NHL Rumor Mill – October 1, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at some bold trade predictions for 2026-27.
THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel predicted the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade for Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. We know that Werenski would’ve accepted a trade to Toronto this summer. The Maple Leafs could come calling if the Blue Jackets struggle again and he resurfaces in trade rumors.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published before the Maple Leafs traded power forward Matthew Knies to the Blue Jackets for scoring winger Kirill Marchenko. The Leafs could be interested if Werenski pops up in the rumor mill before the March 1 trade deadline, but they probably lack sufficient trade assets now to win a bidding war.
Fluto Shinzawa believed the Boston Bruins will trade Pavel Zacha. He’s a very good center, is UFA-eligible next summer, and could seek to double his $4.75 million AAV on the open market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha turns 30 in April, meaning his next contract probably won’t age well in its final years. However, the Bruins could re-sign him if they’re trying to maintain a playoff contender. Much depends on the performance of promising centers Fraser Minten and James Hagens.
Shayna Goldman forecasted the Tampa Bay Lightning would trade for a top-four defenseman. A lack of speed on the blueline contributed to the Lightning’s early playoff exits. They must acquire “a more uptempo option) to play alongside Victor Hedman or John Carlson, depending on where J.J. Moser slots.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning will have over $9 million in accrued cap space by the March 1 trade deadline to add that top-four blueliner. The question is whether they have sufficient tradeable assets to pull it off. They traded their 2027 first-round pick, and The Athletic’s Corey Pronman ranked their prospect pipeline 25th overall.
SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli made 32 predictions for the coming season.
He forecasted that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin will be traded to the Minnesota Wild before Christmas.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli didn’t indicate what type of return the Red Wings would get from the Wild. The Wings were rumored to have sought Matt Boldy, but everyone knows that’s a non-starter. The Wings probably still want a top-six forward in return, so unless they lower their asking price, Larkin won’t be going to Minnesota.
Zach Werenski will dominate the 2027 NHL trade deadline. He has a year remaining on his contract. Seravalli believes it’s a situation the Blue Jackets must address.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski won’t be going anywhere if the Blue Jackets are in the thick of the playoff chase. If they’re out of it, however, they could entertain trade offers if he’s noncommittal about an extension.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault would be the first player traded in 2026-27.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published before the Marchenko-for-Knies swap. Technically, however, this happened before opening night of the regular season on Tuesday.
Montembeault could be peddled if he rebounds from last season’s poor performance. He might even get packaged with another player (Kirby Dach?) in a larger deal for a second-line center or winger.
DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin predicts Auston Matthews will tell Toronto Maple Leafs management he wants to move on after they miss the playoffs again, suggesting he’ll be moved before the 2027 NHL Draft.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That scenario could become reality if the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs. It wouldn’t surprise me if he seeks a trade if they make the postseason but get eliminated in the first round again.
Larkin then predicts that Matthews gets traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in a blockbuster move that includes young winger Matvei Mitchkov being part of the return to Toronto.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Now that’s a spicy hot take, but if Matthew did request a trade, and if the Flyers were on his list of preferred destinations, Michkov would have to be part of the asking price.
The Winnipeg Jets will trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck before November. He pointed out that the Buffalo Sabres have had a double-injury scare with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are trying to resolve their Alexander Nikishin problem.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres could revisit their interest in Hellebuyck if Luukkonen, Lyon, and Colten Ellis struggle between the pipes. As for the Hurricanes, Nikishin reportedly isn’t interested in signing with the Jets, so if he’s going to be part of a trade for Hellebuyck, he’ll have to be going to a different club in a three-team deal.
Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson will be the biggest names on the move by the March 1 trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Wings are out of contention, they could put DeBrincat on the trade block. He reportedly wants to stay, but they could tear things down and rebuild if they’re about to extend their postseason drought to 11 years.
The Penguins could try to move Karlsson if they’re out of contention by the deadline. However, if they surprise us again and are contenders by March 1, he’s not going anywhere.
Larkin also believes the Red Wings will trade Dylan Larkin before Christmas, though he didn’t indicate where he’ll land.
I wish the bruins would try for Werenski MacAvoy and first ought to do it. I’ll tell you The leafs get this guy they are going to be tough team to beat.
But what do the Leafs have left that either Columbus would want (and please don’t say Rielly) … OR the Leafs would be prepared to relinquish?
Further complicating matters is the plethora of movement restriction clauses on their roster:
NTC – Duhaime, McCabe
MNTC – Sissons, Domi, Joshua, Paul, Ekman-Larsson, Merzlikins, Stolarz
NMC – Rielly, Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, Raddysh, Tanev, Bobrovsky
If it happened, it would likely be a 3-way deal. Leafs have a 1st and Danford, as well as Tinus luc-Koblar and other prospects that a third team might want. Maybe Carolina gets involved, takes the futures and sends Nikishin to Columbus.
