NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2026

by | Sep 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Chris Kreider, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Thursday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he believes the Buffalo Sabres remain interested in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He also felt the Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes were “still around it.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck, 33, recently revealed that he requested a trade. Friedman said his list of preferred destinations is “much, much wider” than some other NHL players who have requested trades

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hello there, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Friedman didn’t indicate how wide Hellebuyck’s trade list is, but it could be 10 teams, as that’s what his no-movement clause reverts to after this season.

Friedman also indicated he’s had “very mixed messaging” on the New Jersey Devils. He’d heard for a time that they weren’t interested in Hellebuyck, but some people believe they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What I’ve read and heard is that the Devils intend to stick with the trio of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich to start the season and see how things unfold. The Sabres, Mammoth, and Hurricanes also have more cap space and tradeable assets.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes free agent Chris Kreider could greatly help the Montreal Canadiens. The 35-year-old left winger became an unrestricted free agent this week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate his contract.

Lavoie believes the Canadiens have several factors that could entice Kreider. He has ties to the Habs president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay from their days with the New York Rangers.

Kreider could quickly fill the void left by Brendan Gallagher’s departure and could be an affordable signing on a bonus-laden contract. Lavoie doubted there would be any bad blood regarding Kreider accidentally injuring Carey Price during the 2014 playoffs, especially since none of the Habs players involved at that time remain with the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Canadiens seek a second-line forward (preferably a center) to skate alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov. Kreider might be a solid short-term addition, but he may prefer to sign with a team closer to New York, where his family lives.

LA PRESSE: Speaking of the Canadiens, Mathias Brunet recently previewed the Canadiens’ top prospects ahead of their rookie camp this week.

Among them was right-shot defenseman Bryce Pickford, who tallied 45 goals and 83 points in 55 games last season with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The 20-year-old blueliner will play for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval, but will miss the opening months of the season recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Brunet acknowledged Pickford’s offensive gifts, but believes he’ll be stuck behind Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, and Mike Matheson, and a defensive specialist role doesn’t suit him. He speculated that Pickford could be used as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsubstantiated rumors earlier this year suggested Pickford may have been part of the Canadiens’ pitch to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Matthew Knies. Whether management intends to peddle him for immediate roster help remains to be seen.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline suggested Cam Talbot as a replacement for Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who could miss the start of this season with an injured shoulder.

Talbot, 39, is an unrestricted free agent after spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Portzline proposed signing him to a low-salary contract with performance bonuses. He also pointed out that Talbot was a teammate of Blue Jackets netminder Jett Greaves on Team Canada at this year’s World Championships.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2026

by | Sep 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk, plus an update on the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who claimed the New York Islanders are “around that”, referring to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

During the 2026 NHL Draft, it was reported that Marchenko was unlikely to sign a contract extension. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent next July and is UFA-eligible in 2028.

Macias believes the cost of acquiring Marchenko is high now, but that price will drop as his RFA eligibility becomes closer on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias’ colleague, Stefen Rosner, believes the Islanders aren’t the only team interested in Marchenko. The Blue Jackets winger was frequently linked to the Montreal Canadiens this summer.

The Islanders did little during the offseason to address their popgun offense. A winger in his prime like Marchenko would provide a substantial boost among their top-six forwards.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell admitted he’s received trade offers but nothing yet that would entice him to part with Marchenko. That could change over the course of the season for teams that need additional scoring punch.

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk is not as keen to leave his rebuilding team as originally believed.

DeBrusk, 29, raised eyebrows before the March 6 trade deadline when he said that a rebuild “is not something I would be OK with or accepting. My game doesn’t fit that.”

He pointed out that he clarified those remarks the following day, explaining that it had been an emotional season. He said that he still believed in the group of players, adding that he still would’ve signed with them.

DeBrusk said he never asked for a trade and still believes he can help the Canucks win.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $5.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

DeBrusk may not have asked to be traded, but several teams (including the Ottawa Senators) reportedly looked into his availability. Another difficult season for the Canucks could prompt some teams to renew their inquiries, especially if he plays well.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports league insiders are questioning the lengthy process by the Detroit Red Wings to find a new general manager.

