NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2026
Is Quinn Hughes reluctant to commit to the Wild? What’s the latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report Quinn Hughes will join Minnesota Wild teammate Matt Boldy on the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday. He will likely be questioned about where things stand with his contract extension talks.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).
Russo and Smith wonder if Hughes tells reporters he intends to sign with the Wild. If he ducks the question, it will put pressure on the Wild to trade him if they can’t reach an extension.
Hughes returns to Minnesota on Thursday. Wild general manager Bill Guerin hopes to sit down with the 26-year-old superstar defenseman and hammer out a deal in the coming days.
If the Wild hope to sign Hughes to an eight-year extension, they’ll have to do it by Sept. 15. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years. It’s rumored that the blueliner prefers a short-term deal of three years. If he wants three years at $20 million annually, Russo and Smith believe the Wild would do that.
RDS.CA: TSN insider Chris Johnston reports Hughes was having difficulty figuring out what he really wants for his future. He doesn’t believe the Wild have any restrictions on offering Hughes a big contract, but he has to be willing to sign it. “So far, I don’t believe he has committed to doing so or is even willing to do so,” Johnston said.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Everyone knows that Quinn Hughes wants to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils. Guerin has preached patience, but Wild fans are growing concerned that Hughes could reject an extension, forcing Guerin to trade him before the March deadline, if not sooner.
If that happens, it will be a disaster for Guerin.
He gave up three promising young players to acquire Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks last December, betting that he could convince the puck-moving defenseman to sign an extension. However, if Hughes refuses to sign, he’ll be in a difficult situation.
The Wild GM could try to restock his prospect pipeline by trading Hughes, but if the blueliner intends to become an unrestricted free agent next July, few teams will want to part with a big return for a superstar who will walk on July 1. The Devils will be interested, but they won’t offer up much to get him, secure in the knowledge they can sign him next summer.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth are among the possibilities on the Connor Hellebucyk trade front.
LeBrun indicated the Hurricanes remain interested. He believes any potential deal might involve defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who remains an unsigned restricted free agent. He also noted that the Sabres and Jets had trade conversations in June, but nothing materialized.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been no indication the Jets are close to moving Hellebuyck. That would explain why he recently made his trade request public, hoping to speed things up.
Just because it’s been quiet doesn’t mean Cheveldayoff hasn’t been talking quietly with other clubs. He prefers to take his time to find the best deal possible. Unless Hellebuyck ups the ante by refusing to report to training camp, he will remain patient in his search for a suitable trade partner.
It’s past time for Hughes to make up his mind and if he doesn’t sign a contract before training camp opens, it’s a giant distraction for the entire team.
It’s not his fault if it’s a distraction. For all we know he’s already told Guerin that he isn’t interested in signing an extension right now and they keep pushing for it.
We on the outside have no idea what’s actually going on.
I think you have the correct read PaJaDa. But I am sure like everyone else, please let this drama end one way or another. I feel that Sunny has inside knowledge of what Quinn is going to do, so he may not be willing to throw a life line to Guerin. If this ends badly for Guerin, he has no one to blame but himself. Jim Rutherford basically told the league what Quinn’s desire was. Guerin just chose not to listen to it. And if Quinn does sign with the Wild, he looks like a genius. Guerin took his swing and now we all await the outcome.
To be honest my suspension is that he’s already made up his mind to at least not sign in the off-season and watch how the season plays out for both the Wild and the Devils.
If this is the case, I think the best play for Guerin is to hang on to him until the trade deadline, where he’d be able to trade him for a haul if he retains half his salary. I’m sure plenty of contenders will give up a player, prospect and pick for a playoff run with him.
The danger is if the Wild look like they have a legitimate shot at the cup and are forced to hang on to him.
Yep Number6, trading one of your best players while firmly in a playoff spot doesn’t generally go over well with the fan base.
Guerin kinda has to do this now? Hughes can be traded anywhere he has no protection.
Just for sh*ts and giggles, 3 way deal with Wings and Devils?
Minny loses their best D, but they need a top C too.
To Minny – Larkin
To Devils – Hughes
To Detroit – Mercer, Command and Silayev.
Would Jersey do that?
