Tag: Rumors

Blue Jackets Reportedly Seek Roster Players in Kirill Marchenko Trade

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 26, 2026, 19:05 CEST

Story Summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets have resolved Adam Fantilli’s situation, signing the centre to a six-year contract with a $13.75 million AAV, and are now reportedly exploring the trade market for forward Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko is in the final year of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV and will remain a restricted free agent afterwards; his agent reportedly said at the draft that he would not re-sign in Columbus. General manager Don Waddell has indicated the club will not make a deal that does not benefit the Blue Jackets, with Columbus said to be seeking players who can help immediately rather than futures. Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas and Seattle have been mentioned as potential interested teams, although no specific offer or trade package has been confirmed.

Key Facts

Columbus signed Adam Fantilli to a six-year contract with a $13.75 million AAV.
Kirill Marchenko is in the final year of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV.
When Marchenko’s current contract expires he will still be a restricted free agent, and he reportedly wants to be paid like one of the NHL’s top goal scorers.
Marchenko’s agent reportedly told at the draft that his client was not going to re-sign in Columbus.
GM Don Waddell has said he will not make a deal that doesn’t benefit the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets are said to be seeking roster players in any Marchenko trade rather than draft picks or long-term futures.
Elliotte Friedman discussed the situation and said multiple teams have been circling Marchenko, naming Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas (uncertain) and Seattle among those mentioned.
Marchenko received boos from fans on a recent Thursday night but was reported to be working hard and giving his best effort.
The team’s clearer cap picture after the Fantilli signing was cited as a factor making a trade more feasible.
The source draws a comparison to the Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit, suggesting Columbus would trade for players who can help immediately if it chooses to move Marchenko.

IHM Discussion

With Fantilli’s new six-year contract in place at a $13.75 million AAV, Columbus has greater clarity in its roster and cap planning. That may sharpen the focus on Kirill Marchenko’s future.

Marchenko is an intriguing trade asset: the source portrays him as a high-end scorer carrying a comparatively modest $3.85 million AAV this season. That combination of short-term affordability and a looming pay decision could appeal to clubs seeking immediate offence, while also requiring careful long-term planning.

The reported Columbus preference is clear: roster players rather than futures. The Dylan Larkin comparison is used to suggest that, if Marchenko is moved, the Blue Jackets would want players who can contribute immediately. Several clubs have been linked, but no concrete offer, timetable or completed transaction has been confirmed.

Why It Matters

A Marchenko trade would be consequential for Columbus. Keeping a proven scorer would support an immediate push for improvement, while moving him for NHL-ready help would reshape the roster without committing to a futures-led return. For an acquiring club, Marchenko’s $3.85 million AAV offers short-term value, but any deal would also bring a significant decision when he next becomes a restricted free agent.

IHM Market Outlook

The reported market for Marchenko appears broad but undefined. Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas, with uncertainty attached, and Seattle have all been mentioned. The reporting describes interest rather than formal offers.

Columbus is said to prefer roster players over draft picks or longer-term futures, which would narrow the field to clubs prepared to part with NHL-ready talent. Marchenko’s pending RFA status and the expectation of a substantial next contract remain important considerations for any potential acquiring team.

Mini Q&A

Is Kirill Marchenko for sale?

Reportedly, Columbus is working the trade front on Marchenko and that teams have been circling him, but it does not confirm a completed trade.

Why has this become more likely now?

Fantilli’s six-year contract, with a $13.75 million AAV, reportedly gave Columbus a clearer view of its cap position and its options.

What would Columbus want in return?

Reportedly, the Blue Jackets are seeking roster players who can help immediately rather than picks or long-term futures.

Which teams have been linked to Marchenko?

The source names Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas (with uncertainty) and Seattle as clubs that have shown interest, but it does not detail any formal offers.

How much is Marchenko owed and what might he seek after this season?

Marchenko is in the final year of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV.

Coach Mark Comment

Columbus must decide whether Marchenko’s production is best retained or converted into immediate help elsewhere in the lineup. If the club moves him, the return needs to fit both the team’s tactical needs and the standards the coaching staff is trying to establish; replacing goals without weakening the overall group is the difficult part.

What Comes Next

Sept. 29: The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins.

IHM Final View

Marchenko is portrayed as a player who can help immediately while also presenting a major future contract decision. Columbus is reportedly unwilling to move him without a return that improves the current roster, a stance that will shape any negotiations. Interest may continue, but no offer or deal has been confirmed.

Dylan Larkin’s Trade List Grows, Friedman Names More Teams

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 25, 2026, 21:32 CEST

Story Summary

Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Dylan Larkin’s list of acceptable trade destinations is larger than earlier reports suggested. He said the list was initially reported as three teams – Vegas, Minnesota and Florida – but now appears to be closer to eight, with Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa among the clubs he mentioned or suggested. Friedman added that Larkin is looking to join a U.S. team where he believes he can win.

Chris Johnston said Larkin has started skating with the Detroit Red Wings and is working his way back to playing. Johnston believes a move remains possible later this season, although not in the immediate future.

Key Facts

Elliotte Friedman said Dylan Larkin’s trade list is bigger than first reported and he estimates it is ” somewhere around eight.”
Friedman said the list was initially reported as three teams: Vegas, Minnesota and Florida.
Friedman named or suggested other teams on Larkin’s list: Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa.
Friedman said he does not think Larkin would go to Canada and that Larkin wants to go to U.S. teams ” where he thinks he can win.”
On The Chris Johnston Show, Chris Johnston said Larkin ” started skating with the Red Wings in the last day, and is working his way back to playing.”
Johnston said Larkin is still a member of the Detroit Red Wings and that he is ” likely moved at some point this season,” though not expected” in the very near term.”
The report suggested that an eventual deal with one of the named contenders could require a more complicated transaction.

