The NHL preseason is drawing to a close, and with the regular season on the horizon, the rumor mill is churning with activity. Teams are evaluating their rosters, making final adjustments to get under the 23-man roster limit, and, of course, exploring potential trades and contract extensions. Here's a look at some of the biggest rumors making the rounds this week.
Contract Extension Buzz
Several high-profile players are reportedly in talks for contract extensions. Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' captain, is a perennial MVP candidate, and rumors suggest the Oilers are eager to lock him up long-term. Similarly, Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights is also said to be nearing an extension. The Minnesota Wild just signed goaltender Filip Gustavsson to a five-year extension worth $34 million. The trend now appears to be paying for upcoming production.
Trade Winds Blowing?
As teams finalize their rosters, some players may find themselves on the outside looking in, potentially leading to trades. The New Jersey Devils, after re-signing defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $63 million contract, might need to shed salary to become cap-compliant. This could resurrect trade speculation surrounding Dougie Hamilton, although his $9 million cap hit and 10-team trade list could complicate matters.
The Detroit Red Wings are another team to watch for potential trade activity. With a few crowded positions, they may look to move some players to improve their overall roster balance.
Goaltending Carousel
The goaltending market is always a hot topic, and this year is no different. Besides Gustavsson's recent extension, there's speculation surrounding other netminders. The Calgary Flames' Jacob Markstrom has been mentioned in trade rumors, although nothing concrete has materialized yet. Additionally, the situation with Carter Hart, formerly of the Philadelphia Flyers, is being closely monitored, with rumors suggesting he could be joining a new NHL club soon.
Other Notable Rumblings
- UFA Watch: Veteran forward Jack Roslovic remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent, with insiders providing updates on his situation and potential landing spots.
- Waiver Wire Activity: The Vegas Golden Knights lost forward Cole Schwindt on waivers to an Atlantic Division team.
- LTIR Situations: The New Jersey Devils are expected to place defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic on LTIR, which should make them cap compliant before their regular-season schedule begins on Oct. 9. They could also place injured forward Stefan Noesen on LTIR.
Around the League
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a major decision with forward David Kampf. The Nashville Predators re-signed Luke Evangelista to a multi-year deal. The Anaheim Ducks signed Jackson LaCombe to a new deal.
With the regular season just around the corner, expect the rumor mill to continue churning as teams fine-tune their rosters and make their final preparations for the long season ahead.
