NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2026

by | Sep 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, it’s the latest on Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin.

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers were interested in acquiring Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck earlier this summer.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the Jets and Sabres discussed Hellebuyck in late June before the 2026 NHL Draft. He said the Jets wanted the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall) as part of the return. To do that, the Sabres wanted the Jets to include their first-rounder (eighth overall), but the latter declined.

Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was believed to be one of the pieces in that deal. However, the 27-year-old goalie’s five-team no-trade clause kicked in on July 1, and Friedman believes the Jets are part of that list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Luukkonen seems out of the picture for the Jets. He recently shrugged off the trade rumors, saying he’s happy in Buffalo and wants to stay there.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Hellebuyck has been linked to multiple teams, including the Sabres, Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth.

Despite Hellebuyck’s full no-movement clause, reports suggest he’s willing to waive it to join a competitive US-based team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers interest in Hellebuyck came before they acquired winger Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators and goalie Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils. They used most of their trade capital on those two, which likely takes them out of the running for Hellebuyck.

As for the Devils, general manager Sunny Mehta claims he’s comfortable with his current goalie trio of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich. That might change if the Devils struggle at some point this season. Rumors suggest Mehta prefers to retain his trade capital in case Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes becomes available before the March 1 trade deadline.

The Hurricanes and Mammoth appear to be more likely trade destinations. However, those clubs are also reportedly happy with their current goaltending.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted Detroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff’s recent remarks about his team not undergoing a rebuild. He also pointed out that one of the things flying around this summer was the Wings’ unwillingness to trade Dylan Larkin for a return that didn’t bring immediate help.

Friedman claimed former Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman warned the team’s ownership that if they traded Larkin, they probably wouldn’t win in the short term. “It would be for longer-term help, and I don’t think the Red Wings liked that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, they’re not interested in a package of future assets (draft picks and prospects) for Larkin. They want an established player.

That jibes with their reported asking prices for Larkin from the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars. It’s rumored they sought winger Matt Boldy from the Wild and center Wyatt Johnston from the Stars.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2026

by | Sep 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2026

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff talks about Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request; Red Wings center Dylan Larkin declines to discuss his trade request; and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN/SPORTSNET: Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff met with the media on Thursday to talk about Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request and the decision to suspend the 33-year-old goaltender for failing to report to training camp.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Cheveldayoff said he’ll keep seeking a trade for Hellebuyck. He wants a resolution that works for both sides, won’t be rushed into trading the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, and wants to get it right.

The Jets GM hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Hellebuyck returning to the Jets, pointing out that the netminder is under contract for the next five seasons (including this one). He wouldn’t go into the reasons for Hellebuyck’s trade request. “The choices that he makes are the choices he makes,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff has a well-earned reputation for patience when dealing with players who’ve requested trades in the past, like Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba, and Pierre-Luc Dubois. He received solid returns for those players, so it’s not surprising he’s using the same tactic with Hellebuyck.

Cheveldayoff also dismissed the notion there was a “gentlemen’s agreement” to trade Hellebuyck if he ever wanted out when the contract was signed three years ago. “A contract is a contract in the National Hockey League. Period”, he said. “There are no side agreements, there are no gentlemen’s agreements. The league doesn’t allow for that, so any notion around that would not have any merit.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “gentlemen’s agreement” theory was floated by Jeff Marek and Dave Pagnotta during a recent episode of Marek’s podcast “The Sheet.” They mused about the possibility, but couldn’t confirm it. Cheveldayoff was accused of deflecting with his response, but he’s right about the league’s contract rules.

It’s easy to speculate about side deals but it’s just chatter without proof. What isn’t up for debate is that Hellebuyck wants out, and Cheveldayoff will keep trying to move him.

The Jets have reportedly encountered difficulty moving Hellebuyck. Cheveldayoff explained he’s received no offers worthy of consideration. “We’re still talking about moving a player that’s been very, very important to this franchise and is a very good player in the National Hockey League,” he said. “And we expect, I guess, that a level of return would be commensurate to that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff’s legendary patience in trade negotiations will be tested like never before with Hellebuyck. His critics argue he should’ve traded the goalie to the Buffalo Sabres in June instead of pushing for a better deal. Recent reports suggest offers open to the Jets earlier this summer aren’t available now.