IHM Discussion

Friedman’s update broadens the reported range of destinations for Larkin. His estimate of a list closer to eight teams, rather than the three initially reported, potentially gives Detroit more avenues to explore if a trade develops.

The key distinction is that the names remain part of reported trade-list speculation, not confirmed negotiations. Johnston’s update that Larkin is skating with Detroit keeps the immediate focus on his return to action, while leaving open the possibility of a move later in the season.

Why It Matters

Larkin’s preference for U.S. teams he believes can win provides a clear lens for assessing the reported destinations. A wider acceptable list could create more options for Detroit, but it does not establish that any particular club is pursuing a deal.

For the Red Wings, Larkin’s availability to skate is the immediate on-ice development. Any trade timetable remains uncertain.

IHM Market Outlook

A reported list of around eight acceptable destinations gives Detroit more potential trade paths than an initial three-team group. It may improve flexibility, but it does not reveal which clubs are willing or able to make an offer.

Friedman’s view that the destination pool is centred on U.S. teams is an important limitation on any eventual market. Johnston’s expectation of no imminent move also points to a situation that may develop gradually.

Mini Q&A

How many teams does Elliotte Friedman say are on Dylan Larkin’s list?

Friedman said Larkin’s list is ” somewhere around eight,” larger than the three teams initially reported.

Which teams were initially reported as Larkin’s choices?

The list was initially reported as three teams: Vegas, Minnesota and Florida.

Which additional teams did Friedman name or suggest are on Larkin’s list?

Friedman mentioned or suggested Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa as additional teams on the list.

Does Friedman think Larkin would go to a Canadian team?

Friedman said he does not think Larkin would go to Canada and that Larkin prefers U.S. teams.

Is Dylan Larkin still with the Detroit Red Wings?

Yes. Chris Johnston said Larkin ” started skating with the Red Wings in the last day, and is working his way back to playing,” and that he remains a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

When could a trade happen, according to the reporting?

Chris Johnston said he believes Larkin could be moved at some point this season, but did not expect that to happen in the very near term.

Coach Mark Comment

The immediate priority is getting Larkin back to full skating and game readiness. If a trade eventually materialises, the acquiring club will need a clear plan for how his centre role complements its existing group.

What Comes Next

Larkin’s progress back to game action is the next immediate development to watch. Any movement on his trade request appears unlikely in the very near term, according to Johnston.

IHM Final View

Friedman’s update expands the reported list of possible destinations for Dylan Larkin, with the focus remaining on U.S. teams he believes can win. Larkin is skating with Detroit as he works his way back to playing, while Johnston does not expect an immediate trade. The situation remains unsettled rather than close to resolution.

Adam Fantilli signs six-year deal with Columbus

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 25, 2026, 08:47 CEST

Story Summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed centre Adam Fantilli to a six-year contract worth $82.5 million, carrying a $13.75 million average annual value through the 2031-32 season. The 21-year-old had been a restricted free agent.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell called Fantilli an exciting young player and an important part of the club’s plans. Fantilli recorded 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games last season, averaging 18:54 of ice time per game. He has 67 goals and 73 assists in 213 NHL regular-season games.

The contract includes a 15-team no-trade clause in its final two seasons. Its listed annual cash breakdown features substantial signing bonuses over the first four years.

Key Facts

Adam Fantilli has signed a six-year, $82.5 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The deal has a $13.75 million average annual value and runs through the 2031-32 season.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said Fantilli has the speed, size, skill and competitive drive the club values, calling him a major part of what Columbus is building.
Reportedly, Fantilli’s age is 21.
Fantilli had 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games last season, averaging 18:54 of ice time per game.
In 213 NHL regular-season games, Fantilli has 67 goals and 73 assists.
Listed contract breakdown: 2026-27 – $6 million salary and $10 million signing bonus; 2027-28 – $5 million salary and $10 million signing bonus; 2028-29 – $6.5 million salary and $7.5 million signing bonus; 2029-30 – $8 million salary and $5 million signing bonus; 2030-31 – $12.5 million salary; 2031-32 – $12 million salary.
Fantilli has a 15-team no-trade clause in the final two years of the deal.

IHM Discussion

This is a major long-term commitment to a young centre who has already produced at NHL level. At six years and $13.75 million per season, Fantilli is now firmly established among the Blue Jackets’ core players.

The cash structure includes large signing bonuses in the first four seasons, while the final two years carry higher base salaries. The 15-team no-trade clause also gives Fantilli a measure of control late in the agreement.

For Columbus, the deal is a clear wager on Fantilli continuing to build on a 59-point season and developing into an even more complete centre.

Why It Matters

Fantilli’s combination of age, production and NHL experience makes this a consequential commitment for Columbus. His 24-goal, 59-point season showed he can contribute across a full schedule, and the new contract gives the Blue Jackets cost certainty around a central forward piece through 2031-32.

For Fantilli, the final two seasons’ limited no-trade protection adds longer-term security. The next question is how quickly he can turn strong offensive production into the consistent two-way influence expected of a leading NHL centre.

IHM Market Outlook

A $13.75 million average annual value represents a substantial investment in Fantilli’s ceiling as well as his current production. Columbus has committed to him through 2031-32, with a contract that combines sizeable early signing bonuses and a 15-team no-trade clause in its final two seasons.

The agreement puts the focus on Fantilli’s next stage of development: sustaining his scoring while taking on greater responsibility in all situations.

Mini Q&A

Has Adam Fantilli signed a contract with Columbus?

Yes. Adam Fantilli has signed a six-year, $82.5 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

How long is the deal and what is the reported AAV?

