Things are starting to pick up a little bit around the NHL with the NHL/NHLPA media tour going on in Vegas, and teams starting to come together for golf outings as training camps are set to open next week.
Quick hits involving Crosby, Fantilli, Gauthier, Kucherov, Hellebuyck and more
Mark Lazerus: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby is eligible for a contract extension and was asked at the NHL/NHLPA media tour about his situation:
“Pat (Brisson)’s talking to Kyle (Dubas). It’s just a little bit more difficult at my age as far as trying to project where you’re gonna be. … I’d like to continue playing for a number of years. It’s just I don’t know what that number is. I guess your mind and body tell you that eventually. Right now I feel pretty good, though.”
2026-27 Vancouver Canucks Season Preview
Aaron Portzline: Columbus Blue Jackets still need to sign RFA forward Adam Fantilli. The Blue Jackets had their pre-training camp golf outing at owner John P. McConnell’s course, but Fantilli wasn’t there.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: At the Board of Governors meetings on September 22nd, there should be an update on NHL expansion and the latest on Houston and Austin.
The Anaheim Ducks and RFA forward Cutter Gauthier continue to talk. The September 15th deadline for eight-year deals is fast approaching. Connor Bedard‘s five-year, $15 million has come up as a comparable.
Nikita Kucherov is eligible for a contract extension, but both sides are not commenting. A Kucherov extension won’t kick in until he’s 34, so the September 15th deadline doesn’t really apply in this case. Think a deal will get done, but it’s a bit surprising it hasn’t happened yet.
Despite not having a contract yet, Detroit Red Wings RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson plans to be at training camp.
It’s Going to be Awkward if Connor Hellebuyck Isn’t Traded Before Camp Opens
The Red Wings still need to name a GM. Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg said he’s not interested. Ryan Martin hasn’t interviewed, which is surprising since he worked for the Red Wings for a long time before moving on the Rangers.
The Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and Utah Mammoth are potential options for Connor Hellebuyck. Hurricanes RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin would be one player involved in any Hellebuyck package. The Jets haven’t seen any offer as fair yet.
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