NHL Rumors: Werenski Speaks, Hughes Contract, Canadiens Sign-and-Trade, Senators Not Done – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Zach Werenski has made it clear where he wants to play long-term after a summer filled with trade speculation. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild and Quinn Hughes continue to work through contract possibilities. The Montreal Canadiens could have two restricted free agents emerge as sign-and-trade candidates before training camp, and Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios says he’s not finished making improvements to his roster.

Zach Werenski Wants to Stay in Columbus

Zach Werenski addressed the trade rumors surrounding him for the first time this summer and made it abundantly clear he’s not looking to leave the Blue Jackets. After working out at Nationwide Arena, Werenski said being back in Columbus reinforced his feeling that it is where he wants to be. Speaking with local media, the defenseman said, “Ideally, I’m here for the long term.”

Werenski emphasized that his focus is winning and doing so in Columbus. He also indicated that this would be the only time he addresses the offseason trade speculation publicly.

Fielding questions on the status of Adam Fantilli contract updates, the Blue Jackets captain added that he believes Fantilli wants to remain in Columbus as well and expects the young forward’s contract situation to eventually be resolved.

$17M Off the Table for Quinn Hughes

The Minnesota Wild and Quinn Hughes continue to work through contract negotiations, and Michael Russo believes a shorter-term agreement is likely where the two sides land. Speaking on The Sheet, Russo suggested a three-year contract could allow Hughes to align his next unrestricted free agency with his brother Jack Hughes.

One interesting addition to the Hughes chatter is that Russo believes Minnesota may have thought it could land Hughes at a salary in the Kirill Kaprizov $17 million annual range, but that the price has likely increased. It looks like an internal cap ceiling is about to be set by Hughes, who could ask for more than $18-plus million per season, even on a shorter-term deal.

Canadiens Could Have Two Sign-and-Trade Candidates

The Montreal Canadiens could have an interesting situation developing with restricted free agents Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc. Both players remain unsigned, and Montreal Gazette columnist Stu Cowan believes they could be sign-and-trade candidates before training camp opens Sept. 16.

He writes:

“The fact neither player has signed yet leads me to believe they could become part of sign-and-trade deals before Sept. 16 — like the one the Canadiens made last summer to acquire Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders after he had agreed to an eight-year, US$76-million contract as a restricted free agent.”

source – ‘Cowan: Sign-and-trade deal could be in works for Canadiens blue-liner Arber Xhekaj’ – Stu Cowan – The Gazzette – 08/12/2026

The Canadiens want a second-line center, which could mean a trade in September or October. Xhekaj and Bolduc, both coming off inexpensive contracts, could attract interest if made available.

Senators GM Steve Staios Isn’t Done Yet

Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios doesn’t appear finished reshaping his roster. Speaking with season-ticket holders on Wednesday, Staios said he remains open to making additional moves before the season begins, pointing to his acquisition of William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks shortly after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers.

“I wasn’t done after the Brady deal, and I’m certainly not done now,” he said. “We’re determined to bring championship here to Ottawa.”

source – ‘Senators GM Steve Staios: ‘I’m certainly not done’ making improvements’ – Callum Fraser – Ottawa Sun – 08-13-2026

If the Senators can’t find another suitable scoring option before training camp, that need could remain an area Staios monitors throughout the upcoming season.

Staios also discussed Drake Batherson’s contract extension and called it a priority.