The deal runs for six years and has a $13.75 million average annual value.

Does the contract include a no-trade clause?

Yes. Fantilli has a 15-team no-trade clause in the final two years of the contract.

What were Fantilli’s most recent season and career numbers listed in the report?

Fantilli had 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games last season, averaging 18:54 of ice time per game. In 213 NHL regular-season games, he has 67 goals and 73 assists.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, the two clear tasks are preserving Fantilli’s attacking instincts and sharpening his decision-making under pressure. Developing consistency in those areas is the typical pathway from high-upside young scorer to reliable, top-line centre.

What Comes Next

Fantilli can now join Columbus ahead of its season opener at home against the Buffalo Sabres on October 1. His immediate task will be getting up to speed after missing time in training camp while preparing for a larger role with the Blue Jackets.

IHM Final View

Columbus has made a decisive long-term investment in Adam Fantilli. The $82.5 million contract reflects both his 59-point season and the belief that he can grow into one of the Blue Jackets’ defining players. The deal is complete; attention now turns to how quickly Fantilli can translate that commitment into greater on-ice influence.

Philadelphia Flyers still hunting for a big piece

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 24, 2026, 21:50 CEST

Story Summary

The Philadelphia Flyers remain in the market for a major addition, with general manager Danny Briere willing to explore a trade if the fit and acquisition cost are right. Dave Pagnotta said Philadelphia has been trying to add a big piece for some time, while stressing that any move must suit the club’s plans.

Philadelphia’s offer sheet to Leo Carlsson is part of that context. Carlsson signed the Flyers’ five-year offer sheet before the Anaheim Ducks matched it, keeping the centre in Anaheim. Pagnotta said the process paused other pursuits and that the Flyers missed out on some opportunities.

The Flyers’ outlook is also tied to their young talent, including Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov, and to the addition of goaltender Joseph Woll. Pagnotta believes the club has enough in place to keep looking for an impact addition rather than shying away from a major opportunity.

Key Facts

Dave Pagnotta said the Philadelphia Flyers are still looking to add a big piece to their roster.
The Flyers tendered Leo Carlsson a five-year offer sheet in July. Carlsson signed it, but the Anaheim Ducks matched the contract and retained him.
Pagnotta said the Carlsson offer sheet ”had to put a pause on a few things” and that Philadelphia ”lost out on a few things” as a result.
Pagnotta said Danny Briere remains willing to pursue an impact addition if the right player becomes available.
Pagnotta said the Flyers have money put away for a rainy day and appear prepared to deploy it for an impact addition.
The discussion included speculation linking the Flyers to Adam Fantilli, among other names floated in conversation.
Pagnotta suggested the Flyers will explore trades as well as other acquisition routes, subject to fit and asset cost.
Pagnotta singled out goaltending as a strength after the addition of Joseph Woll, calling the tandem a strong one.
The report references Matvei Michkov as a player whose progression could be important to Philadelphia’s outlook.
Porter Martone is identified as a key young player. The Flyers selected him sixth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and he made his NHL debut last season.

IHM Discussion

The Flyers appear willing to pursue an impact addition, but Pagnotta’s remarks also make clear that a deal would have to meet the club’s standards on fit and acquisition cost. Philadelphia’s offer sheet for Leo Carlsson illustrated Briere’s readiness to make an aggressive move, even though Anaheim ultimately matched the five-year contract and retained the centre.

The approach described is one of adding to a developing group rather than remaking the roster. Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov are among the young players cited as part of that foundation, while Joseph Woll’s arrival has strengthened the goaltending picture. Those elements give Philadelphia reason to examine opportunities for another significant addition.

For now, this is about intent rather than an imminent transaction. Pagnotta said the Flyers are prepared to explore the trade market, subject to the player, the fit and the price required.

Why It Matters

An impact forward could give Philadelphia more scoring support around its developing players, but the cost of any trade would remain central to the decision. The key question is whether a potential addition improves the club enough to justify the assets required to acquire him.

IHM Market Outlook

Philadelphia’s interest appears active but conditional. Pagnotta said the Flyers have money available and are willing to explore the trade market, while repeatedly noting that fit and acquisition cost will determine whether they act.

The Carlsson offer sheet showed that Briere is prepared to act aggressively when an opportunity appeals. However, Anaheim matched the five-year contract, so it stands as evidence of Philadelphia’s intent rather than a completed acquisition.

Mini Q&A

Are the Flyers actively pursuing a top forward?

Pagnotta said the Flyers remain willing to pursue a big piece if the fit and acquisition cost are acceptable.

Did the Flyers previously use an offer sheet on a prospect?

Yes. The Flyers tendered Leo Carlsson a five-year offer sheet in July. He signed it, but Anaheim matched the contract and retained him.

Will the Flyers consider trades?

Yes. Pagnotta said Philadelphia is willing to explore trades, subject to fit and acquisition cost.

Do the Flyers have financial flexibility?

Pagnotta said the organisation has money put away for a rainy day and appears prepared to deploy it for an impact addition.

Which young players did the report highlight as part of Philadelphia’s core?

The discussion highlighted Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov and goaltender Joseph Woll. Martone was the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut last season.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, marrying a marquee forward to an emergent young core is as much about timing and role clarity as it is about pure talent. The Flyers need clear deployment plans that protect developing players while harvesting immediate scoring benefits. That means defining whom the newcomer plays with, what defensive responsibilities are non-negotiable, and how to manage minutes to avoid overexposing young skaters to late-game, high-pressure defensive situations. If the club balances those elements, a single high-end forward can elevate the whole group without sacrificing future growth.

What Comes Next

Philadelphia’s next step is to assess whether a suitable trade target becomes available at an acceptable cost. Until then, the focus remains on the club’s young players, its new goaltending tandem and the possibility of an opportunity that fits Briere’s plans.

