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.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2026

by | Sep 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2026

Check out the latest on Nikita Kucherov, Connor Hellebuyck, and Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois reiterated his intention to sign Nikita Kucherov to a contract extension. The 33-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s in the final season of an eight-year contract with a cap hit of $9.5 million.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

BriseBois didn’t put a deadline on the negotiations, but he’ll keep working on it. “The sooner the better, obviously. If we want to get technical, I guess he won’t be a free agent until July 1 of next year. Hopefully, it doesn’t get to that point,” BriseBois said.

The Lightning GM believes both sides would’ve preferred getting a deal done by now. He said he’ll keep the lines of communication open with Kucherov’s agent. He also acknowledged the effect the rising salary cap has on player contracts, and how each one is different depending on the player and the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Surprisingly, Kucherov hasn’t signed an extension yet. There’s plenty of time for the two sides to reach an agreement, but the longer he goes without a new deal, the more speculation grows about his future in Tampa Bay.

Kucherov is among the league’s elite stars. He’s a three-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy and a two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner who also helped the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Coming off 130 points last season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He could be the top player in next summer’s UFA market if he’s still unsigned by then.

Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News recently examined reasons why the Lightning should be concerned about Kucherov’s UFA status, citing his age and the limited competitive years remaining for the current roster. He also noted why they shouldn’t worry, suggesting they can pay him whatever he wants and that he might not want to leave.

It would be interesting to learn what the sticking points are in these negotiations. The Kucherov camp could be seeking a longer term or more money than the Lightning are willing to give. Given his age, those are reasonable concerns.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe reports Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen declined to comment about his rumored interest in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Kekalainen said he never told anyone in the media about his discussions with other general managers, so he doesn’t know where they’re coming from. He also expressed confidence in his goalie trio of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres were reportedly close to acquiring Hellebuyck in late June, but the deal fell through after a swap of draft picks before the 2026 NHL Draft.

Kekalainen won’t publicly admit any interest in Hellebuyck because it would violate the league’s anti-tampering rules. Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if the Sabres remain linked to the Jets goaltender in the rumor mill.

BOSTON HERALD: Earlier this week, Steve Conroy reported uncertainty remained about Pavel Zacha’s future with the Bruins.

The 29-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July. Bruins GM Don Sweeney said earlier this summer that signing Zacha was a priority, but a deal hasn’t materialized.

Zacha is due for an expensive raise from his current $4.75 million AAV. However, Conroy speculated the cost to re-sign the two-way center might not fit in the Bruins’ youth movement expected to take place over the next two years.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley reports Sweeney provided an update on Zacha’s contract situation. He stressed the center’s importance to the Bruins, adding that discussions are ongoing with his agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney could take a wait-and-see approach with Zacha, who had a career-best 30 goals and 65 points last season. If he doesn’t meet or exceed those numbers, it could justify offering him a lesser deal. However, the asking price could be higher if he has another career year.

Zacha’s situation will be worth monitoring this season. He could become available by the March 1 trade deadline if the Bruins are out of playoff contention and he’s still unsigned. Contenders seeking depth at center will be very interested in Zacha.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2026

by | Sep 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2026

The latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Morgan Rielly, Samuel Montembeault, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

JETS GOALIE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK COULD REFUSE TO REPORT TO CAMP

TSN: Darren Dreger said he doesn’t expect Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to report to training camp this week. That will force the Jets to respond, likely on Wednesday or Thursday.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Dreger indicated that there would be no immediate financial punishment because NHL players don’t get paid until the regular season begins.

According to Dreger, the trade interest in Hellebuyck has been minimal. There was activity with the Buffalo Sabres before that draft but very little since. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t received any offers that he considers fair value for an elite goalie like Hellebuyck

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck revealed his trade request last month. Refusing to report to training camp will be seen as a tactic to force Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to trade him before the season begins.

Because Hellebuyck is under contract, the Jets can suspend him without pay if his holdout stretches into the regular season. While he’s suspended, his salary doesn’t count against the Jets’ cap payroll.

If Hellebuyck sits out the season, they will toll his contract forward, meaning he’ll still have five years left on his contract instead of four years. That might be fine for Hellebuyck, but it could make interested parties leery of acquiring a 34-year-old goalie with five years left on his deal at $8.5 million annually.

If Hellebuyck goes this route, it could backfire. The longer he’s out, the harder it could be for him to get back into game shape if he’s traded later in the season. Given his age, he can’t afford to blow off a season if he hopes to play for a Stanley Cup contender one day.

Cheveldayoff has a well-earned reputation for patience regarding players who want to be traded. The Jets GM could have the support of Winnipeg fans, many of whom aren’t happy with Hellebuyck’s stance and won’t support moving the three-time Vezina Trophy winner for pennies on the dollar.

