NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2026
A look at the fallout from the Connor Hellebuyck trade, plus the latest on the Penguins and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE FALLOUT FROM THE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK TRADE
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun examined how Winnipeg’s trade of Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils could affect the goalie trade market.
LeBrun believes this could sting the Carolina Hurricanes to see Hellebuyck traded to a division rival after pursuing the three-time Vezina Trophy winner for several months. He wondered if Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky will look elsewhere for a goaltending upgrade.
Winnipeg Jets trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils (NHL Images).
The Buffalo Sabres also tried for Hellebuyck, especially before the NHL Draft in June. The Utah Mammoth looked into it, but LeBrun doesn’t believe they were seriously interested.
LeBrun wondered if the addition of Hellebuyck would make the Devils more enticing to Quinn Hughes. The Minnesota Wild defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July and has not indicated his intentions. LeBrun also pondered whether this might spur Wild GM Bill Guerin to push harder to acquire center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.
DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek also wondered if the Devils might make a play for Hughes and if the Wild could entice him to stay by acquiring Larkin.
Marek acknowledged that Hughes would love to play with his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey. However, it would take away playing time from Luke and reduce the latter’s role.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster doubted the Vegas Golden Knights would’ve had a legitimate chance of acquiring Hellebuyck.
Webster believes they “kicked tires” on the 33-year-old goalie. However, they would’ve had to move Adin Hill in the deal, and the Jets are on his no-trade list. He also noted that the Jets didn’t want to move Hellebuyck to a Western Conference team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Critics of Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff chided him for not getting a better return for Hellebuyck. However, he took the best deal, which means whatever the Hurricanes and Sabres proposed couldn’t beat the Devils’ offer.
Rumor has it that, before the 2026 NHL Draft, the Sabres offered up goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, the 2026 fourth-overall pick, and another asset. However, the Jets refused to part with their first-rounder (eighth overall), and the deal fell through.
If that speculation is true, Cheveldayoff blew an opportunity to get a better deal back then. Nevertheless, whatever the Sabres were offering now wasn’t as good as what they got from the Devils.
As for Quinn Hughes’ fate, it depends on whether the Wild prove themselves as a Stanley Cup contender. If they’re flying high in the standings by the March trade deadline but he’s still unsigned, they could retain him to push for the Cup in the hope that their performance entices him to stay. Landing Larkin could also convince him to stick around.
However, if the Wild decide to move him by the trade deadline, the Devils could have a difficult time winning the bidding war. They already gave up several tradeable assets to get Hellebuyck, and the Wild will set a high price for Hughes.
The Devils could wait for the offseason if Hughes decides to test the market. It’ll only cost them money instead of players, prospects, and draft picks. However, they have $16.8 million in projected cap space for 2027-28 with 16 active roster players under contract.
Hughes will likely seek over $20 million on his next contract, meaning the Devils would have to shed significant salary to free up sufficient room to sign him, but that wouldn’t leave much to fill out the rest of their roster.
LATEST ON THE PENGUINS
TSN: Darren Dreger reported Thursday that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is listening to offers for some of his veteran players.
Dreger claims Dubas is listening on players like Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust. However, he’s working with a “cash-strict budget, not just the NHL’s salary cap.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like the Penguins’ new ownership has set an internal cap ceiling. In other words, they’re not spending to the cap ceiling for the foreseeable future.
Karlsson is UFA-eligible next summer, so he’ll come off the books on July 1 unless traded before the March 1 deadline, assuming he waives his NMC.
Letang ($6.1 million), Rust ($5.125 million), and Rakell ($5 million) are signed through 2027-28. Letang has an NMC, but he has a 10-team trade list. Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list, while Rust lacks no-trade protection.
The 39-year-old Letang’s declining performance makes him a difficult sell to any of the teams on his list. Rakell and Rust could have some value as this season goes on.
BRENDEN DILLON DENIES RECENT TRADE RUMOR
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Daniel Amoia cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who clarified a rumor he’d heard earlier in the week that Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon rejected a trade last season.
Friedman followed up on the story after Dillon informed him that the rumor wasn’t true. He’d heard two Devils used their NTC, and thought Dillon was one of them.
Amaio noted that Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton vetoed a trade last season that would’ve sent him to the San Jose Sharks.
Better deal? UPL is terrible and the 8th for 4th swap would have been pointless. Command alone makes this a better deal.
Brock
Is hardly say UPL is horrible. He got a young Sabres team to the 2nd round last year. The Sabres went cold on offence vs Montreal.
Hellebuyck has had several poor playoff performances.
There was a rumour that Metal was part of the Buffalo offer too.
