NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2026

by | Sep 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2026

The fallout from the Marchenko-for-Knies trade, plus the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, Kirby Dach, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman listed the factors that led to the multi-player trade in which the Columbus Blue Jackets shipped winger Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies.

Columbus Blue Jackets traded winger Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept 28, 2026 (NHL Images).

First, the Blue Jackets were never offered anyone as appetizing as Knies, who’s locked in on a great value contract. Second, the Maple Leafs thought so highly of Marchenko that they were willing to take on forward Miles Wood and sidelined goaltender Elvis Merzlikins as part of the return. Third, Marchenko had an uneasy relationship with Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness.

Friedman reported that Marchenko wouldn’t have had a problem going to Montreal, but wasn’t as certain about Toronto. “Whatever his initial concerns, he warmed up when it really mattered.”

The Canadiens pursued a Marchenko deal aggressively during the summer, but no one they offered excited the Blue Jackets as much as Knies. Friedman believes the Canadiens would’ve signed Marchenko to a deal similar to the six years and $12.5 million average annual value he received from the Maple Leafs. He also thinks the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Seattle Kraken may have also been among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Canadiens signing Chris Kreider earlier this month signalled that their interest in Marchenko had cooled. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Blue Jackets sought Juraj Slafkovsky or Ivan Demidov, which would’ve been automatic deal-breakers for the Habs.

Turning to the Winnipeg Jets, Friedman wondered if adding Clay Stevenson via waivers on Monday might ease their desire for a goaltender in a trade package for Connor Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Getting a goaltender was believed to be a key part of the Jets’ asking price for Hellebuyck. As Friedman suggested, it might not be a priority if Stevenson plays well, which could speed up efforts to move Hellebuyck.

Friedman believes the Jets have to get the Hellebuyck trade right or risk a domino effect in which other players want out. They’d rather do no trade than a bad trade. They were close to getting something done with the Buffalo Sabres. The Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth may have also “taken a peek”.

The Carolina Hurricanes are “the most motivated pursuer.” If restricted free-agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin were willing to sign with the Jets, Hellebuyck would already be in Carolina. Several teams have permission to speak to Nikishin’s agent, and it’s assumed the Hurricanes could be trying to make a three-team trade work.

Nikishin reportedly seeks $9 million annually on a five-year contract, but that could be lower in the right situation. The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators were suitors. A deal was nearly in place earlier in the summer with the New York Rangers, but it fell through.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers and the Nikishin camp reportedly couldn’t agree to terms for a new contract. 

The Edmonton Oilers lack a right-shot center, which is why they’ve been linked to Canadiens forward Kirby Dach. Friedman claimed they also took a long look at Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright.

The Boston Bruins are trying to find a new home for defenseman Henri Jokiharju, who cleared waivers on Monday. Teams are curious what they might do with Matt Poitras, who avoided waivers for now.










Maple Leafs Ship Matthew Knies to Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko in Multi-Player Trade

by | Sep 28, 2026

Maple Leafs Ship Matthew Knies to Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko in Multi-Player Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired winger Kirill Marchenko, forward Miles Wood, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for winger Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a conditional 2027 second-round draft pick.

The Maple Leafs signed Marchenko to a six-year, $75-million contract extension with an average annual value of $12.5 million. The Blue Jackets retain 18 percent of Merzlikin’s $5.4 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Who said blockbuster moves no longer happen on the eve of the regular season?

Columbus Blue Jackets trade winger Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL Images).

This is a significant move by both clubs. Marchenko was a fixture in the rumor mill over the summer after it was reported that he was unwilling to sign an extension with Columbus. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell insisted that he wasn’t seeking draft picks and prospects for the 26-year-old winger, instead preferring a comparable scoring winger in return.

Waddell gets his wish with Knies. The 23-year-old power forward is in the second season of a seven-year contract with an affordable AAV of $7.75 million. He’s made steady progress in his three-season NHL career. Despite being hampered by a knee injury last season, he reached a career-high 66 points in 79 games. He’ll likely skate at left wing on the Blue Jackets’ first line alongside young center Adam Fantilli.

Meanwhile, Marchenko will take Knies’ former spot alongside Maple Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews. Unlike Knies’ physical net-front presence, Marchenko is a swift, offensively creative forward who had a career-best 74-point performance in 2024-25. His style could mesh well with Matthews’ game.

The rest of the players in this deal are mostly depth players being swapped for salary-cap reasons.

