NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2026
The latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin, Vincent Trocheck, Erik Karlsson, Alexander Nikishin, Jake DeBrusk, Pavel Zacha, Blake Coleman, and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE PANTHERS ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports the Florida Panthers haven’t closed the door on the possibility of acquiring Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets to shore up their goaltending.
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates and Shayna Goldman included the Panthers on their list of teams who could or should be pursuing Hellebuyck.
They point out that the Panthers lack sufficient trade assets to tempt the Jets into parting with their franchise goaltender. They shipped young winger Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken and three first-round picks to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk.
If the Panthers are willing to part with two-way center Anton Lundell, he could be the centerpiece that makes the deal happen. Without him, it won’t be enough to make a deal happen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers reportedly refused to part with Lundell in the Tkachuk trade, so it’s unlikely that they’ll do it for Hellebuyck, assuming the goalie has requested a trade or is willing to waive his no-movement clause. Even with Lundell as the centerpiece, the Panthers lack the secondary pieces to get it done, unless they’re willing to give up another good roster player in the deal.
Meanwhile, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports the door isn’t closed yet on the Panthers’ efforts to re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky, their long-time starting goaltender.
THE WILD ARE STILL TRYING TO LAND DYLAN LARKIN
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Minnesota Wild continue to play the waiting game in their efforts to acquire center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).
The Wild are on Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations, but “it’s painfully obvious” that they lack sufficient trade assets to meet Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s asking price. Wild GM Bill Guerin remains in constant contact with Yzerman and Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo and Smith suggest it could take getting a third team involved to help the Wings acquire the assets they need to land Larkin.
THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano report that New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is still hoping to receive a return package for Vincent Trocheck that includes a young roster player. If that return fails to materialize, Baugh and Mercogliano wonder if he’d settle for a first-round pick and a prospect.
The Minnesota Wild have faded as a destination for Trocheck. Baugh and Mercogliano mused over whether the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins might pay Drury’s asking price. Other clubs linked to Trocheck in the rumor mill include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market could be awaiting the outcome of Dylan Larkin’s situation before shifting focus toward Trocheck, who has three years left on his contract. Drury could be content to wait until next year’s trade deadline if there are no suitable options this summer.
Alexis Lafreniere has also surfaced in the rumor mill. However, two sources told Baugh and Mercogliano that the 24-year-old winger will likely stay put unless they get a mind-blowing offer. The Rangers are seeking scoring forwards, not trying to move them.
COULD THE SENATORS BRING BACK ERIK KARLSSON?
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators “visited a trade” for former captain Erik Karlsson during the 2022-23 season when he was with the San Jose Sharks. However, they decided that would undermine the leadership of then-captain Brady Tkachuk and opted against it.
With Tkachuk recently traded to the Florida Panthers and the Senators’ captaincy vacant, Garrioch wondered if they might take another shot at bringing Karlsson back to Ottawa.
Karlsson is now with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has a year left on his contract. Garrioch claimed that the Penguins aren’t interested in moving the 36-year-old defenseman, and if they were, they would want a decent return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins surprised everyone by making the playoffs this season. They’ll likely want to add to their roster this summer, not subtract. After a couple of rough seasons with the Penguins, Karlsson had 66 points in 75 games in 2025-26.
It’s also worth remembering that it was the Senators’ former management that would’ve been interested in bringing back Karlsson. The current management probably has other plans this summer than bringing back a former captain.
HURRICANES OPEN TO TRADING ALEXANDER NIKISHIN
THE SCORE: According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Carolina Hurricanes are considering trading Alexander Nikishin. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.
Nikishin joined the Hurricanes as a highly-touted defenseman following a successful tenure in the KHL. He had 33 points in 81 games during this regular season, but his playing time declined during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run, picking up one assist in 17 games. He also suffered a concussion during their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, missing two games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’3”, 218-pound Nikishin is a promising right-shot defenseman who could draw lots of attention in the trade market. He’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet.
The Hurricanes have over $11 million in cap space. They could sign Nikishin to an affordable short-term bridge deal, but he could prefer a more lucrative long-term deal.
It’s been suggested that the Hurricanes could be a destination for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. If so, Nikishin could be an intriguing trade chip as part of a package offer for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.
