman Radim Mrtka would be a good addition, but Wiebe believes the Sabres would have to add one or two good forwards in the deal. They won’t part with Zach Benson or Konsta Helenius. Options could include Quinn, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod, or Noah Ostlund.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck was reportedly open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. It was also reported that the Sabres wanted the Jets’ 2026 first-rounder (eighth overall), which may have spiked the deal.

The two sides could revisit those trade discussions, but Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will still insist on a significant return. With Hellebuyck under contract for five more seasons, he’s not in a hurry to move him, and it doesn’t appear that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner is pushing him for a trade.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A SCORER

OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios remains in the market for a scoring forward.

Staios acquired wingers William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky via trades and brought back forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at possible options available for the Senators.

Former Senator Vladimir Tarasenko is still out there in the free-agent market, but he’d have to take a pay cut to return to Ottawa. Patrik Laine is another, but he’s a streaky scorer with a long injury history.

Lambert noted that Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks could be an option if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets have also surfaced in the rumor mill, but it’s questionable if they’re available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ search for a pure scoring winger could carry on into the regular season.

Tarasenko has put up decent numbers, but his best years are now behind him. Laine’s declining speed has also been an issue, and he’s more of a power-play specialist now.

Boeser has been loyal to the Canucks despite their difficulties. The Bruins seem intent on re-signing Zacha. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell swears that Marchenko will be in the Blue Jackets lineup this season.

UPDATE ON ARBER XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Montreal Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent, and he has been the subject of trade speculation since last season. The Calgary Flames were also believed to be interested in the rugged blueliner.

Pagnotta claimed the Canadiens and Xhekaj’s camp are still negotiating a new contract for this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been mixed reports out of Montreal regarding Xhekaj’s value to the Canadiens. Some believe head coach Martin St. Louis lacks confidence in the big defenseman, but others believe his physical presence fills an invaluable role as the club’s enforcer.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2026

by | Jul 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2026

Check out the latest on Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOES CUTTER GAUTHIER WANT THE SAME DEAL AS LEO CARLSSON?

DAILY FACEOFF: cited a recent episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, in which Keith Yandle said he was “fed a little tidbit” that Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier “will not be taking one dollar less” than what teammate Leo Carlsson received on his new contract.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

Carlsson, 21, signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3, which the Ducks matched six days later. The average annual value is a league-leading $18 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast said there was no truth to this report, adding that there has been no confirmed ask from Gauthier.

Gauthier’s asking price will likely exceed $10 million annually now that Carlsson’s new AAV has become the league benchmark. However, first-line centers are usually more valuable than wingers, which is why the Ducks had to match that offer sheet for Carlsson.

The Gauthier camp could be waiting to see what Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson receives on his next contract. The 26-year-old winger filed for salary arbitration on July 5. He’s reportedly seeking an AAV of $14 million, while the Stars countered with $12 million.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin remains in play, but things are currently quiet.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman remains patient in his search for the right return. Smith wouldn’t be surprised if Larkin is still with the Red Wings when training camp opens in September, though the situation could become uncomfortable in Detroit if it comes to that.

The Wild have made their offer to the Red Wings, who are seeking roster players rather than futures. Regarding Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos’ report that the Red Wings want Matt Boldy in return for Larkin, Smith doesn’t see a scenario in which the Wild move on from Boldy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith believes the Wild will wait if they can’t trade for Larkin. Other options could become available over the course of the summer or during training camp.

UPDATE ON ZEGRAS AND DRYSDALE

NHL.COM’s Bill Meltzer cited two team sources claiming the Flyers expect new contracts for forward Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale to be hammered out before their scheduled arbitration hearings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players usually file for arbitration to set a deadline for signing their new contracts, rather than having them drag on throughout the summer. Few end up needing arbitration to settle things.

Drysdale’s hearing is scheduled for July 20, and Zegras’ is July 22.

TEAMS ARE SHOWING INTEREST IN ARBER XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: cited Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, claiming more than one team has contacted the Montreal Canadiens about Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent this summer. He’s completed a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj sees third-pairing minutes while also serving as the Canadiens’ enforcer. His physical style has made him popular among his teammates and a fan favorite in Montreal. Nevertheless, some Montreal pundits believe he could be traded to make room for one of their up-and-coming blueliners.

