The NHL rumor mill is churning with news about player opportunities and potential contract extensions as teams navigate the early stages of the 2025-26 season. Brennan Othmann of the New York Rangers, Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars, and Andy Robertson of Liverpool are all subjects of current speculation.
Othmann Gets Another Shot with the Rangers
Brennan Othmann, a former first-round pick (16th overall in 2021) for the New York Rangers, has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. This call-up comes as Matt Rempe is sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained during a fight. Othmann's recall presents him with a fresh opportunity to demonstrate his value to the team.
There had been conversations about Othmann's future with the Rangers after he failed to make the NHL roster out of training camp. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Rangers are seeking "good AHL prospects" in exchange for Othmann. The Rangers' decision to bring Othmann back to the NHL could be one of his last chances to prove himself with the team. Despite positive signs as a prospect, Othmann has struggled to translate that potential to the NHL level. In 25 career NHL games, he has yet to score a goal, recording only two assists. However, he has shown a willingness to be physical, registering 43 hits last season.
With Rempe's injury, Othmann could see time in the middle-six and on the power play. The Rangers are in need of secondary scoring and energy, and this could be Othmann's opportunity to finally break through.
Stars Aim to Extend Robertson and Harley
The Dallas Stars are reportedly working to secure contract extensions for two of their key young players: Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley. Both players are set to become restricted free agents (RFAs) at the end of the season.
Jason Robertson's situation is particularly interesting. In late September 2025, Robertson indicated that contract talks would likely wait until the following summer, when he is set to become an RFA. He stated that his focus was on the team's performance for the current year. General Manager Jim Nill has acknowledged Robertson's desire to see what the market holds before signing a new deal. It has been projected that a maximum-length contract extension for Robertson could be in the range of $11.5 million annually.
Thomas Harley has emerged as a cornerstone defenseman for the Stars. In September 2024, Harley signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the Stars, securing him through the 2025-26 season. General Manager Jim Nill has praised Harley as one of the league's top young defensemen. There is speculation that the Stars are using Miro Heiskanen's $8.45 million contract as a benchmark for Harley's future deal.
Robertson's Future with Liverpool
Andy Robertson's future with Liverpool is also a topic of discussion. Robertson, 31, is under contract until June 2026. Reports indicate that Liverpool may not offer him a new deal. With Kostas Tsimikas potentially moving to Roma and Owen Beck struggling with injuries, Liverpool may look to add another left-back. Despite the arrival of Milos Kerkez, Robertson has found Premier League minutes hard to come by. While Atletico Madrid were reportedly interested in signing Robertson last summer, he chose to stay at Liverpool.
