NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2026

by | Sep 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2026

The latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Morgan Rielly, Samuel Montembeault, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

JETS GOALIE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK COULD REFUSE TO REPORT TO CAMP

TSN: Darren Dreger said he doesn’t expect Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to report to training camp this week. That will force the Jets to respond, likely on Wednesday or Thursday.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Dreger indicated that there would be no immediate financial punishment because NHL players don’t get paid until the regular season begins.

According to Dreger, the trade interest in Hellebuyck has been minimal. There was activity with the Buffalo Sabres before that draft but very little since. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t received any offers that he considers fair value for an elite goalie like Hellebuyck

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck revealed his trade request last month. Refusing to report to training camp will be seen as a tactic to force Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to trade him before the season begins.

Because Hellebuyck is under contract, the Jets can suspend him without pay if his holdout stretches into the regular season. While he’s suspended, his salary doesn’t count against the Jets’ cap payroll.

If Hellebuyck sits out the season, they will toll his contract forward, meaning he’ll still have five years left on his contract instead of four years. That might be fine for Hellebuyck, but it could make interested parties leery of acquiring a 34-year-old goalie with five years left on his deal at $8.5 million annually.

If Hellebuyck goes this route, it could backfire. The longer he’s out, the harder it could be for him to get back into game shape if he’s traded later in the season. Given his age, he can’t afford to blow off a season if he hopes to play for a Stanley Cup contender one day.

Cheveldayoff has a well-earned reputation for patience regarding players who want to be traded. The Jets GM could have the support of Winnipeg fans, many of whom aren’t happy with Hellebuyck’s stance and won’t support moving the three-time Vezina Trophy winner for pennies on the dollar.

Hellebuyck will wear it if the Jets struggle without him. Meanwhile, Cheveldayoff could wait until one of those interested clubs is willing to meet his asking price. Those clubs are unwilling to do so now, but that could change if injuries strike or they have a bad start to the season.

MORGAN RIELLY WILL REMAIN WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston report Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka said there was no point during the offseason when he had a serious opportunity to trade Morgan Rielly.

Earlier this summer, the 32-year-old defenseman was the subject of trade speculation. In June, it was reported that his agent submitted a list of four Western Conference teams that he’d be willing to join, but Rielly never expressed the desire to leave Toronto.

Chayka believes Rielly will continue playing an important role on the Leafs, citing his puck-moving abilities to create offense.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks were rumored to be interested in Rielly. However, they opted to acquire Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers instead.

Rielly struggled over the past two seasons under former head coach Craig Berube’s defense-first system. He could regain his offensive form under new coach Jim Hiller.

CANADIENS WON’T KEEP A THREE-GOALIE SYSTEM THIS SEASON

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes doesn’t intend to have a three-goalie system this season. He said he’s comfortable starting training camp with Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, and Samuel Montembeault, but probably not for the upcoming regular season.

Of the three goalies, only Fowler can be sent to their AHL affiliate in Laval without passing through waivers.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly revisited his theme that the Canadiens can’t keep Montembeault on their roster following last season’s sub-par performance.

Kelly acknowledged the difficulty Hughes would’ve faced trying to trade the 30-year-old Montembeault this summer. However, he cited veteran analyst Pierre McGuire’s recent suggestion that the Canadiens should put Montembeault on waivers. McGuire believes Montembeault won’t clear, removing his $3.15 million salary cap hit from their books.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kelly fears the Canadiens will give Montembeault too much playing time, which could cost them games if his struggles continue. That’s what happened during the first two months of last season, but they didn’t have much choice after Dobes cooled off following a hot start. At that time, they didn’t think Fowler was NHL-ready.

That’s not the case this season. Dobes seized the starter’s role with a strong second-half performance, while Fowler acquitted himself well as Dobes’ backup.

Montembeault will have a shorter leash this season. If he struggles again, it’s unlikely any club will claim him if he hits the waiver wire. In that case, the Canadiens would recall Fowler and either demote Montembeault or put him in the press box.

THE FLYERS AREN’T DONE TRYING TO MAKE A BIG MOVE

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t done attempting to make a big splash this season. He pointed to their signing Leo Carlsson in July to a lucrative offer sheet, which the Anaheim Ducks matched.