The Canadiens could wait and see how things shake out in training camp and the preseason before deciding whether to move Xhekaj.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 10, 2026

by | Jul 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 10, 2026

What’s next for the Ducks and Flyers now that the Leo Carlsson offer sheet saga is over? Which players could become offer-sheet targets? What’s the latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DUCKS AND FLYERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens wondered if the Anaheim Ducks could build a Stanley Cup contender around an $18 million player.

On Thursday, the Ducks matched the five-year, $90 million offer sheet that Leo Carlsson signed with the Philadelphia Flyers last Friday. His $18 million AAV is the highest in NHL history, taking up 17.30 percent of the Ducks’ salary cap for this season.

“Now the Ducks will try to ice a winner with a top-heavy financial structure in the same vein that the Minnesota Wild will proceed with Kirill Kaprizov and his eight-year, $136 million ($17 million AAV) contract taking effect in the coming season,” Stephens wrote.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

The Ducks’ next task is signing restricted free-agent winger Cutter Gauthier, who tallied a team-leading 41 goals and 69 points last season. The 22-year-old Gauthier is ineligible to sign an offer sheet, but that probably won’t stop him from seeking an AAV over $10 million.

With just over $9 million in cap space, the Ducks will have to shed salary to create room for Gauthier’s new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could take the Ducks most of the offseason to hammer out a new contract with Gauthier. They still hold leverage because of the winger’s lack of arbitration rights, but playing hardball probably isn’t a good idea after making Carlsson the highest-paid player in the league for this season.

Their cost-cutting trade candidates could include wingers Chris Kreider or Alex Killorn (15-team no-trade clauses). Frank Vatrano (seven-team NTC) is the more likely option, but his declining play and injury history could make him harder to move.

Another concern is their defense corps, which lost two experienced blueliners with the departures of Jacob Trouba and John Carlson. Apart from the 35-year-old Nick Jensen, the rest of their top-six rearguards are 25 and younger. They might’ve had sufficient room to add one or two veteran defensemen if not for the Carlsson offer sheet, but that’s out the window now.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz doesn’t expect Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere to target another player with an offer sheet after his effort to land Leo Carlsson was matched.

The Flyers’ glaring need for a first-line center remains. However, a Flyers team source indicated that the offer sheet for Carlsson was as much about circumstances as it was about the player. Their offer was well-planned, designed to put economic pressure on the Ducks to let Carlsson go.

Kurz expects the Flyers will likely turn to adding some depth players to support their promising youngsters. They must also re-sign winger Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale, who filed for salary arbitration on Sunday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks might suggest the Flyers pursue Dylan Larkin, but that’s not happening unless the Detroit Red Wings center is willing to expand his list of destinations to include Philadelphia. So far, he’s only added the Dallas Stars to his list, which also includes the Minnesota Wild (his prime destination), Vegas Golden Knights (who lack suitable tradeable assets) and the Florida Panthers (ditto, because they won’t part with Anton Lundell).

WHAT OTHER POTENTIAL OFFER SHEET TARGETS ARE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER?

THE SCORE: Michael Bradburn listed the restricted free agents who are eligible to receive offer sheets this summer.

Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks and Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets headline the forwards. Bedard is sidelined for four months, recovering from shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks and Blue Jackets also have plenty of salary-cap space, meaning a club will have to overpay significantly to have any chance of successfully signing Bedard or Fantilli. Based on Kurz’s report, the Flyers aren’t looking at going the offer-sheet route again this summer.

Bradburn singled out Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings and Arber Xhekaj of the Montreal Canadiens as the most intriguing options among the defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forget about landing Edvinsson unless you’re willing to offer him well over $12 million annually. That’s the amount the Red Wings have reportedly set aside in case someone signs the 21-year-old blueliner. As for Xhekaj, a rival club could pursue him, but that might be more through a trade than an offer sheet.

