NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2026

by | Sep 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2026

Could the Canadiens or Oilers acquire Connor Hellebuyck? Where could Quinn Hughes end up next season? What’s the latest on the Blues? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons recently dismissed the notion that Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck doesn’t want to play for Canadian teams, calling it “senseless.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck, 33, requested a trade and is currently suspended without pay by the Jets for not reporting to training camp.

“If he were dealt to Edmonton or Montreal, he would report in a minute,” Simmons wrote. “He wants out of Winnipeg, not because the Jets are lousy, but because his family has apparently been treated poorly by the local community.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In March, Hellebuyck spoke about backlash he and his family received on social media after he backstopped Team USA to gold against Canada in the Winter Olympics. However, he also said he wasn’t booed by Jets fans following the Olympics.

Hellebucyk never mentioned any poor treatment by the Winnipeg community during his end-of-season comments, when he was critical of his performance and that of his teammates. He instead spoke about how much he loved playing in Winnipeg and the connection he had with the fans.

THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reports an NHL source confirmed the Montreal Canadiens have not expressed any interest in Hellebuyck. The source believes Simmons’ report likely came from Hellebuyck’s camp, led by his longtime agent, Ray Petkau.

Assuming Hellebuyck would be interested in joining the Canadiens, Murphy’s source said the feeling isn’t mutual. “The Habs are very content with their goaltending situation right now and aren’t going to pay the ransom of roster players the Jets will want for something they’re not looking for right now.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ biggest needs are an established second-line center and an experienced right-shot defenseman. Goaltending isn’t an issue. They’re currently carrying Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, and Samuel Montembeault, with the latter regularly surfacing in trade rumors.

As for the Oilers, they’d probably love to acquire Hellebuyck, but they can’t afford his $8.5 million AAV and lack the assets necessary to meet the Jets’ asking price.

THE SCORE: Kyle Cushman, Sean O’Leary, and Josh Wegman looked at whether Hellebuyck or Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin would be traded first. O’Leary and Cushman believe it’ll be Hellebuyck, partly because his holdout could force a quick resolution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m with Wegman that it’ll likely be Larkin before Hellebuyck. He believes there’s a larger market for a first-line center in his prime than a high-priced goaltender.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has a well-earned reputation for patience when shopping players who have requested trades, moving them when he gets a return that helps his team.

THE SCORE: Cushman, O’Leary, and Wegman also predicted Quinn Hughes’ future. The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is UFA-eligible next summer, raising questions about whether he’ll re-sign with the Minnesota Wild or join his brothers Jack and Luke with the New Jersey Devils.

Wegman believes Hughes will sign a three-year contract extension and the average annual value would be $19.5 million. O’Leary believes he’ll get traded to New Jersey, and Cushman thinks he’ll sign with the Devils next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes’ future will remain a hot topic for speculation the longer he goes without a new contract. I think he’ll re-sign with the Wild because they should give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup, especially if they can suitably address their need for a first-line center.

32 THOUGHTS: THE PODCAST: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the St. Louis Blues could be open to trade offers for some of their bottom-six forwards.

Friedman said not all of their bottom-six forwards will make their team for this season. He believes Blues management have let it be known around the league that they have extra players to spare if teams are seeking roster depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News listed Alexey Toropchenko, Nathan Walker, Oskar Sundqvist, Jack Finley, and Dillon Dube as players who could be fighting for roster spots.

Gaudio suggested three of them could end up on waivers, where they could be claimed by other clubs. He also speculated that Pius Suter could be moved if Aleksanteri Kaskimaki or Zach Dean challenge for the fourth-line center role.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2026

by | Sep 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2026

Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Stars winger Jason Robertson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: During Monday’s episode, Johnston and co-host Julian McKenzie weighed in on winger Kirill Marchenko ducking questions last week about his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

Marchenko, 26, reportedly isn’t interested in signing a contract extension with the Blue Jackets. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.

Johnston doesn’t believe those reports were misinterpreted or misconstrued. He thinks the Blue Jackets and the Marchenko camp will keep the peace for this season. However, he anticipates the Blue Jackets will see how things unfold, suggesting they could look at the trade market to see what Marchenko’s value could be.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline noted that Marchenko’s deflating comments did nothing to explain or dispel the reports about his unwillingness to sign an extension when his current deal expires.

