NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2026
Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, and Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen reported that Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s efforts to trade Connor Hellebuyck have been fruitless since the goaltender made his trade request in April.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).
Cheveldayoff indicated that he’s not in a rush to acquiesce to Hellebuyck’s wishes, adding that he wants a return that pays off now, not down the road.
“If it’s future assets…how many years into the future, that’s not the message I’m sending to Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Dylan Samberg, the people that are committing to this organization,” Chevelayoff said.
Cheveldayoff pointed out that trading a starting goalie is different than trading a center or defenseman. Each team has one No.1 netminder, and most are already contractually set at that position.
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates understands why some fans want the Jets to make an example of Hellebuyck by letting him rot on the sidelines this season. However, it doesn’t address why he wants out of Winnipeg: his loss of faith in the team’s ability to compete for the Stanley Cup, and that the 33-year-old goalie is running out of time to win hockey’s holy grail.
Ates believes there are only two ways for the Jets to improve: Hellebuyck returns to the team (which seems unlikely), or he’s traded for players or draft picks who can help the team. Ultimately, he’s advocating for Cheveldayoff to make the best trade possible and move on.
Meanwhile, Ates’ colleague Pierre LeBrun reports league sources with knowledge of the situation claim the Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in Hellebuyck. Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky declined to comment about that rumor.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff’s received some criticism for not finalizing a rumored deal with the Buffalo Sabres back in June. He may have been betting on getting a better offer as the summer progressed, but those possibilities no longer seem available.
Teams might not be willing to meet Cheveldayoff’s asking price now, but that can change if injuries strike or a rival club’s goaltending proves less stable than expected.
Cheveldayoff undoubtedly wants to get Hellebuyck moved as quickly as possible. Making an example of him doesn’t improve the roster. However, Cheveldayoff isn’t rushing into anything. He’s known for his patience when making moves involving notable players.
The Hurricanes could be a landing spot if Tulsky considers Hellebuyck an upgrade over their current tandem of Pyotr Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi. Like Cheveldayoff, however, Tulsky will also be patient in assessing his goalies before making any forays into the trade market.
Speaking of the Hurricanes…
LeBrun wondered if Alexander Nikishin might be part of a deal if the Hurricanes pursued Hellebuyck.
The 24-year-old defenseman is an unsigned restricted free agent who has requested a trade. Because he’s not under contract, he’s unable to participate in training camp.
LeBrun believes Nikishin’s contract status could be a fly in the ointment if it means the Jets would be inheriting the same issue Carolina has about whether he’ll sign with them.
PHILADELPHIA HOCKEY NOW: William James recently noted the reveal of Nikishin’s trade request. He examined whether it would be worthwhile for the Flyers to trade for him, suggesting he’d be worth considering if they could sign him to a long-term contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The uncertainty over what Nikishin wants on his next contract is the big sticking point. Most teams would love to acquire a young blueliner with a promising 33-point rookie performance and a Stanley Cup championship on his resume, but the cost in both contract and return to the Hurricanes could keep him on the sidelines for a while.
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report Quinn Hughes is in no rush to get an extension done with the Minnesota Wild.
Hughes denied the delay had anything to do with his long-rumored desire to join his brothers Jack and Luke with the New Jersey Devils. He acknowledged the elephant in the room, but cited his brother Jack, who said Quinn wouldn’t sacrifice a great spot for him to play just to reunite with his brothers.
The 26-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July. Contract talks with Wild GM Bill Guerin have been ongoing but have yet to get substantive. Hughes said he’s not feeling stressed about getting a deal done before the regular season begins. He’s really happy with the Wild, saying he loved the team and the players.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild and Hughes have until noon ET on July 1, 2027, to get a deal done. Still, the longer he goes without a contract, the more speculation he’ll face about his future in Minnesota.
