Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 6, 2026

by | Sep 6, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 6, 2026

Could the Flyers pursue Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli or Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes if either player becomes available in the trade market? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz was asked if the Philadelphia Flyers could get the cold shoulder from other NHL clubs for signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet earlier this summer.

Kurz doesn’t consider it something they are concerned about, pointing out that three other clubs presented Carlsson with offer sheets before he signed with the Flyers. He also noted that other teams had expressed interest.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

Kurz also dismissed conjecture that the Flyers’ attempt to sign Carlsson had anything to do with any bad blood toward Cutter Gauthier’s unwillingness to sign with them, forcing them to trade him to the Ducks in 2025. “The Flyers would’ve pursued Carlsson whether Gauthier was on the Ducks or not.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere probably isn’t on Ducks GM Pat Verbeek’s Christmas card list. And yes, another team likely would’ve signed Carlsson to an offer sheet if the Flyers hadn’t. There could be some general managers who didn’t appreciate that offer sheet driving up salaries. However, the rapidly rising salary cap made it inevitable. If it wasn’t Carlsson’s contract, it would’ve been somebody else.

Asked if the Flyers might attempt to acquire Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, Kurz was skeptical about that possibility. They have the cap space to sign the 21-year-old Fantilli, and not doing so wouldn’t sit well with the Blue Jackets’ already nervous fan base.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers (including me) wondered if the Flyers might attempt to sign Fantilli to an offer sheet after the Ducks matched the Carlsson offer. However, several reports indicated they had no intention of going that route.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell remains confident of having Fantilli signed when training camp opens next week.

Kurz also suggested the Flyers pay attention to Quinn Hughes’ contract negotiations with the Minnesota Wild. He noted that Hughes had a great relationship with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet and is good friends with Flyers forward Trevor Zegras. Any Hughes trade would have to include a contract extension, likely be a three-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers might be interested if Hughes becomes available in the trade market. Whether they could meet the Wild’s asking price is another matter. For now, there’s no indication that Hughes is on the trade block as the Wild continue their efforts to re-sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2026

by | Sep 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2026

Check out the latest on the Wild’s Quinn Hughes, the Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck, the Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier, and the Blue Jackets’ Adam Fantilli in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman joined the NHL Tonight show to discuss the rumors and notable storylines currently making the rounds.

Asking about Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Minnesota Wild, Friedman wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up with an average annual value of $20 million. He also thinks that the 26-year-old superstar defenseman isn’t seeking a long-term deal, which helps the Wild as it wouldn’t tie up too much money for too long.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the Hughes family connection, with brother Jack’s contract with the New Jersey Devils expiring in four years. Quinn is in the final season of his current deal and could seek a three-year extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The ongoing uncertainty over whether Hughes will re-sign and what type of contract he wants if he does stay in Minnesota continues to dominate the rumor mill. It’s also generated speculation that the Wild could trade him if he decides he’ll test the market next summer.

So far, there’s no indication that Hughes and the Wild are close to an agreement. General manager Bill Guerin has reminded anxious Wild fans that Kirill Kaprizov didn’t sign his extension until late September last year.

Nevertheless, the trade rumors could grow if Hughes isn’t signed when the puck drops on the Wild’s regular season schedule on Oct. 1.

Turning to Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request, Friedman believes the 33-year-old Winnipeg Jets goaltender made it public to get his situation resolved before training camp or the regular season begins.

Friedman said the big challenge facing the Jets is that some of the trade options they had before the draft or earlier in the summer are no longer available.

He believes the Florida Panthers were among the teams interested in Hellebuyck, but part of the package they would’ve offered was instead sent to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk. The Jets and the Buffalo Sabres were believed to have discussed the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, with the Jets wanting that pick and keeping the eighth overall, but the Sabres didn’t want to do that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also rumored that the Sabres wanted to keep the fourth-overall pick and asked the Jets to include the eighth-overall pick in the deal with Hellebuyck. Regardless, swapping those picks is no longer an option, meaning the two clubs would have to discuss other possibilities if they revisit these discussions.

Friedman also noted that no-trade lists can change on July 1. He wondered if some players that might’ve been obtainable to the Jets before July 1 are no longer available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is often mentioned as someone the Jets would want as part of the return from the Sabres for Hellebuyck. However, his five-team no-trade list kicked in on July 1, and if the Jets are on that list, he won’t go to Winnipeg.