Hellebuyck will wear it if the Jets struggle without him. Meanwhile, Cheveldayoff could wait until one of those interested clubs is willing to meet his asking price. Those clubs are unwilling to do so now, but that could change if injuries strike or they have a bad start to the season.

MORGAN RIELLY WILL REMAIN WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston report Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka said there was no point during the offseason when he had a serious opportunity to trade Morgan Rielly.

Earlier this summer, the 32-year-old defenseman was the subject of trade speculation. In June, it was reported that his agent submitted a list of four Western Conference teams that he’d be willing to join, but Rielly never expressed the desire to leave Toronto.

Chayka believes Rielly will continue playing an important role on the Leafs, citing his puck-moving abilities to create offense.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks were rumored to be interested in Rielly. However, they opted to acquire Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers instead.

Rielly struggled over the past two seasons under former head coach Craig Berube’s defense-first system. He could regain his offensive form under new coach Jim Hiller.

CANADIENS WON’T KEEP A THREE-GOALIE SYSTEM THIS SEASON

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes doesn’t intend to have a three-goalie system this season. He said he’s comfortable starting training camp with Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, and Samuel Montembeault, but probably not for the upcoming regular season.

Of the three goalies, only Fowler can be sent to their AHL affiliate in Laval without passing through waivers.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly revisited his theme that the Canadiens can’t keep Montembeault on their roster following last season’s sub-par performance.

Kelly acknowledged the difficulty Hughes would’ve faced trying to trade the 30-year-old Montembeault this summer. However, he cited veteran analyst Pierre McGuire’s recent suggestion that the Canadiens should put Montembeault on waivers. McGuire believes Montembeault won’t clear, removing his $3.15 million salary cap hit from their books.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kelly fears the Canadiens will give Montembeault too much playing time, which could cost them games if his struggles continue. That’s what happened during the first two months of last season, but they didn’t have much choice after Dobes cooled off following a hot start. At that time, they didn’t think Fowler was NHL-ready.

That’s not the case this season. Dobes seized the starter’s role with a strong second-half performance, while Fowler acquitted himself well as Dobes’ backup.

Montembeault will have a shorter leash this season. If he struggles again, it’s unlikely any club will claim him if he hits the waiver wire. In that case, the Canadiens would recall Fowler and either demote Montembeault or put him in the press box.

THE FLYERS AREN’T DONE TRYING TO MAKE A BIG MOVE

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t done attempting to make a big splash this season. He pointed to their signing Leo Carlsson in July to a lucrative offer sheet, which the Anaheim Ducks matched.

Dreger said they’re still “big-game hunting” as they seek a star forward or a star defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word on which players the Flyers could pursue, but they will be worth watching whenever a notable forward or defenseman becomes available this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 15, 2026

by | Sep 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 15, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Cutter Gauthier, Adam Fantilli, and Alexander Nikishin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC’S Murat Ates cited a clip of TSN’s Darren Dreger explaining why Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck hasn’t been traded yet.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, the offers for Hellebuyck were “terrible”. The 33-year-old netminder has a full no-movement clause, but there are “more than a few teams” that he’d be willing to go to.

However, Dreger claimed most of those teams have decent goaltending. While some see the three-time Vezina Trophy winner as an upgrade, they want him at a discount price, which the Jets can’t do.

Dreger also dismissed suggestions of trading Hellebuyck to the Edmonton Oilers or Montreal Canadiens. “He’s not waiving to stay in Canada,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ates felt this could be humbling for Hellebuyck. It also makes it difficult for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to find a suitable return.

The more immediate question is whether Hellebuyck reports to training camp if Cheveldayoff hasn’t moved him by then. We won’t have to wait long to find out.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols took note of Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last week claiming he was getting mixed messages regarding Hellebuyck and the Devils. “For a time, I heard they weren’t interested. I know some people think they are.”

Nichols is skeptical that the Devils want Hellebuyck. He pointed out that first-year GM Sunny Mehta has already addressed his goaltending by shipping Jacob Markstrom to Florida, re-signing Nico Daws, and adding David Rittich.

The Devils lack the salary-cap space to take on Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million AAV this season. They also don’t have a suitable goalie to offer up to the Jets as part of the return.

Nichols also noted that acquiring Hellebuyck would use tradable assets that might be required to land Quinn Hughes if the Minnesota Wild defenseman becomes available before the March 1 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils reportedly looked into acquiring Hughes before he was traded to the Wild by the Vancouver Canucks last December. It’s no secret that he wants to play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke one day. Acquiring Hellebuyck could put that dream on the back burner.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Anaheim Ducks have made progress in contract talks with restricted free agent winger Cutter Gauthier. Both sides remain determined to get a deal done before training camp opens later this week.

LeBrun speculated that the 21-year-old Gauthier could get a six-year deal with an AAV between $13 million and $14 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier reportedly rejected a four-year deal worth $13 million annually. If this gets done, it could be closer to $14 million.