Ray Bark, interesting proposal. I think the Devs might do that, but only before game one this season. After that, no chance. It would be a lot to give up, but a full extra year would mean a lot to this franchise. It might require some tweaking for salary purposes however…
Ray Bark, I’m not sure.
The Devils know there’s a high probability they get Quinn in the off-season, so they really only need to out-bid what other teams would be willing to give up for one year of Quinn.
I don’t see Command going in the deal. He’s their shiney new toy. Instead, a first, either one of their own or one acquired in the Nemec trade would likely be included to Detroit. Also, a current NHL roster LD like Siegenthaller or Dillon would probably be going to Minnesota since they’ll be short a defender and NJ has a surplus.
It would all hinge on when Detroit finally gets a new GM and what direction he goes.
Ya, that’s the rub guys, Devils simply wait a year, which is why I asked.
Detroit would likely want a C back in the deal, so Command.
Maybe if they remove Silayev Detroit still does it. Larkin has value as his contract has turned into a bargain for years. So maybe Minny has to add a quality young prospect/player/1st rd pick.
I think all of these “I’m just asking questions” and “a lot of people say” is jus baffling with bulls**t.
Any answer the player gives will be spun one way or another, denying isn’t believed, not denying isn’t believed. We are left to project our own feelings on the reporting- that’s how propaganda and conspiracy theories grow.
Once a decision is made and something is finalized we’ll know. I don’t believe that any reporters or pundits today have the access that there used to be “in the old days” when reporters were what we call today embedded.
Guérin really dug himself into a hole. If Quinn bounces and signs with NJ for nothing, Vancouver will have done pretty well for themselves given the situation.
If I remember correctly, Guerin acquired Hughes knowing there was no guarantee he could extend him. Obviously didn’t feel he could win a cup with players he gave up. Hughes gave him 2 shots at it. I think Same applies. He goes for it this year. Any trade would have to bring back pieces he thinks make them a cup contender. Jets went for it season before last with Ehlers. He ended up walking after season and ironically, won cup last year with Carolina. Wild might lose Hughes in FA, but not exactly for nothing. They’ll have that 18-20 mil cap space he would would eat up if he extends.
Mostly yes, Slick62.
What is curious to me is that Guerin decided he could win with an elite D whilst not having a legit 1 center. Maybe it was a case of what was available and Guerin thought a sure thing was better than waiting.
But having the Wild give up what they did for Hughes and having him walk as a UFA is undeniably a loss. Whether Guerin can land on his feet depends on what he can do with the saved cap space.
LJ. Didn’t Wild lose EK for playoffs? Not “elite” but an important piece. Just shows, you never know. Hardest prize in sports. When we discuss players wanting to go where they can win, there’s no guarantees. Colorado looked like they might do it but unfortunately had 2 best players get injured.
Sure, Slick, injuries often play a role in the outcome. I don’t see the connection to my comments about the Wild not having a legit starting center. Ek is a good 2C, not a 1C.
If that was your point …
My as I would have loved the bruins to get hold of him
I’d trade Hughes while I still have the upper hand. Looks like his heart is in New Jersey I believe it might have been Heavy again an online The Hockey News suggesting Bruins trade Mason Lohrei for Nathan Walker and Blues 4th rounder I find even the suggestion off this insulting, I looked him up. He’s another Journey man just what he bruins don’t need.
John, unless Lohrei is included in a multi-asset deal, I don’t see the Bruins getting anything a whole lot better than that.
Right now there are probably just 5 teams that could be considered desperately thin on defense when you factor in what they have on the major roster and prospects in their system: Vancouver, Calgary, Columbus, San Jose and Chicago.
And of those 5, only San Jose, with Luca Carogni, Nolan Allan and Eric Pohkkamp, and Chicago, with Ethan DelMastro have anything resembling top D prospects waiting in the wings.
If none of them have shown any interest in Lohrei that has even surfaced in the rumor mill, there likely isn’t much in the way of interest. At least, not for anything substantial where the Bruins are concerned.
That’s why I think the Bruins would be better off hanging onto him for at least one more season. Right now, in overall league rankings, Daily Faceoff has him at # 74, and before anyone says that that isn’t exactly inspiring, keep in mind that he climbed 144 spots from his previous rank at 218 when, during 2024-25, he was the league-worst minus 43.