By revealing his trade request and refusing to report to training camp, Hellebuyck didn’t improve his trade value. Teams are reportedly making lowball offers, hoping the Jets get desperate to move him quickly.

NHL.COM: Jets players are trying to deal with the Hellebuyck drama as they begin training camp this week. Jets winger Kyle Connor admitted it’s a difficult situation, saying many of his teammates are heartbroken.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings center Dylan Larkin declined to discuss the reasons for his trade request during his press conference on Thursday.

“There’s a lot of personal stuff about that,” Larkin said. “And, you know, to be honest with you, I’m trying to be honest with you guys today, and I’m not ready to go there yet.”

Larkin said he didn’t want his request to be a distraction for his teammates. “I guess I didn’t foresee what happened,” he said. “Some of it was out of my control, to be honest with you.” He told his teammates his request had nothing to do with them.

As for a possible reconciliation with the organization, Larkin said he was keeping that to himself. He also acknowledged that giving up the captaincy was the right thing to do.

Larkin admitted that he didn’t know how he would handle the discontent of Red Wings fans when he takes the ice this season. “I can’t really control that. Obviously, they’re passionate fans. There’s frustration there. I’m frustrated as well,” he said, adding that he intends to take things one day at a time and one game at a time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin deserves some credit for reporting to training camp and stepping up to face the music, and he’s right that some of this was beyond his control. The club’s slow approach to finding a full-time replacement for former general manager Steve Yzerman left his situation in limbo for most of the offseason.

Nevertheless, Larkin created this situation by requesting a trade and giving the Wings a limited list of trade destinations. His reluctance to explain the reasons for his request won’t mollify fans upset about his decision. He looked very uncomfortable discussing situation, and it won’t get any easier if a trade doesn’t materialize soon.

TSN: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin addressed the media on Wednesday to defend his appearance in a recent video for Russian president Vladimir Putin’s United Russia Party ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections.

“I’m Russian,” Ovechkin said. “As soon as I’m done playing hockey, I’m probably going to stay there. I’m going to live there. My kids are going to live there, my family. I’m for peace and love. I hope everything is going to be okay”. Ovechkin said he agreed to appear in the video after being asked to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is receiving growing criticism for supporting Putin, especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the ongoing war between the two countries. In a one-on-one interview, ESPN’s Robert Klemko pressed the Capitals captain about his support of Putin. The discussion grew tense until Ovechkin abruptly ended the interview by walking away.

TSN: Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand is expected to miss the first month of this season as he recovers from offseason surgery for a lower-body injury. Forward Jonah Gadjovich remains sidelined indefinitely after undergoing neck surgery last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala (leg injury) is expected to return to the ice on his own next week. He could rejoin his teammates in three weeks. Meanwhile, defenseman Brian Dumoulin failed his training camp medical and is undergoing further testing. Winger Mats Zuccarello has a minor shoulder injury, but should be ready to return next week.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils forward Nick Bjugstad underwent surgery last week to repair a torn pectoral muscle and will be sidelined for four-to-six months. Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic will be a limited participant in training camp as he rehabs from a minor knee procedure.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators added defenseman Ben Hutton to their training camp on a professional tryout offer.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness wasn’t pleased with two of his players who didn’t meet the club’s physical fitness standards. He didn’t name them but said they will address the issue.

THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks signed head coach Ryan Warsofsky to a multi-year contract extension.

TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs forward Ron Hurst, the club’s oldest living player, died at 95. He spent two seasons with the Leafs from 1955 to 1957, finishing with 16 points in 64 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Hurst’s family, friends, former teammates, and the Leafs’ organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 17, 2026

by | Sep 17, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 17, 2026

The Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck; Dylan Larkin to miss the start of Red Wings training camp; Drew Doughty is the Kings’ new captain; and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TOP HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: The Winnipeg Jets suspended goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for failing to report to training camp. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will speak with the media on Thursday to discuss the decision.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Last month, Hellebuyck released a statement revealing he had requested a trade. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner has four years left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck is trying to pressure Cheveldayoff into trading him. The Jets GM will likely cite breach of contract when addressing this issue today. The suspension will likely be without pay as per the collective bargaining agreement. Hellebuyck won’t feel that right away because NHL players don’t start getting paid until the regular season begins.

