NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, Darnell Nurse, and Mathew Barzal heading into the second day of the NHL Draft.
WERENSKI AND MARCHENKO COULD BE ON THEIR WAY OUT OF COLUMBUS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Zach Werenski is unlikely to sign a contract extension next summer. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman has two years remaining on his deal.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)
Over the past week, the Blue Jackets have been taking calls to gauge Werensky’s value in the trade market. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be traded this summer, but there is now a little more urgency on the Blue Jackets’ part.
LeBrun subsequently indicated that a dozen teams could become suitors for Werenski. He suggested the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes might come calling.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported that Kirill Marchenko’s camp told him that it’s unlikely he’ll sign a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.
The 25-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract and will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. He’s earning an average annual value of $3.85 million.
Weekes also indicated that the Marchenko camp will seek a deal comparable to what winger Pavel Dorofeyev signed on Friday with the New York Rangers. The Vegas Golden Knights traded the 25-year-old Dorofeyev to the Rangers, who promptly signed him to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $11 million.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell didn’t rule out retaining Werenski and Marchenko for next season. Werenski’s no-trade clause becomes a 10-team trade list next July 1, while the Blue Jackets would still retain Marchenko’s rights.
Waddell will continue trying to improve his roster’s depth for next season, but Portzline believes it’s hard for the Blue Jackets GM to proceed when two of the pillars he was building around are starting to crumble.
MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who claimed the Canadiens made a “MASSIVE” offer for Marchenko. “I don’t know the pieces involved,” Seravalli said, going on to say that he’d been told the Canadiens might look “borderline insane” for putting that deal on the table.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This news is a horrible gut punch for the Blue Jackets. Werenski and Marchenko are two of their core players. Having them indicate that they no longer see their futures in Columbus could have a demoralizing effect on the franchise and its fans at a time when they were hoping to build their roster this summer to push through as a playoff contender next season.
Waddell has a measure of control over this situation. He doesn’t have to move either player right away and can afford to wait for the right offers to come in. On the other hand, starting next season with two players who don’t want to be there will hang like a dark cloud over this franchise, becoming an unnecessary distraction for the players.
UPDATE ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK
TSN: Darren Dreger reports there have been trade negotiations regarding Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Before Friday’s draft, there were “deep negotiations” with the Buffalo Sabres, with the fourth-overall pick in this year’s draft as part of those discussions, but those talks cooled before the draft.
Hellebuyck is under contract with the Jets for four more years, so they can afford to remain patient and await the right offer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It looks like Hellebuyck to Buffalo isn’t happening as the Sabres used that pick to select prospect defenseman Daxon Rudolph. Of course, we can’t rule out other pieces being offered by the Sabres if they wish to revisit the talks, but that high draft pick was likely the main piece in their original discussions.
THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON
TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jason Robertson wants to remain with the Dallas Stars, but the two sides are having difficulty finding the right number.
Robertson, 26, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. According to LeBrun, the winger seeks $14 million annually, while the Stars aren’t comfortable with going beyond $12.5 million.
LeBrun said the Stars have gone back to the teams that were interested in Robertson. However, there’s been nothing new because those clubs saw his rejection of a trade to Seattle and are concerned that he wouldn’t sign an extension.
An offer sheet is also a possibility on July 1. A $15 million AAV offer for seven years would mean the Stars would be entitled to four first-round picks as compensation.
THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus wondered if the Chicago Blackhawks have a shot at landing Robertson. They point out the Blackhawks have the financial freedom to sign Robertson, Connor Bedard, and Bowen Byram to $10-plus million contracts and still have plenty of cap space.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson and the Stars could agree to a new contract, but it seems more likely that he’s going to be playing for a new team next season. The Stars would’ve traded him to the Kraken if he’d been willing to accept their offer (eight years, $15 million AAV). They’re probably going to call around until they find a club he’d be willing to join before someone tries to sign him away with an offer sheet.
As for the Blackhawks, maybe the chance to play alongside Bedard would have more appeal, but Robertson’s preference seems to be playing with a contender.
NOTHING NEW ON DARNELL NURSE
TSN: Darren Dreger said there was nothing new to report on Darnell Nurse’s trade request. The Edmonton Oilers received a three-team trade list from the 32-year-old defenseman, but there’s been no headway with those clubs.
Dreger believes there is no benefit to either side in having this situation drag on through the summer. He speculated that Oilers management could ask the Nurse camp to expand their trade list.
