The fallout from the Marchenko-for-Knies trade, plus the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, Kirby Dach, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman listed the factors that led to the multi-player trade in which the Columbus Blue Jackets shipped winger Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies.

Columbus Blue Jackets traded winger Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept 28, 2026 (NHL Images).

First, the Blue Jackets were never offered anyone as appetizing as Knies, who’s locked in on a great value contract. Second, the Maple Leafs thought so highly of Marchenko that they were willing to take on forward Miles Wood and sidelined goaltender Elvis Merzlikins as part of the return. Third, Marchenko had an uneasy relationship with Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness.

Friedman reported that Marchenko wouldn’t have had a problem going to Montreal, but wasn’t as certain about Toronto. “Whatever his initial concerns, he warmed up when it really mattered.”

The Canadiens pursued a Marchenko deal aggressively during the summer, but no one they offered excited the Blue Jackets as much as Knies. Friedman believes the Canadiens would’ve signed Marchenko to a deal similar to the six years and $12.5 million average annual value he received from the Maple Leafs. He also thinks the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Seattle Kraken may have also been among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Canadiens signing Chris Kreider earlier this month signalled that their interest in Marchenko had cooled. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Blue Jackets sought Juraj Slafkovsky or Ivan Demidov, which would’ve been automatic deal-breakers for the Habs.

Turning to the Winnipeg Jets, Friedman wondered if adding Clay Stevenson via waivers on Monday might ease their desire for a goaltender in a trade package for Connor Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Getting a goaltender was believed to be a key part of the Jets’ asking price for Hellebuyck. As Friedman suggested, it might not be a priority if Stevenson plays well, which could speed up efforts to move Hellebuyck.

Friedman believes the Jets have to get the Hellebuyck trade right or risk a domino effect in which other players want out. They’d rather do no trade than a bad trade. They were close to getting something done with the Buffalo Sabres. The Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth may have also “taken a peek”.

The Carolina Hurricanes are “the most motivated pursuer.” If restricted free-agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin were willing to sign with the Jets, Hellebuyck would already be in Carolina. Several teams have permission to speak to Nikishin’s agent, and it’s assumed the Hurricanes could be trying to make a three-team trade work.

Nikishin reportedly seeks $9 million annually on a five-year contract, but that could be lower in the right situation. The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators were suitors. A deal was nearly in place earlier in the summer with the New York Rangers, but it fell through.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers and the Nikishin camp reportedly couldn’t agree to terms for a new contract. 

The Edmonton Oilers lack a right-shot center, which is why they’ve been linked to Canadiens forward Kirby Dach. Friedman claimed they also took a long look at Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright.

The Boston Bruins are trying to find a new home for defenseman Henri Jokiharju, who cleared waivers on Monday. Teams are curious what they might do with Matt Poitras, who avoided waivers for now.