It’ll be interesting to hear what Cheveldayoff has to say. If he bends and moves Hellebuyck quickly for a poor return, it could encourage other unhappy players to follow suit. It could also cost him his job.

Given Cheveldayoff’s history of dealing with players who want to be traded, he won’t make a move until he gets a decent offer, something he reportedly hasn’t received yet. That could change if injuries strike any team interested in Hellebuyck. A poor start by one of those teams could make them willing to meet Cheveldayoff’s asking price.

This could backfire on Hellebuyck. Cheveldayoff can afford to wait patiently for better offers. If the Jets struggle in Hellebuyck’s absence, fans will blame him more than the general manager. If the club copes well, that strengthens Cheveldayoff’s position. It could leave the 33-year-old Hellebuyck at risk of missing the entire season, which might not be a good idea at this stage of his career.

ESPN.COM: The Los Angeles Kings named defenseman Drew Doughty as their new captain. He replaced Anze Kopitar, who retired at the end of last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Color me unsurprised. The 36-year-old Doughty was expected to inherit the “C” from Kopitar. He’s starting his 19th season, all of them with the Kings.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers head coach Paul Maurice will not have Matthew and Brady Tkachuk on the same line as the brothers start their first NHL training camp together. Maurice is thinking about putting Brady alongside center Aleksander Barkov and winger Sam Reinhart.

“I don’t want to give everybody what they want with the two Tkachuk brothers together with Sam Bennett up the middle,” Maurice said with a grin. “They’ll be in jail before the puck drops.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t be surprised if the Tkachuks and Bennett wind up on the same line at some point this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes released a statement that restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin will not attend training camp. GM Eric Tulsky said that the 24-year-old Nikishin is not under contract and there would be no further comment at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nikishin requested a trade earlier this summer and hasn’t changed his mind. Tulsky could be working on a sign-and-trade scenario for the sophomore blueliner, who’s been linked to the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers GM Stan Bowman addressed the pushback from some of the team’s fans for signing Alex Formenton. The 27-year-old winger was among the five former Canadian junior players acquitted last year of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in 2018 in London, Ontario.

Bowman said he understood that signing Formenton might not be universally accepted by the Oilers fans. He claimed the club conducted due diligence to ensure that signing the winger would be the right decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers hiring personnel with controversial histories (including Bowman and new head coach Mike Babcock) has raised concerns from some fans and pundits about the team’s direction and the values of those doing the hiring. Their defenders argue that they deserve a second chance, but they could change their tune if the Oilers perform poorly.

INJURY ROUNDUP

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings center Dylan Larkin will miss the start of training camp with an upper-body injury that he suffered during off-ice training.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Is the upper-body injury a jaw wired shut? Okay, I borrowed that one-liner from my Bleacher Report colleague Sara Civian, but it would explain why we haven’t heard Larkin publicly address his messy trade request yet.

Speaking of the Red Wings, interim GM Shawn Horcoff said the club has no desire to rebuild its roster. “We have too many good players in that lineup,” he said, pointing to how close they’ve come to making the playoffs during the last three seasons. Horcoff said his goal, and that of his players, is to keep looking forward.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will miss the start of training camp with a lower-body injury. It’s uncertain when the superstar blueliner will be ready, but head coach Jared Bednar doesn’t believe it’s a cause for concern. He also indicated that Makar’s injury isn’t related to the one he suffered in the postseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal will be sidelined for the next two weeks due to inflammation from a previous injury. He could be sidelined for the start of the regular season.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle will miss the next four to five weeks due to minor surgery this summer to repair an adductor muscle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guhle’s injury opens a spot for one of the Canadiens’ promising young defensemen like David Reinbacher or Adam Engstrom to prove they’re ready to make the jump to the NHL.

TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs forward Max Domi failed his training camp physical and will be sidelined indefinitely. He suffered complications from offseason back surgery.

Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has a virus and could miss at least their first preseason game. He is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.

TSN: Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing sports hernia surgery.