The Red Wings fired Steve Yzerman as GM in mid-July. Two months later, they appear to be no closer to finding a suitable replacement, with training camp opening next week.

On Monday, Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg withdrew from consideration. Khan indicated that’s often a sign that a hiring is imminent, but there’s still no word from the Red Wings.

Khan cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli’s recent appearance on Toronto’s The Fan 590 Morning Show, where he said he doesn’t know what’s happening, indicating that some of the rumored candidates haven’t even been interviewed.

Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday that the Wings “asked for permission from some people and haven’t interviewed them.”

Khan claimed some within the Red Wings’ organization “describe this entire process as bizarre” and had no idea what is happening.

Some of the potential candidates reportedly include “assistant general manager Brett Peterson of Florida, Jeff Kealty of San Jose, and Scott White of Dallas.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff is handling the day-to-day duties. With training camp less than a week away, the Wings must address Dylan Larkin’s trade request and sign restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a new contract.

The Red Wings ownership seeks someone who is “data and analytics-driven”, but it seems they haven’t found a suitable candidate yet. It’s becoming an unnecessary distraction for a once-proud franchise that is starting to resemble “The Dead Things” from the 1970s and 80s.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2026

Sabres star Tage Thompson would love to have Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck as a teammate, the latest Blue Jackets speculation, and suggested landing spots for Chris Kreider in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TAGE THOMPSON STUMPS FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos reports Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson made no secret that he’d love for his club to acquire Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Thompson said he and his Team USA teammates regularly text with Hellebuyck in their group chat. Since the Jets goaltender’s trade request has gone public, Thompson said he’d love to have him in Buffalo.

“He’s the best in the world,” Thompson said of Hellebuyck. “There’s things that are out of your control. We’d love to have him, but if that doesn’t happen, then we just move forward with the group we got.”

The Sabres and Jets reportedly held trade discussions involving Hellebuyck before the 2026 NHL Draft, but the two sides failed to find common ground on a deal. However, it’s believed the two sides have re-engaged in their talks as the regular season approaches. Traikos believes any potential deal would have to include one of the Sabres’ goaltenders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Where the Sabres and Jets have better luck reaching a deal remains to be seen. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last week indicated that trade options open to the Jets in June might not be available to them now.

In case you’re wondering, Thompson’s comments and his texting with Hellebuyck don’t violate the NHL’s anti-tampering rules. Those restrictions apply to coaches, general managers, team owners, and other team executives.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE SICK PODCAST: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell acknowledged that he’s received trade offers for Kirill Marchenko. However, he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to part with the 26-year-old scoring winger.

Marchenko is reportedly unwilling to sign a contract extension, and his agent has made that clear on social media. However, Waddell indicated he won’t move the winger for less than his desired return.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Mark Scheig reports Waddell remains “100% confident” that a new contract for center Adam Fantilli will get done. “It’s not imminent, but we’re talking on a pretty regular basis now. I talked to his agent over the weekend and going to talk again here today or tomorrow.”

Fantilli, 21, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko was the subject of trade speculation from late June into late July. That speculation faded throughout August, but his absence from the club’s annual golf tournament earlier this week has resurrected them. However, he’s contractually bound to report to training camp unless someone meets Waddell’s asking price.

Fantilli also skipped the golf tournament, prompting some to wonder if it’s time to worry about the status of his contract negotiations. The young center has little leverage except withholding his services, a tactic that rarely ends well for players who’ve gone that route.

WHERE COULD CHRIS KREIDER LAND?

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed what he considers to be the five best landing spots for Chris Kreider. The 35-year-old winger is on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Kreider reportedly wants to return to the Eastern Conference to be closer to his family in the New York area. Wegman listed the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff listed why adding Chris Kreider might make sense for the Red Wings and why he wouldn’t.

The Red Wings need more scoring. However, they’re not geographically close to the New York area, and they haven’t been in the playoffs for a decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you’re wondering why there are no Canadian teams on that list, it’s down to geography. Kreider probably prefers remaining in the United States.

The Bruins and Flyers are more in the market for top-six centers, but they could opt for a scoring winger in the short term. The Sabres are more likely to give their young players more ice time. The Hurricanes and Lightning could be too far from home for Kreider’s liking.