Chayka has proven to be pretty imaginative, so I wouldn’t rule it out.
Marchenko for Werenski – now there’s a hockey trade!
Well done Gored
Well, since I don’t see Waddel settling for anything less, in terms of quality, than what he got for Marchenko, I’d say both Danford and Easton would be part of the deal.
And there would be a number of contending teams that could – would – put together a better package than that.
Well, since I don’t see Waddel settling for anything less, in terms of quality, than what he got for Marchenko, I’d say both Danford and Easton would be part of the deal.
And there would be a number of contending teams that could – would – put together a better package than that for the reigning Norris Trophy holder.
The trade would gut leafs roster.
Makenna. Nylander would probably be the ask
The leafs cupboards are bare,
Get real!
The Jets dont need defensive help, they need 2nd line help. Thats why all this talk about nikishin going to the Jets doesnt make any sense.
The Jets are not going to give some rookie the $9mil + he’s looking for.
nikishin is Caroline’s problem, not the Jets.
Those who continue to watch DeMelo play considerably above his weight class as a top pairing RHD may have a different opinion on if the Jets need defensive help or not. They absolutely need secondary scoring, preferably an experienced centerman, but a top end RHD that they haven’t had since Buff walked away has been a huge gap in their lineup ever since. Chevy has an opportunity to flip Helle the asset and try to acquire both, even if he needs to sweeten his side of the deal to get it. Maybe a three way with the Canes and the Canucks could somehow end up with Boeser and Hronek.
Helle the Canes
Boeser/Hronek the Jets
Nadeau/Nikishin/Perfetti to the Nucks
The Jets defence is ok. Compared to the 2nd line its as good as the Habs defence from the 70s. of course there can be upgrades but its not the Jets most pressing position.
I really hope Viggo is the business but he’s 18 and never played at this level before and they still need a winger. I would prefer a guy with some good size, like Vilardi.
I do like your trade but they both have nmc’s and I dont see them waiving that to goto the Jets.
Atleast you understand the Jets needs, which makes you more qualified than alot of the ‘experts’
The Jets still need a RHD defenseman, Demelo would slot in more as a #2 RHD in my ideal.
Return for Helly should be a true #2 C, RHD shutdown and prospects/draft picks.
I still have no confidence in Arniel. The coat-tails that Bowness left are worn out.
What gives me hope for Bjorck is the magnitude of “insiders” and experts that have had glowing endorsements of the young player, he certainly did pass the eye test during the recent World Juniors and WHC tourneys to indicate considerable upside. I’m kind of seeing glimpses of Jonathon Toews game in his play one day, I do think he’s a long term answer but in the short term Chevy needs another body that can produce consistent secondary production. Adding in a top 4 RHD would be a cherry on the top and should be acheviable with an asset like Helle in tow if managed correctly. I’m old enough that I watched and remember the 70’s Habs blueline, that’s a lofty reach of which the current Jets aren’t flying as high as, a #1 RHD could change that though.
Jets could have had Quinn had they made the Helle trade at the draft. Perfect second line winger. Instead the asset is sitting home not doing the franchise any good, other than not having to pay him.
Then they wouldnt have got Viggo which has potential to be a 1c. In the long run better for the Jets than the instant gratification.
Although if that rumored trade did take place a good deal for all involved, minus the sabres goalie.
UPL would have been a good replacement for Helle. Young and on a good deal.
Toronto St. Pats
I wonder if you are good in business?
Helle’ signed a contract – he shouldn’t have signed it – but he even asked for a NMC-
Make him stay home until a trade is done that Winnipeg deems good enough – they didn’t make the playoffs with him – so what’s the problem.
Hey Lyle,
“extend their postseason drought to 11 games.” I think you meant “years”
Fixed, thanks. Time to give my editor more coffee in the morning…😉
In that case, give your editor a kick on the bottom, too.
…acquire “a more uptempo option) to play…
lol
Carolina had a goals against average of 1.62 in playoffs last season. I really don’t see why defending champs would give up anyone for Hellebuyck.
Commented late yesterday on Larkin.
I’ll keep my prediction that Werenski ends up in Detroit if Larkin takes back trade request. And Edvinsson will be part of package. Then possibly trade for Hellebuyck. If Larkin does move then Edvinsson stays. DeBrincat would be next up in trade talks
How is Detroit’s next GM not in one of the best positions ever.
Yeah it’s a mess, right now, but you currently have 17M, next year 60M with 7 roster spots to fill and only 4 players signed in 2028-2029.
Address the fans, tell them politely that you had nothing to do with the previous head office and some blah blah about how they drafted well to not throw Steve under the bus.
Then you tell them you’re going to take the year to evaluate players and you’re going to see who wants to be there (more blah blah to calm people down) .
Then you actually use the year to evaluate the kids and you get a good pick.