As for Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, LeBrun reports the negotiations continue, but things are moving slowly. Both sides still have a substantial gap to overcome

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin “requested a change of scenery” after last season. According to LeBrun’s sources, the 24-year-old blueliner has not backed off from that request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That explains why Nikishin surfaced in the rumor mill in June after the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. He’s a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract last season and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

Nikishin has been linked to the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. It’s also been suggested that he’d have to be part of the return to the Jets if the Hurricanes attempt to acquire Connor Hellebuyck.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 14, 2026

by | Sep 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 14, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, it’s the latest on Red Wings blueliner Simon Edvinsson, Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff recently cited Simon Edvisson as telling the Swedish website Aftonbladet that he received interest this summer from several clubs regarding a potential offer sheet.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images).

The 22-year-old Red Wings defenseman is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract last season.

Edvinsson indicated that he’s not interested in signing with another team despite the Red Wings’ turmoil and uncertainty this summer. “I love Detroit, and I love the fans,” Edvinsson said. “Detroit is the place closest to my heart, absolutely. I love everything here. Now you want to have a talk with whoever becomes GM and see what happens.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks wondered if another club might take advantage of the situation and sign Edvinsson to an offer sheet. As I’ve noted whenever someone proposes such a gambit, the player has to be open to signing. If he’s not, it’s a waste of time.

Edvinsson’s contract negotiations with the Red Wings are in limbo until the club gets around to hiring a new general manager. He’s indicated he’ll report to training camp, but he can’t participate until he’s under contract.

The Red Wings may not have to worry about Edvinsson signing elsewhere, but that doesn’t excuse how badly they’ve botched their search for a new general manager. Edvinsson’s situation could’ve ended badly for them if he wasn’t so loyal to the team and the city.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Chip Alexander reports questions continue to swirl about defenseman Alexander Nikishin as the Carolina Hurricanes prepare to open training camp on Thursday.

Nikishin, 24, remains an unsigned restricted free agent. That’s generated speculation about whether he’ll be traded, signed to a short-term bridge deal, or hold out when training camp begins.

If he’s traded, the Hurricanes will need a replacement. Alexander suggested prospect Charles Alexis Legault, who saw action in 12 regular-season games with the Hurricanes last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article is mostly about Legault’s career and why he might be a solid replacement for Nikishin if the latter gets traded. Nevertheless, the uncertainty about Nikishin’s future will increasingly make him a topic of discussion in the rumor mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio wondered if the St. Louis Blues might pivot to Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei if they’re unable to pry Alexander Nikishin away from the Hurricanes.

Gaudio believes Lohrei would be cheaper to acquire and more affordable given his $3.2 million AAV for this season. The 25-year-old has said he’d love to stay in Boston and compete for his spot on the Bruins’ blueline, but he could have a difficult time with veterans Nikita Zadorov and Hampus Lindholm on the left side.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei’s availability could depend on his performance during training camp and postseason play. Even then, the Bruins could hang onto him to start the season and see how things unfold.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 13, 2026

Check out the latest on Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin and Senators winger Drake Batherson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: During Thursday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Nashville Predators were “kicking around” Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the Predators traded winger Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils earlier this month for two draft picks. He believes they could have the tradeable assets necessary to make a pitch to the Hurricanes.

Nikishin is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. The 24-year-old defenseman is ineligible to sign an offer sheet because he lacks the required number of games played to qualify. He had a promising rookie campaign, with 11 goals and 33 points in 82 games last season.

Friedman believes Zeev Buium’s new contract with the Vancouver Canucks could factor into Nikishin’s new deal. The 20-year-old Buium signed an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $9.38 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the Stanley Cup Final, it was reported that the Hurricanes were mulling over whether to sign or trade Nikishin. It’s been three months since then with no sign of a resolution to his situation.

That’s likely to change with training camp opening later this week. Nikishin reportedly sought an average annual value of $8 million before Buium signed his deal, which could reinforce his asking price or perhaps push it higher, which could ensure that he ends up playing elsewhere this season.

The Predators aren’t the only club linked to Nikishin. For weeks, it’s been rumored that the St. Louis Blues were interested. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic recently speculated that Nikishin would likely be part of the return to the Winnipeg Jets if the Hurricanes attempt to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported Thursday that the Senators and Drake Batherson still have a gap to bridge before the Sept. 15 deadline for re-signing players to eight-year contracts. After that date, the maximum contract length for re-signings drops to seven years.

Batherson reportedly seeks an eight-year contract, adding that he wants to finish his career with the Senators. However, the two sides aren’t close to a deal yet, though general manager Steve Staios remains confident that a deal will get done.

Garrioch has reported that Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings and Alex Tuch of the Washington Capitals are comparables for Batherson’s next contract. Kempe is in the first season of an eight-year contract with a $10.625 million AAV, while Tuch’s is an eight-year deal with a $10.5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll know for certain how long Batherson’s next deal will be by 5 pm ET on Sept. 15.