Portzline pointed out that Marchenko’s status as a restricted free agent gives the Blue Jackets more leverage than if he were unrestricted. They’ll still own his rights when his current contract expires. He also stated that Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness has had no issues with Marchenko’s attitude in training camp, nor have his teammates.

TSN 1050: During an appearance on “FirstUp”, Darren Dreger noted the offseason trade rumors linking Marchenko to the Montreal Canadiens. However, the problem for any club interested in the scoring winger is finding sufficient salary-cap space to sign him.

According to Dreger, it’s bad enough that a team must give up significant assets to acquire Marchenko. On top of that, his new club would have to come up with a significant salary to re-sign him. Dreger suggested it could be around $12 million per season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, it’s fun to speculate about what teams might be interested in Marchenko and what the Blue Jackets’ asking price might be. However, paying the winger will be expensive.

The Canadiens have projected salary cap space of over $29 million, with 14 active roster players under contract. They must re-sign or replace UFA-eligible players like Chris Kreider, Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson, Alexandre Carrier, Kirby Dach, and Samuel Montembeault.

Oliver Kapanen, Arber Xhekaj, and Jayden Struble will be RFAs who must be signed or traded. Promising prospects Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky could also sign their entry-level contracts next year.

Assuming Dreger’s correct that it’ll cost $12 million annually for Marchenko, that’ll blow a big hole in the Canadiens’ cap space, potentially complicating efforts to retain some of those UFAs and RFAs, and could be an additional complication when trying to fit Hage or Zharovsky into the roster for next season.

That’s not to suggest that the Canadiens won’t make any significant additions. However, their preference could be a player with a contract that fits more comfortably within their salary-cap payroll.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill considers re-signing Jason Robertson to be a priority this season.

Robertson, 26, signed a one-year, $12 million contract following contentious negotiations. At one point, he seemed on the verge of being traded to the Seattle Kraken, but that deal fell through when he refused to sign with the Kraken.

Nill said he met with Robertson and his family to mend the relationship. He remains hopeful of re-signing Robertson within the Stars’ salary-cap constraints.

The earliest the two sides can start extension talks is Jan. 1. LeBrun speculated the idea of reaching UFA status could weigh heavily on Robertson by then. It doesn’t make sense for the Stars to move him at the March trade deadline if they expect to be a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have a projected $39.2 million salary-cap space for 2027-28 with 12 active roster players signed. They have sufficient room to re-sign Robertson, though the asking price could jump to $18 million if he has another 90-point season.

How this season unfolds could determine Robertson’s future in Dallas. If they’re still in Stanley Cup contention, they’ll likely hang onto him for the playoffs and try to work something out before July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 21, 2026

by | Sep 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 21, 2026

How will the Avalanche replace Valeri Nichushkin? Could a former Canadiens winger be a fit with the Red Wings? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak wondered how the Colorado Avalanche will adjust to the absence of Valeri Nichushkin, who was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the offseason.

Former Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (NHL Images).

“When Nichushkin was available and in form, he was one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL,” Masisak wrote, describing him as a “massively valuable player on a team-friendly contract.”

Masisak asked how the Avalanche could replace Nichushkin, especially after trading him for salary-cap reasons.

The Avalanche signed free-agent winger Jaden Schwartz to replace some of Nichushkin’s offense. They could look to veterans such as Artturi Lehkonen, Nicolas Roy, or recently acquired Zachary L’Heureux to help fill the void on the penalty kill.

Masisak noted that Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic plans to accumulate salary-cap space during this season to have more available at the March 1 trade deadline. He could use that space at the deadline to add an impact forward if necessary to solve the riddle of replacing Nichushkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I realize this isn’t a trade rumor, but it will be worth monitoring as the season progresses. The Avalanche could surface in the rumor mill if they can’t adequately replace Nichushkin from within during this season.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently wondered if former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine would be a fit with the Detroit Red Wings.

LeBrun cited a piece by Max Bultman in The Athletic about whether recently acquired winger Viktor Arvidsson might help the Red Wings’ scoring at even strength.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is among the few notable players remaining in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market. The Canadiens mostly used the 28-year-old winger as a power-play specialist. He might help the Red Wings on the man advantage, but less so at even strength.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 20, 2026

by | Sep 20, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 20, 2026

Check out the latest on Erik Karlsson, Sidney Crosby, Samuel Montembeault, and Shane Wright in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Erik Karlsson have not discussed a new contract. The 36-year-old defenseman’s current deal expires next July.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Both sides appear open to having those talks in the future. Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza said the club thinks highly of Karlsson and he’s enjoying his time in Pittsburgh. He anticipates the situation will play itself out as the season progresses.

