NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have updates on Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck, and the latest on the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, and Flyers.
TSN: Chris Johnston reports there’s been “no tangible progress” made towards the Detroit Red Wings trading Dylan Larkin.
The Red Wings are entering this season trying to support Larkin, get him involved in what they’re doing, and eventually move towards a trade. He’s expanded his list of preferred trade destinations, but it hasn’t prompted any more conversation.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now believes Larkin’s days with the Red Wings will soon be over. Any hope of reconciliation after Steve Yzerman’s departure as general manager appears to be dashed.
Duff believes it will take time for a trade to happen despite the expansion of his trade list. Nevertheless, Larkin could be on the move at some point before the March 1 trade deadline.
Johnston believes the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t done adding to their roster after acquiring winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.
Johnson said the Maple Leafs still have other futures they can peddle for “help now” solutions, including the 2027 first-round pick they received from the Colorado Avalanche and some young prospects. He believes they could seek a defenseman after including Emil Andrae in the return to Columbus for Marchenko.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will likely attempt to add players in their mid-to-late twenties as they did with Marchenko. They shouldn’t move those futures for older players with limited time remaining in their careers. Otherwise, they’re back in the trap of sacrificing their future for quick fixes.
Speaking of Marchenko, Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens tried hard to land him, envisioning the winger playing on the second line with rising star Ivan Demidov. However, they didn’t have any young roster players that they were willing to part with.
LeBrun believes the Canadiens will still be “big-game hunting,” especially next summer when they’ll have salary cap flexibility. He believes if Connor McDavid decides he wants out of Edmonton, the Canadiens will be all over that.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes will remain on the lookout for young talent leading up to the March 1 trade deadline. He lost out on Marchenko and on Matthew Knies earlier this year, but it’s a long season, and players no one thought would be available could be on the trade block by March.
Speaking of teams that missed out on Marchenko, Anthony Di Marco thinks the Philadelphia Flyers have Red Wings center Dylan Larkin on their wish list. The Flyers aren’t on Larkin’s list of preferred destinations, but sources claim they’re keeping tabs on him. They could also be on the lookout for a depth defenseman with size like Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames.
Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets aren’t looking for a return of futures for holdout goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. They want something that will let their current players know help is on the way and they’re not rebuilding.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman pretty much said the same thing in his “32 Thoughts” column on Tuesday.
Dreger previously reported that the Jets hadn’t received any decent offers. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is insistent that he wants a return that helps both sides, but he’s also giving Hellebuyck a chance to return to the Jets. It could take some time for one or the other to take place.
Simon Eddy went to Sweden to train. What does that tell you?
Wings are in total disarray!!
Maybe Johnny, or they have accepted that this year is a right off already, and until they know what happens with their former captain, they don’t know what direction to even go.
That’s on Larkin IMO.
What I would do is what Yzerman suggested, get the best you assets you can for Larkin. Build for 3 – 5 years from now.
Accept the reality of the situation; Win now ain’t happening.
I do not believe the Leafs have received enough credit for what they have done in the offseason. Last year was a bummer in Tronna, but the mood is certainly changed. Getting the top pick in the draft didn’t hurt, but some of the player moves have helped too. Like most teams, the big questions are on the back line and in goal.
I watched the 1st 2 periods of the leafs habs last night and leafs fans must be quite excited if last night ends up being a reflection of Kirill’s game.
I have had him in my keeper league for 4 seasons so I now how he produces but I dont get to see him much. Seemed he was always a threat when on the ice.
Leafs were the only team willing to give up front line talent to acquire Kirill. The Habs need to realize that they need to do the same if they are really going to improve their roster.
I am glad the Leafs and Jackets had the realization that they needed to make this deal before the season.