NHL Rumor Mill – October 17, 2026

by | Oct 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 17, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: some potential late-season trade candidates and the latest on the Flames.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal recently listed five NHL stars who could become late-season trade candidates.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes topped the list. The 27-year-old superstar is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Wild could be forced to consider moving him at the trade deadline if he remains unsigned by then.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann and defenseman Vince Dunn could also become trade candidates by the March 1 deadline. Like Hughes, they’re UFA-eligible next July, and could be shopped if the Kraken are out of playoff contention by March 1.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images)

Defenseman Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins and center Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators round out Dayal’s list. They’re aging stars who are also slated for UFA eligibility next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild will likely hang onto Hughes if they’re a playoff contender by March 1. Their chances of winning the Stanley Cup are better with him in the lineup. A deep playoff run might convince him to stay put.

McCann and Dunn will probably hit the trade block by March 1 if the Kraken are out of contention. Given the Kraken’s limited playoff appearances, however, they’ll hang onto those two if they’re still in the postseason race by the deadline.

Karlsson and O’Reilly could also be peddled if their respective clubs are out of contention by March 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: Mike Gould recently tiered the Calgary Flames’ trade assets ahead of their next fire sale.

Their two hottest commodities are defenseman Zach Whitecloud and center Morgan Frost. The 29-year-old Whitecloud’s stock is quite high, in part because he’s signed through 2027-28 with an affordable average annual value of $2.75 million. Frost, 27, is UFA-eligible next summer and has been a consistent 40-point producer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could be reluctant to part with Whitecloud this season because of their inexperienced defense corps. Nevertheless, they could be open to moving him if a rival club gets desperate enough to overpay for him.

The lack of quality depth in available centers should make Frost a prime trade candidate by the deadline. Even if his production suffers with the low-scoring Flames, a contender will gamble that his stats will improve on a deeper club.

Gould believes forward Joel Farabee and goaltender Devin Cooley could draw more interest maybe next season, when both will be UFA-eligible. He felt that winger Yegor Sharangovich, Martin Pospisil, and Adam Klapka will have more value in a few years. Sharangovich and Pospisil are signed beyond 2027-28, while Klapka will likely remain with the Flames for a few more years as a depth forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Dustin Wolf entrenched as the Flames’ starting goalie, Cooley could be moved if the Flames get a strong enough offer. Like the market for centers, there aren’t many quality goalies available. Another solid effort by Cooley will boost his trade stock.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2026

by | Oct 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2026

Check out the latest on Jets holdout goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, and Canadiens winger Josh Anderson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the recent talk suggesting Connor Hellebuyck could return to the Winnipeg Jets is speculation. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff remains focused on getting the 33-year-old goaltender traded for a fair return.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Dreger understands why there’s chatter that Hellebuyck might return. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner is hemorrhaging thousands of dollars by staging a holdout, and he’s starting to feel the stress. Nevertheless, he doesn’t expect to see Hellebuyck back in a Jets jersey.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin believes the Jets’ surprisingly strong start to this season should encourage Jets management to move Hellebuyck quickly.

That start could take pressure off Cheveldayoff, enabling him to wait patiently for the right return. That might have been easier to justify if the Jets started badly. However, Larkin pointed out that the Jets are built to win now, and waiting too long to move Hellebuyck could hurt his efforts to bring in immediate help.

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli reports the Los Angeles Kings are among the clubs that “kicked tires” on Hellebuyck.

Poor goaltending from Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg is partly to blame for the Kings’ poor start. Seravalli claimed they’ve “received affirmation” that Hellebuyck would accept a trade to Los Angeles.

The Kings are internally discussing their direction. If they fail to improve, it could make it hard to justify parting with a first-round pick in 2027 or 2028 (even with lottery protection) as part of the return for Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As of this writing, Hellebuyck has forfeited nearly $670,000 of his $7.5 million cap hit for this season.

Cheveldayoff said the door was open for Hellebuyck to return. However, the Jets’ better-than-expected start suggests it might not be open as wide as it once was.