Trading up from 8 to 4 would have been worth it to get rid of a guy that didn’t want to be there. They ended up with the 12th pick from that draft anyways. Would they have picked Command at #8?
Chevy overplayed his hand.
The 4th pick would have been pointless for the Jets if they drafted Viggo with it, which they would have done. Instead they now have the 8th and 12th picks, both guys they wanted from a deep draft. Unless Quinn is somehow way better than Mercer, the Buffalo offer is in no way better.
My understanding is that UPL has a modified No trade clause and the Jets are not on his list of teams to be traded to.
He does, Sean, but it’s a 5-team no-trade list.
Since we’re never really privy to the teams on anyone’s such list … and although it’s easy to speculate when it comes to Canada-based teams … may I ask if Winnipeg being on his no-go list is based upon some leaked information, or just more speculation?
@daryl
Jets did better with the Skinner signing than if they traded for ulp, whos deficiencies are well known.
Jets always wanted Viggo & were very interested in Command. now they have both which is something the Jets never had, prospect depth at centre.
having Mercer on the 2nd line, who will play a more offensive roll with the Jets, should stabilize that line and help to contribute to more offence.
so looking at it as a whole, the buffalo deal isnt alot better because the Jets signed Skinner who’s a better goalie than upl, and Mercer has the opportunity to play a more offensive roll and they got Command, who they also wanted.
buffalo lost out, not the Jets.
Piece ks 4 through 12 interchangeable Jets Got Command thereefore a great deal for the Jets and in Chevy we trust just happy we got rid of the bum…didn’t want him around the Princess Auto with his distraction
I don’t think Buffalo lost out at all, and if we were being honest on here none of us know who will be the better player; Rudolph or Command. Both could be very good. Big fan of Rudolph here.
Nor Mercer or Quinn, although Quinn will play with more offensive guys, so likely puts up more points.
The draft picks 4-12 were interchangeable? Huh? History would like a word. I’m sure folks can find some examples over the last 25 years, but not the norm.
I’ll have to disagree with those who think Buffalo didn’t miss out.
UPL is not an established goalie with a save percentage of .899% after 4 full years in the NHL.
Their goalies all had decent years last year, but none of them have a long track record of success in the NHL.
And with so many young pieces that the Sabres easily could have seen a couple go, they really blew this one.
Just watch New Jersey take off from here, and the Sabres blow leads and struggle…
I have a hard time understanding how you got to your conclusion, Daryl.
Have a look at this:
UPL career save % = .899%
Stu Skinner save % = .902%
Skinner costs less and they didn’t have to give up anything for him. So, Skinner > UPL
Jack Quinn had his best year last year with 20 goals and 51 points. Before that, his numbers are more pedestrian than Mercer’s. And they are roughly the same size.
Quinn was 24 last year, and Mercer is 24 this year. I don’t see one being far better than the other. Quinn is off to a hot start, but he is also employed on the first unit powerplay and 2nd line. Mercer is on the 3rd playing more of a depth role. Chevy said he will revert to more of a top 6 in Winnipeg. So, we’ll see more about this comparison going forward. But they seem like similar players.
And then, Chevy said Bjorck was their guy whether at 4th overall or 8th. And they considered moving back in the draft to take Command if Bjorck wasn’t available. Now they have them both.
Getting Daws, Bjugstad (who has been traded at the deadline before because of his size, ability to win faceoffs, and muscle up come playoff hockey will have some value at some point… maybe.
And a couple of picks.
How can anyone say that UPL, Quinn, and moving up four spots in the draft to take who they already got at 8 is better?
It’s about way more than this season or next for the Sabres Wesley, they just made the playoffs for the 1st time in 14 years. Competitive window just opening. Not in the class of true contender IMO, but building to it.
Plus they had some serious cap issue this season with the Skinner buyout at $6.4. Hence Tuch and Byram are gone.
They’re thinking the next 5-10 years plus they will have real cap flexibility next season.
So taking all that into consideration, do you think Buffalo is better long term without Rudolph, the top D drafted, and Quinn adding Helle?
I dunno, but wouldn’t have done it.
And yes Helle should have good #’s in Jersey they are very good defensively, kinda like WPG was when he won Vezina’s. They weren’t last year and he was average or worse.
They needed a tender big time. We’ll see if Buffalo goes out and gets one soon.
Helle also needed hip surgery mid season last year and no one brings that up when discussing his numbers.
Or the team in front of him for that matter. Lost Ehlers and employed Jonathon Toews, Gustav Nyqvist, and Tanner Pearson as regulars last year. Woof.