OTTAWA SUN: Sidelined Senators defenseman Artem Zub and winger Warren Foegele won’t be full participants in training camp. That could lead to a free agent like Ben Hutton being signed to a professional tryout offer.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (offseason hip surgery) and Dominic James (broken right hand) could miss the start of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning signed center Luke Glendening to a PTO contract.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Long-time Blue Jackets president Mike Priest will retire on Sept. 30 after 30 years with the team.

SPORTSNET: The Seattle Kraken hired Chuck Fletcher as a senior advisor to the general manager. Fletcher served as a general manager with the Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils named Bryan McCabe as vice president of prospect personnel and assistant GM of their AHL affiliate in Utica. Jessica Campbell was named manager of player development.

TSN: The Boston Bruins signed center Matt Poitras to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level.

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Winger Ryan Reaves announced his retirement.https://apnews.com/article/ryan-reaves-retires-78450b7c42360ea0bcf2f7da0bf927c6

The 39-year-old enforcer spent 16 seasons in the NHL (2010-11 to 2025-26) with the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and San Jose Sharks. In 962 regular-season games, Reaves had 140 points and 1,137 PIMs. He also had nine points and 116 PIMs in 113 playoff games.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2026

by | Sep 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2026

Dylan Larkin will report to the Red Wings’ training camp, John Klingberg and Connor Ingram announce their retirements, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MLIVE.COM: Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings released statements that he would report to training camp but is no longer the team’s captain.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin, 30, requested a trade earlier in the offseason. He has a full no-movement clause, but is willing to waive it for the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. The Dallas Stars are also rumored to be a potential destination.

However, Larkin’s request remains in limbo as the Red Wings continue to search for a new general manager after relieving Steve Yzerman of those duties two months ago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friday’s statements end weeks of conjecture over whether Larkin would report to training camp. He had little choice given the circumstances. Missing camp and preseason play to force a trade would’ve resulted in suspension without pay and would’ve adversely affected his performance whenever he returned, either with the Red Wings or another club.

However, Larkin’s future still has to be decided.

MLive.com’s Ansar Khan wonders if reconciliation is possible once the Red Wings hire a new general manager and, if not, what it would take to make a trade possible. The teams on his trade wish list lack the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire him. Khan also pondered if Larkin would be welcomed back by his teammates and Red Wings fans.

NHL.COM: Defenseman John Klingberg announced his retirement after 12 NHL seasons. From 2014-15 to 2025-26, he had 96 goals and 351 assists for 443 points in 700 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks. He also had 43 points in 82 games, helping the Dallas Stars reach the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg’s best seasons were with the Stars. During his eight seasons in Dallas, the puck-moving blueliner reached or exceeded 40 points six times, including a career-high 67 points in 2017-18. Hip injuries eventually hampered his performance and derailed his playing career.

Goaltender Connor Ingram has retired after five NHL seasons. From 2021-22 to 2025-26, Ingram played with the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, and Edmonton Oilers. He has a record of 55 wins, 54 losses, and 18 overtime losses with a 3.01 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and nine shutouts.

Ingram, 29, won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2023-24 after seeking treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Elliotte Friedman reported Ingram’s goal is to return to school to study psychology and use what he learns to help others. Best wishes to Ingram in his future endeavors.

TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Kole Lind to a professional tryout offer.

DESERET NEWS: Utah Mammoth prospect forwards Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers will not take part in the club’s Rookie Faceoff games in San Jose this weekend. They are listed as day-to-day and are expected to report to the Mammoth’s training camp next week.

SPORTSNET: St. Louis Blues prospect forward Adam Jecho will be unavailable to the team for an indefinite period as he receives care in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report did not include the reason why Jecho is receiving assistance. Whatever it is, let’s respect his privacy and hope that he receives the help he needs.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former Nashville Predators assistant coach Brent Peterson had died at age 68 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterson was an NHL forward from 1978-79 to 1988-89 with the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Hartford Whalers, netting 213 points in 620 regular-season games.

Peterson turned to coaching following his playing career. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Whalers before becoming coach of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, guiding them to the WHL championship in 1997-98. He was an assistant coach with the Predators from 1998-99 to 2002-03. Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2002, he became their associate coach from 2003-04 to 2010-11.

My condolences to Peterson’s family, friends, former teammates and colleagues, and the Predators organization.