It’s doubtful Cheveldayoff will take Larkin’s advice and try to move Hellebuyck quickly. He has a well-earned reputation for patiently waiting for the right return for players who want to move on. Unless a team steps up and meets his asking price, he’ll keep waiting until someone does.

The Jets reportedly seek a return that helps them now and in the future, not aging players with expensive contracts. They want at least a second-line forward (preferably a center) or a top-four, right-shot defenseman, along with a combination of futures that includes a first-round pick and a top prospect.

Whether the Kings can meet that price is another story. They have the draft picks, but The Athletic ranked their prospect pipeline 21st overall. They have two young centers (Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere), but parting with one of them hurts their depth at that position. The same goes for their right-side blueline depth if they offered up Brandt Clarke.

RED WINGS SET A HIGH PRICE FOR DYLAN LARKIN

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Detroit Red Wings seek “three or four pieces” for Dylan Larkin. The 30-year-old centre requested a trade in June and has expanded his list of trade destinations from three to 10 teams. None of them include Canadian NHL clubs.

Dreger said the Wings seek “two ‘A’ quality prospects,” as well as “a top-nine forward who can play with the Red Wings in the NHL right now”, and “a first-round draft pick.”

It’s believed some teams wouldn’t have any problem meeting that price. However, none of them are on Larkin’s trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits keep dreaming up trade scenarios that would bring Larkin to the Montreal Canadiens. It’s a pointless exercise unless he eventually decides to add the Canadiens to his list. So far, there’s no indication he will.

CANADIENS HOPE TO RE-SIGN JOSH ANDERSON

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Montreal Canadiens intend to sign Josh Anderson to a contract extension. The 32-year-old power forward is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. His current contract is worth an average annual value of $5.5 million.

Anderson’s agent, Darren Ferris, tends to take his coveted free agents up to July 1 to determine their market value. However, Anderson and his family love the idea of staying in Montreal, and the Canadiens want to keep him. GM Kent Hughes has spoken with Anderson, informing him that they will get to negotiations once they’ve dealt with other business, such as making a trade to bolster the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have a projected $28.8 million of salary-cap space for 2027-28. Hughes will want to know how much cap space he’ll have available after acquiring the second-line forward that he’s been pursuing since March. Once that’s determined, he should have enough to re-sign Anderson.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 15, 2026

by | Oct 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 15, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Red Wings aren’t interested in trading Simon Edvinsson, the Maple Leafs could be looking for a defenseman, and the latest on the Canucks.

THE LATEST ON SIMON EDVINSSON

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff told reporters yesterday that he has “zero interest” in trading Simon Edvinsson. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent defenseman remains unsigned and reportedly prefers a trade.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)

“He’s a player we value here, and I know everyone in the locker room does as well,” Horcoff said. “So (a trade) is not something I am entertaining.”

Horcoff said re-signing Edvinsson remains a priority, adding the Wings are working diligently toward getting the young blueliner under contract. He called him “a big part of our core moving forward.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed seven teams as potential destinations if the Red Wings decide to trade Edvinsson.

They include the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and the Vancouver Canucks.

He also suggested the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators as suitors to watch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s list was published before Horcoff spoke to reporters yesterday. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting here in case negotiations deteriorate.

The Red Wings have until 5 pm ET on Dec. 1 to get Edvinsson signed, or he’ll be ineligible to play in the NHL this season.

MAPLE LEAFS COULD END UP SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel reports the recent absence of Chris Tanev with another injury could force the Toronto Maple Leafs into the trade market for a defenseman. Even if Tanev returns soon, Siegel believes there’s no guarantee he won’t be sidelined again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I was among the critics who said the Maple Leafs were taking a risk signing the oft-injured Tanev. He’s a terrific shutdown defenseman, but he already had a lot of mileage on him before joining the Maple Leafs. Now 36, the years of wear and tear have caught up to him.