TEAMS CALLING ABOUT MATHEW BARZAL
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports cited sources claiming the New York Islanders are getting trade inquiries about forward Mathew Barzal as the trade and free-agent markets dry up.
Two of the teams are believed to be the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars could see Barzal as a potential replacement for Jason Robertson. The Canadiens are trying to find a top-six forward to skate alongside rising star Ivan Demidov on their second line. Rosner pointed out that the Isles previously told the Habs that Barzal wasn’t available.
Robertson to Pittsburgh seems to be a logical path. many pundits are mouthing this possibility.
Could Carolina swing a deal for Robo with Jarvis out for a while??
Svechnikov + the Dallas 1st and Dallas 3rd they possess + Unger-Sorenson
Carolina has had Bradly Nadeau knocking on the door for a couple of years. The Jarvis injury will give him his shot. It’s important that a team’s top prospects have an opportunity. Jackson Blake is a perfect example. Last year Carolina called up two AHL defenders because of the early season injuries. We now know that they are both NHL ready.
Thank you for the crap sandwich. Werenski and Marchenko want out? What a surprise for us loyal fans. You just want to win and boy are you 2 are helping the cause. Them both of you need to stop with the I love Columbus and the fans are the greatest. You just want to win and in Werenski’s case 9.5 million isn’t enough. Both need to talk the Charlie Coyle and explain why they decided to stab him in the back. So you guys losing the last 7 to miss the playoffs is who fault. My you both get your money and never sniff the cup
Just like Larkin and Tkachuk and their “we just want to win BS” without looking in an effing mirror and honestly appraising how, just maybe, their own failings have contributed to past failures as much as the others on the team.
Add Quinn Hughes to the list.
No question a gut punch for CBJ that Werenski wants to move elsewhere, worse if Marchenko wants out too.
Marchenko hasn’t been in Columbus very long, and if Jenner and Marchment go elsewhere that makes it so much worse.
But Werenski has played 10 years in Columbus. I’d say that demonstrates some loyalty, and I don’t blame him for believing what seems like a mass exodus from Columbus means he won’t win there.
Different sport, but great little interview by Dennis Rodman about the difference between Jordan and Lebron.
‘LeBron doesn’t have the Goat gene, he has go on another team gene’ 😂
Very much applies to these ‘All Stars’ who can’t win on their own so they blame their team and jump shit to players who really know how to win. Is that what ‘competitive’ sports has become? Embarrassing. I am a PE teacher in Middle Scjool and I sometimes stack teams with some good players on the weaker team. They complain that it’s not fair, but I remind them that it’s a challenge to test yourself and make your other teammates better. Many of these boys and girls then take ip the challenge and it’s great to see. I watch sports for the dogs. The players who want to challenge themselves against the best. After watching Carolina win this year and listening to Staal’s interview, he has become one of my favorite players in the nhl. His perseverance, determination and commitment to win is incredible. The joy he had by winning with his team was amazing to see. Too bad some of these other stars don’t wan to be like that
https://youtube.com/shorts/oaKfHGPH-4Y?si=FNqa8–Bku5C4Wsj
“All the power and none of the responsibility.”
I wonder if winning is everything to them after all they won playing on all star teams. If it’s all about winning maybe should play for 500,000 to play on a winner. Werenski in case you haven’t checked look at Brent Burns 143 playoff games no cups.
Getting easier to lose faith and respect for some of today’s “me only” players. So many want no movement clauses for personal stability, then waive them at their convenience. And it’s not just Canadian cities, others have felt the sting as well.
It sucks to have both. Waddel needs to package both for Robinson. Sign Marchment and Jenner to hopefully stabilize things, then hope there’s money left to sign the younger core.
Dorofeyev’s new contract with the Rangers is 7 years at $11 million per year, not 8
I have always maintained you are part of the problem or part of the solution.
Columbus has the necessary pieces to get in the playoffs. Don’t let the door hit your a** on the way out
It is comical with the statement “ I want to win” every player in the league ( some 700) wants to win and are competitive or they wouldn’t even be in the league . One winner everyone else losers
They want to join winning teams, not be part of what makes their current team successful. We have seen this in other sports, never thought I’d see this in hockey.
Exactly SilverSeven. In that 4-game sweep loss to Carolina, ever game was a 1-goal game (not counting empty-netters), including a double OT in Carolina. Had Tkachuk even scored a quarter of his normal output, maybe they win a couple of those. But he contributed exactly squat. 0-0-0 and 0.