Fair point about Buffalo thinking about the years ahead. And maybe they are correct to be patient. But they have to upgrade their goaltending at some point if they want to be considered a serious cup contender.
Amen, Brock.
Jets got the 2nd line help they need and the got 2 top 15 centres for this years draft, a luxury theyve never had.
Daws or Stevenson might be a trade since Stevenson wont, I dont know about Daws.
Bjugstad is nothing. he will never be in a Jets uniform. Jets will move him on ir.
Command is a very nice piece if he progresses they way he’s expected too.
the biggest loser in this is Buffalo. they desperately need to revamp their goaltending and adding Hellebuyck would have made them a true contender. i think a dumb move on buffalos part.
Agree 100% with your analysis. The draft ????!!!I go back and look at the year Sanderson and Stueztle were drafted and then look at Bostons 15-16-17 picks a few years earlier and even the dwarf Caufield at 15 or so. Also I was always hoping Buffalo would emerge before the Habs and Detroit outta their rebuilds but really took a step backwards by not getting Hellebyuck even though I am happy Winnipeg finally shiipped him out and I would love to find out what was offered by the Sabres at the draft cause nobody really knows
I don’t know the point your trying to make Don.
You said picks 4-12 are interchangeable because Rudolph was picked 4th Command at 12.
The year Boston picked 3 in a row, ya they blew it, but that year is below because you brought it up. Great draft year BTW.
Marner at 4
Gurianov at 12
The Stutzle (3) year
Raymond at 4
Sanderson 5
Lundell at 12
So very close, Lundell is very good and on a great team.
Again, history is littered with examples of late pickups that were very good as your picking 18 yr old kids. And big misses. Ask the OiIers.
But most often, 4 is better than 12.
If Guerin gets Larkin he better be sure Hughes stays. Trade Hamilton, get Hughes at 17 and they will be fine. I can see Hughes taking less if he gets a better chance to win with his brothers. Worst case, sign a four year deal only
Hamilton has a 10-team trade list; he’s 33 years old with a $9 million AAV, his best years are behind him, and he’s already rejected requests to expand his trade list. You’re not getting Hughes at $17 million. He’s one of the league’s elite defensemen. He’ll want top dollar, regardless of whether he’s playing with his brothers.
Hamilton also has a full NMC to boot!
I assume they have to send something with him, and yes I do believe Hughes would take less for a couple of years. What wouldnt he do to win with his two brothers?
I know the Penguins are looking at the future but how will this Hoffman ownership allow Dubas to control the team? will they want more hands on ?
When it comes to Rumors, given that team weaknesses in either the offense or defense/goaltending aspects of their game is what usually galvanizes a GM into pursuing trades, here’s how the 32 teams stack up in terms of average goals scored and average goals against per game so far this season, perhaps signifying who we might expect to see cropping up in deals if some of these numbers don’t start to quickly improve.
For comparison purposes, the number in brackets after each team shows their averages for the entire previous season, In San Jose’s case – in reference to the comments above – note that, like many, they are pretty close to more of the same over the long haul. Others, not so much – trending either up or down … some significantly.
Early season stuff, I realize, but at least indicative as to where each team needs to focus, either with what they have (including pending injury returnees), or perhaps through deals:
Average Goals Scored Per Game
4.7 – Edm (3.4)
4.3 – Col (3.7)
4.0 – Sea (2.8)
3.9 – Car (3.6)
3.8 – Bos (3.3), Veg (3.2)
3.7 – Utah (3.3)
3.6 – Tor (3.1)
3.5 – St. L (2.8)
3.4 – Mtl (3.5), Pit (3.6), Tam (3.5)
3.3 – NJ (2.8), Wash (3.2)
3.1 – NYR (2.9)
3.0 – SJ (3.1)
2.9 – NYI (2.8), Minn (3.3), Vanc (2.6)
2.8 – Ott (3.4), Fla (3.1), Det (2.9), Buff(3.5)
2.7 – Ana (3.3)
2.6 – Wpg (2.8), Nash (3.0), Dal (3.4)
2.5 – Clb (3.1), L.A. (2.7)
2.2 – Chic (2.6)
2.1 – Cgy (2.6)
1.7 – Pha (3.1)
Average Goals Against Per Game
1.7 – Dall (2.8)
2.0 – Bos (3.1)
2.1 – NYI (2.9)
2.4 – NYR (3.1)
2.5 – Minn (2.9)
2.7 – Ott (3.0)
2.8 – Car (2.9)
2.9 – Tam (2.8), Wp (3.2)
3.0 – Det (3.2), Veg (3.1)
3.1 – Col (2.5), St. L (3.2), NJ (3.1), Fla (3.4), Pha (3.0)
3.2 – Edm (3.3), Wash (3.0)
3.3 – Nash (3.3), Ana (3.5), Utah (2.9), Tor (3.7)
3.4 – Sea (3.2). SJ (3.6)
3.5 – Pitt (3.3), Mtl (3.1)
3.6 – L.A. (3.0), Clb (3.1)
3.7 – Buff (2.9)
4.0 – Chic (3.4)
4.2 – Cgy (3.2)
6.2 – Vanc (3.9)
Very interesting graft, George O! Thank you for the breakdown.
