Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Canada Stays Perfect at Hlinka Gretzky Cup as Switzerland Pulls Off Last-Second Stunner
Canada remained unbeaten at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton with a 6-1 victory over Slovakia on Tuesday. Kayden Stroeder scored twice for Canada, while Landon DuPont, Ryerson Edgar, Camryn Warren, and Liam Pue each added a goal and an assist. Leif Oaten made 12 saves in his first start. Switzerland stunned Sweden 7-6 with a goal in the final two seconds, with Alessandro Domenichelli contributing a goal and an assist for the Swiss. Czechia defeated Germany 8-3, led by Maxmilian Mares's three-point performance, while the USA beat Finland 4-1. Day 3 continues today with Canada facing Sweden at 7 p.m. ET.
Larkin-Wild Trade Talks Stalled as Red Wings Demand More in Return
A Kalshi prediction market shows 75 percent of participants expecting Dylan Larkin to remain with the Detroit Red Wings this season, despite the 30-year-old center's trade request last spring. Of those who believe a trade will happen, 72 percent see the Minnesota Wild as the destination — but talks have stalled. Detroit reportedly sought Matt Boldy in return, a demand the Wild have refused, while Minnesota's salary-cap constraints make accommodating Larkin's $8.7 million AAV a challenge. The Wings continue searching for a new general manager to replace Steve Yzerman, which has further complicated trade discussions.
Sources: Spectors Hockey
Flames Rule Out Xhekaj, Leaving Canadiens Blueliner's Trade Market Thin
The trade market for Montreal Canadiens restricted free agent Arber Xhekaj has narrowed after the Calgary Flames confirmed they are no longer interested, according to Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco. The Flames had previously shown interest in the defenseman but moved on after acquiring Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild in July. The Philadelphia Flyers, another rumored suitor, cast doubt on any deal after The Hockey News noted Philadelphia already has sufficient toughness on its blue line with Simon Benoit and Nick Seeler. Montreal has yet to re-sign Xhekaj, though his agent indicated there was no panic in ongoing contract negotiations with the Canadiens.
Sources: Spectors Hockey
Laine, Tarasenko, and Bunting Among Veteran UFAs Still Without a Contract in August
Three veteran NHLers remain unsigned as the NHL calendar pushes into August. Patrik Laine appeared in just five games last season, though he has averaged 32.6 goals per 82 games since the 2021-22 season and is receiving only professional tryout offers. Vladimir Tarasenko, 34, scored 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games for the Minnesota Wild last season and is seeking approximately $3.5 million annually. Michael Bunting ranked 27th among NHL forwards with at least 50 power-play minutes in points per 60, posting 2.78 on the man advantage, but has not yet signed. Matt Grzelcyk and Ingram also remain unsigned.
Sources: Bleacher Report
Senators Coach Travis Green Says He Was Surprised — and Angry — When Tkachuk Requested a Trade
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green revealed he was surprised by Brady Tkachuk's trade request and went through a range of emotions, including anger, when he learned the captain wanted out. The Senators traded the 26-year-old left winger to the Florida Panthers in June. Green said he later spoke with Tkachuk, had a productive conversation, and wished him well. Green noted that he was a teammate of Brady's father, Keith Tkachuk, and said he will maintain a good relationship with the Tkachuk family. Looking ahead, Green expressed confidence in Ottawa's upside, citing the ongoing development of Jake Sanderson, Tim Stutzle, and Ridly Greig.
Sources: Spectors Hockey
New York Islanders Name Evan Gold Assistant General Manager After Bruins Departure
The New York Islanders officially announced the hiring of Evan Gold as assistant general manager. Beyond his AGM responsibilities with the NHL club, Gold will simultaneously serve as general manager of the Islanders' AHL affiliate based in Hamilton. Gold brings a substantial front-office background to the role, having spent eleven seasons with the Boston Bruins in various organizational capacities. His Bruins contract expired on August 1. The move had been anticipated: reports ahead of the announcement indicated Gold was expected to join the Islanders' front office once he became available.
Sources: The Hockey News
2025-26 Season Complete
Stanley Cup Final
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vegas Golden Knights — Hurricanes win 4–2
2026 Stanley Cup Champions
Carolina Hurricanes — 2026 Stanley Cup Champions
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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