The NHL rumor mill is buzzing as training camps approach, with several high-profile players and potential blockbuster deals dominating the headlines. From contract standstills to potential trades, here's a breakdown of the latest buzz surrounding Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Artemi Panarin, and more.

McDavid Taking His Time in Edmonton

The biggest story of the offseason continues to be Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers. Despite earlier expectations that the superstar captain would secure a new deal this summer, no progress has been reported. Multiple insiders report that there's no sense of urgency from McDavid to sign an extension before the season. NHL insider John Shannon said that there are people in the Oilers front office "holding their breath," with McDavid seemingly content to head into the regular season unsigned. David Pagnotta added that the "actual negotiation process… hasn't begun," which was confirmed by several other sources. TSN's Chris Johnston noted McDavid "isn't in a position where he's comfortable signing an extension" just yet.

McDavid has been clear about wanting to win in Edmonton, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman emphasized something is "imperfect" with the roster, which could be holding McDavid back from signing right away. He argued that the Oilers need to convince their superstar that the team is a true contender. It's hard to envision what Edmonton can do between now and the start of the season to change McDavid's mind. If he's not totally convinced, Ryan Rishaug added that a shorter-term deal, possibly around four years, might be more likely than a full eight-year extension. Some observers believe the most likely outcome is a three-to-four year deal with Edmonton, possibly finalized sometime before the regular season starts.

There remains optimism that McDavid will ultimately commit to Edmonton, as his close relationship with Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson is seen as a potential factor in ensuring an extension gets done. The bigger question may be whether McDavid wants to tie his future to the Oilers for the long haul or opt for a shorter deal that gives him flexibility.

Wild Push to Lock Up Kaprizov

In Minnesota, the Wild are reportedly pulling out all the stops to keep their superstar forward long-term. Michael Russo reported that the team has offered Kirill Kaprizov "a ton of money," potentially in the $16 million per season range on an eight-year contract. Russo believes the Wild are willing to pay Kaprizov in the $16 million range. No deal is finalized, but it's clear Minnesota is serious about building its future around him.

Co-host Anthony LaPanta wondered how long the Wild should keep that 8x$16M offer on the table if he doesn't sign it by the time camp opens in a few weeks. The two sides aren't actually going to sit down face-to-face until the Russian superstar gets back to Minnesota ahead of training camp, so for now, there's no panic.

If Kaprizov rejects Minnesota's massive eight-year, $16 million deal, the Wild could ask him to provide a list of preferred trade destinations. While GM Bill Guerin remains confident about a deal, Russo cautioned that the longer negotiations drag on, the more doubt grows about whether Kaprizov wants to stay in Minnesota.

Panarin's Uncertain Future in New York

Artemi Panarin's future with the New York Rangers is uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract. NHL Insider David Pagnotta believes that if the Rangers are struggling early this season, he wouldn't be surprised to hear Artemi Panarin in rampant trade rumors. While there's no active push to trade him, the front office could explore trade discussions if things go sideways in a hurry.

With just under $30 million projected for 2026, re-signing Panarin to a double-digit AAV extension would commit the team to a veteran-heavy top six. Frank Seravalli suggested that if the Rangers fail to reach the postseason in 2025-26, management could be forced to put their highest-paid player on the trade block.

If the Rangers are out of it at the trade deadline, they could look to move Panarin. However, Frank Seravalli believes that the Rangers will be a playoff team, and at some point, that means finding a deal for Artemi Panarin that makes sense on an extension.