NHL Rumors: Podkolzin’s Future with Oilers, Merzlikin Injury, and a Larkin Update – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are counting on Vasily Podkolzin to take another step and provide some much-needed secondary offense. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been dealt an unfortunate injury blow with Elvis Merzlikins undergoing shoulder surgery. Darryl Sutter also reignited the debate over why American stars have been reluctant to stay in Canada. Finally, the Detroit Red Wings continue to struggle to find a suitable trade for Dylan Larkin.

Oilers Expect Vasily Podkolzin to Take Another Step

The Edmonton Oilers need more secondary scoring this season, and Vasily Podkolzin could be one of the players capable of providing it. Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer recently suggested fans shouldn’t be surprised if Podkolzin takes another major step in 2026-27.

Stauffer expects Podkolzin to see time in Edmonton’s top six, along with opportunities on the second power-play unit and penalty kill. He’s one of the hardest-working Oilers, and Mike Babcock could take a liking to him.

The 24-year-old is entering the second season of a three-year, $2.95 million contract, making a breakout particularly valuable for Edmonton. If Podkolzin can develop into a consistent 20-goal scorer while adding 20-plus assists, he could provide exactly the kind of depth offense the Oilers need behind Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the rest of their core.

Elvis Merzlikins Injury Creates Another Blue Jackets Question

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery Monday and currently has no timetable for his return. General manager Don Waddell said Merzlikins first felt discomfort during offseason workouts, and an MRI ultimately determined surgery was necessary.

The timing is less than ideal with training camp opening September 16 and the regular season beginning October 1. Merzlikins, 32, is entering the final year of his contract after posting a 14-11-3 record, .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average last season. Fortunately for Columbus, Jet Greaves emerged as the team’s clear No. 1 last season.

Pheonix Copley, signed this summer for one year and $850,000, is expected to move into the backup role while Merzlikins recovers.

Darryl Sutter Reignites Debate Over American Stars in Canada

Former Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter has called out some of his former players who happen to be American, and their desire to play for Canadian NHL teams. Appearing on the Cam and Strick podcast, Sutter offered his blunt assessment of why Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk ultimately left Calgary.

He said American players faced challenges during COVID-19 restrictions and wanted to return home. Tax advantages in certain U.S. markets, proximity to family and greater control over destinations also influence where players want to play. This could explain the recent trend of elite American talent players working their way off Canadian teams.

Canadian general managers are likely starting to ask whether investing heavily in American stars carries greater risk.

Dylan Larkin Trade Market Remains Complicated

While discussions are on pause, the Detroit Red Wings continue to struggle to find a trade destination for Dylan Larkin. Ansar Khan of MLive reported the following:

“From Larkin’s standpoint, it’s clear that his preferred destination, the Minnesota Wild, don’t have to assets to deal (minimum, a top-six NHL forward, preferably a center) and the Red Wings aren’t interested in futures (draft picks, prospects). It’s also evident his secondary choices – Florida, Vegas and Dallas – either have little interest, insufficient cap space or no desire to part with what it would take to land him.”

source – ‘With or without Larkin, Red Wings still need to address offense’ – MLive.com – Ansar Khan – 08-14-2026

There have also been reports that, even if the Red Wings had a GM in place to make a deal, they appear to be waiting for a trade that makes sense.