NHL Rumour Report - NHL Trade Rumours and Speculation

Late night rumour update: buzz building ahead of NHL free agency

July 1st has arrived at last. Here a few rumours as we approach the opening bell:

- I could give you my best educated guesses for free agency, but instead I'll just direct you to the Free Agency Rumour Board so you can see who the rumoured contenders are. Aside from Lucic presumably headed to Edmonton, the bidding on the top players seems fairly wide open.

A few quick rumour notes as we approach free agency:

- Is pending RFA defender Tyson Barrie still available? Talks have once again stalled between Barrie's camp and the Avs, and some wonder whether this one might be headed towards a trade despite reports and statements of optimism from both sides.

Many teams have talked to Okposo during the interview period, so it looks like this one won't go too far past July 1st. Among those interested in the scoring winger are the Jets, Wild, Red Wings, Canucks, Kings and Coyotes.

Although we still don't know for certain which team Steven Stamkos is leaning towards, it's become a lot clearer who the top bidders will be on July 1st. With the free agent interview window opening, we're starting to see a bit of separation between the various contenders.

The Taylor Hall for Travis Hamonic rumours won't die down.

Hamonic requested a trade from the Islanders early on in the regular season, but recently recanted on his demand. Nonetheless, that hasn't stopped teams in need of defense from calling, and Hamonic's desire to be traded to Western Canada remains strong. The Oilers, who have long been rumoured a frontrunner for Hamonic, are believed to have offered up packages that include Jordan Eberle, high picks and perhaps Oscar Klefbom. Adding Hall into the mix would certainly be of interest to a team that looks shallow up front.

Why haven't there been more blockbuster trades?

Another quick update as we get going on day 2 of the 2016 NHL draft.

Bummed out there haven't been more trades? Last year 16 moves were made between June 26th and July 1st. They're coming, folks.

Just a quick late night update as we enter the UFA interview period.