NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, it’s the latest on Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin.
SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers were interested in acquiring Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck earlier this summer.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).
Friedman noted the Jets and Sabres discussed Hellebuyck in late June before the 2026 NHL Draft. He said the Jets wanted the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall) as part of the return. To do that, the Sabres wanted the Jets to include their first-rounder (eighth overall), but the latter declined.
Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was believed to be one of the pieces in that deal. However, the 27-year-old goalie’s five-team no-trade clause kicked in on July 1, and Friedman believes the Jets are part of that list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Luukkonen seems out of the picture for the Jets. He recently shrugged off the trade rumors, saying he’s happy in Buffalo and wants to stay there.
THE WINNIPEG SUN: Hellebuyck has been linked to multiple teams, including the Sabres, Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth.
Despite Hellebuyck’s full no-movement clause, reports suggest he’s willing to waive it to join a competitive US-based team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers interest in Hellebuyck came before they acquired winger Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators and goalie Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils. They used most of their trade capital on those two, which likely takes them out of the running for Hellebuyck.
As for the Devils, general manager Sunny Mehta claims he’s comfortable with his current goalie trio of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich. That might change if the Devils struggle at some point this season. Rumors suggest Mehta prefers to retain his trade capital in case Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes becomes available before the March 1 trade deadline.
The Hurricanes and Mammoth appear to be more likely trade destinations. However, those clubs are also reportedly happy with their current goaltending.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted Detroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff’s recent remarks about his team not undergoing a rebuild. He also pointed out that one of the things flying around this summer was the Wings’ unwillingness to trade Dylan Larkin for a return that didn’t bring immediate help.
Friedman claimed former Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman warned the team’s ownership that if they traded Larkin, they probably wouldn’t win in the short term. “It would be for longer-term help, and I don’t think the Red Wings liked that.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, they’re not interested in a package of future assets (draft picks and prospects) for Larkin. They want an established player.
That jibes with their reported asking prices for Larkin from the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars. It’s rumored they sought winger Matt Boldy from the Wild and center Wyatt Johnston from the Stars.
Detroit needs immediate assets. Edmonton has the
best. They can offer Trent Frederic, Tristam Jarry
Ike Howard and throw in the contract of Stan Bowman as new GM of Detroit.
🤢
Detroit needs Chris Ilitch to back off and let whoever is the GM do their job. And I guarantee you that Larkin won’t waive his NTC to go to Edmonton to be the third banana behind McDavid and Leon.
Hellebuyck and Larkin both made the mistake of going public with their trade demands. Hellebuyck then doubled down by not reporting to training camp. What a mess. I give Larkin props for at not only reporting to camp but also being a man about being stripped of his captaincy.
So does Hellebuyck eventually buckle under and report to the team or wait for a trade?
Both Larkin and Helle will need a third team to make the trade work.
Get young guns and prospects from the Wild, then flip them to Kraken Canucks Rangers Blue Jackets.
Beniers EP40 Zibanejad would be good replacement for Larkin
I believe the red wings wanted those players and were wise not to accept anything less; on the flip side I can understand why either dallas or Minnesota wouldn’t be willing to make those deals. I wouldn’t give up either guy for larkin! Both those younger guys are or should be long term members of their teams ; where as larkin despite being a great player isn’t worth giving up the farm for so to speak?
Everyone wants to roast yzerman for not trading or making a deal but he had to do what he thinks is best . Same with Chevy in Winnipeg, he has to make a difficult decision in regards for what is best for the team! IDK, to me these guys are under contract and can’t expect the management not to hold out for a better deal. It would be a difficult position to be in; they are in a kind of no win situation where they could get blamed for it no matter what they decide to do