NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2026

by | Aug 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: more proposed trade destinations for Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

BLEACHER REPORT: Joe Yerdon looked at eight potential landing spots for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The 33-year-old three-time Vezina Trophy winner publicly admitted this week that he requested a trade earlier in this offseason.

Yerdon’s list included the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those five clubs were also among the landing spots suggested by Murat Ates of The Athletic, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News, and Sportsnet’s Emily Sadler. You can read my reaction to those selections by following this link.

Yerdon also included the Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks on his list. He acknowledged the difficulty the Oilers would face in putting together a suitable offer and in getting Hellebuyck to waive his no-movement clause to join them. Still, the possibility of him on the same team as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is incredible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be amazing, but as Yerdon noted, the odds of it happening are low.

Hellebuyck returning to Michigan to backstop the Red Wings would also be an amazing, but unlikely story. The Wings aren’t making any moves until they hire a new general manager, and their first order of business is sorting out center Dylan Larkin’s trade request. And no, Larkin wouldn’t be swapped straight up for Hellebuyck because they’re not on his three-time trade list.

The Blackhawks are probably an unsuitable destination for Hellebuyck. They’re a rebuilding club, but he wants to play for a contender.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger included the Utah Mammoth and Dallas Stars on his list of potential destinations for Hellebuyck.

Granger noted the Mammoth have plenty of future assets and top-six forwards to compile an enticing trade package. He also suggested adding goalie Karel Vejmelka to the deal.

As for the Stars, Granger suggested a one-for-one swap of Hellebuyck for Jake Oettinger. However, he admitted that’s unlikely to happen because the latter also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth could be a dark horse in the Hellebuyck sweepstakes if he’s willing to go there and if they’re willing to make that investment. Forget about the Stars; they’re sticking with Oettinger, and he won’t want to move anyway.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon noted the Sabres were close to a deal that would’ve landed Hellebucyk in June. While it ultimately fell through, Dixon believes there’s a deal to be had between the two clubs.

Dixon proposed a deal that sends goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, forwards Jiri Kulich and Konsta Helenius to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets would do that deal in a heartbeat. As for the Sabres, I’ll leave the last word with Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards dismissed the notion of the Panthers as a trade destination for Hellebuyck. Having acquired Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils to replace the departed Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers have moved on.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest the Panthers could pursue Hellebuyck if Markstrom has a poor start to this season. However, even if Hellebuyck is still available in the trade market later this season, the Panthers lack the cap space to absorb his contract and the tradeable assets to make a tempting offer.

No, the Jets won’t want Markstrom in return, and he probably has Winnipeg on his 20-team no-trade list. And no, the Jets won’t retain salary to facilitate a trade. If you want Hellebuyck, you’re taking on his full $8.5 million average annual value.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Jame Nichols doesn’t see the Devils getting into the bidding for Hellebuyck.

Nichols believes Sunny Mehta, the Devils’ new GM, already made his goaltending moves by sending Markstrom to the Panthers earlier this summer, adding free agent David Rittich, and re-signing Nico Daws to a two-year contract. He’s sticking with the trio of Rittich, Daws and Jake Allen, with Daws expected to push for the starter’s job this season.

Hellebuyck’s contract would also take up a significant chunk of the Devils’ salary-cap space. That could complicate efforts to acquire Quinn Hughes if the Minnesota Wild defenseman becomes available in this season’s trade market or next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes is expected to re-sign with the Wild, but if he doesn’t, the Devils could be keen to bring him to New Jersey for a reunion with his brothers Jack and Luke. Adding Hellebuyck (assuming he’d accept a trade to New Jersey) would throw a spanner in the works.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James believes the Flyers shouldn’t attempt to acquire Hellebuyck. He believes the asking price would be too high, plus the Flyers signed current starter Dan Vladar to a five-year contract extension that begins next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers weren’t on the suggested trade destinations for Hellebuyck. However, they already signalled what their biggest need was by their failed attempt to land Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson with an offer sheet last month. They won’t waste their cap space and valuable trade assets on a need they believe they’ve already addressed.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2026

by | Aug 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2026

Now that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has made his trade request public, where are the potential destinations and what could the Jets seek in return? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff faces a big challenge finding a suitable trade partner to meet his asking price for Connor Hellebuyck.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

In a statement through his agent on Thursday, the 33-year-old goaltender made his trade request public. Cheveldayoff also released a statement indicating that the two sides will continue to work toward a resolution, but provided no updates about trade talks.

