August is often a down period for NHL transactions, and that mostly has been the case this year after a very eventful July.
Many top free agency signings were done on July 1, Alex Ovechkin re-signed on July 2 and Patrick Kane made his decision to come home to the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23. The arbitration period ended with all 15 players settling before their hearings.
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Also in July, the Philadelphia Flyers signed the Anaheim Ducks’ Leo Carlsson to a record $18 million average annual value offer sheet, which the team matched. Blackhawks star Connor Bedard signed for $15 million AAV and the San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini passed Carlsson to become the NHL’s highest-paid player with an $18.8 million AAV extension.
The Pittsburgh Penguins broke the usual August doldrums on Aug. 6 with a surprising eight-year contract for Ville Koivunen. Does that mean NHL teams might ramp up again? There’s more on their plates.
Here is some of what needs to be resolved as the start of the 2026-27 season approaches in late September:
Related reading: Who are highest-paid NHL players for 2026-27 season?
Red Wings general manager search
The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that team owner Chris Ilitch has employed a search firm to find a replacement for general manager Steve Yzerman. Yzerman will move up to a senior advisor position after seven years as GM. Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff is handling day-to-day responsibilities, though that does not extend to making trades, the Free Press said.
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The Red Wings star’s trade request happened after the regular season and leaked in early June. He has a no-trade clause and has listed the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild as preferred trade destinations. Yzerman said after the draft that he would act only in the best interest of the team. That decision likely will fall to Yzerman’s successor. Larkin has five years left on his contract, so the Red Wings don’t have to rush to make a move. But things could get complicated for Larkin as team captain if the situation isn’t resolved before training camp.
The Wild sent a big haul to the Vancouver Canucks to land the coveted defenseman last winter and he’s about to enter the final year of his contract. Minnesota would like to sign him to an extension.
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“I’ve been talking to Quinn and his camp all along,” general manager Bill Guerin said on the “Judd’s Hockey Show” podcast this week. “These things take time. They’re big decisions for players. They’re big decisions for teams. It’s a process to work through it.”
A three-year extension through 2029-30 would line Quinn up with the end of the contract of his brother Jack, who’s playing for the New Jersey Devils. Quinn Hughes should pass Chicago’s Bowen Byram ($12.5 million) as the top-paid defenseman with his next contract − and likely Celebrini as the top-paid player.
Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, is also up for an extension and could set records.
Top remaining restricted free agents
Some big names still have to be signed.
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Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier is coming off a 41-goal season, but after Carlsson’s deal, Anaheim has a little more than $9 million left. Gauthier is expected to come in above that, meaning the Ducks will need to trade someone.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli also needs a new deal. He was drafted third overall in 2023 behind Bedard and Carlsson. Columbus has a little less than $14.5 million left in cap space.
Other unsigned restricted free agents include Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin, Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson and Montreal forward Zach Bolduc.
Top remaining unrestricted free agents
There are plenty left, though available roster spots are shrinking.
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Vladimir Tarasenko is the biggest name. The six-time 30-goal scorer hasn’t been at that level recently, but he had two 23-goal seasons over the last three seasons.
Other UFA forwards include Michael Bunting, who has an edge to his game, Eeli Tolvanen and James van Riemsdyk.
UFA defensemen include John Klingberg, Logan Stanley and Nick Blankenburg, and goalies include Connor Ingram, Matt Murray and Cam Talbot.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These five questions still must be answered before NHL offseason ends
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