Dreger said they’re still “big-game hunting” as they seek a star forward or a star defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word on which players the Flyers could pursue, but they will be worth watching whenever a notable forward or defenseman becomes available this season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 30, 2026

by | Aug 30, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 30, 2026

Could Dylan Larkin accept a trade to the Mammoth or Canadiens? Could the latter attempt to trade Samuel Montembeault to the Oilers? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LARKIN TO THE MAMMOTH OR CANADIENS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes the Utah Mammoth makes the most sense for Dylan Larkin if the Detroit Red Wings center is serious about chasing the Stanley Cup.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Mammoth are an up-and-coming team who recently added veteran forwards Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck. They have the draft capital to make an enticing offer and have a bit of a trade history with the Red Wings after acquiring goalie Sebastian Cossa earlier this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s trade list includes the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, though it’s rumored the Dallas Stars are also on his list. So far, the 30-year-old center hasn’t indicated that he’s willing to widen that list, though he might have to if he seriously wants to be moved before the start of the regular season in four weeks.

The Mammoth tick the right boxes, but whether they seriously want him or if he’s willing to include them on his list of preferred destinations remains to be seen.

NHL NETWORK: Mike Johnson suggested the Montreal Canadiens as a landing spot for Larkin. The Canadiens are stacked with young talent that Johnson believes makes them a legitimate Stanley Cup contender over the next four or five years.

Johnson noted that the Canadiens can draw on their “boatload” of young prospects to build a trade package for the Red Wings, including University of Michigan winger Michael Hage. He acknowledged the Canadiens weren’t on Larkin’s four-team trade list. However, if it’s about winning for Larkin, the Habs are on the precipice of winning for the next half-decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin would be a terrific addition to the Canadiens, but he doesn’t seem interested in joining a Canadian club.

MONTEMBEAULT TO THE OILERS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes the goalie market should start heating up with Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets requesting a trade and Frederik Andersen of the Edmonton Oilers to miss training camp after suffering an injury during offseason training.

That could make it possible for the Canadiens to trade Samuel Montembeault. Cowan doesn’t expect they’ll start the season carrying Montembeault, Jakub Dobes, and Jacob Fowler. He believes Montembeault can regain his form after struggling through injury and inconsistency last season, but he will have a short leash.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Haines wondered if Andersen’s injury might create an opportunity for the Canadiens to ship Montembeault to the Oilers. She noted Montembeault has a cap hit of $3.15 million and the Oilers have $2 million in cap space, which would mean the Canadiens would have to take back some salary in such a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said last week that he wasn’t too concerned over the rash of early injuries plaguing his club. He’ll likely look at internal options first (such as offseason acquisition Devon Levi) or a dip into free agency where a few affordable veterans are available, including former Oiler Cam Talbot.

Montembeault could be a trade target for the Oilers, but he’ll probably be further down Bowman’s list.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 25, 2026

by | Aug 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 25, 2026

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

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

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 9, 2026

by | Aug 9, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 9, 2026

Which players could get eight-year contracts before the Sept. 16 deadline? Will the Canadiens move on from Samuel Montembeault? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Pittsburgh Penguins’ signing Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract extension prompted Eric Cruickshank to ponder which NHL players could also get eight-year deals before the Sept. 16 deadline.

On that date, the maximum term for teams re-signing players drops to seven years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum term for signing unrestricted free agents will also drop on that date from seven years to six.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

Cruickshank listed five players who could get eight-year deals before Sept. 16, with Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets topping his list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets would probably love to get the 21-year-old Fantilli under contract for eight seasons. He’s their first-line center and will play a critical role in the club’s development.

Fantilli could prefer a shorter term closer to five years at an average annual value of around $15 million. That will ensure he gets a chance at a more lucrative deal while still in his prime.

Detroit Red Wings forward Marco Kasper, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Geekie, Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie, and Montreal Canadiens winger Zachary Bolduc could also become candidates for eight-year contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players would fall under the same category as Koivunen of the Penguins.

Eyebrows were raised when the Penguins signed him to such a lengthy term despite his limited NHL experience. However, general manager Kyle Dubas justified it by saying they were betting on him developing into a top-six forward.

The same principle could apply to Kasper, Geekie, Savoie, and Bolduc. Whether their respective teams are willing to make those gambles remains to be seen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly believes the Canadiens must move on from Samuel Montembeault and trade him as soon as possible.

