Marchenko, Nikishin and Tarasenko headline busy NHL rumour mill

With the NHL season about to begin, several notable names are driving the rumour mill as general managers weigh roster decisions, cap commitments and trade options. Marchenko in Columbus, Nikishin in Carolina and Tarasenko on the open market are among the most closely watched situations.

Columbus faces decision on Marchenko as interest grows

Marchenko is entering the final season of his three‑year, $11.5‑million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, after which he will become a restricted free agent. According to the latest reporting, there has been no clear sign that he intends to remain with the club once that deal expires, putting pressure on management to decide whether to keep him or explore a move.

Columbus recently secured Adam Fantilli on a long‑term extension, giving the organization a clearer picture of its salary‑cap outlook. On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman framed the Jackets’ dilemma as choosing whether to start the year with a key scorer who may not be part of their future, or to reshape the room if the player prefers a change of scenery. Friedman says several teams are circling, mentioning the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets among those with interest, and noting that the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken have also been linked at various points.

Marchenko is coming off an impressive season, recording 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games, production that makes him a prime target for clubs seeking top‑six offence.

Nikishin emerges as key trade chip in Hurricanes’ plans

In Carolina, RFA defenceman Nikishin is not in training camp after a standout rookie year in which he posted 11 goals and 22 assists over 81 games and helped the Hurricanes capture the Stanley Cup. Friedman reports that the player has been granted permission to speak with other teams, a sign the organization is at least open to significant trade discussions.

Nikishin is viewed as Carolina’s main trade asset. Friedman floated the idea that the Hurricanes could be exploring a multi‑team deal rather than a simple one‑for‑one move, potentially tied to their continued interest in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has requested a trade. However, Nikishin is not believed to be interested in signing with the Jets, a factor that would complicate any direct deal between the two clubs.

Contract questions for Edvinsson and landing spot for Tarasenko

Detroit also has an important RFA decision to make. Defenceman Edvinsson, 23, reached restricted free agency after his second full season with the Red Wings. Friedman has heard that Detroit’s preference is to pursue a bridge contract rather than a long‑term agreement, though nothing is finalized. Edvinsson did take part in the first on‑ice session of training camp, indicating negotiations have not kept him off the ice.

Up front, veteran forward Tarasenko remains an unrestricted free agent after producing 23 goals and 24 assists in 75 games with the Minnesota Wild last season. Friedman says he has heard that Tarasenko and the Florida Panthers “have been kind of eyeing each other,” a fit that makes sense given his familiarity with the organization. Florida acquired Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators at the 2024 trade deadline, and he went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Panthers.

As puck drop approaches, how Columbus, Carolina, Detroit and Florida handle these high‑profile situations — whether through trades, bridge deals or new contracts — could reshape the early‑season landscape across the NHL.