Friedman was asked whether there has been any progress in Cutter Gauthier’s contract talks with the Anaheim Ducks and Adam Fantilli’s negotiations with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both forwards are restricted free agents who completed their entry-level contracts. Fantilli is eligible to sign an offer sheet from a rival club, but no indication that will happen. Gauthier lacks the required number of NHL games played to be eligible to sign an offer sheet.

Friedman said he’s heard rumors of some progress in the Gauthier’s talks, but it’s going to be “a really, really big number”. He wondered what the Ducks will do over the next couple of weeks to free up the salary cap space to re-sign the 21-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier reportedly rejected a four-year offer with $13 million annually.

Depending on how much Gauthier’s next contract is worth, the Ducks could place sidelined winger Troy Terry and his $7 million AAV on long-term injury reserve to start the season. However, they must be cap-compliant when Terry returns to the lineup later in the season. Cost-cutting candidates could include forwards Alex Killorn, Chris Kreider, and Frank Vatrano.

As for Fantilli, Friedman believes a gap remains with the Blue Jackets regarding the AAV. He hasn’t heard that the talks are on the road to any serious trouble, but the Blue Jackets haven’t reached a number they’re comfortable with yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell recently expressed confidence that Fantilli will be signed before training camp opens. It’s rumored the club is willing to offer around $12.5 million annually, while the Fantilli camp could seek $15 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

Check out the latest on Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and Red Wings center Dylan Larkin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently looked at which goaltenders the Winnipeg Jets might target to replace Connor Hellebuyck, who publicly revealed his trade request last week.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Pickings are slim in the free-agent market, with the best options being 29-year-old Connor Ingram and 39-year-old Cam Talbot.

Ates also looked at what the Jets could get from several teams suggested as trade destinations for Hellebuyck in the rumor mill. Those clubs include the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram is the best option in a thin free-agent market, but adding him would give the Jets the same goalie tandem the Edmonton Oilers started last season with, after signing Stuart Skinner in July.

Getting a goalie via trade is the best option. I’m ruling out the Golden Knights because they lack the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire Hellebuyck. The Devils are limited in cap space and goalie depth, carrying a trio of backups in Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich.

The Sabres could offer up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, provided the Jets aren’t on his five-team no-trade list. The Mammoth could propose Karel Vejmelka for Hellebuyck. Still, both have had consistency issues that could hurt their trade value.

Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov of the Hurricanes could be tempting. However, we don’t know if Bussi is for real or a one-year wonder, while Kochetkov has struggled to establish himself as a reliable starter. Yaroslav Askarov has the most potential and could interest the Jets most, but the Sharks might not want to part with him.

What do you think, folks? Feel free to weigh in on this topic in the comments section below.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie reports Dylan Larkin has not added the Montreal Canadiens to his list of preferred trade destinations.

Lavoie considers this to be “extremely unfortunate.” If Larkin is serious about winning the Stanley Cup, Montreal would be the place to do so. He also pointed out that the Canadiens have the trade capital to make an enticing trade offer to the Red Wings.

It’s believed the Red Wings seek a first-line center in return for Larkin. However, Lavoie believes a trade won’t happen until the Wings lower their asking price and Larkin expands his trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin has requested a trade to the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Dallas Stars are also rumored to be on his list.

Based on that, Larkin’s preference seems to be joining a team in the United States. That rules out Montreal or the other six Canadian cities.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2026

by | Sep 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2026

Could Kirill Marchenko land with the Canadiens? Will the Blues pursue Alexander Nikishin? Could the Senators sign Patrik Laine? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Check out the latest Pucks In Deep podcast where we discuss the latest news on Connor Hellebuyck, Quinn Hughes, and more.

LA PRESSE: Mathias Brunet believes Montreal Canadiens fans should keep an eye on Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 25-year-old Marchenko is a restricted free agent next summer and can become an unrestricted free agent in 2028. He hasn’t signed a long-term extension and reportedly requested a trade this summer. However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has yet to finalize a trade and expects Marchenko to report to training camp as planned.

Brunet noted that the Canadiens are in the market for a top-six forward. In the absence of a second-line center in the trade market, adding a winger like Marchenko would be a viable alternative.