IHM Final View

This is a report of intent, not a completed transaction. The Flyers appear willing to pursue an impact addition through trade if the fit and acquisition cost make sense. Until a target is identified or a deal is completed, the situation remains unresolved.

Robertson and Doughty both face contract crossroads

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 23, 2026, 18:44 CEST

Story Summary

Jason Robertson signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Dallas Stars after the sides could not reach a long-term agreement. Pierre LeBrun reports Robertson declined a sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken that would have included an eight-year, $125 million offer with a $15.625 million cap hit. Robertson cannot sign an extension until 1 January 2027, and Stars GM Jim Nill said he remains a priority while the club manages its salary-cap commitments. Robertson will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. The report suggests Dallas would be unlikely to trade him at the deadline if no extension is in place, given its Stanley Cup ambitions and the difficulty of receiving equal value in return.

Separately, Drew Doughty, 36, is entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Kings. Doughty said after last season that he wants to retire in a Kings jersey and intends to rebound after an underwhelming year. The Kings have since named Doughty their captain. Ken Holland has said the club would not rush into an extension and would assess matters during 2026-27. John Hoven expects the sides could agree a two-year deal before 1 February at around $7 million per season, though that remains a projection rather than a confirmed offer.

Key Facts

Jason Robertson signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Dallas Stars after failing to reach a long-term number.
Pierre LeBrun reports Robertson turned down a sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken that would have included an eight-year, $125 million offer with a $15.625 million cap hit.
Robertson is not eligible for an extension until 1 January 2027.
Stars GM Jim Nill said: “Yeah, we’ve got an idea. He’s a priority for us. We also have to field a team (under the salary cap). So all those things come into play. Hopefully we can agree to something. That’s the plan.”
Jason Robertson will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.
Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty, 36, is entering the final year of his contract and has been named the club’s captain.
Doughty said during exit meetings last April that he wants to retire in a Kings jersey and that he knows he did not have a good year and plans on bouncing back.
Kings GM Ken Holland said: “He’s 37 years old; I don’t want to underpay him, and I don’t want to overpay him. It’s not like I’m worried that he’s going to hit the open market and he’s going to leave. So, it’s an opportunity to play the season. And at the appropriate time – whether it’s during the season or at the end of the season – he and I will sit down and talk about where we’re going.”
John Hoven reports that an extension for Doughty would likely be a two-year deal at around $7 million per season and that the sides could agree before 1 February.

IHM Discussion

Both situations show how clubs weigh contract certainty against competitive windows and cap flexibility. Dallas kept Robertson on a one-year deal, retaining him for the coming season while delaying a long-term commitment until he becomes extension-eligible on 1 January 2027. The reported Seattle sign-and-trade proposal illustrates the scale of the longer-term decision facing the Stars, while Nill’s comments underline the need to balance Robertson’s importance with the demands of building a full roster under the cap. The reported trade-deadline approach is therefore clear: Dallas would prefer to extend or retain him for a Cup pursuit rather than move him for an uncertain return.

In Los Angeles, the calculation is different. Doughty is entering the final year of his contract and has now been named Kings captain. Holland’s public stance suggests a measured approach: let the season shape the financial conversation while leaving room for a short-term agreement that would keep Doughty in Los Angeles. Hoven’s projected two-year deal at roughly $7 million per season is a reported expectation, not a confirmed offer.

Why It Matters

These contract situations affect roster construction, short-term competitiveness and future cap planning. Robertson’s contract keeps a top Dallas scorer in place for the coming season, and how the Stars address his status after 1 January 2027 will shape their longer-term planning. For the Kings, Doughty’s contract status remains important to their blue-line planning. His appointment as captain settles the immediate leadership question, while any short-term extension would retain an experienced presence and preserve flexibility for future decisions.

IHM Market Outlook

The market signal from both reports is caution from teams that still believe they can compete now. Dallas kept Robertson on a one-year bridge rather than selling long-term control for immediate compensation; that suggests they value championship continuity over speculative asset returns. The rejected Seattle sign-and-trade terms – eight years, $125 million – set an external benchmark for Robertson’s perceived ceiling, but Dallas declined to match that term and cap hit. In Los Angeles, Holland’s comments and Hoven’s expectation of a short-term, mid-seven-figure annual deal indicate teams will likely prefer shorter commitments for high-profile veterans entering the late 30s. Across the league, other clubs watching will take both moves as signs that elite players can still command sizeable short-term money, while long-term security will depend on age and recent form.

Mini Q&A

How long is Jason Robertson’s current contract and what does it pay?

Jason Robertson signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars for $12 million.

When can the Stars negotiate an extension with Robertson?

Robertson is not eligible for an extension until 1 January 2027.

Did Robertson receive a longer offer elsewhere?

Pierre LeBrun reports Robertson turned down a sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken that would have included an eight-year, $125 million offer with a $15.625 million cap hit.

What is Drew Doughty’s contract status?

Drew Doughty, 36, is entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Kings and has been named the club’s captain.

Is an extension for Doughty expected?

John Hoven reports an extension is likely and suggests the sides could agree to a two-year deal before 1 February at around $7 million per season; that projection remains reported, not confirmed.

Coach Mark Comment

Robertson’s one-year agreement leaves Dallas with a major player firmly in its plans for this season, but without a long-term resolution until the extension window opens. For the Kings, Doughty’s captaincy gives the room a clear leadership point while the club evaluates his on-ice season before making its next contract decision.

What Comes Next

Robertson cannot be extended until 1 January 2027; that date is the first contractual checkpoint for Dallas. For Drew Doughty, the reported window to complete a new deal is before 1 February of the 2026-27 season.

