The NHL rumour mill is surprisingly active for the dog days August. Here's what we're tracking...
- Not every NHL offseason provides the kind of fireworks we've seen these past few weeks, and there's plenty more percolating around the league as we approach the start of training camp.
- UPDATE: Both Broberg and Holloway are Blues with the Oilers declining to match either offer sheet. It's anyone's guess whether the Oilers match one or both of the offer sheets tendered by the Blues to forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg, but the general sense around the league is that Edmonton is feeling 'screwed'. There's still time for them to sort this out, but it's going to be tough for them to retain both players. By the time you're reading this, we may know one way or the other.
- The rumour buzz around Leon Draisaitl has been on and off for the past few months, but things could be finally coming to a peaceful resolution. Once believed to be at least privately contemplating a departure from Edmonton, there is a sense that Draisaitl is ready to sign an extension in the coming weeks. There's unfinished business for Connor McDavid, Draisaitl and Co.
- Mitch Marner Watch rages on, with plenty of mixed signals about the future of the pending 2025 free agent in Toronto. Reports earlier in the offseason suggested GM Brad Treliving was quietly fielding trade offers, perhaps with teams like the Golden Knights. Most Marner rumours, when they do surface, remain unconfirmed as both parties try to keep a lid on it.
- There is a belief Marner will at least receive a contract offer from the Maple Leafs, but rumblings suggest he is more likely to head to the open market in 2025 than stick around. Once the golden boy in Toronto, he has reportedly become an unpopular figure in the Leafs dressing room, in addition to being a polarizing one with the fanbase.
- After John Tavares handed over the Leafs' captaincy to Auston Matthews mid-August, the conversation quickly swiveled to the former's contract status. While it's clear Tavares would like to extend his time in Toronto, the Leafs management may opt for more of a wait-and-see approach.
- Other things to watch in the coming weeks: trade possibilities for Nashville goaltending superprospect Yaroslav Askarov and beleaguered Leafs RFA winger Nick Robertson. While Toronto aren't shopping Robertson, they would gladly jettison him if the right offer came along. A team to watch there could be the Flyers.
- Askarov has made it clear he'd like to play full time in the NHL, and that's not particularly likely to happen in Nashville this season. He's also lost his path to the number one job down the road with Juuse Saros locked up long term. Reports suggest there will be a push to move him before training camp with both sides eager to move on. Most NHL teams have their tandem already set, but would a rebuilding franchise be willing to ditch a veteran backup to make room?
- UPDATE: Laine has been traded to the Canadiens. Finally, a lot of eyes will be on Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine in the coming weeks and months as he makes his way back to the NHL. Laine, now reportedly in better physical and mental shape, is ready to resume his career be it in Columbus or elsewhere. The enigmatic sniper requested a trade earlier in the year but will likely have to show what he's still got before a team pulls the trigger.
- It's only going to get busier from here as the NHL world wakes up from its summer hiatus. Buckle up.
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