Werenski Stays, Hughes Talks, Moves Ahead | NHL News

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 18, 2026 · 1m

Zach Werenski’s made it clear he wants to stay with Columbus long-term, calling the city home and dismissing trade rumors as noise — while also expecting Adam Fantilli’s contract to be sorted soon. Meanwhile, Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with Minnesota are heating up, with a potential three-year deal that could leave him hitting free agency at the same time as his brother Jack. In Montreal, restricted free agents Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc may become sign-and-trade targets before camp, especially as the Canadiens seek a second-line center. And in Ottawa, GM Steve Staios is still…