{"id":183241,"date":"2026-08-26T00:24:35","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T00:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/183241\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T00:24:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T00:24:35","slug":"nhl-rumors-karlsson-to-toronto-edvinsson-baffled-hughes-and-makar-news-the-hockey-writers-nhl-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/183241\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Karlsson to Toronto, Edvinsson Baffled, Hughes and Makar News – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s NHL rumors rundown, Erik Karlsson<\/a> could be on a path to Toronto if the Pittsburgh Penguins fall out of contention. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are in such disarray that their own players don\u2019t even know who to talk to about their contracts. This includes defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who is waiting to learn about his contract situation. The latest on Quinn Hughes<\/a> suggests his next contract with the Minnesota Wild could take some time. Finally, the Colorado Avalanche remain confident they\u2019ll get Cale Makar signed before the season begins.<\/p>\n

Erik Karlsson Could Be Headed for Toronto<\/p>\n

Could Erik Karlsson eventually become a Toronto Maple Leaf? NHL insider Elliotte Friedman<\/a> said a source he spoke to this summer believes there is a legitimate possibility, depending on how the seasons unfold for the Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. <\/p>\n

Friedman noted that former Toronto GM Kyle Dubas had previously tried to acquire Karlsson, so the veteran defenseman has long been someone Toronto has liked.<\/p>\n

\"ErikErik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins (Jess Starr<\/a>\/The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n

Karlsson is entering the final season of his contract, which could make him an intriguing rental if Pittsburgh falls out of the playoff race. The 36-year-old had 66 points in 75 games last season and remains one of the NHL\u2019s most productive defensemen. He does have a no-move clause, but Friedman believes Toronto could be an appealing destination if Karlsson decides he wants a better opportunity to win his first Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n

He said, \u201cHe said Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Toronto.\u201d<\/p>\n

Red Wings Have a Problem With Simon Edvinsson<\/p>\n

The Detroit Red Wings are heading toward training camp with a surprisingly messy situation. This will impact trades and signings, including an extension for defenseman Simon Edvinsson. The 21-year-old restricted free agent still needs a new contract, but his agent reportedly<\/a> isn\u2019t even sure who he should be negotiating with because Detroit remains without a permanent general manager.<\/p>\n

Speaking on the\u00a0Full Press Hockey Podcast<\/a>, insider Bob Duff reported that Edvinsson\u2019s agent Peter Werner said his camp is essentially waiting for Detroit to hire its new GM before meaningful negotiations can resume. Until that happens, they don\u2019t know who they\u2019re supposed to talk to. That is becoming increasingly concerning with the September 16 deadline approaching for players to sign eight-year extensions. <\/p>\n

Quinn Hughes Contract Talks Taking Time<\/p>\n

Elliotte Friedman also addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild. Friedman admitted he is surprised the situation has taken this long, and he doesn\u2019t believe Hughes and Minnesota have had extensive negotiations yet. <\/p>\n

Friedman suggested the attention surrounding Hughes and the U.S. Olympic team has contributed to the slower pace this summer. However, he indicated that concern could grow if Hughes remains unsigned when the regular season begins. For now, there doesn\u2019t appear to be a major reason to panic, but the longer the situation drags on, the more interesting the Wild\u2019s decision becomes.<\/p>\n

With Hughes and Cale Makar both preparing for significant new contracts, speculation suggests the two defensemen could be watching each other to see which player sets the next benchmark.<\/p>\n

Avalanche Confident Cale Makar Deal Gets Done<\/p>\n

Over in Denver, Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic offered a confident update<\/a> on Cale Makar. Speaking to reporters, Sakic said he is \u201cpretty confident\u201d the star defenseman will have a new contract finalized before the regular season begins.<\/p>\n

Friedman wonders if term is the biggest factor in this extension. Makar is eligible for what could become the largest contract in NHL history, but Sakic downplayed the importance of the September 16 deadline, which is the cutoff for Makar to sign an eight-year extension with Colorado. The thought now is that Makar might do a three-year deal and then set himself up to sign another monster extension when that shorter one ends.<\/p>\n

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