Merzlikins was formerly the Blue Jackets’ starting goaltender until losing that job last season to Jet Greaves. He’s sidelined indefinitely due to offseason shoulder surgery and will go on long-term injury reserve. Merzlikins is in the final season of his contract and is UFA-eligible next summer. Given his injury status, it’s unlikely he’ll suit up for the Leafs this season.

So what do you think of this deal? Let us know in the comments below.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 28, 2026

by | Sep 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 28, 2026

Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports trade rumors suggest the Columbus Blue Jackets might trade Kirill Marchenko before their season opener on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old winger has made it clear that he’ll quite likely leave the Blue Jackets once his contract expires.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has informed his fellow NHL GMs that Marchenko is available. However, he seeks immediate scoring help in return and isn’t interested in draft picks and prospects. “We want the best player possible to replace him,” Waddell said.

Waddell indicated he’s receiving calls about Marchenko, but he’s not “making the calls.” So far, no one has met his asking price.

Rival clubs hope the Blue Jackets get desperate, but they aren’t. Marchenko is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, meaning the Jackets control his rights after this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets aren’t under pressure to move Marchenko as they would be if he were slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Waddell can be patient and wait for a suitable offer.

THE SCORE: Kyle Cushman cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, who told TNT on Friday that he’s trying not to put too much pressure on Quinn Hughes to sign a contract extension.

Hughes, 26, is UFA-eligible next July unless he re-signs with the Wild before July 1.

Guerin acknowledged that this is a major decision for Hughes as he tries to determine what’s best for him and his family. He reminded everyone that winger Kirill Kaprizov went through the same thing at this time last year.

“We’re trying to allow him the time, not put too much pressure on him. He knows where we stand. We want him here for a long, long time. He’s a big part of our team, a big part of our core. But again, these things take time.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Hughes will bolt for the New Jersey Devils and reunite with his brothers, Jack and Luke, as a free agent next July.

However, we must also consider that Hughes wants to see how this season unfolds with the Wild before he decides what to do.

If the Wild have a great season and win the Stanley Cup, or at least look like a perennial Cup contender, that could convince him to stay in Minnesota.

Nevertheless, the longer Hughes remains unsigned, the more he’ll remain a fixture in this season’s rumor mill.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 27, 2026

by | Sep 27, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 27, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, we look at the latest on Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, and Canadiens forward Kirby Dach.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s recent report suggesting the Sharks may have “kicked tires” on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The 33-year-old Hellebuyck revealed last month that he requested a trade. He’s currently suspended without pay by the Jets for refusing to report to training camp.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He has a full no-movement clause until July 1, after which it reverts to a 10-team trade list.

Friedman believes it’s a question of whether Hellebuyck believes the Sharks can become a winner while he’s still at his peak.

Peng wondered if the Sharks should take a chance on Hellebuyck. He speculated that it could cost them a first-round pick, winger Collin Graf, and goalie Yaroslav Askarov. “That’s a high price for an aging, expensive goaltender,” Peng wrote.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Mike Grier was likely doing due diligence by contacting the Jets to inquire about Hellebuyck. However, I agree with Peng that the asking price is too high for the Sharks. By the time the Sharks are contenders, Hellebuyck could be past his prime.

The Sharks seem content to stick with their current tandem of Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic this season. That might change if they struggle or injuries strike, but for now, they still believe in Askarov as their starter.

THE SICK PODCAST: Nick Lariviere did a round-up of reports about the trade rumors swirling around Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Lariviere noted the Montreal Canadiens were among the most aggressive suitors for Marchenko. An NHL scout speculated it could cost the Canadiens a “solid middle-six forward and/or a top-four defenseman.” However, the scout wondered if they’re willing to risk the chemistry they currently have.

Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe believes it could cost the Bruins a promising young forward like Fraser Minten or James Hagens, a first-round pick, and another young asset like Mason Lohrei or better.

Long-time NHL analyst and co-host of The Eye Test Podcast listed the Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers as possible landing spots for Marchenko.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned the Canadiens, Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Seattle Kraken as potential suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ interest in Marchenko may have waned since signing Chris Kreider earlier this month. Of course, they could still keep tabs on his availability and the asking price, but they don’t seem to be currently in a rush to make a big addition to their roster.

The asking price will be a sticking point for any club interested in Marchenko. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell insists he doesn’t want a return of futures, preferring instead a comparable young scorer. Because Marchenko will be a restricted free agent next summer, Waddell isn’t facing the same pressure to move him as he would if the winger were UFA-eligible.

CASINO.ORG: NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports sources claim the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are among the teams interested in Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach.

