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.










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.