“every game” not “ever game” – I’m not from Tennessee 🙂
I haven’t had my coffee yet, but what am I missing:
Severalli alleges the Canadiens put in a “borderline insane” offer for Marchenko but he doesn’t know the pieces involved.
LJ, what a great draft for the Ruck twins to stay together and play for the Penguins.
Really look forward to watching them in the NHL.
Amazing family.
Love the site.
Wish you could do a live podcast for the draft. Great hockey minds on here compared to other sites.!
Marchenko will not get 11 million like Dorofeyev did. 8.5-9 million.
I take Larkins passion to win is the reason he wants out but there is also the tainted relationship between him and Yzerman as they do not see eye to eye.!
I don’t believe a word B. Tkachuk has ever said.!
He needs to stay far away from a microphone.
Hope things work out for Brandon Carlo.Reuniting with Montgomery in St .Louis.I always described Carlo as Its not his fault he is big!
I was really hoping to see Carlo under a new, competent, coach.
Sr, unlike the McTavish trade I like this for the Blues. He should be paired with Lindstein who showed great upside after his call up last year. Having Carlo as the steady stay at home dman as his partner will big a big help. Would like to get Ray Bark’s thoughts on this.
Wow, nobody is in on Nurse?
Shocker, lol.
9.25 for a turnstile is going to be tough to move.
Nurse is the opposite of a turnstile. He is great against the rush. Always has been as he skates so well.
He gets paid too much we all understand.
His new coach wants him to stay as well Ron as he coached him at the worlds. DJ Smith will run the D and they will be much more aggressive, which I think will suite Nurse like a glove and improve the Oil’s PK.
Teams are trying to get him on the cheap as he requested a trade after the Oil talked about him submitting a list.
Or maybe it’s just me hoping he stays.
Walman, like Nurse has a nmc, I would trade him instead. He’s overpaid too.
With UFA season around the corner, if you were a team looking to get a player like him or Rielly for example, wouldn’t it make more sense to see what the cap space cost to sign a UFA using no other assets to acquire and who are in some ways better and/or have similar risks first?
Teams that miss out on them might then turn to those two and others like them.
I’ll be surprised if Nurse gets traded in the next two years. If I’m a rival GM, I’d only take Nurse if Edmonton retains half his salary. He’s worth at least $5m a year, so why trade him away and retain half when you’ll just have to spend another $5m to replace his value?
The Dorofeyev/Robertson situation is fascinating. It feels like we’re watching the competing gambling philosophies of Vegas casinos vs. Texas Hold ’em.
Vegas decided that the prudent decision was to ship Dorofeyev out of the conference for a reasonable return of draft picks.
Surely Dallas knows they can’t keep Robertson without either losing Wyatt Johnston or some combination of Bourque, and Steel or Lyubushkin, but they’re playing poker, hoping someone will flinch. 4 first round picks from an offer sheet would be a better return than what Vegas got for Dorofeyev, but there’s no guarantee he’ll get an offer sheet, or how high those picks would be, or where he’d end up. Pass the popcorn.
Werenski and Larkin have a history. Good friends from college days. Keep scratching my head thinking where does Larkin land and has he had discussions with Werenski. What if Stevie Y can convince Larkin to stay? What if Werenski joins him in Detroit?
One outcome of all these guys making it clear that they won’t re-sign with their current club might be some sanity regarding No Trade Clauses in player contracts.
I believe players need to be treated fairly but this is getting ridiculous and the fault, imo, belongs with owners and GM’s who feel they need to include NTC’s in contracts.
Must be tough being a Blue Jacket fan these days.
Need to change the CBA to say that NHL teams can not approach NTC or NMC to waive them to be traded and if a player requests a trade it either becomes void or become a 15 team NTC moving forward.
Would stop teams from giving them to just anyone because they can’t get out of it and it would stop players from just Willy nilly asking to be traded and forcing the team to take back a bad offer.
We have far from exhausted the possibiities for awful. A player can hold out, a team can sit a player (to “protect the asset) while waiting for a trade, both sides can sue each other and an activitist judge can issue injunctions (think of all the NCAA cases where a judge ruled the rules didn’t matter, tho usually overturned later). And worst of all, the fans could stay home. Columbus has had some awful luck; if they simply bit the bullet here but put real excitement on the ice I think their fanbase would understand. Their other professional team has to reload with new players every couple of years. Detroit I think is at the point where they want a rebuild from the top down rather than bottom up. They’ve had a roster for several years that seemed less than the sum of its parts, and nowhere to recapturing past glories..