This past season that, too, improved considerably to a plus 17! That, to me, is a positive indication that he is improving at the needed consistency necessary to lock down top 4 minutes.
Have not seen the prospect rankings? You include Calgary on that list as having non series prospects is funny. Calgary is ranked #2 as far as future talent on d. You did watch the last draft where they picked up another very talented d man in the 1 st round. They are building from the back end out.
Tim, you’re absolutely right … brain fart in the inclusion of Calgary … don’t know why that popped into my mind at the time I posted … my apologies
Besides the clubs you mentioned, Lohrei is better than Helleson and Hinds in Anaheim, Juulson in Colorado (remember Lohrei played RD and LD), Bernard-Docker, Johannson and Bryson in Detroit, Mukhamadullin, Eberson, and Stastney in Edmonton, Barron in Nashville, Vaakanainen in New York, Carlisle in Pittsburgh, Mahura in Seattle, Andrae and Stecher in Toronto, Disimone in Utah, and Fleury in Winnipeg. So there should be some interest for teams that want to upgrade.
George got to disagree with you on that. I actually feel if another team picks him up he’s going to put up some excellent numbers.
But John, wouldn’t you rather … if he did something like that … prefer him to be doing it in Boston?? Sure he might be better already than some of those listed above by Lindsay … quite probably is at this stage … but so far obviously no one is prepared to give up what Sweeney might be seeking in return – not for a big player who – according to some Boston followers – plays small or soft (see below).
Maybe those other teams would take him for what Lindsay suggested himself just yesterday. Failing that, perhaps they feel it’s better to wait and see if what THEY have also start to improve. You have to consider, given he’s been in the rumor mill for some time, that if perceived to be a major upgrade, a trade would already have taken place.
Lindsay on September 8, 2026 at 2:20 pm
Regarding Lohrei, I doubt that he alone gets them an NHL player you would call an upgrade, but you could package him in a trade, you could trade him for a decent prospect, or for draft capital.
Jack on September 8, 2026 at 11:33 am
He may be big but he’s not very physical, not mean at all, and gets beat one on one. Has offensive skills though. Not a big fan of huge defencemen that play like a small Defenceman! Bruins have had too many of those over the years
Icejester on September 8, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I agree with Jack, not sure where SilverSeven has seen Lohrei play aggressive or “big”, I think that’s always been the problem with him in the Bruins eyes, he has the physical attributes but rarely displays them. I think after 4 years it’s safe to say that its not in his character, he’s certainly no Charlie McAvoy in front of the net. I’d imagine they regularly toss his name out there to see if they can sell high on his potential and get a decent return. They’re not going to want to pay him anything more than a 5-6 salary.
Mrbruin4 on September 8, 2026 at 7:28 pm
Silver. He is not mean but soft with some upside in offense. His defensive play need work and that is exactly why he’s in the rumours mill.
Daryn Lund on September 9, 2026 at 9:45 am
Obviously you don’t watch the Bruins ( I watch everyone) Lohrei absolutely lacks physicality and a mean streak unless you consider his 30 Hits and 20 Pims in 73 games physical and mean guy gets knocked over and out muscled by smaller opponents constantly. Bruins also have 10 Dmen in camp require waivers to be sent down.
Are you really telling me that Australian former Edmonton Oiler Nathan Walker isn’t going to bring the Bruins their cup this year on his back?
How dare you speak such nonsense.
Oilers just signed Alex Formenton to a 1 yr deal.
He needs to be booed off the ice.
Those that don’t like the signing are free to vote with their wallet, stay home, and cheer for another team.
Interesting.
Mostly an innocent victim–wrong place wrong time– from the what I’ve heard from people who have and havent signed NDL’s.
Good luck to him.
I agree. And as for “booing him off the ice” … did that happen where Hart is concerned?
I would neither boo or cheer him.
I think the Hughes brothers are making a big miss take. If the goal is to play together and win then Minnesota is the team they should be looking to join. IMO NJ is getting themselves in a bit of a mess with their aging defense and weak goaltending. It will take more then adding a Quinn to fix NJ.
