Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Canada Dominates USA 8-1 to Win Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold
Canada claimed gold at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Saturday night, routing the United States 8-1 in the final at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Brock England, Maddox Schultz, and Liam Pue each scored twice to pace the dominant Canadian side, with Benjamin Veitch and Jaakko Wycisk also finding the net. Landon DuPont added four assists, and Canada’s power play connected on three of five chances. The Canadians outshot the Americans 45-17 and led 3-1 after the first period and 6-1 heading into the third. Gunnar Conboy scored the lone American goal on the power play. In the bronze-medal game, Finland defeated Slovakia 3-2.
Kuznetsov Signs with Sibir Novosibirsk, Ending NHL Return Speculation
Evgeny Kuznetsov has officially signed a one-year deal with Sibir Novosibirsk of the KHL, effectively closing the door on any return to the NHL for at least another season. The 34-year-old forward agreed to terms with Sibir on Saturday — his fourth KHL club since the start of the 2024-25 season, following stints with SKA St. Petersburg, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, and Salavat Yulaev. His base salary is 35 million rubles, roughly $427,000 USD, with performance bonuses that could push his total closer to $940,000 if he reaches 55 points. Kuznetsov recorded 27 points in 34 regular-season games last season split between Metallurg and Salavat.
Sources: Russian Machine Never Breaks
Makar and Hughes in Contract Stalemate as Training Camp Nears
Two of the NHL’s most coveted defensemen remain without contract extensions entering training camp season. Colorado’s Cale Makar and Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes are both in the final years of their respective deals, with observers wondering whether the pair are locked in a staring contest over who will benchmark the market first. Hughes became eligible to sign an extension on July 1, but Wild general manager Bill Guerin has not gotten into the details of negotiations with Hughes’s camp. Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist for each of the last six years, is coming off his fifth straight point-per-game season, with his next contract expected to push toward the $20-million-per-year mark.
Sources: Pro Hockey Rumors
Hurricanes' Alexander Nikishin Remains in Trade and Contract Limbo
Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains one of the NHL’s most intriguing unsettled situations, with the 24-year-old Russian blueliner stuck in a contract and potential trade stalemate in Carolina. As a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level deal, Nikishin has no arbitration rights and cannot receive an offer sheet, giving him limited leverage in negotiations. Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky acknowledged that teams call frequently about the blueliner. Nikishin has indicated his contract demands align with comparable deals that recently exceeded $8 million annually. Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News identified five potential trade destinations: Calgary, Philadelphia, Seattle, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.
Sources: Pro Hockey Rumors
Red Wings' GM Search Puts Dylan Larkin Trade on Hold
The Detroit Red Wings’ ongoing general manager search is complicating efforts to resolve captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has taken over day-to-day operations after Steve Yzerman moved into a senior advisory role, but ownership is reportedly reluctant to approve a major transaction before a permanent GM is installed. Larkin, who holds a full no-trade clause, reportedly has a list of approved trade destinations that includes Minnesota, Florida, and Las Vegas, and the Wild have already made their interest known. Detroit is seeking established, win-now players in return rather than draft picks or prospects. No deal appears imminent.
Sources: The Boston Globe
Hellebuyck Trade Market Stays Quiet as Jets and Sabres Stall
The market for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has gone quiet in August, a month after a near-deal with the Buffalo Sabres collapsed around draft time. The Sabres reportedly offered the fourth overall pick, a player believed to be forward Jack Quinn, and potentially another asset, but Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff pulled back before a deal was finalized. Cheveldayoff has confirmed his club is listening to trade offers for Hellebuyck, who is signed through the 2030-31 season and holds a full no-movement clause. With the Jets under no contract-year pressure from their goalie, they can afford to wait for the right return as training camp approaches.
Three Under-the-Radar Free Agents Still Searching for NHL Deals
More than a month into NHL free agency, three veterans remain unsigned. Goaltender Connor Ingram, 29, played his way into the Oilers’ playoff rotation after being waived by Utah, but his market has yet to develop. Slovak winger Pavol Regenda, 26, is an undrafted forward who showed promise with San Jose after being acquired from Anaheim in January 2025 but has not found a deal. Defenseman Nick Blankenburg, 28, skated in 55 NHL games with Columbus over three seasons, recording 18 points, though his 5-foot-9 frame has limited his appeal. Professional tryout agreements have not been ruled out.
Sources: Pro Hockey Rumors
2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
R1: Carolina Hurricanes def. Ottawa Senators 4–0
CSF: Carolina Hurricanes def. Philadelphia Flyers 4–0
CF: Carolina Hurricanes def. Montreal Canadiens 4–1
Western Conference
R1: Vegas Golden Knights def. Utah Mammoth 4–2
R1: Anaheim Ducks def. Edmonton Oilers 4–2
R1: Colorado Avalanche def. Los Angeles Kings 4–0
R1: Minnesota Wild def. Dallas Stars 4–2
CSF: Vegas Golden Knights def. Anaheim Ducks 4–2
WCF: Vegas Golden Knights def. Colorado Avalanche 4–0
Stanley Cup Final
🏆 Carolina Hurricanes def. Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 — STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS
Conn Smythe: Jordan Staal · Game 6: CAR 3, VGK 0 (Brandon Bussi shutout)
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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