August is shaping up to be another busy month on the NHL trade front, and a handful of teams still have real business to handle before training camps open. The pace of movement may have slowed, but the rumor mill hasn’t cooled off. Detroit, Montreal, Columbus, Vancouver and Buffalo all look poised to keep the conversation going.
In Detroit, the big question is Dylan Larkin. The Red Wings are still searching for a new general manager, and that makes the situation even murkier.
It isn’t clear who is handling talks with other teams on a potential Larkin deal. According to the source, Larkin wants to be moved, and the team appears open to it too, but the return has to be right.
Once Detroit settles on the person making the calls, this could jump to the front of the line. There’s also speculation surrounding Alex DeBrincat and a new deal for Simon Edvinsson.
Montreal is also in the market, but not for a roster overhaul. The Canadiens want one more piece, likely another forward who fits their core, and GM Kent Hughes would like to bring someone in.
Kirill Marchenko has been the name tied to them. With roughly $9.78 million in projected space and a full roster already in place, Montreal would need to make a trade rather than a signing if it wants to add.
That’s where Columbus comes in. Marchenko is the name drawing the attention, and the Blue Jackets would have to rethink things if he’s moved.
Zach Werenski would become a bigger topic in that scenario, though for now he’s staying put. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said it had been weeks since he’s discussed a possible Marchenko trade with another general manager, which suggests those conversations could pick back up in August.
Vancouver, meanwhile, feels like a team where something could still break loose even if nothing is immediate. The Canucks have a list of notable names that could wind up elsewhere: Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser and Conor Garland. With the way their situation is described, it’s hard to believe they’re done making moves.
Buffalo is still hunting for a major addition, too. The Sabres are no longer in the Patrick Kane picture after he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks, but Connor Hellebuyck remains a name to watch.
The trade seemed close enough that the idea shouldn’t be dismissed, even if the draft has changed the return package. Buffalo is still interested, and the sides could still find a way back into discussions.
If the Sabres land Hellebuyck, it would be the biggest move they could make.
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