Roundup of Late July NHL Rumors You May Have Missed

Trade and free agency speculation continues for the Carolina Hurricanes' Brett Pesce, free agent Matt Dumba, and the Arizona Coyotes' Nick Schmaltz and Karel Vejmelka.

We are now mired in the dog days of the 2023 NHL off-season. The last trade that took place saw the Ottawa Senators ship Alex DeBrincat to the Detroit Red Wings on July 9.

Most of the focus of the rumor mill remains on stars such as San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson and the Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele. Here are some notable rumors from the last two weeks involving other players that you may have missed.

- Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce's UFA eligibility next summer has made him the subject of infrequent trade chatter this summer. However, THN Nashville's Ann Kimmel recently wondered if the Hurricanes signing Tony DeAngelo means the 28-year-old blueliner is off the trade market, especially for the Nashville Predators.

- Matt Dumba remains the top defenseman in this summer's UFA market. Sportsnet's Luke Fox wrote he believes the Arizona Coyotes are among the few teams with the cap space to sign the 28-year-old blueliner. He also mentioned the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks as possible destinations.

- Speaking of the Coyotes, forward Nick Schmaltz has surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate at times this year. However, GOPHNX.com's Craig Morgan believes the club's focus has shifted from shedding expensive veteran contracts to improving the roster year after year. Another reason Schmaltz has stayed put is his on-ice chemistry with high-scoring linemate Clayton Keller.

Meanwhile, Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka has also turned up in trade rumors this year. Morgan believes management is willing to listen to offers, but they haven't put the 27-year-old netminder on the trade block.