Spezza was also asked about team captain Sidney Crosby not signing an extension yet. He believes the 39-year-old center wants to see how he feels and whether he can meet his standard of play. He indicated it wasn’t a concern for either side at this point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby will re-sign if he feels he can still perform at the level he’s accustomed to. Karlsson could also return, depending on his career goals and what he’ll seek in his next contract. It wouldn’t be surprising if both players return with the Penguins next season.

THE JASON GREGOR SHOW: NHL insider Frank Seravalli said Thursday that he believes Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault will be the first player traded this season.

Seravalli pointed to the 30-year-old Montembeault becoming the Canadiens’ third-string goalie last season and the difficulty he’ll face moving up against Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montembeault frequently appeared in the offseason rumor mill, but his poor performance last season made peddling him difficult.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said he’s fine carrying three goalies in the preseason, but he’d rather not do so in the regular season. However, he could avoid that by starting the season with Dobes and Montembeault as his goalie tandem, and sending Fowler (who is waiver-exempt) to their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Hughes could showcase Montembeault in the regular season, hoping an improved effort by him will boost his value. Some Canadiens followers, like Brendan Kelly of The Montreal Gazette, are fearful that giving “Monty” too much time to regain his form could cost them wins this season. However, he’s likely on a shorter leash than he was last season and could end up cooling his heels in the press box if Fowler has to be recalled.

A better effort by Montembeault might not help his trade stock because of the limited value for goalies right now. If the Winnipeg Jets can’t find a suitable deal for three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, the Canadiens won’t have better luck moving Montembeault.

However, Montembeault lacks no-trade protection and carries an affordable $3.15 million cap hit on a contract that expires next July. It could become even more cost-effective if the Canadiens retained part of it to facilitate a trade. If his performance improves, he could be more enticing as a quick fix for teams seeking short-term help.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte looked at whether Shane Wright remains part of the Kraken’s long-term future.

She noted that Wright’s agent attempted to stir the pot this summer by pushing for a trade, but it didn’t materialize. The Kraken may have set a high price for the 22-year-old center, but his NHL record is spotty, “thanks in part to bottom-six deployment and limited responsibilities.”

Shefte reports Kraken GM Jason Botterill has kept his conversations with Wright private, but said the club’s goal is to help the young center become a better NHL player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright seemed poised for a breakout campaign after a promising 44-point performance in 2024-25, but managed just 27 points in 74 games last season. Part of that was because the Kraken replaced Dan Bylsma as head coach with Lane Lambert in 2025.

Wright could improve this season if he’s better-prepared for Lambert’s system. That would bolster his value in the trade market, but it would also make him more beneficial to the Kraken.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2026

by | Sep 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, it’s the latest on Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin.

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers were interested in acquiring Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck earlier this summer.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the Jets and Sabres discussed Hellebuyck in late June before the 2026 NHL Draft. He said the Jets wanted the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall) as part of the return. To do that, the Sabres wanted the Jets to include their first-rounder (eighth overall), but the latter declined.

Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was believed to be one of the pieces in that deal. However, the 27-year-old goalie’s five-team no-trade clause kicked in on July 1, and Friedman believes the Jets are part of that list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Luukkonen seems out of the picture for the Jets. He recently shrugged off the trade rumors, saying he’s happy in Buffalo and wants to stay there.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Hellebuyck has been linked to multiple teams, including the Sabres, Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth.

Despite Hellebuyck’s full no-movement clause, reports suggest he’s willing to waive it to join a competitive US-based team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers interest in Hellebuyck came before they acquired winger Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators and goalie Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils. They used most of their trade capital on those two, which likely takes them out of the running for Hellebuyck.

As for the Devils, general manager Sunny Mehta claims he’s comfortable with his current goalie trio of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich. That might change if the Devils struggle at some point this season. Rumors suggest Mehta prefers to retain his trade capital in case Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes becomes available before the March 1 trade deadline.

The Hurricanes and Mammoth appear to be more likely trade destinations. However, those clubs are also reportedly happy with their current goaltending.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted Detroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff’s recent remarks about his team not undergoing a rebuild. He also pointed out that one of the things flying around this summer was the Wings’ unwillingness to trade Dylan Larkin for a return that didn’t bring immediate help.