Montembeault, 29, is in the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $3.15 million. His struggles last season cost him the starter’s job to Jakub Dobes, and he was relegated to third-stringer behind promising Jacob Fowler.

Kelly noted that the Canadiens stubbornly stuck with Montembeault, hoping he’d be able to regain his form. He believes they cannot make the same mistake this season, insisting that they try to trade him to another club and stick with the young tandem of Dobes and Fowler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was assumed the Canadiens would trade or buy out Montembeault this summer. The buyout period has passed, and if they were peddling him, it appears that there weren’t any takers.

Montembeault’s struggles last season hurt his value in the trade market. They’ll have to give him some playing time and hope he does well enough to become enticing to another team. Until they can find a suitable trade partner for him, they might have to send the promising Fowler to their AHL affiliate to ensure the 22-year-old gets sufficient playing time.

Failing that, the Canadiens could keep Dobes and Fowler as their tandem and send Montembeault to the minors. It’ll free up a bit of extra cap space for them ($1.225 million) while providing him with more time and less pressure to work on his game.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2026

by | Jun 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2026

More Dylan Larkin Trade Speculation, plus the latest on the Canadiens and the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at whether Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin would be a fit with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 29-year-old center requested a trade last week. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a full no-trade clause.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Kurz believes it would make sense for the Flyers to pursue Larkin, who would fill their first-line center position.

If the Red Wings want to be in the playoff chase next season, they’ll likely want a top-two center in return for Larkin, which would take the Flyers out of the running. However, if the Wings are rebuilding, the Flyers have the tradeable assets to make a competitive trade offer.

Kurz considers it unlikely that the Flyers will land Larkin. He believes general manager Daniel Briere isn’t under pressure to take a big swing right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin has spent the past decade outside the playoff picture. While the Flyers exceeded expectations this season by reaching the postseason, Larkin’s preference could be joining a club he believes will give him the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, Aaron Portzline doubted that the Columbus Blue Jackets have a shot at acquiring Larkin.

Portzline noted the friendship between Larkin and Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, but that’s unlikely to put the Blue Jackets on Larkin’s short list of trade destinations. He noted that the Wings center’s preference could be to join an upper-echelon club, such as the Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have come tantalizingly close to the playoffs the past two years but failed to break through. They probably aren’t the type of team Larkin would be keen to join.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present believes the Anaheim Ducks could be well-positioned to make an enticing trade pitch for Larkin.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek knows Larkin from his days as the Red Wings’ assistant GM. He’s also been an active trade partner with his former club over the past two years.

Present wondered if an offer of young center Mason McTavish, a second-tier prospect such as Eric Nilsson or Lasse Boelius, and a first-round pick might be enough to acquire Larkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have plenty of factors that would give them an advantage over other clubs pursuing Larkin. However, it will come down to whether they’re on his short list of trade destinations.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault will have value in the trade market despite his struggles this season.

The 29-year-old Montembeault entered this season as the Canadiens’ starting goaltender. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistency shook his confidence and turned him into their third-stringer behind Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler.

Montembault has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.15 million. With several teams having goaltending issues, Cowan thinks the Canadiens shouldn’t have a problem trading him this summer.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes the Canadiens could find a buyer for Kirby Dach if they decide to put the 25-year-old forward on the trade block.

Injuries hampered Dach’s development since being acquired by the Canadiens in 2022. Nevertheless, Lavoie believed that Dach still has value. He felt that teams will be interested if he becomes available, suggesting the Canadiens could get a second or third-round pick for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens likely won’t get much for either guy, but a draft pick for each could be used as trade chips to address other issues. One of them could even be part of a larger multi-player deal, though that possibility seems remote.

CAPITALS TO SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently reported that Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin has started rehab as he begins his long recovery from surgery in April to repair a torn ACL.

Sandin is expected to be sidelined for six to nine months, meaning he might not return to the lineup until late January. Capitals GM Chris Patrick said he will explore options to address Sandin’s absence.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2026

by | Jun 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s more speculation about the Canadiens’ offseason plans, and a rumor claiming the Islanders could be shopping Mathew Barzal.

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan examined possible offseason moves for the Canadiens.

General manager Kent Hughes intends to be busy working the phones this summer searching for players to improve his roster. However, he said it’s “unlikely” that he’ll trade for short-term fixes at the expense of the future. Hughes hopes to continue adding players that can help them now and in the future.

