Matt Grzelcyk signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks after a training-camp tryout, signaling a veteran presence on Chicago’s blue line as the season opens against Florida. The move adds a steady, puck-moving defender to a young backend and immediately elevates Chicago’s depth in the opening matchup.

Grzelcyk, 31, split last season with Pittsburgh, tallying 39 assists in 82 games and a career-high 101 blocked shots. He spent eight seasons with Boston, collecting 25 goals and 110 assists in 445 games. His track record as a reliable defender with playmaking ability could help Chicago’s transition game and special-teams depth this season.

Unsigned RFAs keep the NHL rumor mill buzzing: Mason McTavish wants to stay in Anaheim; Luke Evangelista and Nashville are in a two-year framework but money remains unsettled; Jack Roslovic remains unsigned after reportedly turning down Edmonton; Matt Grzelcyk rejected a one-year offer and took a Chicago PTO. Ottawa, Colorado, NY Islanders and Anaheim loom as plausible landing spots.

Edmonton’s front office is again probing the waiver wire and contemplating late-summer moves to deepen the roster after rolling the dice on Kasperi Kapanen and Alec Regula last season. The Oilers could pursue a handful of waiver targets or swing a September trade as insurance for depth at forward, defense, and goaltending.

Projected targets include goaltenders Mike DiPietro and Colton Ellis, plus forward options Samuel Fagemo and Matej Blumel, with William Villeneuve providing right-handed defensive depth. Matt Grzelcyk surfaces as the marquee UFA defenseman the Oilers could chase, potentially shaping a third pairing or power-play role. The piece also flags Colorado, Chicago, and Calgary as logical bidders should Grzelcyk hit the open market, while noting Edmonton’s cap constraints as it weighs deals and possible restructures.

The Minnesota Wild are staying the course with their long-term strategy, resisting the temptation for a major trade ahead of the deadline. GM Bill Guerin acknowledged the addition of Gustav Nyquist and Justin Brazeau, but reiterated it's not their time yet, emphasizing that a four-year plan is in place to not jeopardize the team's future. With significant contracts looming for stars like Kirill Kaprizov, and other potential free agents like Brock Nelson and Mitch Marner, the Wild are prioritizing stability over short-term gains.

Limited cap space has constrained their options, particularly in acquiring more penalty-killing assets. The team has made recent trades to bolster their roster, yet must navigate the complexities of roster management. The Penguins, for their part, opted against moving defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, indicating they are also considering the long-term implications of their decisions.

The NHL trade deadline approaches, and various defensemen are emerging as likely trade candidates. Among them, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens stands out as a right-shot D-man set to become a UFA. His reasonable $3.5 million salary may attract contending teams looking for depth. Luke Schenn of the Nashville Predators brings physicality to the table, making him a viable option for teams in need of grit on the blue line. Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, while an injury risk, could be a valuable asset due to his size and skill.

Brian Dumoulin of the Anaheim Ducks could serve as a cost-effective rental, while Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks might attract attention due to his potential for a fresh start. Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks is becoming an unwanted player following a roster change, making him a low-cost option for teams. Younger players like Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks or Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres could command a higher price but represent long-term investments.