According to Seravalli, multiple teams offered the Canadiens a second-round pick for Dach, who has struggled through injuries during his tenure in Montreal. However, the Canadiens sought more immediate help and could use him as a trade chip to land a bigger fish like Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Seravalli claimed the Oilers’ interest in Dach “bordered on drooling.” He noted that the 25-year-old forward was drafted by Oilers general manager Stan Bowman when he was GM of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019. Bowman feels a poor run of bad luck due to injuries has prevented Dach from reaching his full potential.

Meanwhile, the Flames are believed to be interested in Dach “to play in concert with someone like Morgan Frost.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dach could become available if promising Florian Xhekaj earns a roster spot because of his strong preseason play. However, as Seravalli observed, the Canadiens could send the waiver-exempt Xhekaj back to Laval to start the season, wait for a better offer for Dach, and recall him after Dach has been traded.

As for the Oilers’ rumored interest in Dach, Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal believes they should proceed with caution, given the risk in acquiring an oft-injured player. The same advice applies to the Flames.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2026

by | Sep 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2026

Red Wings center Dylan Larkin expands his trade list; several teams are interested in Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DYLAN LARKIN EXPANDS HIS TRADE LIST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is willing to expand his list of preferred trade destinations to as many as eight teams.

Larkin, 30, requested a trade earlier this year, and initially would approve a move to the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, or Florida Panthers. It was also rumored he’d accept a trade to the Dallas Stars.

Friedman thinks the Stars are among Larkin’s expanded list, along with the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report brings the list to seven destinations. No idea which club would be the eighth preferred landing spot for Larkin.

None of these teams are viable destinations for Larkin because they lack the cap space to absorb his $8.7 million average annual value. Even if the Red Wings agreed to retain half of his cap hit (which they won’t), those clubs still can’t afford him without sending a high-salaried player to Detroit, which is unlikely.

SEVERAL CLUBS INTERESTED IN MARCHENKO

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that several teams are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July. He’s reportedly unwilling to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets and was evasive when reporters questioned him about the rumor during training camp.

Friedman indicated the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders have already been mentioned as potential suitors. He also mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets. Friedman said he heard the Boston Bruins made an offer at one point, heard conflicting stories about interest from the Vegas Golden Knights, and thinks the Seattle Kraken could also be in on this.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan gauged the Maple Leafs’ rumored interest in Marchenko. He wondered if they could afford the winger’s next contract because they have already committed $105 million against the $113.5 million cap for 2027-28.

Koshan believes young winger Matthew Knies would have to be part of the return to the Blue Jackets. If not, the Maple Leafs could consider moving a promising youngster like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford. Koshan doesn’t consider Marchenko much of an upgrade over Knies, who is younger, carries a more affordable long-term deal, and is likely to keep pace offensively.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has made it clear that he wants a scorer in return for Marchenko. He’s not interested in a package of draft picks and prospects. It might be different if Marchenko were UFA-eligible next summer, but his RFA status gives Waddell leverage here.

Waddell could want Knies straight up for Marchenko, but I agree with Koshan that the Leafs would be better off keeping the 23-year-old power forward.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently acknowledged the trade rumors have resumed about Knies, but he doesn’t believe the Maple Leafs are shopping him. He thinks it’s teams that were interested in the young winger earlier this year circling back to check on his availability.

UPDATES ON NIKISHIN, EDVINSSON, AND TARASENKO

SPORTSNET: Friedman also reported the Carolina Hurricanes have permitted Alexander Nikishin’s camp to talk to some teams. The 24-year-old restricted free agent defenseman requested a trade following the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run.

Friedman wondered if Nikishin might be part of a three-team trade. He’s been mentioned as part of a possible trade offer by the Hurricanes if they were to pursue Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but Friedman said Nikishin isn’t believed to be interested in signing with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Nikishin is part of a three-team deal that sends him to another team and brings Hellebuyck to the Hurricanes? Friedman said he believes the Canes haven’t given up hope of landing the Jets goaltender. If so, which team would be the third party in this deal? Feel free to weigh in on this scenario in the comments below?

According to Friedman, the Detroit Red Wings prefer to sign RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a bridge contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The dysfunction continues in the Red Wings’ front office.

Edvinsson, 22, is one of the Red Wings’ top players. He and Moritz Seider form a solid young blueline tandem. He’s blossoming into a reliable, two-way defenseman. He’s been loyal to this struggling franchise, rejecting offer-sheet proposals from several clubs this summer. He reported to training camp and is practicing with his teammates, though he can’t participate in scrimmages or play in preseason games.