ARE THE CANADIENS INTERESTED IN JAKE DEBRUSK?
THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reports a source claims the Montreal Canadiens have expressed interest in Jake DeBrusk.
The Canadiens reportedly attempted to sign DeBrusk when he was a UFA two years ago, and they looked into acquiring him at the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Johnston of The Province recently quoted a source claiming that DeBrusk isn’t keen to return to the East. If so, the Canadiens will have to look elsewhere for a top-six winger.
WHAT’S BRUIN IN BOSTON?
BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney said all options are on the table to improve his roster as the draft weekend approaches.
Sweeney could use his first-round pick (23rd overall) as a trade chip. However, the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks hold multiple first-rounders in this draft, and their intentions could affect the Bruins’ efforts to make an impact trade with just the 23rd overall pick.
The Bruins GM didn’t rule out moving a roster player for a return that bolsters the roster. Conroy speculates that Sweeney is likely getting plenty of calls about center Pavel Zacha, who is a year away from UFA eligibility and in line for a significant raise over his current $4.75 million cap hit. Sweeney said his intention remains to sign Zacha to an extension.
Defenseman Mason Lohrei could also be a trade candidate. Meanwhile, contract discussions with pending UFAs Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Peeke continue, but there’s still a gap between the parties on terms and dollars.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins fans (especially some who are regular commenters on this site) have been grumbling over Sweeney’s inactivity in the trade market thus far. However, it’s apparent that attempts to use their 2026 first-rounder as trade bait are hampered by whatever the Sharks and Blues have in store.
Zacha is drawing a lot of interest, but moving him would weaken the Bruins’ depth at center. The clubs calling about him are probably offering draft picks and prospects. That return doesn’t provide immediate help for the Bruins. Sweeney could use them as bait for another roster player, but that can be easier said than done.
UPDATES ON FLAMES FORWARDS BLAKE COLEMAN AND CONNOR ZARY
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the trade market is quiet for the moment on Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman. It appears the 10 teams on his list of approved trade destinations either lack sufficient cap room to acquire his $4.9 million cap hit or they’re working on other deals at the moment.
Meanwhile, Darren Dreger reported the Flames are open to trading Connor Zary. They’re seeking a second-round pick for the 24-year-old center, who has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.775 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 24th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Zary was projected to become a top-six forward for the Flames. However, injuries have hampered his development. Zary had 34 points in 63 games this season.
WHAT WILL THE SHARKS AND BLUES DO WITH THEIR DRAFT PICKS?
THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s getting several calls about the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft. The Sharks acquired that pick in the William Eklund trade from the Ottawa Senators, who acquired it from the Florida Panthers in the Brady Tkachuk trade.
Grier also said he got a “really interesting call” about the No. 2 pick, which the Sharks got in last month’s draft lottery.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports the St. Louis Blues have positioned themselves to make a major move in the trade market. They now have four first-round picks (Nos. 11, 15, 16, and 29) after acquiring one from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou trade. The Blues hold 13 total picks in this year’s draft.
Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he’s open to using those picks to move up in the first-round order, especially if they can move into the top four. He could also use them to pursue a talented young NHL player.
Shane Pinto (I’d rather it be Greig but Greig won’t get Larkin from Detroit. Pinto will) I’d still rather the Sens traded for Larkin but he’s probably not willing.
and
Leevi Merrilainen
to Minny
For
Minnys’ 3rd and 4th this year and
Jesper Wallsedt
As if the Sens want another grumpy captain. There’s no way I’d want that guy in my locker room. If you were open to trading Pinto, there’s probably better options out there.
So Minny would give up one of the best young tenders in the NHL, plus 2 picks for a replacement level backup (at best)?
That a typo Dark G? Your hockey takes are often pretty good is why I ask.
It was a choppy post but I think pinto was part of that deal.
OK, my bad.
Scanning instead of reading again.
Appreciate the heads up Chrisms.
You’re not wrong Ray.
I was not including the package that would come back from Detroit for Pinto to Minny.
Assuming it was Larkin.
I said it all in my head and didn’t type it.
