Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 4, 2026

by | Oct 4, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 4, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade, Aleksander Barkov’s injury resurrects speculation linking Red Wings center Dylan Larkin to the Panthers, and the latest Oilers speculation.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that word is “around the league” that unsigned Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson would “prefer a trade.”

Edvinsson, 22, is a restricted free agent who returned to Sweden last week after failing to reach a new-contract agreement with the Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)

Friedman said the Red Wings and Edvinsson’s agents aren’t talking about this rumored trade request. The Wings have told other teams their priority is to sign the young blueliner, but his frustration about this situation has led him to prefer a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The train wreck that is the Detroit Red Wings’ front office continues to crash downhill.

Edvinsson was patient and loyal to this franchise. He understood the club was seeking a new general manager, declined offer sheets from several teams, and took part in training camp drills with his teammates, staying hopeful that both sides would agree to a new contract before the season began.

Several weeks ago, I said on this site that the Red Wings risked bungling Edvinsson’s contract negotiation. And lo, it has come to pass: he’s thinking about a trade.

It could simply be the Edvinsson camp trying to pressure Wings management into meeting his asking price, though we don’t know what it is. However, it appears he’s lost patience about how this situation has unfolded.

So, the Red Wings remain without a full-time general manager as their search goes on; their former captain wants out, their fans chanted “Sell the team!” during their home opener, and now they’re about to push away their second-best defenseman.

The “Dead Things 2.0” era continues.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports that the possibility of Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov being sidelined for a while has renewed speculation about the Panthers acquiring center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.

Larkin, 30, requested a trade during the offseason. The Panthers were reportedly on his list of preferred destinations.

However, the Panthers are pressed against the salary cap and will only garner limited cap relief by placing Barkov on LTIR. That won’t leave enough to absorb Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value unless Barkov is out for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Even if the Panthers could do enough creative math to make the salary cap dollars fit, they used up most of their trade capital acquiring Brady Tkachuk and Jacob Markstrom this summer.

The Red Wings insist they’re not rebuilding. They want a return for Larkin that will help them right now. During his Friday appearance on NHL Network, Friedman suggested Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen as a trade chip, but I doubt the Red Wings would accept him as the centerpiece of the deal. They’ll want Anton Lundell, whom the Panthers refused to send to the Ottawa Senators as part of the return for Tkachuk.

In other words, if the Panthers don’t offer Lundell for Larkin, the Red Wings won’t be interested.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Edmonton Oilers have a lot of injuries to their defense and some among their forwards. They have explored a “lateral trade”, maybe a defenseman for a forward. Their injured forwards aren’t out long-term, so they’re not feeling pressured to do so, but if there is a lateral defense-for-forward depth move to be made, they could do it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matthew Savoie, Jason Dickinson, and Mattias Janmark are the Oilers forwards who are currently sidelined. Alec Regula is the only injured defenseman, and he’s on LTIR.

They have eight defensemen, three (Jake Walman, Connor Murphy, and Mattias Ekholm) with no-movement clauses and Ryan Shea with no-trade protection. Evan Bouchard lacks no-trade protection, but the high-scoring blueliner obviously isn’t available. That leaves Shakir Mukhamadullin, Spencer Stastney, and Ty Emberson as potential trade candidates.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2026

by | Oct 4, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2026

Recaps of Saturday’s games, the Panthers place Aleksander Barkov on LTIR, former Blue Jackets captain Lyle Odelein passed away, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Buffalo Sabres winger Jiri Kulich snapped a 3-3 tie to give his club a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres. Anton Frondell and Alex Vlasic each collected two assists for the Blackhawks, who have lost their first three games of this season.

Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kulich’s goal was his first since last November, when he was missed most of last season with a blood clot. Blackhawks defenseman (and former Sabre) Bowen Byram missed this game because of a personal matter.

Thomas Chabot had a goal and an assist in his first game as captain of the Ottawa Senators to lead his team over the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2. Stephen Halliday broke a 2-2 tie in the third period, and Claude Giroux had two assists in the Senators’ season opener. Kirill Marchenkov scored his first goal with the Maple Leafs, and team captain Auston Matthews also scored.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson left this game after aggravating a lower-body injury. There was no immediate update on his status.

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Washington Capitals 3-1. Jake Guentzel had a goal and two assists, Brandon Hagel collected two assists, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves. Justin Sourdif replied for the Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vasilevskiy has 371 wins in 600 regular-season games, giving him the most among NHL goaltenders over the same period. Maple Leafs goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is second with 339, and Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck is third with 334. Capitals defenseman Matt Roy left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Shayne Gostisbehere lifted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, giving the defending Stanley Cup champions their first win after dropping their first two games (1-1-1). Sebastian Aho had a goal and two assists. Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen left this game with an undisclosed injury after taking a shot off his left glove.

The Pittsburgh Penguins blew a 5-1 lead but defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-5 on an overtime goal by Tommy Novak, who finished with two goals and an assist. Evgeni Malkin had a goal and two assists for the Penguins. Nick Suzuki led the Canadiens comeback with a goal and three assists, and Cole Caufield tallied twice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Penguins activated forward Ben Kindel off injured reserve and placed forward David Gustafsson on waivers. Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier left this game with an upper-body injury.

