The latest NHL News for Friday, August 14, 2026 has delivered something hockey fans rarely get in the middle of August: meaningful clarity on one superstar situation while another major trade storyline continues to gain momentum.
Zach Werenski has finally addressed the trade speculation that followed him throughout the summer, and his message to Columbus Blue Jackets fans was much more encouraging than many expected. Meanwhile, Dylan Larkin continues to loom over the NHL trade market, with the Boston Bruins now being suggested as a team that should aggressively explore whether the Detroit Red Wings captain can be persuaded to consider Boston.
There is also fresh intrigue in Los Angeles. Darcy Kuemper and Trevor Moore have been identified as two veterans who could eventually become trade candidates if Kings general manager Ken Holland decides his revamped roster needs another adjustment.
And beyond the trade market, NHL expansion is becoming a story worth watching closely. Houston and Austin remain under consideration for a potential 33rd franchise, with the Friedkin Group continuing to work with the league on the Texas expansion project.
Latest NHL News: Zach Werenski Gives Blue Jackets Fans Some Clarity
The biggest development surrounds Werenski.
After weeks of uncertainty, including an agreed-upon trade to Dallas that Werenski ultimately vetoed, the reigning Norris Trophy winner publicly reinforced his desire to remain with Columbus. Sportsnet’s report quoted Werenski saying, “I want to see us in the playoffs and make progress.”
That distinction matters.
Werenski clarified that he never slammed the door on eventually extending with Columbus and that he did not view the situation as a formal trade demand. He acknowledged that conversations and reports escalated beyond where he and GM Don Waddell intended them to go.
From my perspective, this is one of those NHL rumor situations where the original smoke was real, but the interpretation became hotter than the actual fire.
Waddell did explore the trade market. A deal with Dallas did reach the point where Werenski had to use his trade protection. But Werenski’s latest comments significantly weaken the idea that he was desperately trying to force his way out of Columbus.
Production isn’t the question, either. Werenski recorded 81 points, including 22 goals and 59 assists, in 75 games last season. Columbus, however, collapsed with a 3-9-1 finish and missed the playoffs again.
That’s the real pressure point.
If Columbus becomes a legitimate playoff team, I believe the odds of Werenski remaining long term increase considerably. If the Blue Jackets stumble again, this conversation could return with significantly more urgency in 2027.
Dylan Larkin to Boston Is Intriguing, But This Isn’t a Confirmed Trade Pursuit
The Dylan Larkin situation requires considerably more caution.
The Hockey News columnist Adam Proteau argued that Boston’s biggest weakness is its depth and high-end talent at centre and suggested Bruins GM Don Sweeney should explore acquiring Larkin. Boston currently projects Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, Fraser Minten and Sean Kuraly through the middle.
But here’s the key distinction for NHL fans:
This is an argument for Boston pursuing Larkin, not confirmation that Boston and Detroit are negotiating a Larkin trade.
Proteau also notes reports that Boston isn’t currently among the destinations for which Larkin is prepared to waive his no-trade protection.
Still, the hockey fit is easy to understand.
David Pastrnak with a legitimate high-end offensive centre would immediately change Boston’s attack. The Bruins also possess four first-round picks over the next three drafts, giving Sweeney legitimate ammunition if Detroit ultimately prioritizes futures.
My concern would be the acquisition price.
Boston is not overflowing with elite prospects. Sacrificing multiple premium futures for Larkin might improve the Bruins immediately while creating another problem two or three years down the road.
That doesn’t mean Sweeney shouldn’t call.
It means the Bruins shouldn’t confuse need with leverage.
Kings Could Have Two Interesting NHL Trade Chips
Darcy Kuemper and Trevor Moore are two names I’m putting on my watch list.
The Hockey News’ Ryan O’Hara identified both veterans as possible future trade candidates if Holland wants to make another roster adjustment. Kuemper carries a $5.25-million cap hit in the final year of his contract after Anton Forsberg overtook him in the Kings’ crease last season.
Kuemper’s situation is fascinating because his value depends heavily on timing.
Just one season earlier, he posted a 2.02 goals-against average and .922 save percentage and was a Vezina Trophy finalist. A contender experiencing goaltending problems could eventually view him much differently than Los Angeles does today.
Moore might be easier to move.
He carries a $4.2-million cap hit for two more seasons, has no trade protection and has previously demonstrated 30-goal ability. Moving both contracts would represent $9.45 million in combined cap commitments, although there is no indication Los Angeles currently intends to trade both players.
That’s an important distinction. These are players to monitor, not players who have officially been placed on the trade block.
NHL Expansion in Houston Is Starting to Feel Much More Real
One of the most interesting NHL news developments isn’t a trade at all.
The Houston Chronicle reports billionaire Dan Friedkin’s group has exclusive rights to pursue the NHL’s next Texas franchise, with Houston and Austin under evaluation and a decision on the location expected in December. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly indicated the group’s willingness to solve the arena issue has helped distinguish this attempt from previous Houston expansion efforts.
Bettman has indicated the combined expansion fee and arena investment could total roughly $3.5 billion, while Daly said that in an ideal scenario a new franchise could begin playing in 2029-30.
Houston still feels like the logical hockey market to me.
The metropolitan size, corporate base, natural rivalry with Dallas and history of supporting professional hockey make the case compelling. But Austin offers the NHL something different: the opportunity to become the city’s first franchise from the four traditional major North American professional leagues.
This one is far from decided, but compared with many expansion rumors over the years, there is clearly substance behind the Texas discussions.
NHL News Takeaway: Watch Columbus, Detroit and Los Angeles
The biggest takeaway from today’s NHL News is that the summer trade market still has several potential pressure points.
Werenski has poured cold water on the idea that a Columbus exit is imminent. That’s a meaningful update to the earlier reports and should reduce the trade noise entering training camp. Larkin remains an entirely different situation, and Boston’s need at centre makes the Bruins an obvious team for analysts to connect to Detroit’s captain — even if the evidence doesn’t yet establish active negotiations between those clubs.
Kuemper and Moore are quieter names, but those are often the situations worth remembering once injuries, cap problems and disappointing starts begin changing the trade market.
The NHL offseason may be entering its quietest period, but the groundwork for the next round of major moves is already being laid.
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