The Blue Jackets would set a high price. They could ask for a top prospect like center Michael Hage or winger Alexander Zharovsky, along with a first-round pick and possibly one or two other assets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko’s uncertain future with the Blue Jackets ensures he’ll be a fixture in the rumor mill this season, with the Canadiens considered the front-runners to acquire him because they need to bolster their second line.

However, the Canadiens won’t be the only team linked to Marchenko, and a trade to Montreal isn’t a certainty. We also can’t dismiss the possibility that he has a change of heart and signs an extension with the Blue Jackets.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford made 10 bold predictions for the St. Louis Blues this season. Among them was his forecast that they will make a trade for Alexander Nikishin.

The Carolina Hurricanes defenseman is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract last season. He’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet because he didn’t play the required number of games to qualify.

Rutherford believes the 24-year-old Nikishin fits the profile of the defenseman first-year general manager Alex Steen seeks. His market value is projected at nearly $8 million annually, but he lacks leverage, and the Hurricanes might be unwilling to go that high. Rutherford predicts they get him for a reasonable asking price and a bridge contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have been linked to Nikishin since July, but there’s no sign that a deal is on the horizon yet. Other clubs will also be interested in the promising young blueliner, which could set off a bidding war for his services.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators discussed signing unrestricted free-agent winger Patrik Laine. However, he considers it “highly doubtful” that he’ll land in Ottawa.

Garrioch stated there is “reportedly interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning.” He felt the Senators aren’t interested because they don’t feel he’s the right fit for their roster. Instead, they’re putting their faith in offseason addition Andre Burakovsky to find his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Islanders looked into signing Laine to a professional tryout offer, but he’s more interested in a contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

by | Sep 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest takes on Quinn Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin, Zachary Bolduc, and Arber Xhekaj.

THE LATEST TAKES ON QUINN HUGHES, CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, AND DYLAN LARKIN

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli believes the Minnesota Wild should act quickly and re-sign Quinn Hughes or trade him if the two sides fail to agree to a new contract. He believes it would be a mistake to let the team and the season be held hostage by this storyline.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If the Wild decide to trade him, Seravalli believes the New Jersey Devils remain Hughes’ destination of choice, reuniting him with his brothers Jack and Luke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I still believe Hughes and the Wild will agree to a short-term contract extension. However, Seravalli is right that they can’t allow this to become an unnecessary distraction this season.

If Hughes doesn’t want to sign, the Wild should move him to the team of his choice for the best possible return and move on. He lacks no-trade protection, but since everyone believes he wants to play with his brothers in New Jersey, it’s unlikely other suitors will emerge to bid for a player who will walk next summer.

Seravalli also weighed in on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request. He believes the Jets are content to slow-play this situation. They could either get close to an acceptable return for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, or Hellebuyck honors his contract and starts this season with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers, like TSN’s Martin Biron, believe Hellebuyck might not report to the Jets for training camp and might even sit out the entire season to force a trade. However, it’s a big risk that could backfire.

Withholding his services would be seen as a breach of contract, enabling the Jets to suspend him without pay, fine him, and toll his contract forward a year if he sits out the season. Trading him would avoid all this, but not for pennies on the dollar.

Holding out for a year also wouldn’t do Hellebuyck’s playing career much good. He’s 33 now and doesn’t have many quality years left to chase the Stanley Cup, so he cannot afford to risk an entire season at this stage.

The Jets were reportedly close to a deal in June that would’ve sent Hellebucyk to the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps those two clubs will revisit those discussions if they haven’t already.

Turning to Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Seravalli wondered if a trade would happen now that Steve Yzerman is no longer the general manager.

Larkin is a Michigan native who loved playing for the Red Wings, but didn’t get along with Yzerman. With the latter out of the picture, Seravalli suggested it could give Larkin a chance to save face by rescinding his request and giving it another year with the Wings under new management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits wondered if Larkin would pull his trade request after Yzerman’s was removed as GM, but Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported he hadn’t changed his mind.

Larkin’s status remains in limbo until the Wings hire a new general manager. His camp has kept quiet about this situation for months, but he’ll have to face questions in two weeks when training camp opens.

UPDATES ON THE CANADIENS’ ZACHARY BOLDUC AND ARBER XHEKAJ

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes Montreal Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc could sign a new contract before the players arrive for their training camp physicals on Sept. 16.