IHM Final View

Dallas has kept Robertson for its immediate competitive push while postponing the long-term decision until he becomes extension-eligible on 1 January 2027. In Los Angeles, Doughty enters a contract year as the Kings’ captain, with the club taking a patient approach to any extension. The reported January and February checkpoints remain discussion points, not completed transactions.

Canucks commit to rebuild under Sedins and Johnson

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 22, 2026, 07:19 CEST

Story Summary

Vancouver has reset its hockey operations structure, with Daniel and Henrik Sedin serving as co-presidents and Ryan Johnson as general manager. The Canucks are pursuing a longer-term rebuild following the Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin era, which included the J.T. Miller trade to the New York Rangers and Quinn Hughes’ move to Minnesota.

Vancouver received Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren and a first-round pick in the Hughes trade. Buium has since signed an eight-year extension. The club also moved Nils Höglander, Marcus Pettersson and Conor Garland, while Manny Malhotra has taken over as head coach.

Key Facts

Miller had locker-room dysfunction during the 2024-25 period; both later received eight-year contract extensions.
Reportedly, J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers.
Quinn Hughes told management he wanted to leave Vancouver and play with his brothers in New Jersey.
Zeev Buium is a 20-year-old defenceman who has signed an eight-year extension.
Patrik Allvin was relieved of his duties as general manager, while Jim Rutherford transitioned into a senior advisor role.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin were promoted to co-presidents of hockey operations, with Ryan Johnson named general manager.
Manny Malhotra was hired as the Canucks’ head coach.
Reportedly, Brock Boeser, Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson are the current leadership group referenced by the club.

IHM Discussion

Vancouver’s changes amount to a clear organisational reset. The previous regime’s major roster decisions included the departures of J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes; the latter trade brought Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren and a first-round pick to the Canucks.

The Sedins now lead hockey operations as co-presidents, with Ryan Johnson as general manager and Manny Malhotra behind the bench. That structure gives Vancouver a defined group responsible for connecting roster decisions, player development and the club’s competitive timeline.

The essential test will be patience. Acquiring young talent is only the first step; the Canucks must provide those players with stable roles and allow the group time to develop.

Why It Matters

Vancouver’s rebuild will be judged by how effectively it turns its new core into a sustainable NHL group. Buium, Rossi, Öhgren and the first-round pick acquired for Hughes give the organisation meaningful building blocks, while the Sedins, Johnson and Malhotra now have responsibility for setting the club’s direction.

The immediate priority is to establish a stable identity rather than chase short-term fixes. That will shape future roster decisions and the opportunities available to younger players.

IHM Market Outlook

Vancouver has already moved Nils Höglander, Marcus Pettersson and Conor Garland as it reshapes the roster. Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson remain names linked to trade speculation, but no further move is established here.

Buium’s eight-year extension signals that Vancouver views him as a central part of its young core rather than a short-term trade asset.

Mini Q&A

What are Daniel and Henrik Sedin’s roles with the Canucks?

Daniel and Henrik Sedin were promoted to co-presidents of hockey operations, while Ryan Johnson was named general manager.

Is Zeev Buium viewed as a long-term piece for Vancouver?

Yes. Zeev Buium signed an eight-year extension, underlining his place in Vancouver’s young core.

Does the article claim the Canucks will trade established players?

Vancouver has moved Nils Höglander, Marcus Pettersson and Conor Garland. Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson have also been linked to trade speculation, though no further deal is established here.

Coach Mark Comment

The most important coaching task is consistency. A rebuilding club needs clear standards, defined roles and enough patience to let younger players work through mistakes. With Manny Malhotra now behind the bench, the Canucks’ daily habits and team structure will matter more than quick fixes.

IHM Final View

Vancouver has put a new leadership structure in place for its rebuild: Daniel and Henrik Sedin as co-presidents, Ryan Johnson as general manager and Manny Malhotra as head coach. The Hughes trade supplied key young assets, and Buium’s long-term extension underlines the intention to build around that emerging core. The next measure of progress is whether the club can turn that plan into a stable, competitive identity.

Kucherov reportedly seeking around $20 million per season in extension talks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 21, 2026, 20:21 CEST

Story Summary

Nikita Kucherov is eligible for a contract extension and, according to Chris Johnston, may be seeking around $20 million per season on a multi-year deal. Johnston noted that Kucherov, 33, is coming off a Hart Trophy and has produced 120- and 130-point seasons, but warned that a major commitment to a player at that age carries added risk.

Johnston described Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois as methodical and noted that the Lightning have previously allowed Steven Stamkos to leave as a free agent rather than overcommit. He also suggested that, if Kucherov reaches unrestricted free agency after this season, he would command a massive offer.

Key Facts

Nikita Kucherov is extension-eligible, per the report.
Chris Johnston said he had heard Kucherov was seeking something in the $20 million range on a six-year deal.
Johnston said Kucherov is age 33 and is turning towards 34.
Johnston described Kucherov as coming off a Hart Trophy.
Johnston said Kucherov has been ‘stacking 120, 130-point seasons’.
Johnston warned there is ‘a lot of risk’ signing a player of that age to a large contract.
Johnston said he ‘can’t really imagine him moving on from Tampa, big picture’, but also said that as a free agent Kucherov would ‘get a massive deal’.
When asked if Kucherov could get $20 million as a UFA on July 1, Johnston replied ‘100%’.
Johnston cited Seattle’s pursuit of star players as an example of clubs seeking high-end talent.
Johnston said Julian BriseBois does not manage with his heart, is ‘very methodical’, and ‘sticks to his plan’.
Johnston cited the Steven Stamkos situation as an example of Tampa Bay allowing a franchise player to leave as a free agent rather than reaching a deal. He said Kucherov and BriseBois had addressed the contract situation at the start of training camp, and suggested there remains time to find a compromise.