The Jets have been held back by positioning DeMelo as a top pair dman, while passable as a 5-6 and at 12-14 min a night, top pair and 20+ mins puts the team at risk, which was established last season. The Canes situation with RFA Nikishin could play favourably into the equation as the LHD can play his off side and would be a top four upgrade. Him and whichever tender would end the soap opera for both teams, Chevy might even be able to squeeze another asset,(puck or prospect), if he agrees to take on the contract of Kotkaniemi who isn’t any worse than Namestnikov.
The big question is will Nikishin sign in Winnipeg? I heard on insider say that it’s doubtful.
I like the player Niki alot. WPG would probably need an 7-8mil contract on him.
The Jets dont need help on defence. They need help on the 2nd line. So trading for a disgruntled rookie seeking an over payment makes no sense for the Jets. That’s assuming he’ll sign which, if he’s not signing with the Stanley Cup winning Hurricanes, why would he sign with the Jets?
I dont get how people cant see this.
If\when the Jets trade Hellebuyck, it’ll be for assets they need. Not draft picks and players, teams are trying to dump.
The issue at hand is that since April the Jets haven’t had the “perfect” return of a couple of roster players for Helle offered by any GM, insiders have said that they’re not sure what Chevy wants exists leaving the Jets needing to reassess attaining whatever assets are available to put this mess behind them. Possibly receiving someone else’s problems may end up being the best case scenario for them as Helle sitting at home for a year, or maybe pulling a Byfuglien is definitely not going to supplement their roster. Anyone who watched this team last year saw that as much as they need secondary scoring, their defensive play is what was their Achilles heal, Helle said it himself last spring.
Canes are crowded at LD and it would be foolish to pay a 3rd pair D-man over $9M. It also makes cap-sense to keep the guys ahead of Nikishin. An Niki is a great trade asset to have to strengthen another position,
I really don’t know what an insider is really, but unless you hear it from the player himself there is no credence to whatever they and even then most players will say what they are expected to say
Hellebuyck might have overestimated his market. The Jets value him more than the price other teams would need to pay to have him. For him sitting out is the absolute worst and I’m wondering if he could do it all over again, would he just keep his mouth shut, keep playing, and wait out a trade?
I don’t mind DeMelo with Morrissey but there is room to upgrade that pairing for sure. Not sure Nikishin is the right fit but I’m looking at a 3 way trade that gets the Jets what they asking and get Nikishin somewhere he would rather play.
I’m thinking the JETS take on JK and work a retention with Carolina, then flip Nikishin. That’s the only way I see the JETS getting everything they are looking for.
It sounds like Philly and LA would be interested in Nikishin. Could they work a deal with Philly to get Tippet+ for Nikishin+ (Namestnikov or Iafallo?).
That’s would be my approach if I was in Chevy’s seat.
If Nikishin wants out of Carolina, who just won a Cup, I cannot see a situation where he would suddenly sign up with the Jets…
Unless it’s some personal issue he has with the players or organization?
@saint
Nikishin situation might be him pouting over getting the 6th most minutes on their run on D and wanting a bigger role.
he ran their 2nd Powerplay i think?
Someone above with good idea to take Jesperi and Nikishin (to flip for some forward help)
Decent sized 2way defenseman who should be a 2nd pair guy for the next spell.
To Winnipeg:
Brandt Clarke
Anton Forsberg
To LA
Connor Hellybuck
Dylan DeMelo
2027 2nd and 3rd round picks.
Was looking through the teams and thought that Norris straight up for hellebuyck would be a fair trade. Bit looked up Norris and he has a 10 team no trade list. Assuming Winnipeg would be on that list. For league that prides itself in parity I don’t understand how the NHL allow players to negotiate no trade clauses and put the teams at a competitive disadvantage. If you want to play in the NHL you should expect to play for any team.