Kreider could be a good short-term fit for the New York Islanders. Yes, I appreciate the rivalry between the Isles and Rangers, but the Isles need more scoring and didn’t really address that issue this summer.

It’s doubtful Kreider lands with the New Jersey Devils after their offseason acquisitions of Evan Rodrigues, Anthony Mantha, and Luke Evangelista. They also have Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, and Arseny Gritsyuk as their top three left wingers.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2026

by | Sep 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2026

Is Quinn Hughes reluctant to commit to the Wild? What’s the latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report Quinn Hughes will join Minnesota Wild teammate Matt Boldy on the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday. He will likely be questioned about where things stand with his contract extension talks.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Russo and Smith wonder if Hughes tells reporters he intends to sign with the Wild. If he ducks the question, it will put pressure on the Wild to trade him if they can’t reach an extension.

Hughes returns to Minnesota on Thursday. Wild general manager Bill Guerin hopes to sit down with the 26-year-old superstar defenseman and hammer out a deal in the coming days.

If the Wild hope to sign Hughes to an eight-year extension, they’ll have to do it by Sept. 15. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years. It’s rumored that the blueliner prefers a short-term deal of three years. If he wants three years at $20 million annually, Russo and Smith believe the Wild would do that.

RDS.CA: TSN insider Chris Johnston reports Hughes was having difficulty figuring out what he really wants for his future. He doesn’t believe the Wild have any restrictions on offering Hughes a big contract, but he has to be willing to sign it. “So far, I don’t believe he has committed to doing so or is even willing to do so,” Johnston said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Everyone knows that Quinn Hughes wants to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils. Guerin has preached patience, but Wild fans are growing concerned that Hughes could reject an extension, forcing Guerin to trade him before the March deadline, if not sooner.

If that happens, it will be a disaster for Guerin.

He gave up three promising young players to acquire Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks last December, betting that he could convince the puck-moving defenseman to sign an extension. However, if Hughes refuses to sign, he’ll be in a difficult situation.

The Wild GM could try to restock his prospect pipeline by trading Hughes, but if the blueliner intends to become an unrestricted free agent next July, few teams will want to part with a big return for a superstar who will walk on July 1. The Devils will be interested, but they won’t offer up much to get him, secure in the knowledge they can sign him next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth are among the possibilities on the Connor Hellebucyk trade front.

LeBrun indicated the Hurricanes remain interested. He believes any potential deal might involve defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who remains an unsigned restricted free agent. He also noted that the Sabres and Jets had trade conversations in June, but nothing materialized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been no indication the Jets are close to moving Hellebuyck. That would explain why he recently made his trade request public, hoping to speed things up.

Just because it’s been quiet doesn’t mean Cheveldayoff hasn’t been talking quietly with other clubs. He prefers to take his time to find the best deal possible. Unless Hellebuyck ups the ante by refusing to report to training camp, he will remain patient in his search for a suitable trade partner.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2026

by | Sep 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2026

Check out the latest on Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Senators winger Drake Batherson, and Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SHEET WITH JEFF MAREK: ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski weighed in on Sidney Crosby’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Wyshynski said he’s been in the “Sid’s gonna play somewhere else business for a long time.” He’d love to see Crosby join his friend Nathan MacKinnon with the Colorado Avalanche, or become the elder statesman for his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

However, the more Crosby is in Pittsburgh, the more Wyshynski feels that the future Hall of Famer will stay there and finish his career as a “one-team guy.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wyshynski wasn’t the only pundit wondering about Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh over the past couple of years.

The Penguins exceeded expectations last season by reaching the playoffs, silencing calls for Crosby to move on. That chatter could resume if the Penguins struggle this season, but it will probably be half-hearted.

Every indication is that Crosby intends to finish his career with the Penguins. Barring a significant change in his relationship with the club, he’s there to stay.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports we’ll learn by next week whether Drake Batherson and the Senators can agree to an eight-year contract extension.

Batherson, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Garrioch reports the winger wants to stay in Ottawa and the Senators want to keep him. However, they have until Sept. 15 to get a deal done for the current maximum of eight years.

After that date, the maximum term drops to seven years for re-signing players, and from seven years to six for unrestricted free agents.

