Sabres star Tage Thompson would love to have Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck as a teammate, the latest Blue Jackets speculation, and suggested landing spots for Chris Kreider in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TAGE THOMPSON STUMPS FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos reports Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson made no secret that he’d love for his club to acquire Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Thompson said he and his Team USA teammates regularly text with Hellebuyck in their group chat. Since the Jets goaltender’s trade request has gone public, Thompson said he’d love to have him in Buffalo.

“He’s the best in the world,” Thompson said of Hellebuyck. “There’s things that are out of your control. We’d love to have him, but if that doesn’t happen, then we just move forward with the group we got.”

The Sabres and Jets reportedly held trade discussions involving Hellebuyck before the 2026 NHL Draft, but the two sides failed to find common ground on a deal. However, it’s believed the two sides have re-engaged in their talks as the regular season approaches. Traikos believes any potential deal would have to include one of the Sabres’ goaltenders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Where the Sabres and Jets have better luck reaching a deal remains to be seen. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last week indicated that trade options open to the Jets in June might not be available to them now.

In case you’re wondering, Thompson’s comments and his texting with Hellebuyck don’t violate the NHL’s anti-tampering rules. Those restrictions apply to coaches, general managers, team owners, and other team executives.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE SICK PODCAST: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell acknowledged that he’s received trade offers for Kirill Marchenko. However, he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to part with the 26-year-old scoring winger.

Marchenko is reportedly unwilling to sign a contract extension, and his agent has made that clear on social media. However, Waddell indicated he won’t move the winger for less than his desired return.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Mark Scheig reports Waddell remains “100% confident” that a new contract for center Adam Fantilli will get done. “It’s not imminent, but we’re talking on a pretty regular basis now. I talked to his agent over the weekend and going to talk again here today or tomorrow.”

Fantilli, 21, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko was the subject of trade speculation from late June into late July. That speculation faded throughout August, but his absence from the club’s annual golf tournament earlier this week has resurrected them. However, he’s contractually bound to report to training camp unless someone meets Waddell’s asking price.

Fantilli also skipped the golf tournament, prompting some to wonder if it’s time to worry about the status of his contract negotiations. The young center has little leverage except withholding his services, a tactic that rarely ends well for players who’ve gone that route.

WHERE COULD CHRIS KREIDER LAND?

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed what he considers to be the five best landing spots for Chris Kreider. The 35-year-old winger is on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Kreider reportedly wants to return to the Eastern Conference to be closer to his family in the New York area. Wegman listed the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff listed why adding Chris Kreider might make sense for the Red Wings and why he wouldn’t.

The Red Wings need more scoring. However, they’re not geographically close to the New York area, and they haven’t been in the playoffs for a decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you’re wondering why there are no Canadian teams on that list, it’s down to geography. Kreider probably prefers remaining in the United States.

The Bruins and Flyers are more in the market for top-six centers, but they could opt for a scoring winger in the short term. The Sabres are more likely to give their young players more ice time. The Hurricanes and Lightning could be too far from home for Kreider’s liking.

Kreider could be a good short-term fit for the New York Islanders. Yes, I appreciate the rivalry between the Isles and Rangers, but the Isles need more scoring and didn’t really address that issue this summer.

It’s doubtful Kreider lands with the New Jersey Devils after their offseason acquisitions of Evan Rodrigues, Anthony Mantha, and Luke Evangelista. They also have Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, and Arseny Gritsyuk as their top three left wingers.