NHL Rumors: Makar Contract, Kings Captaincy, Oilers and Gauthier?

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Los Angeles Kings could enter the season without a captain as Adrian Kempe emerges as an early favorite to take over the role. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche remain confident they’ll get Cale Makar’s massive contract extension done, despite an important September deadline approaching. Plus, might the Edmonton Oilers be interested in Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier? Acquiring the 41-goal scorer could require a significant price.

Adrian Kempe Emerging as Kings’ Next Captain?

The Los Angeles Kings may not name a captain before the start of the 2026-27 season. Speaking on the DLLS Stars Podcast, Zach Dooley suggested new head coach Peter Laviolette could instead begin the season with a leadership group featuring three alternate captains.

Dooley believes Adrian Kempe could eventually emerge as the strongest candidate for the captaincy. He pointed to Kempe becoming the face of the franchise, establishing himself as arguably the team’s best player, and growing significantly as a leader.

The 29-year-old forward has been an important part of the Kings for years and has taken on a larger role within the organization. He recently signed a long-term deal to stay with the organization, so naming him captain wouldn’t be a temporary decision.

Avalanche Confident Cale Makar Deal Gets Done

Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic continues to sound confident that the team will reach an agreement with Cale Makar on a new contract. The superstar defenseman is eligible to sign an eight-year extension, but he would have to do so before the September deadline.

Sakic told reporters he is “pretty confident” the two sides will have a new agreement finalized before the regular season begins. He also downplayed the significance of the September 16 deadline. That suggests an eight-year deal is not the focus of their discussions.

Sakic said he is “not really worried about it,” emphasizing that both sides will be comfortable with the term whenever a deal is reached. Negotiations have reportedly been productive, with Sakic adding that the dialogue between the Avalanche and Makar’s camp has been good.

While Makar’s situation is clearly the biggest contract story in Colorado, Sakic also confirmed the Avalanche have other important negotiations to address. There is currently no update on extension talks with forward Artturi Lehkonen or head coach Jared Bednar.

Oilers Could Take Big Swing at Cutter Gauthier

The Edmonton Oilers may need to consider a major trade if they want to add the type of impact player capable of changing their lineup for the long term. According to Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier could be an intriguing target.

Gauthier scored 41 goals last season and remains one of Anaheim’s most valuable young assets. With the Ducks and Gauthier reportedly still unable to reach an agreement on a new contract, trade speculation has naturally followed.

Mitchell writes:

“Gauthier scored 41 goals last season and has an enormous future. The price would be dear, and Bowman may not have the assets. It’s still worth a try. Savoie, Howard and a high draft pick is the outer marker offer for the Oilers, and another NHL team could exceed that package if it comes to it. The estimated contract for Gauthier (it’s going to be a monster) would require the Oilers to deal away a substantial roster player to make it work.”

source – ‘Edmonton Oilers roster needs one more piece for another Stanley Cup run’ – Allan Mitchell – The Athletic – 08-23-2026

As nice a fit as Gauthier would be as a top-line winger, this feels unlikely. For the Oilers, it would be an expensive gamble and it would essentially guarantee that salaries for Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard and others would go up a great deal when their extensions came due.