NHL Rumors & Trade Talk

The Blackhawks are trying to re-sign their stars. (AP Images)

Some of the big names have come off the board in hockey circles, but there’s still plenty of action likely to go down before the season starts. Here are your NHL rumors and trade talk.

Of course, there is one big name left in free agency—Ilya Kovalchuk. His flirtation with the Kings has carried on for weeks now, with talks breaking down and restarting several times. The latest report is that Kovalchuk is flying out to Los Angeles to engage in face-to-face negotiations with the team. Once Kovalchuk signs on the dotted line, the glut of free agents stuck behind him will probably start moving.

The Chicago Blackhawks finally slowed the bleeding when they announced they’ll re-sign defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. He signed an offer sheet with the Sharks last week but will stay in the Windy City. Chicago has lost seven players since it won the Stanley Cup.

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