Minny gets Larkin and Sandine-Pellika
St Louis gets Faber
Detroit gets Robert Thomas
Faber has to be untouchable as is Boldy
NO ONE should be regarded as untouchable if the return is seen as improving your team – especially as some in the past thought to be untouchable wound up demanding to be traded (Larkin, the Tkachuks, Gaudreau, Nurse, Patrick Roy, Eichel, Heatley … to name a few).
Any GM who thinks like that is not doing his job properly.
Especially with the uncertainty surrounding Hughes.
I don’t think either way they have any interest in moving Faber.
Minnesota owner has said they’ll be signing Hughes. Just don’t know what contract length will be.
I did see that slick, but we all o ow how that may play out.
Thomas isn’t going to waive his NTC.
So what does Detroit get out of the deals for Pellikka?
Blues could draft the Ruck Bros. with 15 and 16!
Bit high for those guys I’d think, but I’m not sure.
Tend to agree there. Their high offensive stats in Major Junior certainly make them intriguing back-to-back picks (like the Sedins), but the consensus analysis is, they project more towards the lower end of the 1st round:
“While their hockey IQ and production are undeniable, scouting evaluations highlight a few key reasons why NHL front offices are more reserved:
Pace and Skating Concerns: Scouts at sites like Expected Buffalo and draft analysts note that the brothers’ skating mechanics and top-end speed are not currently elite. In the NHL, where space disappears quickly, there are questions about whether they can translate their junior success when the game speeds up.
Self-Creation Limitations: Their offensive outputs are heavily reliant on their chemistry together and playing alongside top-tier talent. Analysts suggest that their value stems more from finding soft ice and finishing plays rather than dynamic, individual, puck-carrying chance creation.
Physicality and Frame: Listed around 6 feet and 175 lbs, the twins will need to add more size and strength to handle the physical demands of playing at the NHL level.
Line Synergy Dependence: Because they operate essentially as a single unit (often dubbed a modern-day “Sedin lite” due to Markus’s playmaking and Liam’s goal-scoring), some teams hesitate to draft them high, wondering if they will be as effective if separated in the NHL.”
But, as JohnnyZ points out, the Blues have back-to-back picks in Round 1 – the ONLY team to have that, in fact – and the difference between 15/16 picks and those taken 25-32 being negligible for the most part – it might be too enticing to pass up. After their picks, the chances of the twins winding up in the same system are slim to none – barring other draft day trades of course.
Is there a deal to be made between Boston and Detroit around Zacha and Larkin?
I know Boston wasn’t on Larkin’s list but perhaps there is a deal to be made there?
Zacha, Lohrei, 2026 1st, 2027 1st to Detroit for Larkin, 2026 3rd
Does DeBrincat ask to be traded after Larkin leaves?
With Sweeney the Gmail-no way!
Doesn’t Hellybuck have line 5 years left. How long has he been there and all of a sudden he wants out?
If that is in fact true Chevy might take 5 years to pull the trigger . Of course unless a king’s ransom
Coleman is not moving until the trade deadline
Reilly Danford and Cowen for the #2 pick and Ferraro
SS. Winnipeg is a year removed from prez trophy too. Not a bad team. Could bounce back.
SilverSeven Coleman has told Conroy if he gets traded he wants it to be in summer. Also come July 1 Flames will be able to eat 50% of his cap so Conroy can max out the return, possibly to get another 2027 or 2028 1st rounder.
Does any deal this big sound like a Bruins management deal. The Bruins will settle for fourth liners.
Not sure what folks expect Sweeney to do?
The recent deals had players choosing the destinations. See the Bruins on any of them?
Byram couldn’t and went for the 4th OA pick as the key piece. Does Boston have one of those?
Eklund went for the 9th. B’s don’t have that either. Maybe Sweeney offered Hagens, no idea. Not sure SJ view him to be as good as what they can get at #9, or maybe Sweeney values him more than Eklund. Seems like a lateral move either way.
If your talking B’s should rebuild, I can be sold on that, kinda there already. That would risk Pasta and McAvoy wanting out and picking their destination. And 7 ish years (on average) of missing the playoffs.
Again, I would be fine with that. But that’s the choice, so far the B’s haven’t gone there. If they miss this year and struggle, then maybe they do it.
