NHL Rumors: Pettersson Kings Buzz, Makar vs Hughes, Oilers Adding a Forward – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Elias Pettersson is generating buzz after being spotted skating in Los Angeles, but does it actually mean anything? Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is entering his final season, and his deal, along with the Quinn Hughes extension, is the big talk among blue-line contracts. Finally, in Edmonton, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has offered some insight into what the team might use its available salary-cap space on.

A video of Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson skating in Los Angeles has quickly become a talking point amid trade speculation. Pettersson had a difficult 2025-26 season, recording 51 points in 74 games, and the Canucks have challenged him to improve his level of play. With the Los Angeles Kings reportedly among the teams that have checked in on the 27-year-old, seeing him skate in Los Angeles naturally raised eyebrows.

However, Rick Dhaliwal has pushed back on the idea that the footage is evidence a trade is imminent. Pettersson’s wife is from Los Angeles, giving him a natural reason to train there during the offseason. Dhaliwal also reported that a potential trade has not come close to happening in recent months.

The footage itself probably shouldn’t be analyzed nearly as closely as it has been. The video quality isn’t particularly good, and the skate was an informal summer session. It wasn’t a Los Angeles Kings practice, tryout or indication that Pettersson has joined the club.

The Canucks could certainly revisit the trade market during the season, but the current expectation appears to be that they will wait and see how Pettersson performs.

Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes Headed for Historic Contracts

Cale Makar is now eligible to sign a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, and he’s positioned for an enormous payday. Makar is entering the final season of his current contract, and with several massive contracts being handed out around the league this summer, there is already speculation that Makar’s next deal could push toward the $20 million annual range.

Evan Rawal of The Denver Gazette suggested there could be an interesting dynamic involving Makar and Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes, with each potentially waiting to see which player establishes the next major benchmark for elite defensemen.

At the same time, Josh Cybulski of Pro Hockey Rumors writes that Hughes has no reason to hurry. He explains:

“Looking at all the noise around Hughes and the Wild, it’s quite clear that one side of the negotiation needs the other far more than the other. To state things bluntly, the Wild need Hughes far more than he needs them. There are 31 other NHL teams, but only one Quinn Hughes. Minnesota has already committed a lot of assets to Hughes, which gives him leverage to ask for anything he wants. If he doesn’t want to compromise in any way, he is the one holding all the cards, and walking away would damage the Wild and their reputation far more than it would Hughes.”

Oilers Likely Targeting a Forward With Cap Space

The Edmonton Oilers appear to be taking a patient approach to their remaining salary-cap flexibility. General manager Stan Bowman said the club expects to begin the season with roughly $4 million to $4.5 million in available space, giving Edmonton the ability to make a meaningful addition later in the season.

Bowman indicated that a forward is the most likely target. The Oilers already have three goaltenders and considerable depth on defense. However, the arrival of head coach Mike Babcock could ultimately determine exactly what Edmonton needs.

Bowman explained that the organization wants to see how its players perform under Babcock’s system and accountability standards before making a decision. If certain players don’t fit the new system, Edmonton could become more aggressive in the trade market.