Acquiring that blueliner won’t be easy. The Maple Leafs no longer have a blue-chip trade asset after shipping Matthew Knies to Columbus for Kirill Marchenko, and they don’t have much trade capital left.

The number of options in the trade market is limited. Siegel mentioned Ian Cole of the Chicago Blackhawks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers (who is currently sidelined), and Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, but other factors could complicate attempts to acquire them.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal included Whitecloud and Ristolainen on his list of five potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs. He also included Carson Soucy of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, and Brenden Dillon of the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leal noted TSN’s Chris Johnston recently said the Maple Leafs will attempt to find solutions internally for now. Nevertheless, general manager John Chayka has proven he’s unafraid to make moves, and is likely monitoring the trade market for any affordable help.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes Jake DeBrusk’s strong start with the Vancouver Canucks could improve his trade value. The 29-year-old winger is skating on the first line alongside center Elias Pettersson. He’s among their leading scorers with three goals and five points in six games.

Before the season started, DeBrusk told Kuzma he was working on improving other aspects of his game, including doing more without the puck and using his speed on the forecheck better.

Kuzma suggested the remaining term on DeBrusk’s contract might scare off potential suitors. He’s signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. However, that could be a moot point for contenders who want to win now.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance weighed in on a recent report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming the Canucks are among several teams interested in Connor Zary. The 25-year-old Calgary Flames forward cleared waivers last week and was demoted to the Flames’ AHL affiliate.

Drance admits being an admirer of Zary’s game, but noted his lack of size, physicality, and below-average skating. Nevertheless, he could be a worthwhile reclamation project if he also netted the Canucks a future asset in the deal, or if it meant shedding a long-term commitment to a superior player or an inefficient one-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Debrusk will garner more attention in this year’s trade market if he maintains his current level of performance throughout this season.

As for Zary, I agree with Drance that it might be worthwhile if he brings in a quality draft pick or prospect or helps the Canucks shed a troublesome contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2026

by | Oct 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2026

Could the Flyers make a blockbuster trade to save their season? What’s the latest on Dylan Larkin, Simon Edvinsson, and Connor Hellebuyck? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports no coaching changes are planned for the struggling Philadelphia Flyers. That has him wondering what roster changes might be in store.

The Flyers are in the market for an experienced defenseman with size. Adding someone like Justin Faulk of the Detroit Red Wings or Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames would help to bolster their blueline, but it won’t improve their sputtering offense.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny (NHL Images)

If the Flyers want to make a big splash with a “hockey trade”, Di Marco believes it would have to involve Tyson Foerster, Porter Martone, or Matvei Michkov. Martone “is about as untouchable as it gets,” while Foerster and Michkov remain well-regarded within the organization. “Moving off one of those players is highly unlikely, especially mid-season,” Di Marco writes.

Di Marco doesn’t see the Flyers moving Trevor Zegras. The 25-year-old forward is in the first season of a four-year contract and is coming off a career-best performance.

Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, or Noah Cates could be trade candidates. Di Marco cited sources who believe approaching Konecny to waive his no-movement clause could be an option if the Flyers continue to struggle. He’s in the second year of a seven-year, $70-million contract. Di Marco suggested the Utah Mammoth as a destination, and wondered if Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers might be expendable.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Justin Bailey wondered if the Flyers might look to the Ottawa Senators as a trade partner. He noted that they’ve long had interest in Senators centers Dylan Cozens, Shane Pinto, and Ridly Greig.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Flyers GM Daniel Briere is getting lots of calls, but none that would help his team right now.

LeBrun stated that there was no easy fix or blockbuster trade out there that would pull the Flyers out of their brutal start. He also indicated they’re not currently considering a coaching change. Instead, they’ll have to fix this internally.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Replacing head coach Rick Tocchet could happen later next month (if not sooner) if the Flyers don’t right the ship. If they don’t want to go that far, they could shake up his staff.