I’m not so sure about that. The Wild lost a fair amount of scoring in Tarasenko, Zuccarello, and Johanson, replacing them with Coleman and Shabanov. NJ has added Mantha, Evangalista, and a depth players like Evan Rodriguez.
Additionally, the Wild were relatively healthy last year while NJ was injury riddled. It may be a chronic issue as NJ always seems to be one of the top teams in injuries each year.
There are a few analytics sites that currently have NJ above the Wild with these changes, and that includes Quinn on the Wild. That being said, the NJ GM is analytics focused, so it makes sense that analytics would like what they did.
As you point out, though, the goaltending is the X factor. The Wild have excellent goaltending and Wallstedt will only get better. The NJ, having high GSaA, are analytic darlings, but the game is played on ice, not paper.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/ducks-kreider-expected-to-agree-to-waivers-for-contract-termination/
Don’t know if it’s true but I did say not long ago that Habs should trade for him as a cap dump. He’d look really good on Demidov’s line.
Guess it depends on his definition of close to home. If he wants to win a Cup the Habs would give him the best geographical chance.
George,
I’d bypass the waivers and trade for him today.
Frees up money for Anaheim now to settle Gauthier before camp.
LJ, you are forgetting the Sabres. They are looking for a veteran forward to replace Alex Tuch. Kreider would fit the bill. Also they are in Cup contention . He would be an enticing player for the Bruins and possibly Tampa or Carolina also.
habfan30, that would certainly suit Anaheim since either way they free up the $6.5 mil cap hit but at least they’d get something in the way of an asset through a trade. Nor would it have to be much.
However, if that linked rumor turns out to be factual, you have to wonder if any other Eastern teams might not try the same tactic, and if that turns out to be the case, the assets could get better if more than 1 or 2 teams get in on the action.
Gary, fair point. Especially if the Sabres get Hellybuyck.
Well, since Kreider has made it clear that he would prefer being on an Eastern team in order to be closer to family, and in view of the fact a pre-season waiver pecking order would be based upon last season’s final standings, there would be 25 teams ahead of Montreal, including these 11 in the East (in order): NYR, Toronto, Florida, New Jersey, NYI, Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Boston
Of course, with this season remaining on his current $6.5 mil cap hit (just $4 mil in actual cash after receiving a July 1 signing bonus), much would depend upon the cap situation for each team that might have an interest in a claim as their turn comes up.
Wow. Getting the Drury treatment in Anaheim. Might as well go back to Rangers.
I for one would love to have him return to the Rangers. He should have been a Ranger for life, and the fan base would welcome him with open arms.
That may be the waiver order George. But didn’t Krieder say if he didn’t like the claiming team he wouldn’t report?
LJ, he did say that, but that could also be to emphasize his wish to return to an Eastern-based team… so if, when your turn comes up in the pecking order and you’re a Western-based team, don’t file a claim because I won’t report.
Don’t think a lot of Habs fans have forgiven Kreider for running Carey Price many years ago 🙂
Even with the cap continuing to rise at a ridiculous pace, the Hughes bros could conceivably eat up 40% of it and leave little room to build a Cup contending team in the future for NJ. I’d make sure that they’re on board to sacrifice some $$$ to help the GM build around them or I’d look to strike more of a balanced approach, two top end puck moving dmen who play a softer game may not add up to drinking from Lord Stanley’s cup.
Another thing I would be worried about is the impact on the rest of the team, and management, of having three brothers on the team.
I think it risks the team becoming the New Jersey Hughes Brothers. If the coach has an issue with one, can he sit him without causing brotherly dissension? If he wants them to play a way that they don’t like, then what?
Yes, I am aware of the many NHL brother acts, mostly in the past when players influence was not what it is now. And have somewhat of the same thought about the Tkachuk brothers and what we might all their outsized personalities on the Panthers.
Besides, shouldn’t players be focused on winning a Cup rather than a family reunion?
Agree Kevjam. However you need to give up something good to get them. Would you do boldy and Faber for Jack and Luke?
Am I missing something. All I hear about it is good for the players that Makar, Carlsson and Cellebrini get these huge contracts. I’m sure it is for the star players but the total Salaries players get has already been determined and negotiated through the CBA. Therefore essentially the more the star players receive the less for the other players. I personally don’t care but would love to hear the back room conversations.
