After playing Hulk smash with the norms of the NHL salary cap this summer and exploding the second-contract values, there are hints that the Philadelphia Flyers might have a second act and get involved in the Quinn Hughes saga. Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is trying to dodge the persistent NHL trade speculation and the idea that he could wind up in Winnipeg. The Detroit Red Wings are getting pinched by inflation and trying to sign defenseman Simon Edvinsson. And PHN published our first Penguins Prospects Report of the season.

That’s it?!

So, here we are. The official end of summer. It went by so quickly, with so much rain, or at least so many rainy weekends in June and August. I don’t know about you, but I can’t shake the feeling of being a bit cheated and of plans left undone. I never made it to Coudersport, Cherry Springs, or the Little Red Diner in Port Allegany. Never got down to Elkins, WV, for a Puppers. Nor did I go further, like Lake Placid. So many plans left on the table. Perhaps we’ll have some fun on the road this season.

Let’s get to it.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sam Wismer details the five players who are the X-factors for this WBS Penguins this season and will make the biggest impact or leap to the NHL. It’s the Penguins Prospects Report.

Steelers Now: Chris Ward has a column that’s a must-read. One major roster flaw could derail the entire Steelers season.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & NHN

The Athletic: Kevin Kurz isn’t one given to wild flights of fancy. In his latest Flyers mailbag, he was asked about the possibility that the Flyers could trade for Quinn Hughes. Rather than brushing it off, he went into detail—there are connections and possibilities.

TSN: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was a big part of the Buffalo Sabres meteoric season in which they went from the basement in December to a strong playoff position. However, if the Sabres snag Connor Hellebuyck, it’s likely UPL going the other way. So, what does Luukkonen think about that?

Detroit Hockey Now: Time keeps on slipping into the future. So, too, do NHL salaries and the group of talented RFAs want their cut because of the Flyers’ wild missive to Leo Carlsson. Money. Now, the Detroit Red Wings have a problem with RFA Simon Edvinsson.

Montreal Hockey Now: The upstart Montreal Canadiens, who arrived a year or two early, have some big decisions to make in training camp. A sketchy blue line can undo it all, and there will be some battles among the Canadiens’ defensemen vying for time.

Boston Hockey Now: One of the underrated, or unheralded, trades this summer was the Boston Bruins acquiring J.J. Peterka, who is talking about the advantage of being a support player and the indifference to transition after the Bruins trade.

Florida Hockey Now: There was one silver lining to the injury-wrecked 2025-26 season for the Florida Panthers. They got a good look at players who otherwise would not have gotten the same opportunities. Now, a couple of them want bigger roles in the revived Panthers lineup.

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