THE LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reports there’s been lots of trade talk about Elias Pettersson. However, the Vancouver Canucks have not asked the 27-year-old center to waive his no-movement clause.

“Lots of chatter but don’t believe anything is close,” Dhaliwal tweeted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As always, Pettersson’s expensive contract and the decline in his play over the past two years remain significant sticking points that are difficult to surmount.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 12, 2026

by | May 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 12, 2026

The Avalanche take a commanding series lead over the Wild, Shane Doan parts ways with the Maple Leafs, the Sedins to move up in the Canucks’ front office, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche have taken a 3-1 lead in their second-round series with the Minnesota Wild following a 5-2 victory in Game 4 on Tuesday. Parker Kelly broke a 2-2 tie, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 19 saves in his first start in this postseason, and Nazem Kadri scored to extend his points streak to five games.

Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Danila Yurov and Nico Sturm scored while Jesper Wallstedt stopped 29 of 32 shots for the Wild.

The Avalanche can wrap up this series in Game 5 on Wednesday in Colorado.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was an ugly moment during the first period when Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson butt-ended Wild forward Michael McCarron in the left side of his face as the two scuffled on the ice. Manson received a double-minor, resulting in Yurov’s game-opening goal.

McCarron was still furious about the incident during his between-period interview with ESPN’s P.K. Subban, calling Manson a dirty player. After the game, Manson claimed he wasn’t trying to butt-end McCarron but was attempting to punch him.

Manson had returned to action after missing several games with an upper-body injury. He and forward Joel Kiviranta’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Avalanche, as forward Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski missed this game with upper-body injuries.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Shane Doan and the Toronto Maple Leafs have mutually agreed to part company. Doan joined the Maple Leafs in 2023 as a special advisor to the general manager. With John Chayka taking over that role, Doan’s contract will not be renewed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doan and Chayka have an unpleasant history from their days when the former was captain of the Arizona Coyotes and the latter was the club’s GM. In 2017, Chayka told Doan that the Coyotes no longer required his services, giving the club’s long-time star no proper send-off or ceremony to honor his tenure.

Doan has been connected to the Vancouver Canucks as they reshape their front office. He could also land with the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators.

THE PROVINCE: Speaking of the Canucks, franchise icons Daniel and Henrik Sedin have reportedly accepted larger roles within the club’s hockey operations department. They’ve spent the past five seasons with the Canucks in a player development role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It remains to be seen what the Sedins’ new roles will be, but it won’t be as general managers. The Canucks are reportedly narrowing down their list of prospective candidates for that job.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard may have suffered a concussion during Game 1 of the first-round series with the Anaheim Ducks. Bouchard finished that game and played in the remainder of that series, which the Ducks won in six games.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New York Islanders rookie star Matthew Schaefer is teaming up with Northwell Health to create a child support center in honor of his mother, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer in 2024.

TSN: Buffalo Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj were fined by the league for their actions in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series on Sunday.

Malenstyn was fined over $3,500 for goaltender interference when he deliberately ran Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes. Xhekaj was fined over $3,300 for roughing Sabres forward Sam Carrick when he sucker-punched the latter in the dying seconds of the game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll see if those fines serve as a warning to both teams to dial back the chippy play and after-the-whistle antics that were prevalent in Game 3.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Despite two ugly losses in Games 2 and 3, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff remains confident in his group as they attempt to reset for Game 4 in Montreal on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens dominated the Sabres in those two contests. Another lopsided loss in Game 4 could be demoralizing for the Sabres while giving the Habs a commanding lead in the series.

TVA SPORTS: The Canadiens have recalled forwards Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj and defensemen David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom after their AHL affiliate in Laval was eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs. The foursome will skate with the Canadiens in practice and will be available as reserve players.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights’ head coach John Tortorella hopes Tomas Hertl’s late goal in Game 4 of their series against the Anaheim Ducks helps the veteran forward regain his scoring touch. It was his first goal since March 4.

TSN: The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Mark Jankowski to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.85 million.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils general manager Sunny Mehta hired Braden Birch as his new assistant general manager. Birch is the former Florida Panthers director of hockey operations and salary cap management.