A major trade is possible, but unlikely at this stage of the season. If they’re unwilling to part with Martone, Foerster or Michkov, it’s doubtful Konecny, Tippett or Cates will fetch a return that significantly improves the Flyers.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN AND SIMON EDVINSSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal fans chanting Dylan Larkin’s name during Saturday’s game between the Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre did nothing to convince the 30-year-old center to include the Habs on his 10-team trade list.

LeBrun noted the Canadiens have tried to make a significant addition in the trade market by pursuing wingers Matthew Knies and Kirill Marchenko. He believes they’d be “ready to engage” with Larkin if he has a change of heart. However, the Canadiens can afford to be patient, with promising center Michael Hage coming at the end of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes wouldn’t be doing his job if he wasn’t looking into whether Larkin would be open to coming to Montreal. However, it’s obvious that he’s not interested, so they’ll look elsewhere for opportunities to bring in a top-six forward.

Chris Johnston reports that Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson has left Sweden and is returning to North America to work with a trainer that he’s comfortable with. While not necessarily a sign that he’s close to returning to action, it does symbolize “some good things.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have until 5 pm ET on Dec. 1 to get the unsigned Edvinsson under contract, or he’ll become ineligible to play in the NHL this season. He reportedly prefers a trade, but the Wings remain intent on signing him.

RANGERS CONTACTED THE JETS ABOUT CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s been “conversation” between the New York Rangers and the Winnipeg Jets regarding holdout goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. However, there’s no sense of urgency on the Rangers’ part. Dreger claims the Blueshirts “flat-out don’t wanna pay the hefty asking price” for Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This seems like Rangers general manager Chris Drury conducting due diligence. He undoubtedly knew the Jets would set a high price, but it was still worthwhile to at least call. For now, the Rangers won their last two games with backup Dylan Garand, so that takes some pressure off Drury. Garand’s performance will ultimately determine if the Rangers GM goes shopping for a starter this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 13, 2026

by | Oct 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 13, 2026

Will the struggling Flyers make a coaching change or a trade? Will Connor Hellebuyck be traded to the Rangers or return to the Jets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at the free-falling Philadelphia Flyers’ options to reverse their fortunes.

Some Flyers fans want head coach Rick Tocchet fired, but Kurz doesn’t think it’s likely to happen; at least, not yet. He’s also barely into the second season of a five-year, $26.25 million contract.

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet (NHL Images).

Kurz acknowledged that could change if the Flyers remain dreadful deep into November. In the meantime, he suggested it might be time to consider shaking up the assistant coaches.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also isn’t convinced they’ll fire Tocchet. He believes Flyers general manager Daniel Briere will remain patient as he tries to find another way to improve the club’s overall performance.

Kurz noted that Briere won’t make a trade for the sake of doing so and won’t be rushed into a panic deal that hurts the club down the road. Nevertheless, he thinks the Flyers GM will have to make a move at some point with a hockey trade or two.

Players like Trevor Zegras, Cam York, Noah Cates, Jamie Drysdale, Tyson Foerster, Matvei Michkov, and Denver Barkey are on long- and short-term contracts that lack no-trade protection. Kurz doesn’t believe the Flyers would be in the mix for a star player, but speculated that Briere might consider swapping one of his young players for another young player like Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers making the playoffs and reaching the second round last spring heightened expectations for a club that is still rebuilding. Their followers might be more forgiving if they were more competitive, which could’ve resulted in at least a win or two by now.

Shaking up the assistant coaching or swapping a promising youngster or two for someone like Edvinsson could improve the situation. Whether those moves are possible remains to be seen. Briere could have no choice but to replace Tocchet if they’re still terrible a month from now, especially when a proven winner like Bruce Cassidy is available.

LATEST ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

SPORTSNET: On Monday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reiterated his doubt of the New York Rangers trading for Connor Hellebuyck to replace starting goalie Igor Shesterkin, who suffered a season-ending leg injury on Friday.

Friedman said he’d been told that move isn’t going to happen. He admitted he’d loved to see it, but unless it’s a three-way trade, he doesn’t see a path toward a deal. Most of the Rangers’ best players have no-trade protection. They’re unlikely to move Alexis Lafreniere given his strong start to this season. Meanwhile, promising Gabe Perreault is garnering more playing time.