Ates suggested the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes could be among several Cup contenders in need of a goaltending upgrade. Others include the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres.

According to Ates, the Jets’ biggest needs are a top-six forward (preferably a center or right wing) and a goaltender who can help ease Hellebuyck’s loss. He acknowledged that goalies of Hellebuyck’s caliber are rarely moved, and those who were in the past (Ryan Miller, Roberto Luongo) fetched a lesser goaltender, a mid-tier roster player, and a first-round draft pick.

The Sabres were the team most closely tied to Hellebuyck in trade rumors. Ates believes they’re the best-stocked to address the Jets’ needs. Their goalies include Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, while potentially available forwards could include Josh Norris, Ryan McLeod, and Jack Quinn.

SPORTSNET: Emily Sadler looked at five potential landing spots for Hellebuyck.

The Sabres, Devils, and Hurricanes are on her list, along with the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert also explored where Hellebuyck might end up, pointing out that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner’s preference would be joining an already-competitive American team.

The Sabres and Hurricanes are on Lambert’s list, along with the Golden Knights, Panthers, and Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck will be a very attractive trade target, but his contract will be a sticking point. He’s signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

It’s rumored that Hellebuyck could have more trade destinations in mind than Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who followed up his trade request with a three-or four-team list that has significantly hampered the Wings’ ability to move him.

However, Hellebuyck’s AAV could be difficult for some clubs to absorb unless they send some significant salary to Winnipeg or make separate cost-cutting deals with other clubs.

Buffalo was reportedly close to acquiring Hellebuyck in June, but the deal fell through before the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft. However, the Jets weren’t willing to part with their first-round pick (eighth overall). It was also rumored that one of the Sabres goalies (believed to be Luukkonen) declined to waive their no-trade clause, but that clause didn’t go into effect until July 1.

San Jose and Carolina have the trade capital, with the Hurricanes having the advantage of carrying $9.98 million in salary-cap space. Hellebuyck would make the Canes stronger in goal, but it could cost them a goalie (Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov) and a good young forward to get him. Winnipeg native Seth Jarvis would be a natural fit, but the Hurricanes won’t part with him. Jackson Blake or Logan Stankoven could be part of the Jets’ asking price.

The Sharks have plenty of promising young forwards to tempt the Jets. Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and top prospect Ivar Stenberg are out of bounds, but Michael Misa, Collin Graf, or Igor Chernyshov might be available. The Jets could also ask for promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov, but the Sharks could be unwilling to part with him.

New Jersey could offer Nico Daws in a trade package, but he hasn’t fully established himself as an NHL goalie. Dawson Mercer or Arseny Gritsyuk could fill the top-six forward spot, and they have two first-rounders in 2027 and 2028.

Florida and Vegas are the least-likely destinations. If those clubs can’t afford to acquire Larkin ($8.7 million AAV), they can’t afford Hellebuyck, and even if they could, they lack the tradeable assets to entice the Jets, unless they can somehow get a third team involved in the deal to send them the necessary assets to make it happen.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2026

by | Aug 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup, we look at three defensemen who could still be moved during the offseason, and the latest on Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa recently listed three NHL defensemen who could still be traded before training camp opens next month.

Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes topped the list. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and is ineligible to sign an offer sheet. However, he’s also surfaced in trade rumors this summer.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (NHL Images).

DeRosa believes Nikishin is a young blueliner with strong upside who could be a solid addition to a playoff contender or a rebuilding club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade buzz around Nikishin faded away throughout August, but it could resurface as training camp approaches in September. The St. Louis Blues reportedly had considerable interest.

Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins was a fixture in the rumor mill last season. He struggled last season and was scratched from three of their six playoff games. The Bruins have a surplus of defensemen, which could make the 25-year-old Lohrei a trade chip.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei might not be going anywhere for now. He’s reportedly spent the offseason building up his strength and improving his overall game. He said he’s looking forward to the challenge of earning a full-time roster spot this season.

Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers rounds out DeRosa’s list. The 32-year-old veteran right-shot blueliner has been the subject of trade rumors for years, and he’s due to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers will likely hang onto Ristolainen for this season. However, they could peddle him by the March 1 trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

THE ATHLETIC: Whether Jake DeBrusk can rebuild his trade value is among Thomas Drance’s five summer thoughts regarding the Vancouver Canucks forwards.