IHM Discussion

The figure Johnston floated – around $20 million per season on a multi-year extension – would be a market-moving number. For Tampa Bay, the calculation concerns term, structure and the club’s tolerance for ageing-player risk.

Johnston’s reminders about Kucherov’s age and recent peak performance are central to that calculation. The case for a major deal is straightforward: Kucherov remains one of the League’s most productive forwards and, as Johnston noted, is coming off a Hart Trophy. The counterargument is that a long, expensive agreement for a player in his mid-30s can become increasingly difficult to carry if performance declines.

Tampa Bay’s front-office posture matters. Johnston described Julien BriseBois as methodical and willing to make difficult decisions, using Steven Stamkos as the precedent. That history gives weight to the possibility that the Lightning will hold firm if the asking price threatens wider roster balance. Johnston also stressed that there is time for the negotiations to play out, leaving room for a compromise before Kucherov reaches unrestricted free agency after the season.

Why It Matters

The question of whether Tampa Bay can retain Kucherov on a deal near the reported level is consequential. A contract at that price would take up a substantial share of the club’s cap space and could limit flexibility elsewhere on the roster. If no extension is reached and Kucherov enters unrestricted free agency after the season, his availability could reshape the market for elite forwards.

The outcome would also underline the Lightning’s approach to ageing superstars: follow the hard decisions associated with the Stamkos precedent, or commit heavily to keeping one of the League’s premier offensive players in Tampa Bay.

IHM Market Outlook

If Kucherov reaches unrestricted free agency after the season, Johnston believes he would command a massive deal. He pointed to Seattle’s recent efforts to add star power as an example of the demand for elite talent around the League. That possibility strengthens Kucherov’s leverage while Tampa Bay works to find a compromise.

Mini Q&A

Is Nikita Kucherov extension-eligible?

Yes. Chris Johnston reported that Nikita Kucherov is extension-eligible.

How much is Kucherov reportedly seeking?

Johnston said he had heard Kucherov was looking for something in the $20 million range on a six-year deal.

What did Johnston say about Kucherov’s recent performance?

Johnston described Kucherov as coming off a Hart Trophy and ‘stacking 120, 130-point seasons’.

Would Kucherov get $20 million as a UFA on July 1?

When producer Drew asked if Kucherov could get $20 million as a UFA on July 1, Johnston replied ‘100%’.

What did Johnston say about Tampa Bay’s front office approach?

Johnston characterised general manager Julian BriseBois as ‘very methodical’, saying he ‘does not manage with his heart’ and will stick to his plan, using the Steven Stamkos situation as an example of the club walking away from a franchise player.

Coach Mark Comment

Kucherov’s value is not simply in his point total but in how he drives possession and creates chances for the players around him. For Tampa Bay, the coaching challenge is ensuring the wider forward group remains deep enough that the attack does not become overly dependent on one line.

What Comes Next

Contract talks can continue as Kucherov enters the final season of his current deal. Tampa Bay has indicated it wants to keep him for many years, while Kucherov can become an unrestricted free agent after the season if no agreement is reached.

IHM Final View

If no compromise is reached, Kucherov could enter unrestricted free agency after the season with a major market awaiting him.

Canadiens primed to buy; any move requires swap

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 21, 2026, 15:03 CEST

Story Summary

The Montréal Canadiens are projected to build cap flexibility through the early months of the 2026-27 season and could be active buyers, although any addition is likely to require an outgoing player. Marco D’Amico outlined a baseline of roughly $3.6 million in cap space before roster adjustments, falling to an estimated $2.7-2.8 million if Kaiden Guhle begins the season on injured reserve and a replacement defenceman is retained. He projected that figure could grow to about $7.9-8 million by November or December and roughly $16 million by the trade deadline.

D’Amico’s view is that Montréal’s depth – approximately 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders counting against the cap – leaves little room for a straight addition. Any acquisition would therefore likely mean money going out as well as coming in.

Key Facts

Marco D’Amico outlined Montréal’s projected cap and roster picture for 2026-27.
Marco D’Amico reports the Canadiens have about $3.6 million in cap space before roster adjustments.
D’Amico projects around $2.7-2.8 million in available cap space if Kaiden Guhle begins the season on injured reserve and the club retains a replacement defenceman.
D’Amico counts the Canadiens, at season start, as likely to have 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies on the roster.
D’Amico projects that the Canadiens’ cap space could increase to about $7.9-8 million by November or December.
D’Amico suggests the Canadiens could have roughly $16 million in cap space by the trade deadline.
D’Amico’s assessment: because Montréal is so deep at every position, any roster addition will require a “money in, money out” transaction.
The source specifically references past anchors – Carey Price’s contract and Patrik Laine last year – to contrast the current situation.

IHM Discussion

The central point is straightforward: Montréal is projected to generate more salary-cap room as the 2026-27 season develops, but its roster construction may leave little space for a simple addition. D’Amico’s estimates point to modest flexibility at the outset, more room by late autumn and potentially substantial capacity at the trade deadline.

The roster count is the key constraint. If Montréal is already carrying a full group at each position, an incoming player would require a corresponding departure or another roster move. That makes timing important: smaller adjustments may be more realistic early, while larger moves could become possible once cap space has accrued.

The projections remain conditional, but they outline a club with potential buying power rather than one restricted solely by a cap burden.

Why It Matters

If those projections hold, Montréal could have the flexibility to pursue help when a roster need and an opportunity align. The important limitation is practical rather than purely financial: an acquisition may require an outgoing player to create both cap and roster room. That gives training-camp decisions, waiver choices and early-season lineup management added relevance.