And for all of that, Wings management is thinking a bridge deal. A team with over $19 million in cap space, a once-proud club that hasn’t made the playoffs in a decade (!), a franchise still trying to find a full-time GM, is playing hardball with one of their better players.

I’m not suggesting they use up most of that cap space re-signing Edvinsson, but they’re wasting too much time getting one of their top-two defensemen under contract. The Red Wings continue to lurch from one self-inflicted disaster to another with nothing to show for it but an angry, disillusioned fan base and a team of players who could be losing faith in their playoff hopes before the season begins.

Friedman reported the Florida Panthers and UFA winger Vladimir Tarasenko might be considering a reunion. “Makes sense, he’s played there, and (Brad) Marchand is hurt for now,” Friedman said.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2026

by | Sep 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2026

Check out the latest on Dylan Larkin, Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, Kirill Marchenko, Alexander Nikishin, Jason Robertson, and Matthew Knies in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos published his first trade board of this season. Here’s a look at some of the more interesting rumors:

The Montreal Canadiens tried to convince Dylan Larkin to accept a trade “to come and help Nick Suzuki.” However, the 30-year-old Detroit Red Wings center “still has no interest in coming to Canada.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors surfaced earlier this month linking the Canadiens to Larkin, who hasn’t expanded his three-team list of trade destinations, with the Minnesota Wild at the top. He’s made it clear where he wants to go.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images)

Kypreos also claimed the Canadiens are among the teams asking about Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele. He believes it would cost a hefty price that could include top prospect Michael Hage, or center Oliver Kapanen, “among others”, claiming Kirby Dach “is wrapped up in this too.” He also stated that the thought of adding goalie Samuel Montembeault to work in tandem with Stuart Skinner is intriguing to the Jets because they wouldn’t need to get a goalie back in a Connor Hellebuyck trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Kypreos, if Hellebuyck is on his way out of Winnipeg, the Jets are asking themselves if it’s better to keep or trade Scheifele.

Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont pointed out that Scheifele is a villain among Canadiens fans for his illegal hit on Jake Evans during the 2021 playoffs, earning the Jets center a suspension. However, given the Canadiens signed former public enemy No. 1 Chris Kreider, they probably wouldn’t be too troubled about Scheifele’s history.

Acquiring Scheifele would more than address the Canadiens’ need for an experienced second-line center. However, the 33-year-old center is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million and a full no-movement clause this season.

Assuming Scheifele would be open to a trade to Montreal, the Jets will set a high price, as Kypreos suggested. While he’s coming off a career-high 103-point campaign last season, he’s approaching the stage in his career when decline is inevitable, which could make his contract burdensome over its final years despite the anticipated rise in the salary cap during that period.

Speaking of Hellebucyk, Kypreos reports the Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth, and San Jose Sharks are among the teams monitoring the 33-year-old goalie’s situation. He claimed those clubs are trying to convince the Jets to accept returns of blue-chip prospects over roster players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has stressed he wants a return that’s fair for both sides. He’s indicated he has no intention of rebuilding his roster, and wants players over futures. Given Cheveldayoff’s well-earned reputation for patience in trade talks, he’s unlikely to bend on his asking price.

Kypreos believes the Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers “seem poised to try and make something work” for Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ addition of Chris Kreider takes them out of the market for Marchenko, at least for now, but that could change later in the season if he remains available. Like Cheveldayoff in Winnipeg with Hellebucyk, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell isn’t interested in futures for Marchenko.

Kypreos believes the reason why restricted free-agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin hasn’t been signed and/or traded by the Carolina Hurricanes isn’t necessarily because he’s seeking a massive contract. The young blueliner seeks an opportunity where he can become a top-three defenseman.

Jason Robertson has a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars, but Kypreos wonders what happens next. The two sides can start extension talks on Jan. 1, but Kypreos doesn’t think that could happen because the 27-year-old winger lacks no-trade protection. He envisioned a scenario where the Stars sign him and then trade him to the Seattle Kraken, where Robertson already rejected a move to. Kypreos also noted that Robertson is the radar of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who acquired his younger brother Nick this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill recently said he met with Robertson and his family to mend their relationship. He insisted that re-signing the high-scoring winger remains his priority.

The Matthew Knies trade rumors won’t go away. Kypreos believes the 24-year-old power forward remains the Toronto Maple Leafs’ best trade chip if they want to land a big fish this season, especially because he lacks no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knies could still be a valuable trade asset for the Maple Leafs, but I think GM John Chayka sees him as a key part of the roster core regardless of whether they’re retooling or rebuilding.