NHL IN 60 SECONDS
Cale Makar has signed a record eight-year, $163.2 million contract with Colorado, beginning next season. Minnesota remain in talks with Quinn Hughes, while Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk continue to feature in Vancouver trade speculation. Elsewhere, commentators have debated whether Canadian clubs face retention concerns with American players.
THE BIG FIVE
Boeser and DeBrusk remain trade candidates
Brock Boeser, 29, is signed through 2031-32 with a $7.25 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. Jake DeBrusk, also 29, is signed through 2030-31 at a $5.5 million AAV with a full no-movement clause. DeBrusk has said that playing on a rebuilding team would be difficult at this stage of his career.
IHM Signal: Any move would require the player to waive his no-movement clause, making the market dependent on both player approval and club interest.
Coach Mark: A stronger supporting group could help a scoring winger find more favourable attacking situations, but any trade decision remains with the clubs and players involved.
READ FULL STORY: Boeser and DeBrusk likely to remain trade candidates
Makar signs record eight-year Avalanche contract
The Colorado Avalanche signed Cale Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract that begins next season. Its $20.4 million AAV makes it the richest contract in NHL history. Colorado also have Martin Necas signed at an $11.5 million AAV and Nathan MacKinnon at a $12.6 million AAV; the three deals total $44.5 million annually.
IHM Signal: Colorado have committed major long-term cap space to Makar, MacKinnon and Necas while retaining their core stars.
Coach Mark: Elite players set a team’s ceiling, but playoff success also requires depth, health and timely performances.
Wild confident over Quinn Hughes negotiations
Wild general manager Bill Guerin said he is confident Quinn Hughes will agree a new contract, while stressing that the club cannot make him sign. Hughes has been eligible to sign since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He had 53 points in 48 regular-season games and 15 points in 11 playoff games for Minnesota last season.
IHM Signal: Hughes’ potential unrestricted free agency after this season gives the negotiations added importance, even as Guerin described communication as positive.
Coach Mark: Hughes is a central player for Minnesota, so clarity on his future would help long-term roster planning.
Debate grows over American players on Canadian clubs
Commentators discussed whether Canadian NHL teams should factor potential cross-border preferences into drafting and retention plans. The debate followed Connor Hellebuyck’s reported trade request and referenced previous situations involving Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk.
IHM Signal: The discussion centres on retention rather than talent evaluation, with no indication that clubs should avoid drafting American players.
Coach Mark: A competitive environment and clear roles can matter in retaining players, regardless of nationality.
IHM SHORT ICE
Rumours surround Demko, Batherson and Montembeault
Questions remain around Thatcher Demko’s health, Drake Batherson’s contract situation and whether Edmonton could be interested in Sam Montembeault. None represents a confirmed move.
AHL players seek NHL opportunities
A list of five AHL players highlighted Sebastian Cossa and Trey Fix-Wolansky as players who could earn greater NHL opportunities in 2026-27. Cossa posted a .915 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average in 39 AHL games last season.
Detroit still seeking a general manager
Detroit had not appointed a new general manager as September began, with training camp approaching.
Fantasy projections published for 2026-27
Fantasy point projections for the 2026-27 season included 84-game estimates for NHL forwards and defencemen.
Minister visits Canadian hockey-stick factory
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon visited the Roustan Hockey factory amid tariff concerns affecting hockey sticks. The Brantford, Ontario factory produces around 400,000 traditional wooden sticks annually, with nearly half sold in the United States.
READ FULL STORY: Evan Solomon visits Roustan hockey factory over tariffs
Flyers preview focuses on Woll and roster additions
Philadelphia acquired Joseph Woll from Toronto and added Noel Acciari, Simon Benoit, Nolan Foote and Danila Klimovich. The club’s off-season also included an unsuccessful offer sheet for Leo Carlsson.
Houston mayor backs NHL expansion bid
Houston mayor John Whitmire said the city is ready to host a potential 33rd NHL franchise.
Player empowerment remains an NHL discussion
NHL player movement and career control remain a prominent topic as teams consider the long-term effects on roster building.
IHM NHL PULSE
Contracts remain a major focus
Makar’s new deal and Hughes’ unresolved negotiations underline the importance of long-term commitments to elite players.
Trade speculation continues
Boeser and DeBrusk remain linked to possible moves, while several other rumoured situations remain unresolved.
Opportunities could emerge before the season
AHL players, roster changes and the approach of training camp will keep competition for NHL roles in focus.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
- Whether Hughes agrees a new contract before he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
- Whether Boeser or DeBrusk waives his no-movement clause if a trade opportunity develops.
- How Colorado’s roster is shaped when Makar’s contract begins next season.
SHORT ICE Q&A
Q: Has Brock Boeser been traded?
A: No. He remains a trade candidate and has a full no-movement clause.
Q: What is Cale Makar’s new AAV?
A: Makar’s eight-year contract carries a $20.4 million average annual value.
Q: When can Quinn Hughes become an unrestricted free agent?
A: He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Q: Which AHL players were highlighted for NHL opportunities?
A: Sebastian Cossa and Trey Fix-Wolansky were among the players highlighted.
FAN PULSE
Should Canadian NHL teams change draft priorities because of perceived retention risks with American players?
Choices: A) Yes – prioritise retention fit, B) No – draft the best player regardless of nationality, C) Unsure.