Contract talk stole the spotlight across the NHL on Wednesday, and the ripple effects reached all the way back to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins’ fingerprints are showing up in the market in more ways than one, with Dan’s Daily noting that Pittsburgh’s influence is helping shape the current contract landscape. That was part of the backdrop as the Quinn Hughes situation kept building toward what the source called a peak moment, with Minnesota trying to lock him up and Hughes showing no urgency to make a decision.
That same contract wave is rolling through other corners of the league. Anaheim appears to be closing in on a major deal for Cutter Gauthier, even though he is not yet old enough for an offer sheet. To make room, the Ducks and Chris Kreider agreed to terminate the final year of his contract, which turns Kreider into a free agent.
There was also a major loss around the hockey world. Barry Melrose died last night, and the reaction around the sport has centered on what he meant to fans, players and viewers alike. Elliotte Friedman also landed a new contract with Sportsnet, keeping his Saturday role and his place on 32 Thoughts.
In Minnesota, the Hughes watch is still the story. The Star Tribune reported that it’s a critical week for Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild, with the team pushing for a deal while Hughes remains in no rush. Quinn and Jack Hughes discussed the situation during the media tour, and the source made clear that everyone is now on high alert.
Elsewhere, Sportsnet Edmonton reported that the Oilers signing Alex Formenton to a contract raised some eyebrows Wednesday, with the outlet explaining why the team made the move. The source also pointed out that being acquitted, especially in the forceful way the Team Canada players were, has to matter.
On the expansion front, Bill Daly provided an update through Sportsnet. The Texas group is described as being fairly advanced in the process, while the Atlanta and Phoenix efforts are not as far along. There is also concern among owners about the idea of a 33rd team.
The Detroit Red Wings’ GM search is also drawing scrutiny, with the process starting to sound incompetent, according to the source.
The day also carried a somber note from inside hockey media. Dave Molinari is documenting his early cancer diagnosis, and the message was simple: everyone is in Dave’s corner.
Around Pittsburgh, the local coverage kept moving. Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Three Thoughts column took a different angle this week, focusing on the Penguins’ influence on the market and what could be an exorbitant cost for the minor league team. Later in the day, PHN+ is set to publish this week’s Penguins Q&A.
And for Steelers fans, Steelers Now has Derrick Bell’s four bold predictions for the coming season.
In Other News...
Penguins Fans Will Love How Two Familiar Names Are Being Honored
Phil Kessels Penguins run already made him a familiar and beloved figure in Pittsburgh, from the two Stanley Cups to the durability that helped define his NHL career. Now he and his sister Amanda are set to be honored together, with both slated for induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, a nod that ties one of the franchises favorite former players to someone who is still part of the organization.
Amanda Kessels connection to the Penguins has only deepened her ties to the city, since she currently serves as the teams Manager of Minor League Operations. Her own playing rsum stands on its own, built on Olympic medals and World Championship success, and the Hall of Fame recognition will place the Kessels alongside T.J. Oshie, Ryan Suter and Stan Wong in a class that should resonate strongly with Pittsburgh fans who know both names well. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins Camp Opens With Little Time For Bubble Players To Impress
The Penguins will waste little time getting to work when training camp opens Sept. 17 at the UPMC Lemieux Complex, and the schedule makes clear this is not a long runway for anyone trying to climb onto the roster. The team is splitting camp into three groups, with practices beginning at 8:45 a.m., a setup that should give the coaching staff a quick read on who looks ready and who still has ground to make up.
For the bubble players, the clock is already ticking. Preseason games begin just four days into camp, leaving very little room to stand out before decisions start sharpening, and the regular season arrives quickly after that with an opener scheduled for Sept. 30 in Philadelphia. In a camp this compressed, every drill, shift and exhibition appearance carries extra weight. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins Have 3 Real Chances To End An Award Drought
The Penguins enter the 2026-27 season with something they have not had much of lately in the individual award conversation: a few legitimate paths to recognition. Dan Muse is positioned as a real Jack Adams candidate if the team takes a meaningful step forward under his watch, while Kyle Dubas could work his way into general manager of the year talk if the roster moves and organizational direction start drawing league-wide notice. Even in a sport that often spreads the credit around, Pittsburgh has a chance to put a pair of familiar decision-makers back in the spotlight.
The most intriguing long shot might be Sergei Murashov, whose development gives the Penguins a possible Calder Trophy storyline if he arrives in the NHL and performs right away. Goaltenders always make these projections tricky, and rookie awards can swing on opportunity as much as talent, but Pittsburgh at least has a young netminder worth watching. For a franchise that has gone a while without much award success, the season could offer more than one route to ending that drought. [Read more 🡒]