I think Anaheim told Kreider he has to go and gave him the option. Anaheim trades him or he can agree to terminate his contract and pick the team he wants to go to.
I wonder if he is happy about the Carlsson contract and now soon to be Gauthier contract.
If the story was true he wanted to go back to an eastern team a trade would have been worked earlier this summer. No point waiting this long.
Anaheim probably had a deal with Seattle or something and do him a favour.
He was squeezed out and a cap casualty.
Saw this quote today from Jack Hughes on his brother
“ I don’t think he’s going to sacrifice what’s best for him for us to play together. I mean, we’ll see. We’ll see what he does.”
Carey Price has been quoted as not laying any blame on Kreider, most fans who talk about it in there 20’s didn’t see the play or their memories are based on lore.
While I was mad at the outcome I truly never thought Kreider was to blame, Emelin and Weise got beat and both reached into his skates at the same time and took him down. Kreider had no reason to fall on a partial break when he had the advantage of a solid scoring opportunity.
The name of the game is winning, the Bell Centre would Kreider a standing O if he scored.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Kreider won his only Stanley Cup in Montreal.
As a lifelong Ranger’s fan, that would be painful. He has always been not only my favorite Ranger, but my favorite NHL player. I am hoping that he finds his way back onto the Ranger’s roster and retires as a Blueshirt as it should be. He still owns a house in NY, and his best friend Mika still plays for them. Drury needs to find a way to make this happen.
Drury traded him. Is he rankled by that or can he be it’s just business about it?
Chrisms,
I think he would be willing to see it as a business decision and accept the opportunity to return to the team he never wanted to leave in the first place.
Using the 3 way trade mentioned where the Wild part with Hughes and receive Larkin. Kind of feels light. So we are saying we would have sent the 4 pcs Vancouver received for Larkin?
I’m my opinion, Flyers hold the correct combo
Porter Martone
Cates, Jeff Luc. And a 1st
Even the money works for the wild Cates is a local kid
Is it light Tin Man?
Larkin is signed for the next 5 years at $8.7M and would be Minny’s #1C. That’s a steal of a contract in the current climate. Stick tap Yzerman.
That is worth more than Hughes who had 2 years left, and now is going to cost how much? Makar just got $20M/year.
Larkin will be half the price, if not less. He is a bargain. And I don’t even like the guy anymore.
What is that worth to Teams that need a top C? I dunno, but quite a bit IMO, if there was actual competition for his services, which there isn’t. But same is true for Hughes if he is set on going to NJ after this season.
Ray Bark, not the worst proposal I’ve seen but I think to get the Devils to bite it would have to be more of a Mercer and Hamilton going to Detroit. Clearing Hamilton 9 million off next years cap would go a long way to fitting in Hughes next contract. Devils are sitting back knowing they don’t have to pay up for a guy that obviously wants to go to them after this season.
Can’t see Detroit doing that Ducky 10. Plus Hamilton has a 10 team trade list, not sure how he feels about Detroit. Detroit also seem pretty set on the their top 2 D for a long time.
Hamilton can still play, NH should be able to move him and get an OK return if they need to make the space.
Getting a good return for Larkin is crucial for Detroit. Which is why I think they ride this out until they find a deal that works for them.
Ray Bark I think we agree. The Wild can no longer afford Quinn Hughes (realistically) How do you achieve best value. Not many teams in on this situation. I’m speaking from what I’ve read. NJ, Phi and maybe Detroit might take a shot. I agree with you about Larkin 100%. But he is a player the Wild “might” acquire later anyway. Think there’s been a lot of negotiations about that. But Hughes offers the Wild a one time only chance to recoup all the picks and youg talent they’ve shipped out. After Hughes is gone, this opportunity goes away. So in fairness can you make an honest comparison to something like the Flyer deal, knowing Larkin is still on the burner. My opinion the Wild have to move Hughes before camp or the return goes down dramatically. Detroit still doesn’t have a GM to make the deal
To acquire Q.Hughes was four first round “asset” equivalent. Any return less would be light . Larkin has tremendous value but not one for one for Quinn Hughes. Sign for 3 years and trade him to NJD right away. Command Mercer and the 6”7” Russian defender.
And some picks 👍