Friedman also mentioned there was talk of Hellebuyck returning to the Jets. However, he doesn’t believe anybody wants that: not Hellebuyck, not the Jets’ organization, not the players, and not the Winnipeg fans. However, if this drags on, Hellebuyck could have no choice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck is hockey’s version of Gob Bluth from “Arrested Development” when he realizes he’s made a huge mistake.

In Hellebuyck’s case, it was going public with his trade request and then not reporting to the team when training camp opened last month. He’s been suspended without pay by the team for his actions. Meanwhile, the Jets have been okay so far with Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson as their goalie tandem.

Look, I understand the 33-year-old Hellebuyck’s desire to play for a contender while he’s still in his prime. Backstopping Team USA to Olympic gold in February gave him a taste of winning he hasn’t had in his 11-season NHL career, and he no longer believes he can do it with the Jets. But how he’s gone about it has made it difficult for the Jets to trade him, and it risks wasting a season that he can’t afford to waste at this stage of his career.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2026

by | Oct 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2026

How will the Rangers address the loss of Igor Shesterkin to a season-ending leg injury? Which goalies could they target in the trade and free-agent markets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker examined how the Rangers intend to cope with the absence of starting goalie Igor Shesterkin, who suffered a season-ending leg injury on Friday against the Washington Capitals.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images)

The next steps will depend on how the Rangers react as a team, and how backup Dylan Garand performs. They’ve placed Shesterkin on long-term injury reserve, freeing up approximately $3.97 million, which is based on last season’s average league salary, instead of his roughly $11.6 million cap hit.

Shesterkin could be placed on season-ending LTIR (SELTIR), but he’d be unable to return to the Rangers lineup later this season or in the playoffs. Keeping him on LTIR leaves the door open for his potential return in the postseason.

Walker believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury will explore alternate goalie options, especially since veteran backup Joonas Korpisalo is expected to be sidelined for a month with a lower-body injury. The Rangers recalled Spencer Martin to back up Garand on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks. Martin hadn’t played yet for their AHL affiliate in Hartford because of a lower-body injury.

ESPN reported former Rangers backup Jonathan Quick was a possibility, but Walker stated that there’s a strong belief they’re not considering it. Quick retired after last season and is now the Rangers director of goaltending development.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed several possible goalie trade targets for the Rangers.

He noted the recent speculation linking the Rangers to Connor Hellebuyck but dismissed it as unrealistic. He pointed out that the 33-year-old Winnipeg Jets goalie is under contract through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million, while Shesterkin’s is over $11 million. “Having two goalies making a combined $20 million against the cap beyond this season isn’t going to fly,” Wegman wrote.

Wegman also noted that acquiring Hellebuyck for this season and flipping him to another club next summer is also unrealistic. “This isn’t a video game,” he wrote.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I concur with Wegman. He could’ve also mentioned the high cost for the Rangers to acquire Hellebuyck, and the headache they would have trying to move him in a trade market that would make low-ball offers. Nevertheless, pointing out the blatantly obvious regarding the cap dollars suffices.

Quick unrestricted free agent fixes include Peter Mrazek, Matt Murray, and James Reimer. Trade targets could include Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues; John Gibson of the Detroit Red Wings; Darcy Kuemper or Anton Forsberg of the Los Angeles Kings; Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins; and Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers could go the UFA route first. They have $4.6 million in cap space with Shesterkin on LTIR, and Drury might prefer an affordable free-agent addition that leaves cap space for later in the season.

Binnington and Montembeault seem more likely to be available in the trade market right now. However, the former carries a cap hit of $6 million and a 10-team no-trade list, which could complicate things. Montembeault has a more affordable $3.15 million salary and lacks no-trade protection. The Canadiens might be willing to retain part of his salary. However, he’s sidelined for the next two weeks and hasn’t had a chance to play this season to improve his trade value.