NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026
Pursuing Connor Hellebuyck could be expensive for the Sabres; the Senators continue to search for a scorer; and an update on Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!
WHAT COULD IT COST THE SABRES TO ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently pondered whether it would be worth it for the Buffalo Sabres to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
The Sabres were reportedly working on a trade for Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets that fell through before the 2026 NHL Draft last month. It’s rumored the Jets sought the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall), goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, and a prospect.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).
Lambert suggested a package of Luukkonen and Quinn (or a player of similar value), a pair of first-rounders (to replace the value of that fourth-overall pick from the original offer), and maybe a pair of decent prospects might get it done.
It would be a worthwhile bet for the Sabres but would raise the bar for them to exceed expectations.
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe looks at what it might cost the Sabres now to acquire Hellebuyck from the Jets.
Promising defenseman Radim Mrtka would be a good addition, but Wiebe believes the Sabres would have to add one or two good forwards in the deal. They won’t part with Zach Benson or Konsta Helenius. Options could include Quinn, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod, or Noah Ostlund.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck was reportedly open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. It was also reported that the Sabres wanted the Jets’ 2026 first-rounder (eighth overall), which may have spiked the deal.
The two sides could revisit those trade discussions, but Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will still insist on a significant return. With Hellebuyck under contract for five more seasons, he’s not in a hurry to move him, and it doesn’t appear that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner is pushing him for a trade.
SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A SCORER
OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios remains in the market for a scoring forward.
Staios acquired wingers William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky via trades and brought back forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at possible options available for the Senators.
Former Senator Vladimir Tarasenko is still out there in the free-agent market, but he’d have to take a pay cut to return to Ottawa. Patrik Laine is another, but he’s a streaky scorer with a long injury history.
Lambert noted that Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks could be an option if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets have also surfaced in the rumor mill, but it’s questionable if they’re available.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ search for a pure scoring winger could carry on into the regular season.
Tarasenko has put up decent numbers, but his best years are now behind him. Laine’s declining speed has also been an issue, and he’s more of a power-play specialist now.
Boeser has been loyal to the Canucks despite their difficulties. The Bruins seem intent on re-signing Zacha. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell swears that Marchenko will be in the Blue Jackets lineup this season.
UPDATE ON ARBER XHEKAJ
TVA SPORTS: According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Arber Xhekaj.
The 25-year-old Montreal Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent, and he has been the subject of trade speculation since last season. The Calgary Flames were also believed to be interested in the rugged blueliner.
Pagnotta claimed the Canadiens and Xhekaj’s camp are still negotiating a new contract for this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been mixed reports out of Montreal regarding Xhekaj’s value to the Canadiens. Some believe head coach Martin St. Louis lacks confidence in the big defenseman, but others believe his physical presence fills an invaluable role as the club’s enforcer.
I have seen nothing from xhekaj to suggest that he will ever be anything more than a 3rd pairing option. In the playoffs games he dresses he played what 8 to 10 minutes?
Yes his ability to hit and fight is nice but if the coach doesnt trust him, it means you are running 5 D much of the night and his impact on games is minimal.
I understand he is a fan favorite – i enjoy watching him- but if the coach doesn’t trust him, and you can convince a team to pay above market to acquire him…i say do it.
I’m definitely in the keep/play Xhekaj camp as a regular 3rd pairing D.
Those of us who watch him know his value goes far beyond fighting.
Surprise to most of you, he skates well, has a cannon of a shot, excellent first pass.
MSL has the luxury of bringing him along slowly and refining his game, learning that hitting has a purpose of cutting the play, getting the puck, transitioning- he’s being molded.
BTW the Habs should be targeting Detroit for a trade, not Larkin, DeBrincat.
He’d be a great addition on the 2nd line opposite Demidov.
I’m a touch hesitant on Debrincat because he’s only 5’8” and they already have a short winger in Caufield.
If the Wings are slumping before the deadline they may be willing to trade him for futures. But I wouldn’t take him as a rental. Would have to extend.
I look at depth roles on a team a little different than some people.
For example I dont want a career “3rd pairing” dman on my team if I can help it and and that is all I think Arber will ever be. Meaning no disrespect to the player at all.
My 5 through 7 dman I want a mix of young players that I think over time develope into a top 4 capable role or vets that are top 4 but slid down on my team due to my team’s depth.
But who knows maybe I am wrong to the upside of Arber but I watch about 12 to 15 reg season habs games and I dont see Arber evolving to top 4 capable. Maybe I am also wrong in how I would build an nhl team as well.
I think the Flames interest in X has dropped since they added Middleton, There is no room for him
Would love to swap out Matthew Robertson for Xhekaj. Gorton drafted him when he was in NY.
Slick62
Robertson is a good D-man who will keep getting better, he has a high ceiling.
If he was a RD I’d think hard on it but he doesn’t fit the role that’s needed on the Habs, physicality to complement the mobile transition guys.
Straight ability, Robertson is a superior D-man to Xhekaj.
I can t understand the Bruins thinking they have to sign Zacha. Lindholm is holding the entire position hostage. They are at best if Swayman is lights out a WC team. Now is the time to make a big trade like the Larkin sweepstakes or go on this youth movement. Talk to Pasta,Mcavoy,Swayman,Geekie and find out which way they want to proceed.
If that is the price of Helleybuck, buffalo should stay away. If the Price is Mrtak, 2027 first and a lesser prospect fine.
Boeser would be a good addition in Ottawa but is he fast enough to play in Ottawa? And he really likes Vancouver
Boston should definetely trade Zacha with his value at an all time high
The Jets should move on from Hellebuyck. Seems like his exit window is open. UPL still has some upside and may be a good replacement. Helli would be good for Buffalo, but not at the price the Jets are supposedly asking.
Another article about we are interested in your superstar player, right age, great contract with term but we really don’t want to give any players of value back…Very happy to see Hellebyuck stay in Winnipeg till the offer is worth trading him