Buy or Sell the Latest NHL Trade and Free Agency Rumors

Approaching August, the NHL offseason is now firmly into its dog days.

Trade activity has slowed to a crawl, with just two minor league deals following a frenzy of deals involving NHL players during the first two days of July.

Meanwhile, the thin unrestricted free agent market has been almost picked clean of what little talent was available. What few notable players remain are now well past their playing prime.

The salary arbitration period (July 20 to Aug. 2) contained no surprises, as all 15 players who filed for arbitration signed new contracts with their respective teams before their scheduled hearings.

Nevertheless, the rumor mill remains active.

The futures of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, and Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright have provided fodder for media speculation.

What type of contract restricted free agent Adam Fantilli will receive from the Blue Jackets has been the subject of conjecture. Meanwhile, Adam DeBrincat's eligibility for UFA status next July has some observers wondering if this season will be his last with the Detroit Red Wings.

How much stock should be placed in these rumors? Follow along as we examine each one to determine which are worth buying or selling.

Will the Seattle Kraken Trade Shane Wright?

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Chosen fourth overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft, Shane Wright was projected to join Matty Beniers to form a solid one-two punch at center for the NHL's newest franchise. However, it now appears that the 22-year-old Wright will be moving on.

On July 5, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Wright's agent, Kurt Overhardt, indicated that the Kraken had agreed to trade his client this summer to a team in need of a top young center. Friedman also stated that Wright's name was "out there" in the market before the March trade deadline.

Friedman stated that there was no word from Kraken management regarding Overhardt's comments. However, he wrote that they wouldn't be forced into a deal that they didn't want to make, adding that they sought a fair price for Wright, who is in the final season of his entry-level contract.

On July 13, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province reported the rebuilding Canucks were Wright's preferred destination because of their potential. A week later, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported the Pittsburgh Penguins were intrigued by the idea of trading for the young Kraken center.

Buy or Sell: Buy

Wright would be an enticing option for rebuilding or retooling clubs seeking a promising, affordable young center. The only sticking point is what the Kraken would consider to be a fair return, which could include a good young NHL player or a top prospect.

Will Adam Fantilli Get an Expensive Contract With the Columbus Blue Jackets?

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On July 3, the Philadelphia Flyers signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet. Six days later, the Ducks matched the offer, giving the 21-year-old center an average annual value of $18 million.

The impact of Carlsson's league-leading AAV will affect contract negotiations involving NHL stars for years, including promising young players such as Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Like Carlsson, Fantilli is a 21-year-old restricted free agent center coming off his entry-level contract.

Given Fantilli is also a first-line center like Carlsson, he could seek an AAV comparable to that of the young Ducks star. They both play a somewhat similar style, with Carlsson scoring 141 points in 201 games while Fantilli has 140 points in 213 contests.

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic acknowledged the effect Carlsson's contract could have on Fantilli's negotiations. However, he also suggested that the Blue Jackets center could accept a deal similar to that of Connor Bedard, who inked a five-year deal on July 18 with an AAV of $15 million.

Buy or Sell: Buy

Whether it's $15 million, $18 million, something in between, or perhaps a little less, Fantilli will be getting a big raise on his next contract. Carlsson and Bedard have set the market, and now the Blue Jackets must pony up.

Could This Season Be Alex DeBrincat's Last With the Detroit Red Wings?

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The Detroit Red Wings' offseason has been dominated thus far by speculation over Dylan Larkin's future. The 29-year-old center's trade request has raised questions about the club's future, especially now that Steve Yzerman is no longer their general manager.

Larkin's potential departure has overshadowed Alex DeBrincat's future in Detroit. The 28-year-old scoring winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. With a cap hit of $7.9 million for 2026-27, he'll be in line for a substantial raise on his next contract.

On July 15, Max Bultman of The Athletic wondered how the Red Wings' management change could affect DeBrincat's future. If the next GM decides to rebuild the roster, the winger could be among several veterans peddled for younger talent at next year's trade deadline.

Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now believes DeBrincat will stay put as long as the Red Wings pay him fair market value on his next contract. On July 27, Duff pointed out that DeBrincat is a Michigan native who loves living and playing in Detroit.

Buy or Sell: Sell...for now

Much will depend on Yzerman's replacement, how they handle Larkin's trade request, and the Red Wings' performance this season. However, if DeBrincat wants to stay, they have plenty of salary-cap space for 2027-28 to keep him in the fold.

Kirill Marchenko to the Montréal Canadiens?

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Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (right) and Montréal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield

On June 26, ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported Kirill Marchenko was unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That generated speculation that the 26-year-old winger could be traded, with the Montréal Canadiens believed to be among the suitors.

General manager Don Waddell said on July 2 that Marchenko would be with the Blue Jackets to start the season. However, on July 25, RG Media's Daria Tuboltseva reported that a source close to the winger claimed the Blue Jackets were negotiating a trade with another NHL club.

Tuboltseva cited colleague Marco D'Amico recently saying that the Canadiens still sought a top-six forward. D'Amico subsequently tweeted that the Canadiens remained interested in Marchenko, but he couldn't confirm whether a trade would occur.

The report brought a quick response from Blue Jackets' beat writers. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic and Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reported that their sources indicated that there was nothing new regarding Marchenko's status.

Buy or Sell: Sell

While a trade between the Blue Jackets and Canadiens involving Marchenko could take place, it doesn't seem likely. Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reported that Jackets general manager Don Waddell refuted the rumor, claiming he hasn't spoken with other GMs about Marchenko in weeks.

Connor McDavid to the Philadelphia Flyers?

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Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (left) skates against Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konency.

Last season was a disappointment for the Edmonton Oilers and their captain, Connor McDavid. After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, they finished second in a weak Pacific Division with 92 points and were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by the upstart Anaheim Ducks.

With McDavid now in the first season of his two-year contract extension, Oilers management is under pressure to improve the supporting cast around its franchise player. Another disappointing season could raise trade speculation before his contract expires.

Todd Fedoruk believes the Philadelphia Flyers could be a destination for McDavid. On July 16, the Flyers color commentator for 97.5 The Fanatic noted that the club still seeks a first-line center, suggesting McDavid as a trade target if the Oilers' struggles persist this season.

"He is going to be a player who will be calling teams," Fedoruk said. "His agent is going to be looking for places for him to go. There are rumors that Philadelphia is a place that Connor McDavid wants to go."

Buy or Sell: Sell

The Flyers exceeded expectations last season by qualifying for the playoffs and upsetting the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. However, they're still several seasons from Stanley Cup contention. If McDavid seeks a trade, it'll be to established contenders that give him the best chance to win hockey's holy grail.

Stats and standings via NHL.com. Salary and contract info via PuckPedia.