The latest NHL News for July 17, 2026, is being driven by two potentially franchise-altering negotiations, a significant change to the league schedule and continued uncertainty surrounding the Detroit Red Wings.
Patrick Kane has reportedly narrowed his free-agent options to a reunion with the Chicago Blackhawks or a homecoming with the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, Adam Fantilli’s next contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets could become much more expensive than anyone anticipated before the Anaheim Ducks matched Philadelphia’s enormous offer sheet for Leo Carlsson.
Those stories are unfolding as NHL teams study an expanded 84-game schedule and the Red Wings begin searching for a new hockey operations leader following Steve Yzerman’s transition into a senior advisory role. This may be the quieter portion of the NHL offseason, but several decisions being made now could reshape the playoff race before training camp even begins.
Latest NHL News: Patrick Kane Chooses Between Chicago and Buffalo
Kane remains the most accomplished unrestricted free agent still available. Sportsnet reported Friday that the 37-year-old winger is considering the Blackhawks and Sabres after producing 16 goals, 41 assists and 57 points for Detroit last season.
Chris Chelios added considerable weight to the speculation when he said he had spoken with Kane and that, “It is down to Buffalo and Chicago.” Kane has not officially announced his destination, meaning the report should still be treated as a developing free-agent story rather than a completed signing.
From my perspective, Chicago offers the cleaner emotional ending. Kane would return to the organization where he won three Stanley Cups and could help guide a young roster. Buffalo, however, may provide the stronger competitive opportunity while allowing the Buffalo native to finish his career close to family.
The hockey decision could come down to role. Kane still has the vision and puck skills to improve a power play, but he needs sheltered minutes and capable linemates at this stage of his career. Whichever team promises meaningful offensive usage without asking him to carry a line may have the advantage.
Adam Fantilli’s Contract Price Could Exceed Columbus’ Available Space
The Blue Jackets’ negotiations with Fantilli have become one of the most fascinating situations in the NHL. Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reported that the Carlsson offer sheet has significantly increased the potential cost of keeping Columbus’ young No. 1 centre.
According to the report, a contract carrying an average annual value between $10 million and $12 million may no longer be realistic. Columbus currently has approximately $23.2 million in available cap space, but the team must also settle its outstanding negotiations with Jet Greaves and Cole Sillinger.
AFP Analytics projections cited in the report placed Greaves at approximately $4.3 million and Sillinger at $4.2 million on one-year contracts. That would leave roughly $14.8 million for Fantilli. Those figures are projections rather than confirmed contract demands, but they illustrate how quickly Columbus’ flexibility could disappear.
| Columbus contract situation | Reported or projected figure | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Current available cap space | Approximately $23.2 million | Reported |
| Jet Greaves projection | $4.3 million | Analytical projection |
| Cole Sillinger projection | $4.2 million | Analytical projection |
| Potential space remaining for Fantilli | Approximately $14.8 million | Calculated estimate |
I still expect the Blue Jackets to retain Fantilli. True first-line centres entering their prime are nearly impossible to replace, and Columbus has publicly projected confidence in its ability to match an offer sheet. The greater danger is not necessarily losing him—it is allowing another team to establish the price and contract structure.
What the 84-Game NHL Schedule Means for Teams and Fantasy Hockey
The NHL officially released its 1,344-game schedule for 2026-27, with every team increasing from 82 to 84 regular-season games. The season begins September 29 and concludes April 10 with all 32 teams in action.
The addition of two games per club creates 32 more games across the league compared with an 82-game format. That may appear minor, but it increases the importance of roster depth, backup goaltending and workload management. Fantasy hockey managers should also adjust season-long projections because healthy stars now have two additional opportunities to accumulate goals, assists, shots and saves.
The schedule includes Global Series games in Finland and Germany, three outdoor games and the return of the NHL All-Star Game in February. The Winnipeg Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens in the Heritage Classic, while Utah will host Colorado in the Winter Classic.
Detroit Red Wings Face Major Questions After Steve Yzerman’s Transition
Detroit officially announced that Yzerman is leaving his positions as executive vice-president and general manager while remaining with the franchise as a senior adviser to Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. The organization has started searching for a new head of hockey operations.
The timing matters because Detroit must determine whether its next executive will continue the existing roster plan or make more aggressive changes. The Red Wings missed the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season, and uncertainty surrounding captain Dylan Larkin only adds pressure to a search that could define the next stage of the franchise.
Detroit’s next general manager will inherit useful young pieces in Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, but patience is wearing thin. My view is that the Red Wings need an outside voice willing to make difficult decisions rather than simply extending the current plan under a different title.
Other NHL Contract News to Watch
The St. Louis Blues avoided arbitration with Connor McMichael by signing the 25-year-old forward to a six-year, $40.5 million contract carrying a $6.75 million annual cap hit. McMichael recorded 46 points in 78 games last season after producing a career-high 57 points the previous year.
Montreal also avoided arbitration with Kirby Dach, signing him to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. Dach had 15 points in 37 regular-season games and has been limited to 96 games over his past three seasons because of injuries. This is effectively a prove-it season for a player who still has the size and skill to fill Montreal’s second-line centre role.
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