Long-time Florida Panthers blogger Todd Little has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover the costs of health insurance and medical treatment for his wife, Stacey, who is undergoing treatment for Stage III cancer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above if you’d like to contribute.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2026

by | Sep 9, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2026

Sidney Crosby is interested in re-signing with the Penguins; Jets believe Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request won’t be a distraction; Alex DeBrincat defends teammate Dylan Larkin’s trade request; and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Sidney Crosby said contract extension talks are underway with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 39-year-old center is in the final season of his two-year contract. He admitted his age makes it “a little bit more difficult” to project where he’ll be.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

“I’d like to continue playing for a number of years,” Crosby said. “It’s just I don’t know what that number is. I guess your mind and body tell you that eventually. Right now I feel pretty good, though.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby and the Penguins management aren’t in a rush to get a deal done, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they agree to another two-year extension.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jets captain Adam Lowry and veteran defenseman Dylan DeMelo don’t believe that teammate Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request will be a distraction. The 33-year-old goalie recently revealed he requested a trade earlier this season and believes it’s in his best interests to move on.

Lowry believes the trade request is a personal decision by Hellebuyck that won’t create a great divide with the Jets’ dressing room. DeMelo said the focus will be on preparing for the upcoming season regardless of what happens with Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets will put a brave face on this situation, but there’s no denying that Hellebuyck’s trade request will affect the club’s performance whenever management moves him. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner was expected to play a large role in their efforts to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance. Losing him will adversely affect those plans.

DAILY FACEOFF: Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat said he understands how awkward and disappointing it is that teammate Dylan Larkin requested a trade, but he claimed it doesn’t change what he and his teammates think about him.

“He’s still a great player. He’s been a great friend and a great teammate to me, and we obviously love him here,” DeBrincat said. “That’s kind of for him to answer, what’s next for him. But for us, I think it’s all the same. We’re happy to see him at the rink and happy to get started.”

TSN: Simon Edvinsson intends to attend training camp despite lacking a new contract with the Red Wings. The 22-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level deal. He’s reportedly waiting patiently for the Red Wings to hire a new general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s trade request and Edvinsson’s contract negotiations remain in limbo until the Red Wings find a new permanent GM. Training camp opens on Sept. 17. Tick-tock….

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks co-president Daniel Sedin said there is no timeline for Thatcher Demko’s return. The 30-year-old starting goaltender had season-ending hip surgery in January. He’s been skating on his own, but hasn’t participated in the informal workouts leading up to the start of training camp on Sept. 17.

OTTAWA SUN: Tim Stutzle brushed off Florida Panthers pest Brad Marchand mocking the possibility of the 24-year-old center being among the candidates for the Senators’ captaincy. “I really don’t care, to be honest,” Stutzle said. “I don’t care about that at all.”

Senators winger Drake Batherson was taken aback by Marchand’s reaction. He trains with the Panthers’ winger during the offseason. “I texted him. I’m like, ‘Marchy, what are you doing?’ That’s just Marchy. He’s been doing that for years. I told Timmy. It’s all good,” Batherson said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand missed his calling as a WWE heel.

Speaking of the Senators, the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reports general manager Steve Staios said Artem Zub is still rehabbing the injury he suffered during the playoffs. The defenseman is expected to be ready for training camp, but if not, Staios would consider signing a player or two to a professional tryout offer.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed center Fraser Minten to a seven-year, $50.4 million contract extension. Minten, 22, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. His new deal carries an average annual value of $7.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Canucks with Zeev Buium, the Bruins are making a big bet on Minten reaching his potential as a top-six center. He had a promising rookie season in 2025-26 with 17 goals and 35 points in 82 games and a team-leading plus/minus of plus-21.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Veteran goaltender Ilya Samsonov is returning to the NHL after a one-year stint in the KHL, signing a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level. The Sharks now have four goalies with NHL experience, as Samsonov joins Yaroslav Askarov, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Eric Comrie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Samsonov is expected to start this season with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year, $850,000 contract.

DAILY FACEOFF: Forward Tyson Jost will attend the Nashville Predators’ training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO).

TSN: For a third straight year, the NHL Draft will be decentralized. It will be held on June 25-26, 2027.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

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

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

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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