The 23-year-old winger completed his entry-level contract last season. Engels speculated that he could receive a three-year contract with an average annual value of around $4 million. He believes the young forward will take a considerable step forward in his development now that he’s had a full season under head coach Martin St. Louis.

Meanwhile, there’s been no word from the Canadiens or Arber Xhekaj’s camp regarding the status of the 25-year-old defenseman’s contract talks. He completed a two-year deal worth $1.3 million annually, but his ice time was reduced, and he was a frequent healthy scratch last season.

Engels reports Xhekaj wants to stay in Montreal and the Canadiens prefer to keep him. However, he speculates that Xhekaj might not be ready to commit yet until he has more certainty about his role with the Canadiens. He knows that the club could draw from its overcrowded blueline to address its need for a top-six forward. Such a move could involve Xhekaj or clear room for him to get more runway in Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret that the Canadiens have been shopping for a forward to play alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov on their second line.

The contract situations involving Bolduc and Xhekaj prompted Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette to speculate that both could be part of a “sign-and-trade” scenario to bring in a top-six forward. With training camp two weeks away, we should find out soon what’s in store for both players.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2026

Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Senators winger Drake Batherson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

Join me and Jim Biringer of Full Press Hockey as we discuss Cale Makar’s record contract with the Avalanche, Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Wild, and the latest notable rumors.

THE LATEST KIRILL MARCHENKO RUMORS

THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reported one of his sources believes that the Columbus Blue Jackets don’t intend to trade Kirill Marchenko. However, another source isn’t ruling out the possibility

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 25-year-old right wing entered the rumor mill in June after an ESPN report claimed he was reluctant to sign a contract extension.

Speculation grew in July following a report from Russia claiming the Blue Jackets were discussing a trade involving Kirill Marchenko, sparking rumors linking him to the Montreal Canadiens. However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell dismissed those reports.

Murphy’s second source claimed that if the Blue Jackets were willing to “really consider” trading Marchenko, the Canadiens would be at the front of the line of trade suitors. He suggested that he might sacrifice Marchenko to free up salary cap room to re-sign restricted free-agent center Adam Fantilli.

Asked what it would cost the Canadiens to acquire Marchenko, Murphy’s source said they won’t part with prospect center Michael Hage.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently suggested Marchenko as a trade target for the Edmonton Oilers.

Mitchell argued that the Oilers need to pursue an impact player, someone who can deliver guaranteed production for at least the next five seasons. He believes Marchenko could address that need, and suggested that they could sign him to a long-term deal if he flourishes in Edmonton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have over $12.6 million in cap space for this season. They’d have no reason to move Marchenko and his $3.85 million cap hit in a cost-cutting move unless Fantilli is seeking well over $13 million annually.

However, the Blue Jackets might not have to take that step right away. They could place goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on long-term injury reserve to start the season if his recent shoulder surgery sidelines him for a long period of time. Of course, they’ll have to become cap-compliant once Merzlikins is ready to return later in the season.

The Canadiens could be among the suitors for Marchenko if he becomes available. It’s no secret they’re in the market for a top-six forward (preferably a center) to play alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov on their second line. They also have the depth in draft picks, prospects, promising young players, and long-term salary-cap space to make a tempting offer.

However, that’s not the same case for the Oilers. They would likely lose a bidding war for Marchenko.

UPDATE ON DRAKE BATHERSON’S CONTRACT TALKS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators must move quickly to sign Drake Batherson to a new contract before uncertainty over his future sets in.

Batherson, 28, is UFA-eligible next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract worth $4.95 million annually.

Senators GM Steve Staios has indicated he wants to re-sign Batherson, who wants to remain with the Senators. Garrioch cited sources claiming the winger seeks an eight-year contract but it would have to be signed before Sept. 15, after which the league maximum contract term drops to seven years for re-signings and from seven to six years for unrestricted free agents.

It’s believed Batherson could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market next summer. Garrioch cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting there is a pathway to a deal, but it involves compromise on both sides. That means closing the AAV gap on an eight-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Garrioch points out, if they don’t get a deal signed by Sept. 15, the Senators might not be willing to go with a higher AAV on a seven-year contract. The longer the term, the lower the AAV could be.