DeBrusk managed three five-on-five goals on 121 shots on goal, for a “wildly anemic 2.48 shooting percentage.”

Drance expects the 29-year-old winger’s production will improve at even strength this season, pointing out he’s been “a modestly above-average finisher throughout his career, and has a serious nose for cashing in greasy goals at the net front.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk was the frequent subject of trade speculation last season, especially after he indicated that he wasn’t keen on playing for a rebuilding team. He was linked at one point to the Ottawa Senators, but they opted for winger William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky.

DeBrusk still managed to score 23 goals and 42 points in 81 games with the imploding Canucks last season. An improvement in his even-strength production will bolster his stats and improve his chances of getting moved to a contender before the March 1 trade deadline, provided he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2026

by | Aug 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2026

Check out the latest on Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, and Canucks winger Brock Boeser in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports league sources are “emphatically” dismissing rumors that the Minnesota Wild are in trade talks with the New Jersey Devils regarding Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Russo indicated that Wild management is in ongoing discussions with Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, regarding a contract extension. They remain confident of signing the 26-year-old defenseman before the start of the regular season.

Hughes is in the final season of his six-year contract with a cap hit of $7.85 million. He can become an unrestricted free agent next July.

The rising salary cap is also raising the cost of new contracts, especially for superstars like Hughes. Russo speculated his next deal could be in the $19 million or $20 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo has previously reported that the Wild would prefer to sign Hughes to the league maximum contract term of eight years before it is reduced on Sept. 16 to seven years, but the Hughes camp prefers a shorter term, perhaps between three and five years.

As for the Devils rumors, it sounds like wishful thinking because he hasn’t signed an extension with the Wild yet. Everyone knows Quinn would love to play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke one day, but that could be in 2030, when Jack’s contract with the Devils is set to expire. Signing Quinn by that stage would be a great incentive for Jack to stay in New Jersey.

Predictions are for gypsies, but for now, I think Hughes agrees to a three-year deal with the Wild worth around $20 million annually. Feel free to weigh in on this topic in the comments section below.

SPORTSNET: During Tuesday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman proposed a theory that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson goes to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline.

Friedman cited a source who predicted the 36-year-old Karlsson becomes a Maple Leaf depending on how this season goes for both teams.

Karlsson is in the final season of his contract. If he and the Penguins have another solid performance like last season, Friedman doubts he’ll be traded. However, if Karlsson is in the trade market, his source believes Maple Leafs executives Mats Sundin and Daniel Alfredsson could help to entice the Penguins blueliner to come to Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that this is a prediction from one of Friedman’s sources and not an actual trade rumor. There is no indication the Maple Leafs are pursuing Karlsson, nor are the Penguins shopping him.

Nevertheless, if the Penguins are out of playoff contention by March 1, they will likely peddle some of their veterans. That would include Karlsson, as they probably won’t re-sign him given his age and their ongoing transition toward a younger roster.

If Karlsson becomes available, he might consider waiving his no-movement clause to join the Maple Leafs if they’re having a good season. If they’re not, he’ll likely prefer going to a Stanley Cup contender.

TSN: Travis Yost believes Brock Boeser could become a trade candidate as the Vancouver Canucks continue their rebuilding program.

Boeser, 29, is entering the second season of a seven-year contract ($7.25 million average annual value) with a full no-movement clause.

Yost believes Boeser is a better player than his stats over the past two years suggest. Nevertheless, he thinks his best seasons may be behind him, and it would be worthwhile moving him while his value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether Boeser wants to stay and be part of the solution for the Canucks. If he’s unwilling to waive his no-movement clause, they will rely on his leadership and experience to mentor their younger players.

However, Boeser could decide his future lies elsewhere if the rebuild takes longer than expected. This season could decide where that might be.

THE PROVINCE: Speaking of the Canucks, Patrick Johnston reports first-year GM Ryan Johnson is open to adding a veteran to his roster on a PTO or a full-on free-agent agreement.

Johnston noted that a handful of notable players remain in what was a talent-thin UFA market. Forwards include Michael Bunting, Patrik Laine, and Vladimir Tarasenko, while Logan Stanley and John Klingberg are among the noteworthy defensemen.