Hughes and Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens president of hockey operations, understand that their roster must be better defensively and be more physical. They also took from their series with the Carolina Hurricanes just how hard it is to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Cowan noted that forwards Brendan Gallagher, Patrik Laine, and goaltender Sam Montembeault won’t be back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Gallagher and Montembeault each have a year left on their contracts.

Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher (NHL Images)

Gallagher carries an average annual value of $6.5 million ($4 million in actual salary) and a six-team no-trade list for next season, while Montembeault’s AAV is $3.1 million. They will be traded or bought out this summer. Gallagher indicated that he’d like to play for his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. Montembeault could draw some interest from clubs seeking goaltending depth.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports the Canadiens must add an established second-line center and “a seasoned, high-quality, right-handed defense partner” for Lane Hutson. They also need “two more big, tenacious, intimidating depth wingers”.

The Canadiens have nearly $11 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, and could free up another $6.5 million if Gallagher is traded.

Engels noted that Gorton and Hughes hope to add more to the Canadiens’ core. They will try to address as many of their roster issues as possible, even if it means blocking or trading a prospect who could eventually fill a void but won’t be able to in short order.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have plenty of trade capital, especially in promising young players. It could mean peddling someone such as center Michael Hage and winger Alexander Zharovsky to accomplish those goals.

TVA SPORTS: Hughes also mentioned that he could revisit the significant deal that he was working on at the trade deadline. “It depends on the other team,” Hughes said. “That doesn’t stop us from making the appeal and revisiting it.” However, he also said that what was available in March might not be available in June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation at that time linked the Canadiens to Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.

The Leafs are under new management, which could ensure Knies stays in Toronto. The Blues set a high asking price for Thomas, who has a no-trade clause and insists he wants to stay in St. Louis.

Nicolas Cloutier believes it could be easier for the Canadiens to trade Gallagher than some people think. He suggested a rebuilding club, such as the Canucks, could take on Gallagher’s contract to stay above next season’s salary cap floor, which $76.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cloutier pointed out that the Canucks could drop below the cap floor by trading one of their expensive veterans. He noted that Gallagher’s actual salary for next season is lower than his cap hit, which could be appealing to some teams.

Renaud Lavoie shot down a rumor linking the Canadiens to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

The speculation claimed McDavid was in Montreal during the Formula 1 Grand Prix looking at houses in the area. However, Lavoie reports the Oilers superstar wasn’t in Montreal at the time and wasn’t house shopping. McDavid’s wife was in Montreal at the time, attending an event to which she had been invited.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last year, it was “Sidney Crosby to Montreal.” Now, it’s McDavid. Next summer, it’ll be McDavid, or Auston Matthews, or Brady Tkachuk.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports it’s rumored that the Canadiens were in talks with the New York Rangers regarding Vincent Trocheck at the March trade deadline.

Garrioch believes Trocheck would be a “perfect fit” to fill the Canadiens’ second-line center role. He’s also signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $5.625 million. However, he’s not sure if Trocheck was the player at the center of the deal that fell through.

Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere was also linked to the Canadiens. He has a big cap hit at $7.145 million through 2031-32, but Garrioch suggested the Habs should “swing for the fences.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck’s age (33) would be a concern as his production will inevitably decline over the remainder of his contract. There’s also his desire to remain on the East Coast as close to New York as possible. He also might not be keen to join a Canadian team.

As for Lafreniere, he doesn’t address the Canadiens’ priorities. He’s neither a center nor a right-shot, top-four defenseman.

ARE THE ISLANDERS SHOPPING MATHEW BARZAL?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports a league executive informed him that the New York Islanders are exploring the trade market for Mathew Barzal.

The Islanders want to clear some salary cap space. Barzal carries an AAV of $9.15 million through 2030-31.

Garrioch claimed the Utah Mammoth “kicked tires” on Barzal last summer, but opted not to make the move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch included the Barzal tidbit among possible trade targets for the Senators, who are reportedly seeking a top-six forward. He believes Barzal’s cap hit would be difficult to swallow when they’re going to talk contract extension with winger Drake Batherson, who could seek between $9 million and $10 million annually.

Moving Barzal won’t help the offensively anemic Islanders, who must boost their scoring punch if they hope to be a playoff contender next season. He also has a 22-team no-trade list.