Regarding the teams needing goaltending to take the next step, seeing that New Jersey is more or less right at their expectation with goals for and against, adding Hellebuyck appears to bodes well for them.
We can see the bottom potentially falling out a bit in Buffalo, and NHL success is a fine line. Game of inches, right?
Utah hasn’t seen anything extreme yet, but time will tell.
This will be interesting to follow. Vejmelka and UPL at the same money of $4.75 milly (albeit Vejmelka with an extra year on his contract, 4 instead of 3).
Will either of these teams attempt to improve their goaltending over the next couple of years?
WPG with Viggo+Command could have their center position set for a decade soon. not a bad way for a rebuild. Curious if Scheif and Connor will be next to ask for new homes.
Pretty good trade especially if Mercer gets going. Chevy spoke of his pre-draft meeting with Command. Word was that if Viggo was gone at 8 that they would seriously consider taking Command with the pick. So, if that being true Winnipeg did well not taking the Buffalo offer as they got both young centers that they targeted at the draft. I think the 3 core vets enjoy Winnipeg and consider their legacies there, I would be more surprised if those guys ask out.
@emil
WPG got better
Devils in a win now stage.
If Command ends up as a third line center NJD won the deal.
They also have 33million cap space next summer with no important players needed big extensions. If they can convince players to come to town.
interesting
The comment about Sheiffle/Connor wanting out and maybe Morrissey is premature but Cheveldayoff should be looking at trades that would maximize the return in the next year or two otherwise they will be a middle of a pact team especially in a strong competitive central division
Alex Command was my favorite under the radar prospect in the 2026 draft. He still has a ways, but he is that quick middle piece that extends the attack with smart extention passes, handling them, and swiftly transporting pucks to teammates. He already has an “anchor” that makes him fairly able to handle and relish the contact with defemders. I am going to guess he was the guy the Jets wanted back, and recvd.
Check back on the Command kid in a couple of years!
since cbj wants to move voronkov and cgy zary how would a voronkov and heinen trade for zary and pospisill trade look in everybodys opinion
Zary for Voronkov would be interesting not sure need to add Pospi & Heinen but rather than Pospi perhaps Othmann could be inserted instead. I would imagine Heinen would be waived by the Flames.
Winnipeg loses a player who has been awol this year so haven’t lost a playing asset.
Dawson Mercer played wing in NJ but he’s a centre and will fill the 2C spot the Jets have been looking for a while now.
Bjugstad, a big body pro that can be inserted anywhere in bottom 6 without any gamble, good on pk, plays the body and can be let go end of year.
Command, highly touted player, high draft pick, we hear all kinds of great reports but I’ve never seen him play. At minimum he’s a grade A prospect.
Daws is a decent goalie who gives the Jets a pretty good tandem with Skinner and Jets can waive Stevenson.
The draft picks are gravy for now Rd. 7 is a hail mary, the rd 2 crap shoot with better odds.
Bottom line is Winnipeg got a lot for a 33y/o goalie who has underperformed in the last three playoffs that wanted out.
Habfan 30. I also think Jets made out. Added to roster and gained cap space. Could add another piece at deadline. Not sure Devils are a better team after this trade and can’t see any way they add Quinn in FA.
Says a Rangers fan….
Dawson Mercer’s best season was his second when he had 27 goals and 29 assists.His last 3 years averaged 20 goals and 17assists. This season in 10 games 0 goals and 4 assists. Fair but not outstanding numbers. More of a 3rd line center numbers,
It was reported in Buffalo the Jets wanted Bjorck but did not want to use the 4th pick on him because they thought that was too high of a pick for him. They thought he would still be around at 8. That is why they wanted to keep pick 8.
Command is the wildcard in the deal. You never know how these players turnout as a pro. Should be interesting to see if he is worth the hype. Have to wonder if he is so highly thought of why did he last to pick 12?
As for the Sabres the 2 biggest problems are scoring goals and special teams. UPL has let in a few bad goals but he has also made some highlight reel saves to keep them in games. You have to acknowledge the good and not just look at the bad.