Johnson could sign one of them, hoping they’ll have a good enough season to make them a worthwhile trade chip later in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 25, 2026

by | Aug 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 25, 2026

Which goaltenders could be traded this offseason? Why hasn’t a team signed Connor Ingram yet? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa recently looked at three NHL goaltenders who could be traded before the offseason ends in mid-September.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Connor Hellebuyck topped DeRosa’s list. The 33-year-old Winnipeg Jets netminder has been the frequent subject of offseason trade speculation. With the Jets suffering a downturn last season, DeRosa suggests this could be a good opportunity to peddle Hellebuyck while his value is still high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Massimo De Luca-Taronno of The Winnipeg Sun noted the uncertainty surrounding Hellebuyck as training camp approaches. He doesn’t blame Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff for refusing to make a trade for the sake of doing so, or accepting a less-than-fair return. However, he also noted that the Jets GM risks Hellebuyck’s trade status becoming an unnecessary distraction for the team.

De Luca-Taronno believes Hellebuyck will likely start this season with the Jets as both sides see how things shake out. A bounce-back performance could quell any further speculation about his future in Winnipeg. However, if this season goes sideways, Cheveldayoff will feel the pressure to find a suitable trade partner.

Samuel Montembeault could be another trade candidate. The 30-year-old netminder dropped from being the Montreal Canadiens’ starting goalie to their third-stringer last season. With young goalies Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler ahead of him on the depth chart, it would make sense for the Canadiens to trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeRosa noted that Montembeault’s trade value is low right now, but feels a rival club might buy low on him if they feel he can rebound from last season’s struggles. So far, no club seems willing to make that gamble. They’ll want to see him play some games first, and that could be difficult if he remains behind Dobes and Fowler.

DeRosa noted that Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues was the subject of trade rumors throughout last season. With Joel Hofer taking over as the Blues’ starter, the 31-year-old Binnington could benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington is in the final season of his contract. DeRosa acknowledged he’s more likely to be moved by the March 1 trade deadline, but still feels an offseason move is possible.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discussed why an NHL team hasn’t signed Connor Ingram yet.

They believe there should be a market for the 29-year-old goaltender, who has a career save percentage above .900. Hutton believes he had a great year with the Edmonton Oilers last season, suggesting the Pittsburgh Penguins could be a destination given their need for some experienced depth in goal. The Ottawa Senators could be another possibility as a backup for Linus Ullmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram has proven himself as a reliable backup. A club could sign him to a one-year contract before training camps open next month. Whether the Penguins or Senators will be among the suitors remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2026

by | Aug 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have an update on some of the top remaining unrestricted free agents, and three proposed offer sheet candidates for Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli.

DAILY FACEOFF: No changes to Matt Larkin’s listing of the top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Wingers Patrik Laine and Eeli Tolvanen and defenseman Logan Stanley remain among the best players in a shallow pool of UFA talent. Laine tops Larkin’s list, with Stanley ranked second and Tolvanen fifth.

Former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Other noteworthy UFAs include forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron; goaltenders Cam Talbot and Connor Ingram; and defensemen John Klingberg and Nick Blankenburg.

DFO RUNDOWN: NHL Network’s Mike Rupp talked to host Jason Gregor about potential landing spots for Patrik Laine.

Rupp believes the 28-year-old winger could help clubs looking to improve their power play. He suggested the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, whose power-play percentages were among the league’s worst last season.

Turning to the Anaheim Ducks, Rupp believes they must improve their defense and suggested Logan Stanley as a potential solution. However, he noted that they would have their work cut out for them, given their limited salary-cap space and efforts to re-sign winger Cutter Gauthier.

PACIFIC NORTH HOCKEY: Rob Simpson reports Eeli Tolvanen’s camp claims they’ve had conversations with multiple NHL teams. However, his former club, the Seattle Kraken, are not among them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There could be a flurry of free-agent signings once the calendar flips to September. With training camps opening in mid-September, some NHL clubs could scramble to address their lingering roster needs through free agency and trades.

Most of the players remaining on Larkin’s list, including Laine, Stanley, and Tolvanen, could find themselves signing one-year contracts for much less than they anticipated when the free-agent market opened on July 1. Some could sign professional tryout offers in the hope of earning a one-year deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert listed three teams that he believes should attempt to sign center Adam Fantilli to an offer sheet.

Fantilli, 21, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames should make a pitch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert lays out good reasons why the Red Wings, Kraken, and Flames would benefit from signing Fantilli if the young center is open to signing an offer sheet. However, if he were willing to sign an offer sheet, he probably would’ve done it by now. At this stage in the offseason, with training camps opening in a month, the offer sheet becomes a more remote possibility.