The year after, a bit of the same but quietly (start shopping and offering to take a bad contract if they include a third liner with term ) I’ll explain further on.
Assuming you signed Debrincat and Edvinsson.
2028-2029 Roster:
– Raymond
-Debrincat
– Seider
– Edvinsson
– Augustine.
I KNOW IT’S NOT THAT EASY
Obviously I make it sound like I believe things can magically happen and everything will fall in line.
My point is that to inherit a team with no bad lengthy contract is a gift from God.
I mentioned 3rd liners because I’m my opinion, if you have your first line, your shutdown line a good pair and alright goalie. You can kind of overpay for your second line if you’re forced.
Larkin for 2 solid shut down guys.
Again, you guys will think I’m nuts if you read line for line, but remove an idea and insert your own and I think it’s a sad situation for fans but for a GM?
I’m not a Wings fan but I don’t believe things are that dire. Agree team is in a good place with their cap. Have a really good prospect pool. Disagree that they should tank a year. Can’t be in a constant state of rebuild. Made a deadline deal last year that didn’t get you in playoffs but imo was the right move. Need to finalize the Larkin situation. Come clean with reasons for trade request. If I was a fan id be pretty pissed off with lack of communication.
I don’t think it’s dire either, if you ignore they haven’t made the playoffs in a decade, soon to be 11 years IMO. Sounds like a joke, but not my intent.
I just don’t think this is a 1 or 2 year fix, but 3-5. So not a full rebuild. They need a 1 and 2C now.
Same situation as Buffalo was in when Eichel said he was out (I don’t blame him for that). They could have tried for the quick fix, but instead stuck with a focus on young guys and developing the young guys.
Took 4 more years to get in, but they now have a team that looks like a sustainable playoff team, perhaps even a contender. If they went quick fix does that happen? We’ll never know.
I have said tank in the sense don’t focus on this year. Sell pending UFA’s at deadline. I don’t see a high end established young vet coming back in a trade when Larkin will only go to a contender. It will be prospects and picks with maybe an OK vet. Like a 3C.
No idea how Utah feels about Larkin, or Larkin feels about Utah. But that looks like a good match. IMO Utah is set for success and looks like sustainable success. If Larkin isn’t OK with that, well then, what are you gonna do other than wait him out.
Larkin for Desnoyers and Crouse to make the cap math work. Utah is all set up the middle still have some high end young talent in Iginla and Simashev.
Add around the edges if required.
Boston has 2 players to move if their season goes sideways or they don’t t make the playoffs. Zacha and Middlestadt. Both are in their last year of their contracts and Boston looks like they have bought into being younger. If you want to move now,Philly is ripe and needs centers. How about Tippett for a combination of those Boston guys and Lohrei.
Montembeault and Kirby Dach alone won’t bring in a top 6 forward. Will have to add. Likely a first and a good prospect like Zharovsky or Pickford. If a team wants a higher quality regular than Dach, then Newhook, Kapanen or Guhle are possibilities.
Lyle you are always my first read every morning but do you really think Montembeault and Dach would get you a second line centre…It would take more but not those two
Don: I said Montembeault and Dach in a larger deal. By that, I mean there would be other components involved. I hope that clarified things. Cheers!
morning all. i am looking for a site where i can talk to other blue jacket fans about our team. would anyone happen to know of a site. thanks in advance norm
For all the disappointment and rush to trades, Carey Price put it in perspective:
“Relax, chill out. We’ve got lots of time. We’re not winning the Stanley Cup in the first exhibition game”
Hf30,should we still pay attention to the Thanksgiving date. If you are not in the playoffs by then,very few teams get in after the date!
Sr
Statistically 4-5 teams out of the race on Thanksgiving do make it in.
I think if you’re out of the race by 10pts the team needs a miracle.
The Leafs are headed for mediocrity, what they are doing will result in years of no playoffs. They had an opportunity to tear this team down and acquire assets. Instead, more media excitement about acquiring old and flawed players to accompany the non-compete Captain.
Nikishin to STL Hellybuck to CAR and Nadeau Car #3 Carbonneau STL #1 to Winnipeg
hellebuyck to Carolina
Stankoven and a first.
I think the Leafs will trade for a dman before Christmas, BUT it won’t be for a top pair guy. Instead, I think they will look for another young player who has size and good defensive skills.
Clearing the defensive zone quickly is still their biggest issue, along with having only 1 defenseman under the age of 30.
If I were Chayka, Edvinsson RFA DET would be my number one target right now….unless CAR shows some interest in a deal for Reilly.
With players currently on LTIR, Puckpedia shows them with $7M in cap-space.
It may bot be until November, but medical updates on Domi and Joshua may just give the Leafs the cap space to make another splash on D.
Luneau just signed 6x$7.2M
He’s played only 14 NHL games
2023-24- 7 games
2024-25- 6 games
2925-26- 1 game
What are Edvinsson and Nikishin worth ?