We won’t be able to do a win lose comparison until we see what hellibuck the devils got. He returns to vezina level it’s a steal for them. If he doesn’t it’s a possible win for peg. Depends on command. Chevy got a decent return for the guy. But not at all what many were suggesting. Goalies even ones like helly don’t gain msssive returns
Combine what you and HF30 said, and that’s a wrap.
In their early prime they might return what can be described as “massive” Chrisms… but then, no one is dealing a top level goalie in his prime … at least, not as I recall.
Some may point to Hasek, Fleury and now Hellebuyck … but they were 36, 36 and pushing 34 (the Fleury deal came weeks after winning the Vezina with Vegas).
Patrick Roy is obviously the exception, since he was 30 when dealt to Colorado from Montreal after that infamous blow-up. But he, along with captain Mike Keane were dealt by the inexperienced GM Rejean Houle for Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky and Andre Kovalenko – often cited as THE worst trade in Habs history.
What do you mean by many?
33 year old that didn’t want to be there, plays poorly in the post season but is normally elite during the regular season
Vs
20 goal center
A top half 1st rounder
A second round pick
+ Change
Seems about right to me. He’s going to be 34 in May. I’m 41 and feel old lol but I actually wouldn’t around him.
Hey Lyle
If this isn’t allowed please remove but I joined a photography contest as a joke and have done much better than I thought was possible.
It is all started based on silly pictures of my dog Django (RIP) that passed away a few years ago. The main picture is him being oblivious to a big cat floof on his nose but there’s other pictures of him and other things as well.
If anyone is willing to vote (completely free daily vote) I’d greatly appreciate it.
Some how I have made it to the 3rd round and I am in 3rd place. I have almost no social media presence so I am just trying to find ways to build a little bit of support. Here is the link:
https://photography.maxim.com/t/Q6UWDVGQ
I think this is an irresponsible trade by the Devils as they are not close to being a real contender. They might challenge for a playoff spot, maybe, but they are not a cup contender. As such, you should not trade future and current assets for an aging 33 year old veteran coming off a not so great year. This is more like a deal to try to convince Larkin and Quinn Hughes to come join their team, although I don’t see how they could acquire both due to cap space limitations.
As for the Jets, I think they got what they could, but it doesn’t look like a very good deal. Essentially it is for Mercer, Command, and a 2nd rounder. Mercer is a decent 20 goal scorer, but he isn’t great and he isn’t a foundational piece to build around. Command looks like he is a good prospect, but he is just a prospect, and who knows how he will grow his game into an NHLer. A second rounder is ok, but in 2029 no less, and collectively the return is underwhelming. The Jets appear “less than” in the eyes of their fans and veterans. Do the Jets go on a fire sale at the trade deadline as they don’t appear to be playoff caliber?
After analyzing this trade , I have realized that the jets got quantity or quality. Bjudstad just had surgery and may never play for jets , Mercer is a 3rd line winger , and command is a unproven wildcard who one day might become a 3 rd line shutdown centre. And those draft picks are not great. Plus in 3 years if command makes it to the show , #55 and #44 will be over 36. Also their prospect pool is rated 26th overall , which is not a ringing endorsement.
@lindsay
‘but he isn’t great and he isn’t a foundational piece to build around.’
who said he was? he’s 2nd line help which is what the Jets need.
‘ Command looks like he is a good prospect, but he is just a prospect, and who knows how he will grow his game into an NHLer.’
thats why theyre called prospects & not sure things.
‘ A second rounder is ok, but in 2029 no less’
as long as its not a 2nd in 2027, which is predicted by the ‘experts’ to not be a deep draft.
‘ The Jets appear “less than” in the eyes of their fans and veterans.’
i have no idea what nonsense youre even blabbering about?
‘Do the Jets go on a fire sale at the trade deadline as they don’t appear to be playoff caliber?’
hahahahahahaaaaaaaa then bet your house on it if youre such an expert.
your whole post comes across as very negative & uninformed, so its a good thing your not fans of either teams.
good luck with your team!!
Right!? Debbie downer take all around.
NJ screwed up, the Jets got nothing. Really?
20 goals on your second line and a 12th overall pick.
I just watched Sid Sixterio go on about how Chevy couldn’t even get a 1st for Hellebuyck.
What the heck is Command? And what was Dawson Mercer.
Not every first rounder turns into Kyle Connor. But some them will give you half his goals playing 3 minutes less a night.
Personally, I think Cheveldayov made off like a bandit.
Sunny and Chevy: Lindsay thinks you fleeced yourselves! Maybe call a do-over? LOL