NHL Rumors: Edvinsson Turn, O’Reilly Trade Watch, McKenna Snubbed by Bobrovsky… Again

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Detroit Red Wings still haven’t reached a contract agreement with Simon Edvinsson with opening night just days away. Now he’s left the country, which isn’t a good sign. Meanwhile, Ryan O’Reilly could become a name to watch on the trade market. The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna’s NHL debut was overshadowed by a pregame moment involving Sergei Bobrovsky. Finally, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is no longer heading into the season as a pending unrestricted free agent.

Red Wings, Edvinsson Still Searching for Contract Resolution

With just two days until the Detroit Red Wings open their season, Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned and was spotted Wednesday training with his former club, Frölunda, in Sweden. Reports indicate Edvinsson and his agent believe Sweden is the best place for him to stay in shape while negotiations continue.

The two sides are reportedly talking daily. Red Wings general manager Shawn Horcoff confirmed Edvinsson is not currently practicing with the team, saying the organization will continue conversations with the defenseman and his agent. The situation has frustrated Detroit fans, especially those who can see that Edvinsson wants to stay with the organization. There has also been speculation that he could be seeking between $9 million and $10 million annually, though that figure remains unconfirmed.

Ryan O’Reilly’s a Name to Watch in Nashville

Could Ryan O’Reilly eventually become a trade candidate for the Nashville Predators? Elliotte Friedman suggested the veteran forward is a name NHL teams should keep an eye on this season. In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Friedman wrote that two executives independently identified O’Reilly when asked about storylines to watch.

Teams have reportedly tried to acquire him for more than two years, but Nashville has honored a verbal promise not to move him. That could become more complicated now that O’Reilly is entering the final year of his contract. He does not have formal trade protection, and the situation could change if the Predators decide they are not going to offer him an extension.

O’Reilly has more than 1,200 NHL games and a Stanley Cup on his résumé, making him a potentially attractive veteran if Nashville struggles early in 2026-27.

McKenna’s NHL Debut Overshadowed by Bobrovsky Moment

Gavin McKenna’s first NHL regular-season game with the Toronto Maple Leafs was supposed to be a memorable night for the No. 1 overall pick, but much of the online conversation instead centered on Sergei Bobrovsky.

During McKenna’s planned rookie lap, Bobrovsky took the ice first as part of his established pregame routine. Some fans criticized the veteran goaltender for not letting McKenna have the moment to himself, with a few even linking the incident to broader questions about Toronto’s culture.

There is no indication Bobrovsky intended disrespect, and no reason to assume there is already friction. Goalies are famously particular about their pregame routines. Not to mention, McKenna finished without a point, which he found more concerning. He registered one shot, a minus-2 rating and had two giveaways. When asked about his own game, he responded, “Not great. I had a couple turnovers. I’m glad we’re playing again tomorrow so I can bounce back and regroup. I’m just looking forward to getting going again tomorrow.”

This is now the second time that fans are calling out Bobrovsky, who claimed McKenna’s old jersey number.

Jared Bednar Signs Avalanche Extension

Jared Bednar is no longer a pending unrestricted free agent. The Colorado Avalanche announced Wednesday that the veteran head coach has signed a four-year contract extension that will keep him behind the bench through the 2030-31 season.

Bednar was entering the final year of his previous contract and would have been one of the most prominent coaches available next summer had he not reached an agreement with Colorado. The 54-year-old has coached the Avalanche since 2016-17 and has led the club to the playoffs in every season except his first.