IHM Market Outlook

Market signal: Montréal is being presented as a potential buyer at several points in the season, with limited flexibility early, stronger room by November or December and greater capacity nearer the deadline.

Any deal may need to include an outgoing player or salary because of the club’s roster depth. That could steer the Canadiens towards targeted upgrades rather than broad roster turnover.

Mini Q&A

How much cap space do the Canadiens currently have, according to the report?

Marco D’Amico says Montréal has about $3.6 million in cap space before roster adjustments.

What is the Canadiens’ expected cap space once Kaiden Guhle is placed on IR and a replacement is kept?

D’Amico reports that after that adjustment the Canadiens would be at about $2.7-2.8 million in cap space.

When might Montréal have more meaningful cap space?

The transcription projects roughly $7.9-8 million by November or December and about $16 million by the trade deadline.

Who outlined the cap and roster picture for the Canadiens in the source?

Marco D’Amico of the Starr and D’Amico Show.

Will adding a player be straightforward for Montréal?

Not necessarily. D’Amico’s view is that Montréal’s depth at every position means an acquisition would likely require money to go out as well.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching and roster-management perspective, the headline lesson is roster elasticity, not raw spending power. Montréal’s reported count – about 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies – leaves little slack for straight additions. That forces two practical approaches: either the club prioritises internal trimming (waivers, AHL assignments or short-term loans) to create openings for low-cost upgrades, or it constructs trade proposals that exchange an active player for the incoming piece. Both routes demand a clear valuation of marginal players at camp: coaches must identify who is replaceable without losing structural balance, and the front office must price those players in trade conversations. If D’Amico’s timeline holds, coaches should also prepare for mid-season integrations (November – December) when the cap room widens, and for larger retooling at the deadline when cumulative accrual hits the $16M mark cited in the transcription.

What Comes Next

Key upcoming dates: – Sept. 29: Regular-season opening night – Oct. 13: All 32 teams play – Oct. 25: NHL Heritage Classic – Montréal Canadiens at Winnipeg Jets – Nov. 12 and 14: NHL Global Series Finland – Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken – Dec. 18 and 20: NHL Global Series Germany – Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators – Dec. 31: NHL Winter Classic – Colorado Avalanche at Utah Mammoth

IHM Final View

Montréal may have room to pursue upgrades as the season unfolds, but the decisive issue is likely to be roster space as much as cap space. If D’Amico’s projections prove accurate, any addition would probably need to be paired with an outgoing player or salary – linking training-camp choices, early-season management and trade-deadline planning.

Report: Long-term Simon Edvinsson deal could top $10m

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 20, 2026, 19:47 CEST

Story Summary

Chris Johnston suggested Detroit Red Wings restricted free-agent defenceman Simon Edvinsson could command more than $10 million per season on a long-term, six- or seven-year contract. He added that the organisation might instead pursue a one- or two-year bridge deal while it completes its front-office search. Johnston also said major long-term contracts are organisational decisions that ideally should involve a permanent general manager rather than someone carrying an interim tag.

Key Facts

Chris Johnston discussed Simon Edvinsson’s contract prospects on The Chris Johnston Show, noting that a long-term deal would likely be ” double-digit” in average annual value.
Johnston suggested that a six- or seven-year contract for Edvinsson would probably exceed $10 million per season.
An alternative cited by Johnston is a short-term one- or two-year deal as a bridge while the season plays out.
Johnston said Edvinsson attended Red Wings camp and has not held out despite not having a new contract.
Johnston referenced a recent market shift after July 3rd, citing Leo Carlson’s offer sheet as a turning point for comparables.
Johnston pointed to examples of rising contracts, including Ryan Leonard allegedly receiving $10.5 million in Washington, to illustrate upward pressure on deals for young, high-upside players.
Johnston argued that major long-term contracts – described in round figures as $60m – $100m total – are the type of decisions that should involve ownership approval and ideally a non-interim GM.
Johnston said the Red Wings have been ” flat-footed” since Steve Yzerman was removed in mid-July and that Detroit engaged a search firm to find a new GM.
Shawn Horcoff is currently in the main chair in Detroit and Johnston suggested Horcoff is likely to be part of the next front office, though he may ultimately be paired with another executive.

IHM Discussion

Johnston’s remarks frame Edvinsson’s contract question as both a market issue and an organisational one. On the market side, he points to a recent acceleration in deals for young players that has moved comparables and pushed reported average annual values higher; he mentioned Leo Carlsson’s July 3 offer sheet as one inflection point and cited recent large contracts as evidence the market has reset. That dynamic could make a long-term, six- or seven-year commitment for Edvinsson more expensive than it might have been earlier in the off-season.

On the organisational side, Johnston flagged the timing problem Detroit faces: the Red Wings entered training camp while their front office was in transition after Steve Yzerman’s departure, with a search under way and Shawn Horcoff serving as interim GM. Johnston’s view is that commitments worth tens of millions of dollars are best made by a permanent GM or with explicit ownership sign-off, which helps explain why the team could favour a short-term bridge deal.

Why It Matters

How Detroit handles Edvinsson’s contract will shape its salary-cap flexibility and roster construction. A long-term deal above $10 million AAV would be a major commitment for a young defenceman, while a short bridge deal would preserve flexibility for a new general manager and allow the club more time to evaluate its long-term decision.

IHM Market Outlook

Johnston’s account paints a market where teams that delayed decisions may be paying a premium. He argued that the post-July offer sheet and the spate of large contracts for young players have elevated the price for long-term deals. For teams in Detroit’s position, that presents a choice between committing now at a higher AAV or using a shorter arrangement to defer a longer-term decision.

