NHL Weekend Rumors: Avs Deals, Oilers, Rangers and Flames Trade Watch

The NHL rumor mill is buzzing this weekend, with major news surrounding some of the league’s top players and teams. The New York Rangers are exploring potential moves with Alexis Lafrenière while the Avalanche locked in Martin Nečas with a sizable extension. Contract chatter is heating up around Adrian Kempe, and trade talk surrounds Nazem Kadri.

Here’s the latest in this week’s NHL Weekend Rumors report:

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Rangers Weighing Major Shakeup? Panarin and Lafrenière in the Rumor Mill

According to David Pagnotta, there was “talk over the summer” that the Rangers explored significant trade possibilities involving Alexis Lafrenière. Those talks might be popping up again. While a move of that magnitude isn’t imminent, multiple teams reportedly inquired about his availability.

Adding to the intrigue, Pagnotta noted the organization could also consider moving Artemi Panarin. “If this team can’t get going here, I don’t see a scenario where keeping Artemi Panarin makes sense for them,” he said.

Contract Watch: Necas, Makar, and Kempe Deals Reshaping the Market

Other NHL teams will feel the ripple effects of the Martin Nečas extension in Colorado. Pierre LeBrun revealed that after the Logan Cooley deal was announced, the Avalanche boosted their offer to $11.5 million annually to get Nečas signed. The same might happen in Los Angeles, where the Kings will see the Necas deal and have no choice but to up their offer for Adrian Kempe.

Elliotte Friedman reported that Kempe’s next deal could also fall “in the neighborhood of that $11.5 million” mark, though David Pagnotta cautioned that talks between the Kings and Kempe’s camp “are not close” at this stage.

Meanwhile, Colorado is already strategizing for Cale Makar’s next mega-extension. Friedman said the Avs will acknowledge Makar’s worth and ask him to “take a little bit less” — viewing any deal below Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million number as a massive organizational win.

Related: The Key Role 2 Teammates Played in Necas’ Deal with Avalanche

Trade Buzz: Kadri, Kampf, and Schmaltz Draw League-Wide Interest

The Calgary Flames continue to be one of the NHL’s most-watched teams ahead of trade season. Both Pierre LeBrun and Frank Seravalli reported that Nazem Kadri’s name has surfaced in discussions. “They’re not gonna trade him somewhere he doesn’t wanna go,” LeBrun said, while Seravalli added the Flames are hesitant to pull the trigger too early for fear of exposing their young core.

In Toronto, Darren Dreger noted that GM Brad Treliving is “exploring the idea” of moving David Kämpf and Nick Robertson. The Leafs would reportedly seek a player of similar age for Robertson, but clearing Kämpf’s contract may be more about financial flexibility than roster fit.

Nick Schmaltz’s situation in Utah remains unresolved. Pagnotta said the two sides are “not close” on a deal, with the player “a little disappointed” in how summer talks went. If Schmaltz keeps producing, expect his name to resurface closer to the deadline.

Oilers Likely to Make Roster Moves Soon

The Edmonton Oilers are getting healthy again, which could mean that roster moves or trades are imminent. Zach Hyman was skating the team and is eligible to return from LTIR. It is expected he will be another week. Mattias Janmark was on the ice for practice, and Alec Regula looks close to a return.

That leaves too many bodies and some tough decisions looming. One option might be a deal in Carolin,a where the Hurricanes are looking for a stopgap defenseman.

Around the League: Barry Trotz, Jason Robertson, and More

Jeff Marek stirred discussion in Nashville by suggesting it’s “only a matter of time before Barry Trotz is coaching the Predators again, right?” Trotz, currently GM, may not be done behind the bench after all.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, Elliotte Friedman and Marek both touched on the Jason Robertson negotiations. With arbitration an option, the Stars are under pressure to either finalize an extension or consider a bigger move.

Elsewhere, Pierre LeBrun confirmed the Bruins won’t tear it all down — preferring a Washington-style “retool” around players like Pavel Zacha. There is a ton of chatter that Zacha could be traded, but the Bruins might be just as likely to re-sign him.

Next: Bedard and Blackhawks Talks Hit a “Fluid Delay”—What Does That Even Mean?