The NHL rumor mill is churning as teams gear up for the 2025-2026 season. Several teams are looking to make moves to bolster their rosters before training camps begin. Here's a look at some of the latest buzz:
Canucks' Center Search Continues
The Vancouver Canucks are actively seeking a center to strengthen their middle-six. General Manager Patrik Allvin has shifted his focus from free agents to the trade market after cooling on the idea of signing Jack Roslovic. The Canucks are looking for a player who can provide meaningful minutes and complement their offensive core.
Vancouver had previously made a strong push to acquire Marco Rossi from the Minnesota Wild at the NHL Draft, even offering their 15th overall pick. However, the Wild opted to keep Rossi, signing him to a bridge contract.
With limited appealing free-agent options available, the Canucks are exploring potential trades. Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes and Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins have emerged as possible targets. Kotkaniemi, 25, carries a $4.82 million cap hit and possesses offensive upside, though he hasn't fully lived up to his potential since being drafted third overall in 2018. A change of scenery could benefit him. Zacha, 28, is a more established option with multiple 20-goal seasons and experience centering Boston's top line. Acquiring Zacha would likely require a significant package of assets.
As training camp approaches, Filip Chytil and Aatu Räty are projected to handle center duties. However, if early chemistry doesn't develop, Allvin is expected to remain aggressive in pursuing a trade. The Canucks have brought in Evander Kane and Pierre-Olivier Joseph this summer but still need help down the middle after trading J.T. Miller and losing Pius Suter. A trade proposal has the Canucks acquiring Zacha for a 2026 first-round pick and Aatu Räty. The Bruins were reportedly open to moving Zacha and the Canucks are among the teams linked to him. Zacha has two years remaining on his contract with a $4.75 million cap hit.
There is speculation that the Canucks may trade Evander Kane, acquired this offseason, at the 2026 trade deadline.
Kyle Connor to the Red Wings?
Rumors continue to swirl around Winnipeg Jets star winger Kyle Connor, with a potential move to the Detroit Red Wings gaining traction. Connor, a Detroit native, is entering the final year of his $50 million contract, making him an attractive target for teams looking to add scoring.
A proposed trade would see the Red Wings acquire Connor in exchange for a package that includes Michael Rasmussen, prospects Nate Danielson, Marco Kasper, and William Wallinder, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick. The Red Wings have over $12 million in cap space and a deep prospect pool, giving them the flexibility to make a deal.
While the Red Wings are interested in acquiring Connor before he hits free agency, there's a possibility he could join the team without them giving up any assets if he doesn't re-sign with the Jets. General Manager Steve Yzerman has indicated that the team could make a big move.
Other Rumblings
As the NHL season approaches, expect more rumors and potential trades as teams fine-tune their rosters for a competitive year.