Friedman claimed former Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman warned the team’s ownership that if they traded Larkin, they probably wouldn’t win in the short term. “It would be for longer-term help, and I don’t think the Red Wings liked that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, they’re not interested in a package of future assets (draft picks and prospects) for Larkin. They want an established player.

That jibes with their reported asking prices for Larkin from the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars. It’s rumored they sought winger Matt Boldy from the Wild and center Wyatt Johnston from the Stars.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2026

by | Sep 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, and Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen reported that Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s efforts to trade Connor Hellebuyck have been fruitless since the goaltender made his trade request in April.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Cheveldayoff indicated that he’s not in a rush to acquiesce to Hellebuyck’s wishes, adding that he wants a return that pays off now, not down the road.

“If it’s future assets…how many years into the future, that’s not the message I’m sending to Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Dylan Samberg, the people that are committing to this organization,” Chevelayoff said.

Cheveldayoff pointed out that trading a starting goalie is different than trading a center or defenseman. Each team has one No.1 netminder, and most are already contractually set at that position.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates understands why some fans want the Jets to make an example of Hellebuyck by letting him rot on the sidelines this season. However, it doesn’t address why he wants out of Winnipeg: his loss of faith in the team’s ability to compete for the Stanley Cup, and that the 33-year-old goalie is running out of time to win hockey’s holy grail.

Ates believes there are only two ways for the Jets to improve: Hellebuyck returns to the team (which seems unlikely), or he’s traded for players or draft picks who can help the team. Ultimately, he’s advocating for Cheveldayoff to make the best trade possible and move on.

Meanwhile, Ates’ colleague Pierre LeBrun reports league sources with knowledge of the situation claim the Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in Hellebuyck. Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky declined to comment about that rumor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff’s received some criticism for not finalizing a rumored deal with the Buffalo Sabres back in June. He may have been betting on getting a better offer as the summer progressed, but those possibilities no longer seem available.

Teams might not be willing to meet Cheveldayoff’s asking price now, but that can change if injuries strike or a rival club’s goaltending proves less stable than expected.

Cheveldayoff undoubtedly wants to get Hellebuyck moved as quickly as possible. Making an example of him doesn’t improve the roster. However, Cheveldayoff isn’t rushing into anything. He’s known for his patience when making moves involving notable players.

The Hurricanes could be a landing spot if Tulsky considers Hellebuyck an upgrade over their current tandem of Pyotr Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi. Like Cheveldayoff, however, Tulsky will also be patient in assessing his goalies before making any forays into the trade market.

Speaking of the Hurricanes…

LeBrun wondered if Alexander Nikishin might be part of a deal if the Hurricanes pursued Hellebuyck.

The 24-year-old defenseman is an unsigned restricted free agent who has requested a trade. Because he’s not under contract, he’s unable to participate in training camp.

LeBrun believes Nikishin’s contract status could be a fly in the ointment if it means the Jets would be inheriting the same issue Carolina has about whether he’ll sign with them.

PHILADELPHIA HOCKEY NOW: William James recently noted the reveal of Nikishin’s trade request. He examined whether it would be worthwhile for the Flyers to trade for him, suggesting he’d be worth considering if they could sign him to a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The uncertainty over what Nikishin wants on his next contract is the big sticking point. Most teams would love to acquire a young blueliner with a promising 33-point rookie performance and a Stanley Cup championship on his resume, but the cost in both contract and return to the Hurricanes could keep him on the sidelines for a while.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report Quinn Hughes is in no rush to get an extension done with the Minnesota Wild.

Hughes denied the delay had anything to do with his long-rumored desire to join his brothers Jack and Luke with the New Jersey Devils. He acknowledged the elephant in the room, but cited his brother Jack, who said Quinn wouldn’t sacrifice a great spot for him to play just to reunite with his brothers.

The 26-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July. Contract talks with Wild GM Bill Guerin have been ongoing but have yet to get substantive. Hughes said he’s not feeling stressed about getting a deal done before the regular season begins. He’s really happy with the Wild, saying he loved the team and the players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild and Hughes have until noon ET on July 1, 2027, to get a deal done. Still, the longer he goes without a contract, the more speculation he’ll face about his future in Minnesota.