NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

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

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

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2026

by | Sep 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2026

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

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

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

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

by | Sep 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

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

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

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

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATES ON THE CANADIENS’ ZACHARY BOLDUC AND ARBER XHEKAJ

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2026

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

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

THE LATEST KIRILL MARCHENKO RUMORS

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

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE ON DRAKE BATHERSON’S CONTRACT TALKS

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – August 31, 2026

by | Aug 31, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 31, 2026

Would Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck be a good fit with the Sabres or Sharks? Could he stage a holdout to force a trade? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe looked at whether trading for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be worth the steep asking price.

Hellebuyck, 33, revealed his trade request last week. The 33-year-old netminder is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2024-25, and backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold earlier this year.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

The Sabres and Jets reportedly held trade talks about Hellebuyck in late June, but those discussions fell through before the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Hoppe believes Hellebuyck could be an upgrade in goal for the Sabres. However, he feels the cost of acquiring the veteran netminder and taking on the remaining five years of his contract (with an average annual value of $8.5 million) outweighs the benefits.

Hellebuyck is coming off his worst NHL season, which included missing three weeks in November due to arthroscopic knee surgery. He’s also played more games than any other goalie since his big-league debut in 2015-16, and that wear and tear could be taking a toll.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoppe makes a solid case against acquiring Hellebuyck. Nevertheless, Sabres management didn’t seem concerned about those issues when they held those rumored trade talks with the Jets in June. It’s believed the deal fell through because the Sabres asked for too much, wanting the Jets first-round pick (eighth overall) as part of the return.

At that time, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said he believed Hellebuyck would waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. It’ll be interesting to see if he still feels that way, and if the Sabres would be interested.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka wondered if the San Jose Sharks should be interested in pursuing Hellebuyck. If they spent the assets necessary to acquire the Jets goalie, it could transform the Sharks from a rebuilding team to one in “win-now” mode.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier has amassed the league’s deepest pool of prospects to draw on for trade bait. Pashelka thinks Grier may have done his due diligence to see what the Jets’ asking price would be.

However, Pashelka also cited the risks for the Sharks, citing many of the issues Hoope did for the Sabres. He also believes the Jets’ asking price would include promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Sabres, the Sharks are expected to be a competitive playoff team this season regardless of their starting goaltender. It remains to be seen if either club is willing to accept the risks for what could be a significant reward.

TSN: Analyst and former NHL goalie Martin Biron recently raised the possibility of Hellebuyck staging a holdout for perhaps the entire season to force the Jets into trading him.

Biron suggested that Hellebuyck would risk the suspension that would come from that action, that the goalie has made good money and put it away, and would be fine spending the year with his family while awaiting a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck could go that route, but it’s a tactic that could backfire.

By staging a holdout to force a trade, he’d be breaching his contract. The Jets could suspend him without pay, fine him, and toll his contract, meaning he’d still have five years remaining on his deal when he would end the holdout.

Hellebuyck might not miss the paycheque if he’s managed his money properly, but he would miss not playing. Losing a year could adversely affect his performance when he returns, especially now that he’s approaching his mid-thirties.

Holding out could also cause some suitors to have second thoughts. If he’s willing to stage a holdout to force the Jets to trade him, nothing is stopping him from doing it again if things go sour with another club.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 30, 2026

by | Aug 30, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 30, 2026

Could Dylan Larkin accept a trade to the Mammoth or Canadiens? Could the latter attempt to trade Samuel Montembeault to the Oilers? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LARKIN TO THE MAMMOTH OR CANADIENS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes the Utah Mammoth makes the most sense for Dylan Larkin if the Detroit Red Wings center is serious about chasing the Stanley Cup.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Mammoth are an up-and-coming team who recently added veteran forwards Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck. They have the draft capital to make an enticing offer and have a bit of a trade history with the Red Wings after acquiring goalie Sebastian Cossa earlier this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s trade list includes the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, though it’s rumored the Dallas Stars are also on his list. So far, the 30-year-old center hasn’t indicated that he’s willing to widen that list, though he might have to if he seriously wants to be moved before the start of the regular season in four weeks.

The Mammoth tick the right boxes, but whether they seriously want him or if he’s willing to include them on his list of preferred destinations remains to be seen.

NHL NETWORK: Mike Johnson suggested the Montreal Canadiens as a landing spot for Larkin. The Canadiens are stacked with young talent that Johnson believes makes them a legitimate Stanley Cup contender over the next four or five years.

Johnson noted that the Canadiens can draw on their “boatload” of young prospects to build a trade package for the Red Wings, including University of Michigan winger Michael Hage. He acknowledged the Canadiens weren’t on Larkin’s four-team trade list. However, if it’s about winning for Larkin, the Habs are on the precipice of winning for the next half-decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin would be a terrific addition to the Canadiens, but he doesn’t seem interested in joining a Canadian club.

MONTEMBEAULT TO THE OILERS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes the goalie market should start heating up with Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets requesting a trade and Frederik Andersen of the Edmonton Oilers to miss training camp after suffering an injury during offseason training.

That could make it possible for the Canadiens to trade Samuel Montembeault. Cowan doesn’t expect they’ll start the season carrying Montembeault, Jakub Dobes, and Jacob Fowler. He believes Montembeault can regain his form after struggling through injury and inconsistency last season, but he will have a short leash.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Haines wondered if Andersen’s injury might create an opportunity for the Canadiens to ship Montembeault to the Oilers. She noted Montembeault has a cap hit of $3.15 million and the Oilers have $2 million in cap space, which would mean the Canadiens would have to take back some salary in such a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said last week that he wasn’t too concerned over the rash of early injuries plaguing his club. He’ll likely look at internal options first (such as offseason acquisition Devon Levi) or a dip into free agency where a few affordable veterans are available, including former Oiler Cam Talbot.

Montembeault could be a trade target for the Oilers, but he’ll probably be further down Bowman’s list.