The NHL rumor mill is churning with several intriguing possibilities as teams assess their needs early in the 2025-26 season. Among the most talked-about scenarios are Owen Tippett's potential trade from the Philadelphia Flyers, Carter Hart's plans with the Vegas Golden Knights after his acquittal, and the Edmonton Oilers' interest in Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe.
Flyers Considering Offers for Owen Tippett
The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in an interesting position with a surplus of talented young wingers. This logjam has led to speculation that they might be willing to part with Owen Tippett, a 26-year-old who is under contract for several more years. According to NHL Network's David Pagnotta, several teams are already "poking around" to gauge the Flyers' interest in moving Tippett.
Tippett's $6.2 million AAV contract, which runs through the 2031-32 season, makes him an attractive target for teams seeking a proven scorer with term. However, a limited no-trade clause kicks in next July, potentially complicating any future deals. Internally, the Flyers have a wave of prospects and young players like Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, and Porter Martone who are pushing for top-six roles, potentially making Tippett expendable if the Flyers can address other needs, such as strengthening their blue line or acquiring a top-tier center. Potential suitors view Tippett as a valuable asset who could bolster their offensive capabilities. The Flyers are not in a rush to trade Tippett unless they get a deal that fills a big need for the team.
Carter Hart Eyes Fresh Start with Golden Knights
Carter Hart has officially joined the Vegas Golden Knights after being acquitted of charges related to a 2018 incident. Hart, who last played in the NHL in the 2023-24 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, is looking for a "fresh start" with the defending Stanley Cup champions. He has signed a professional tryout contract.
"I'm just looking forward to moving ahead here, getting back to playing the game of hockey that I love, and showing the community here what I'm really about and my true character and who I am," Hart said. The Golden Knights, in a statement, expressed their commitment to the core values that have defined their organization and expect their players to continue to meet these standards moving forward. Hart is eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15, and he can play in NHL games starting December 1. He plans to be active in the Vegas community to demonstrate his true character.
Oilers "Lurking" as Kempe's Contract Talks Stall
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly keeping a close eye on Adrian Kempe's contract situation with the Los Angeles Kings. Kempe, a highly effective top-line scorer, is seeking a significant raise from his current $5.5 million AAV. While Kempe has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles, negotiations have reportedly stalled due to a gap in valuation.
David Pagnotta reports that the Oilers are "quasi lurking in the weeds," ready to pounce if Kempe becomes available. The Oilers have lost multiple top-six wingers in recent years and are constantly searching for scoring depth to complement Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Kempe's combination of elite finishing and responsible two-way play would be a significant addition to Edmonton's offensive core.
However, acquiring Kempe would not be cheap. His next contract could come in around $11 million per season, and the Kings would likely demand a substantial return in prospects and/or draft picks. With the salary cap rising, the Oilers may be willing to pay a premium for Kempe's services. Other teams are expected to monitor the situation closely.