Mini Q&A

Is the suggestion that Simon Edvinsson will earn more than $10 million confirmed?

No. The claim is reported from The Chris Johnston Show; Johnston said he believes a long-term, six- or seven-year deal for Edvinsson would likely be ” double-digit” in AAV, meaning over $10 million per season, but no contract has been announced.

Would Detroit consider a short-term bridge deal?

Yes. Johnston suggested a one- or two-year short-term deal is an option to get through the season while the organisation completes its front-office search.

Is Edvinsson holding out of camp?

No. Johnston noted Edvinsson is at Red Wings camp and did not hold out despite not having a new contract.

Why does Johnston think timing matters for the Red Wings?

Johnston said Detroit missed a hiring window after Steve Yzerman’s removal in mid-July and engaged a search firm, leaving the team ” flat-footed” and raising questions about interim decision-making on major contracts.

Who is currently running Detroit’s hockey operations?

Shawn Horcoff is in the main chair; Johnston said Horcoff is very likely to be part of the next version of the front office, though he may be paired with someone else.

Coach Mark Comment

A bridge deal would give Detroit time to let Edvinsson’s role settle while keeping the focus on his day-to-day development. If the club commits long term, the priority is straightforward: continue building his confidence against demanding NHL minutes rather than treating the contract figure as a reason to force his usage.

IHM Final View

This remains an attributable projection rather than a completed deal. A one- or two-year bridge would preserve flexibility during Detroit’s front-office transition, but Johnston’s reporting indicates that a long-term agreement could cost more than $10 million annually.

Could Gauthier’s six-year deal shape Fantilli’s talks?

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 20, 2026, 18:31 CEST

Story Summary

Adam Fantilli, the 21-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets forward, has reportedly been seeking $15 million in contract talks. Chris Johnston suggested that Cutter Gauthier’s reported $13.5 million six-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks could offer a reference point and a possible path forward in Fantilli’s negotiation. Johnston said Columbus had been a few million dollars per year below Fantilli’s reported ask and described the talks as a slow grind. With training camp shortened, he stressed that missed days are important preparation time for a player.

Key Facts

Adam Fantilli is a 21-year-old forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Fantilli’s camp was reported to be asking for $15 million per season.
Cutter Gauthier signed a six-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks; the deal was reported at $13.5 million.
Chris Johnston suggested on The Chris Johnston Show that Gauthier’s deal might offer a path forward for Fantilli’s negotiations.
Johnston said the Blue Jackets’ offer was a few million dollars per year under Fantilli’s reported $15 million ask.
Johnston described the Fantilli negotiations as a ” slow grind”.
Johnston noted this year’s training camp is shorter and that even a couple of missed days are important to player readiness.
Johnston observed Fantilli has ” achieved a lot more in his career than some of the guys we mentioned signing long-term deals,” while still pushing for a substantial contract.

IHM Discussion

This is a contract negotiation between a young Columbus forward and his club. The public markers are Fantilli’s reported $15 million ask, a Blue Jackets offer described as a few million dollars lower per year, and Gauthier’s newly completed six-year deal in Anaheim, reported at $13.5 million. Johnston’s point was that Gauthier’s agreement may give both sides another recent reference point.

Fantilli’s camp can lean on the achievements Johnston referenced, while Columbus must decide what it is prepared to commit. A negotiation described as a slow grind also becomes more pressing in a shortened camp, when missed time limits a player’s preparation.

Gauthier’s contract does not determine Fantilli’s value or guarantee a quick resolution. It simply gives the two sides another comparable to consider as they try to narrow the gap.

Why It Matters

The eventual agreement will shape Columbus’s salary planning and determine when Fantilli can return to full preparation with the club. Johnston’s description of a shortened camp makes timing relevant: missed days reduce the time available to prepare for the season. Gauthier’s deal may be useful to the negotiation, but it does not establish where Fantilli’s contract will land.

IHM Market Outlook

Gauthier’s reported $13.5 million six-year agreement gives Fantilli’s negotiations another recent point of comparison. Johnston suggested it could help bridge the gap between Fantilli’s reported ask and Columbus’s position, but any effect remains speculative. Fantilli’s camp can still argue that his own record supports a different outcome.

Mini Q&A

What has Adam Fantilli’s camp reportedly asked for?

Fantilli’s camp was reported to be asking for $15 million per season.

How might Cutter Gauthier’s deal affect Fantilli’s talks?

Johnston suggested that Gauthier’s reported $13.5 million six-year contract with Anaheim could offer a reference point that helps bridge the gap between Fantilli’s reported ask and Columbus’s offer.

What did Johnston say about the Blue Jackets’ offer?

Johnston said the Blue Jackets’ offer was a few million dollars per year under Fantilli’s reported $15 million ask.

Why is timing important in this negotiation?

Johnston noted this year’s training camp is shorter, so missing even a couple of days of camp is significant to a player’s preparation and could increase urgency around reaching a deal.

Coach Mark Comment

A shortened camp places more value on every day a player is available. Coaches use that time to establish systems, assess combinations and build conditioning, so an absence can compress a player’s preparation. The priority for Columbus is to have Fantilli signed and back in the group with enough time to be ready for the season.

What Comes Next

pre-season began on September 19, and the 2026-27 regular season opens on September 29. Those dates increase the practical importance of a resolution, although Johnston did not predict when an agreement would be reached.

IHM Final View

Gauthier’s reported $13.5 million six-year deal gives Fantilli’s talks a fresh point of comparison, not a definitive answer. Fantilli’s reported $15 million ask, Columbus’s lower position and the shortened camp leave room for compromise or a continued impasse. The key question is whether the new Anaheim agreement helps narrow that gap.