Hellebuyck to Detroit for Gibson, Bear and a B prospect or 3rd rd picks. Gibson has a 10 team ntc and might not want to go to Jets but, if Detroit pursues Helly, is he going to be happy as a backup? For Jets it won’t be a huge drop off plus they’re getting Bear- a top prospect who just signed elc in summer. He’s a Winnipeg native so maybe not as likely to bolt in a few years. Detroit can then offer up Edvinsson (who still isn’t signed) plus whatever else needed for Werenski. Solves 3 problems. Larkin happy, other Michigan natives get their trades and unite with USA teammates.
Perfetti and Helly to VAN
for Pettersson and Demko (1m retained on Demko)
Then WPG get a #1 and another center for 2nd line depth
Vancouver gets long term cap relief once they trade Helly
Helly and Debrusk from Van to CAR for Kotchekov Nadeau a 1st and 2nd and Kotanemi
Kk to VAN helps with staying above cap floor
Van gets a solid LW prospect
Car gets a #1 goalie
WPG gets a #1 goalie
Deal?
But the Jets already have a number 1 goalie in and they don’t need an of’t injury prone tender and a lanky over rated cream puff
So the Jets get an $11.6mil per, trouble making 3rd line centre who’s been a complete disaster and a goalie who could retire from injuries during the season, and the canucks get the best goalie on the planet AND a current 2nd line winger.
hhhhmmmm, I can see why Cheveldayoff wouldnt do that deal.
This works for everyone
Wild send
Hughes to NJ
Hartman to Columbus
Receive
Larkin from Detroit
Marchenko from Columbus
Columbus receives
Arseny Gritsyuk from NJ
1st rd pick from NJ
Hartman from Mn
Detroit sends
Larkin to Mn
Receives
Mercer & Nemec from NJ
NJ gets Hughes from Mn
Nemec isn’t with NJ anymore
Nemec is long gone buddy.
how about marchenk to montreal forbolduc kapanen xhekaj and a 1st round pick plus montreal retains 50 % of bolduc salary. cbj places merzlikins and lundstrom on ltir and sign fantilli with savings
Norman, I do think Mtl has enough to put a low salary cap package together for Marchenko so CBJ has cap to sign Fantilli.
That being said I don’t think Mtl would include a Mtl native in Bolduc that they just signed for 4 years and also they would not want to retain salary for that 4 years.
I think Mtl would include Kapanen and also a pick and definitely pull from their surplus of D. I personally would not want to give up Xhekaj but I think St Louis would include him because he has no appreciation for Xhekaj. I personally think Struble would be a better option as St Louis continues to use him at LD to play with Hutson moved to his off side at RD. Hutson is much better playing on his natural LD side.
So I think if you are going along your lines above I would do Dach with 50% retained since he has 1 year left instead of Bolduc, Struble instead of Xhekaj, and yes include Kapanen and a pick
that sounds reasonable enough. i just keep trying of different ideas of how they can accomplish this. thanks for ur insight
Cant believe Devils will go with Allan as a #1. Helle goes there and Gritsyuk goes to Jets along with Kovacevic and a future number one.
Ok sorry , just trying to find a home for all the malcontents. Insert any 1 of top 3 defensive prospects from NJ instead of Nemec. Tired of hearing about Hughes on when he might find time for anybody
“On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that then-GM Steve Yzerman had the opportunity to trade disgruntled former captain Dylan Larkin, but ownership refused.”
“The Red Wings were not willing to make a Larkin deal that wasn’t for immediate help,” Friedman said. “Yzerman had warned the Red Wings and ownership that if they traded Larkin, they probably would not win the deal in the short-term. It would be for more longer term help. And I don’t think the Red Wings liked that.”
Chris Illich strikes again!
The weird part about that Johnny is that they likely end up accepting a package like anyway.
Unless Larkin rescinds his request.
Personally I think it’s a good idea, and better for the wings in the long run. Short term pain, for long term gain.
Larkin comes out and wants to be traded and gives the team 3 choices. Florida and Vegas who are capped out, and the Wild. I dont see how the team can make a proper deal. Will be interesting to see fan reaction in his 1st home game. thx