NHL Rumor Mill – October 5, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have suggested destinations for Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson and the reasons why the Oilers won’t acquire Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
LATEST SIMON EDVINSSON SPECULATION
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Eric Cruickshank referenced Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting Saturday that unsigned Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson would prefer a trade.
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)
Cruickshank listed the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential destinations for the 22-year-old Edvinsson.
The Sharks must improve their blueline puck-moving abilities, which would make Edvinsson a perfect fit. The Blues could pivot to Edvinsson if their efforts to acquire unsigned Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin fall through. Edvinsson could inject youth into a Maple Leafs blueline with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev at the tail end of their careers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Nashville Predators might be another suitor. They were also reportedly interested in Nikishin.
How about Edvinsson to the Winnipeg Jets in a package deal for goalie Connor Hellebuyck? Nah, Hellebuyck wants to go to a Stanley Cup contender.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: William Espy pondered how much it could cost the Sharks to acquire Edvinsson. He believes Sam Dickinson would have to be part of the deal to fill the gap on the Red Wings blueline after Edvinsson’s departure. It would also cost them a prospect like Filip Bystedt, Quentin Musty, or Ryan Lin. The Sharks would need to include a salaried player like Adam Gaudette or Ty Dellandrea to free up salary-cap space.
SI.COM: Tyler Miller believes the Pittsburgh Penguins would be a perfect trade partner if the Red Wings peddle Edvinsson. They’re in dire need of young left-side defensemen. Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has a connection with the Penguins. His son, Will Horcoff, is a Penguins prospect.
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James believes Edvinsson would be a “can’t-miss trade opportunity” for the Flyers. He suggested moving Cam York or Nick Seeler to make room for Edvinsson. James thinks the asking price from the Red Wings would be “the equivalent of the next two first-round picks, a second-rounder, and a third-rounder.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings reportedly want to re-sign Edvinsson, who is in Sweden awaiting a new contract or a trade. If it comes to the latter, the aforementioned clubs could be among the suitors.
It’s been suggested the Montreal Canadiens should pursue Edvinsson. That’s unlikely to happen because of their left-shot blueline depth. Unless they’re parting with Mike Matheson (which they aren’t), they won’t be pursuing Edvinsson. Besides, they’re more interested in adding a scoring forward (preferably a center).
DON’T EXPECT THE OILERS TO TRADE FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Gerry Moddejonge and Kurt Leavins shot down suggestions that the Oilers could or should pursue Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Moddejonge pointed out that the Oilers already acquired Frederik Andersen, who is sidelined until December with a knee injury. He believes the Oilers must improve their defensive play to cut down on the number of scoring chances and goals against them. Moddejonge also noted that the Oilers can’t afford to acquire Hellebuyck.
Leavins also cited the high cost of Hellebuyck. He believes the Jets’ high asking price would offset whatever gains an elite goalie would bring to the Oilers.
A three-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hellebuyck went public with his trade request in August. The Jets have suspended the 33-year-old goalie without pay for not reporting to training camp.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck to Edmonton was always a long-shot option at best. For now, they have to stick with the tandem of Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi and hope for the best until Andersen is ready to return.
If Jake Sanderson is ultimately out for a lengthy period … and given Zub’s all too frequent trips to the IR … I wouldn’t count Ottawa out as a suitor for Edvinsson – or Nikishin.
Assuming either guy is willing to sign with the Senators, George.
The key part of Spectors note “until Anderson is
ready to return”. My other site contends you can
take Babs word on it. My problem is of course
I was here last year when it was Knobby’s word.
HAHAHAHA!….I can’t say anything further.
Detroit needs stop messing around with Eddy and bring him back in the fold. Give him 7 x $11M .
It has been reported that he may now want $12M AAV………. But $11M should be enough to quel his anger.
Even if the Oilers wanted to. Even if Hellebucyk wanted to. I dont see a trade to be worked out that the jets would approve of.
The oilers played shoddy defense against the canucks at times and the edm goalies got sliced up.
The oilers played a much more sound defensive game against the Kraken and guess what – Levi also looked solid.
Regardless of who is net now or come playoff time the Oilers know they have to play better and I dont think the goaltending is a hot topic for them right now.
It was only the first two games of the season. In game two the Oilers played a solid defensive game for 30 minutes. At 5-0 and 8-2 any other team would have let up. The last game they held the Kraken to one goal, and Levi made a few big saves in that game. The same Kraken team that has scored 6 goals against the Flames twice.
There are still bad habits that Babcock needs to work out of this team, but it’s coming around.
A good explanation of the negotiating tactics employed by the Wings and Stevie Y
The same tactics of Verbeek, Y’s under study.
They are old tactics and the results are no longer the same.
https://octopusthrower.com/elliotte-friedman-points-finger-at-yzerman-over-simon-edvinsson-situation-01m45y0fprnz
IMO the one team that can really use Hellebuyck and may have the assets to acquire him are the Fliers. Woll is a good goalie when healthy, but that isn’t often, and Vladar is a solid backup, but not a starter. They could offer up Woll PLUS for Hellebuyck. The combination of Hellebuyck and Vladar could be among the best in the NHL.
In Winnipeg Skinner would be a great 1B to Woll.
I don’t know what the plus part would be, but Philly does have their first rounders plus the Leafs first round this year or next depending on if it’s a top 10 or not this year.