Daryl,I ll speak for Sweeneyand take that deal right now!
I think what happens with DeBrincat depends on what Yzerman adds to the roster. If he manages to bring in Robertson and Trochek, Cat stays in Detroit. If it’s just draft picks, he’s gone.
for what teams are paying these days for elite players do the Bruins do more of a rebuild than a retool. Could you imagine what they could get for Swayma Pasta and Mcavoy.
Yes!! Matt Robertson and Trochek for Larkin
He’s already forced his way out of one team, so why not?
That thought has entered my mind as well Peter.
What would Buffalo pay for a top RD like McAvoy?
4th OA and what? Helenius?
Power and Helenius? Probably too much to ask for.
Just spitballing as it ain’t gonna happen.
I see trades drying up over the next 36 hours. Teams that were going to make deals have by and large already made them. The prices for remaining players will be out of reach for most same general managers.
You could be right, Toronto St Pats. So far this off-season just one quarter of the League have brought in what can be construed as major roster additions and/or high draft picks in deals: Toronto, Washington, St. Louis, Ottawa, Florida, Chicago, Buffalo, San Jose.
The rest, other than in some internal re-signings, have done absolutely nothing yet in that regard.
I still believe, however, we could see at least 1 or 2 during tomorrow’s entry draft.
I think the guys who were to be traded have been already been dealt. The next set of guys are not for sale, but their GMs just may be wowed by an overpay.
Some late today trades
The New Jersey Devils acquire Declan Chisholm from the Washington Capitals for a 2027 4th round pick and Amadeus Lombardi from the Detroit Red Wings for a 2026 4th round pick
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Luke Tuch from the Montreal Canadiens for Hunter McKown & Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche for a 2026 2nd round pick (STL, #43), a 2027 3rd round pick and a 2028 5th round pick.
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Hendrix Lapierre from the Washington Capitals for a 2027 3rd round pick and a 2028 5th round pick (San Jose)
Re the prospect of Erik Karlsson moving back into the home he still owns in Ottawa, as intriguing a thought as that might be, I agree with Lyle’s take that “The current management probably has other plans this summer than bringing back a former captain.”
Not that they couldn’t handle his contract (or, more likely if a trade were to take place, a big chunk of it) with their huge cap reserve, and pairing him with Jake Sanderson, moving Zub to the 2nd pairing alongside Chabot, and either Spence or Matinpalo (who I’m liking more and more with his development) paired with Kleven, that would be a potent D structure.
A move like that would also give Dubas more cap flexibility for other signings/trades. Yes, they made the playoffs this past season with 98 pts, but so, too, did the Flyers, while Washington, who finished 3 b/o Pittsburgh have improved dramatically, and then there’s Columbus and Detroit 6 pts back and no doubt soon to be involved in moves of some sort, with another in that tight Eastern Conference, the Islanders, needing only to make up 7 points.
The $64,000 Question is, what would Dubas want in return.?
Florida just traded for Hathaway 50% retained by Philly. They could be getting ready to make another move to clear salary. Rodriguez?
Yeah. Interesting. He comes with a 2026 6th rounder and for that the Flyers get a 2026 5th-rounder and a 2027 4th rounder, while holding back 50% of Hathaway’s $2.4 million cap hit, which only has this season to run, after which he becomes a UFA – unless re-signed by Zito.
Florida just added more pepper to the lineup. They are going to be tough to play against. If Zito can bring in a decent goalie they will be a favorite to win the cup t(is season
Fergy22, can you imagine the extra curricular stuff with Fla. after getting Hathaway. You better be wearing 2 cups when you play those guys!
Rodriguez was scheduled for 4th this year. Hathaway just took his spot.
At this point if Yzerman trades Larkin, I think it’s going to involve a 3rd team. My bet is it’s going to involve St Louis because Yzerman has done a lot of deals with Doug Armstrong in his career. They have the young players, picks and prospects Yzerman would be looking for (same for San Jose, but Yzerman has less of a history with Grier). I kinda doubt it involves a big name player like Thomas, but I wouldn’t rule anything out. St Louis is probably looking to add veteran pieces around some of their young guys after trading away guys like Schenn & Kyrou. If there’s a trade that involves them getting some younger veteran depth from a team like Minnesota, or Dallas, the Wings getting solid prospects and high 1st round picks, I think that becomes a draft day deal.