Garrioch reports a gap remains between the two sides. Batherson’s current average annual value is $4.95 million. Garrioch cited sources claiming the winger’s camp could seek a deal comparable to Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe ($10.625 million AAV) or Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch ($10.5 million AAV).

The Senators don’t want to lose Batherson, especially after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in June. However, Garrioch believes there’s a sense that Batherson could head to free agency next July if a new deal isn’t in place when the Senators open their season against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basically, no change in the Batherson situation. However, talks could pick up now that he’s back in Ottawa for training camp, which opens later this week.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple league sources claim that Mason Lohrei is drawing trade interest around the league again.

Murphy indicated that the 25-year-old Boston Bruins defenseman was in play last season when the club looked into acquiring Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley noted Murphy’s report, adding that Lohrei popped up on Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos’ trade board earlier this summer. Studley noted that Lohrei told NHL.com’s Belle Fraser that his goal this season is to play all 84 games with the Bruins and improve his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have a crowded blueline, which could result in one of their defensemen getting traded, perhaps in a deal to address another roster need.

Lohrei’s youth, affordable contract, and potential as a puck-moving defenseman could make him an enticing trade target.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 7, 2026

by | Sep 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 7, 2026

Which five players could hit the trade market if their teams get off to a slow start to this season? Are the Utah Mammoth a worthwhile destination for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently listed five players who should be on the trade market if their teams get off to a slow start this season.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators topped Lambert’s list. The 35-year-old center is in the final season of his contract. The previous management treated him as though he had a no-trade clause, but Lambert suggested current GM Chris MacFarland consider moving him if the Predators stumbled from the gate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacFarland has shaken up the Predators roster since taking over as GM earlier this summer. O’Reilly could be a prime trade candidate if they struggled through the opening weeks of this season, though MacFarland would likely ask him for a list of destinations.

Zach Whitecloud could be a valuable trade chip for the rebuilding Calgary Flames if they start poorly. The 29-year-old defenseman carries an affordable $2.75 million average annual value through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames reportedly have no intention of trading Whitecloud after acquiring him in January from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Rasmus Andersson deal. He quickly adapted to his new team and fit in well, so much so that they see him as a mentor for their young defensemen. That doesn’t mean he won’t be moved if a rival club makes an irresistible offer, but it’s unlikely the Flames will peddle him if they start poorly.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann could be a trade option if his club decides to rebuild. The 30-year-old scoring forward is in the final season of his deal with a $5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann, defenseman Vince Dunn, and goalie Philipp Grubauer are UFA-eligible next summer. They’ll be prime trade candidates if management decides to retool or rebuild.

Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi could become available if the Jets trade franchise goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The 27-year-old winger is signed through 2030-31 with a $7.5 million AAV. He also lacks no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be teardown time for the Jets’ roster if they struggle without Hellebuyck between the pipes. They might prefer hanging onto Vilardi, but we can’t discount the possibility that he’ll be among the players they could make available this season.

Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers rounds out Lambert’s list. He believes it’s put-up-or- shut-up time for the 24-year-old winger, who has never really delivered on his promise since being chosen first overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another inconsistent performance could see Lafreniere become available in the trade market. However, they’re unlikely to get a significant return given his erratic production and $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara recently wondered if the Utah Mammoth would be interested in Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, provided the latter was willing to accept a trade to Utah.

O’Hara believed the Mammoth aren’t ready to go all-in on a big-ticket player like Hellebuyck. While they have the tradeable assets to make a competitive bid, they’re not yet a Stanley Cup contender, which has to be a consideration for potential destinations for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

He also felt that maintaining the current process of building their roster toward potential championship contention would be better than trying to accelerate the process by sacrificing assets for an elite goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebucyk is reportedly willing to consider a wide selection of teams as potential destinations, but we don’t know how many. My guess is 10, since his no-movement clause becomes a 10-team trade list after this season. We also don’t know which clubs would be his preferred landing spots, which explains the guessing game about where he might go.

Until we know Hellebuyck’s, we can’t rule out the Mammoth making a bid for him. They possess plenty of trade capital, and GM Bill Armstrong has shown in recent years that he’s willing to make significant moves to acquire veteran talent.