If not, tbh, I’m starting to doubt Yzerman trades Larkin before the season starts. There’s obviously growing negativity against these Team USA players who are abandoning their teams. Larkin’s request didn’t reflect well on him as is, but the Brady Tkchuck trade is making him look even worse. Yzerman may have more support to hold him, even if it creates some tension in the locker room, just as a principled stand against players who are abandoning their teams and fans.
I wonder what the reaction will be in Detroit, if Stevie trades Larkin for picks and prospects. Larkin without a replacement will leave a hint hole and another few years of rebuilding. Not acceptable in Hockeytown.
One year ago, Sweeney’s job was on the line, this year he appears to be back to his old tricks of trading the farm to get help in the NOW. He has at least two and perhaps three ready to graduate from the AHL, give the kids a chance. There is not one trade you can make to be a cup contender next year, rebuild your pipeline Boston!
Northern Bruin, all Sweeney has indicated so far is that all options are on the table – which should be the approach of every GM. Doesn’t cost anything to listen to offers and if any are seen as definitely improving your team, you pull the trigger. Whether or not it turns out to be a GOOD move is what ultimately impacts a GM’s future with that organization.
So far this off-season, the moves he has made are anything but major deals. They did make a minor one with San Jose by sending the rights to unsigned prospect Andre Gasseau and a 2026 4th rounder in exchange for a higher 2026 4th rounder as well as a 5th-rounder.
Other than that there were signings of prospects Navrin Mutter (1 year 2-way deal through 2026-27), the addition of prospect goalie Simon Zajicek to a 2-year deal, and F Attilio Biasca to a 2-year deal.
Be interesting to see if he keeps the 23rd pick overall, or includes that in some deal.
I can get on board with that Northern Bruin.
For the 3 AHL’ers do you mean; Depietro, Brunet and Poitras?
With the tender market the way it is, finding a home for Korpisalo is possible. Might have to wait until after the UFA season passes though, and even eat a little bit of salary. Expensive backup at over $3M, but he is capable as a backup. WHne the UFA music stops somebody might be standing there without a chair.
Move Zacha, your getting a decent return. Good player who likely cost more than he is worth to the B’s at this stage. Might have to wait until TDL though if he doesn’t agree to an extension with a new team pre-trade. If not him right now, then Mittelstadt.
On D, needs to be one of the left shot guys. Lindholm full NMC until next year, so either Lohrei or Zadorov. I like Zadorov so would do Lohrei even though he is only 25.
If the B’s missed again last season, it might be happening now, but they didn’t so it isn’t. Maybe I’m wrong, but the noise or lack of it suggests they keep trying to get better for next season or least not lose ground. Which is a waste of time IMO.
Just saw Leipold’s comments about resigning Quinn Hughes and that Hughes wants a shorter deal. It appears Leipold learned nothing from the Kaprizov negotiations and just gave Hughes more leverage. Doesn’t make any sense and he likely added $1M-$2M to Hughes’ final AAV.
Mr. Bark, Yes the aformentioned three…..and I agree George, minor moves so far, but did making the playoffs encourage Don to put on his old hat? Zacha would bring a haul, but he’s too important unless he can’t say no to the deal. Last year just before the free agent frenzy he got Arvidsson, it was a good deal, for a late draft pick, but he now appears to want to let him walk over term. He’s 33, I wouldn’t sign him for more than two years, so I don’t blame him there…..we will see how things pan out, but the Bruins finally have the basis of a pipeline, I mean Dean Letourneau cannot be part of any package going the other way, you can’t teach size.
Blue Jackets Acquire Valeri Nichushkin
Who are they clearing space for???
Larkin, FA’s Marchment, Lee, Trouba, Jenner
Johnny, Colorado traded Nichuskin because they were tight to the cap. Colarado has approx $11 M in cap space, but only 17 players under contract. Avs need to add 3 forwards and 3 D. Does Burns (41 years old) return for $1 M plus performance bonuses?
I’m just curious how Vegas is gonna fill in their roster with so little money
Instead of trading Morgan Reilly,whynot try him at center? It worked with Red Kelly.