Utah Mammoth forwards Nick Schmaltz and Dylan Guenther led their club to a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Schmaltz scored two goals, and Guenther had a goal and two assists, while Sebastian Cossa made 17 saves for his first win with the Mammoth. Kent Johnson replied for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets held a pregame moment of silence to honor the memory of former NHL defenseman Lyle Odelein, who died on Friday of a heart attack at age 58.

Odelein was the Blue Jackets’ first captain and spent two of his 16-season NHL career in Columbus. He also played for the Montreal Canadiens (winning the Stanley Cup in 1992-93), New Jersey Devils, Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. From 1989-90 to 2005-06, Odelein had 252 points in 1,056 games, and 18 points in 86 playoff contests.

My condolences to Odelein’s family, friends, former teammates, and the Blue Jackets’ organization.

Third-period goals by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid lifted the Edmonton Oilers over the Seattle Kraken 3-1. Owen Michaels also scored, and Devon Levi made 19 saves for the Oilers, while Bobby McMann tallied for the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a better defensive effort by the Oilers after giving up 13 goals in their first two games.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 37 saves for his first shutout of the season to blank the New Jersey Devils 6-0. Rookie Victor Eklund scored his first NHL goal, and Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer collected two assists. Nico Daws made 26 saves for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sidelined Islanders forward Mathew Barzal (left knee inflammation) is expected to resume skating later this week.

The Nashville Predators nipped the Dallas Stars 2-1 on a goal by Nils Hoglander. Steven Stamkos also scored, and Juuse Saros stopped 29 shots. Miro Heiskanen scored for the Stars, who’ve dropped their first two games and have only one goal on the season thus far.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov scored two goals, and defenseman Quinn Hughes had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 26 shots for the Wild. Tanner Jeannot replied for the Bruins.

Colorado Avalanche forwards Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon each had three points to lead their club over the St. Louis Blues 6-1. Necas scored twice and set up another, while MacKinnon had three assists. Dalibor Dvorsky scored the Blues’ only goal.

A four-goal third period lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Liam Ohgren had a goal and an assist, and Leevi Merilainen kicked out 23 shots. Matt Coronato scored for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk missed this game due to illness.

San Jose Sharks forward Igor Chernyshov scored twice, including the winner in overtime, in a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Chernyshov also collected an assist, and team captain Macklin Celebrini had two assists. Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, and Quinton Byfield each had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: RG.ORG’s Marco D’Amico interviewed Sharks forward Michael Misa, who explained how he spent the summer improving his shot, faceoffs, and play along the boards. He’s also quickly established chemistry with Sharks rookie forward Ivar Stenberg.

SPORTSNET: The Florida Panthers placed team captain Aleksander Barkov on long-term injured reserve. Barkov injured his left knee during Thursday’s loss to the Sharks.

The Panthers are still unclear about the status of Barkov’s injury. He will be seeing team physicians on Monday. His LTIR status means he’ll miss at least the next 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not the same knee that Barkov had season-ending surgery on last September. While this one isn’t as serious, he could miss more than 10 games.

CBS SPORTS: Detroit Red Wings forward Marco Kasper will miss Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets with an upper-body injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2026

by | Oct 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Quinn Hughes, Pavel Zacha, and Alexander Nikishin.

THE WAITING GAME CONTINUES FOR HELLEBUYCK AND THE JETS…

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets’ players have vowed goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s holdout won’t distract them this season. They are a younger, faster club, with confidence in the goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson.

Dreger also interviewed Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who said it was made clear during the conversations with Hellebuyck’s camp that it would take a while to find a suitable trade.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck went public with his trade request in August, hoping it would bring about a trade. So far, however, nothing has materialized. Cheveldayoff has repeatedly said his club is focused on remaining a contender and improving their team with the return he gets in a Hellebuyck trade.

Last month, Dreger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun reported the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and Utah Mammoth were possible landing spots for Hellebuyck.

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli wondered if Hellebuyck would consider a trade to the Edmonton Oilers, who are coming off a shaky start after Tristan Jarry gave up six goals in a 6-5 overtime loss to the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It didn’t get any better in goal for the Oilers in their rematch with the Canucks on Thursday. Backup Devon Levi allowed seven goals in a 9-7 win.

With Frederik Andersen sidelined until December with an injured knee, Seravalli wondered if the Oilers might consider making a play for Hellebuyck, and if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner would soften his stance.

The Jets could wait out Hellebuyck, who remains suspended without pay for not reporting to the team last month. They could also adjust their asking price if Skinner and Stevenson perform well between the pipes.

On the other hand, if goaltending becomes an issue for the Jets, they might have to take Jarry as part of the return to send Hellebuyck to Edmonton. The Oilers are also short on salary-cap space and trade capital.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ultimately, Seravalli considers it a long shot for Hellebuyck to land in Edmonton. Meanwhile, it appears this situation could drag on for some time until an opportunity arises that meets Cheveldayoff’s asking price.

…AND FOR THE WILD AND QUINN HUGHES

TSN: Turning to Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, Pierre LeBrun believes general manager Bill Guerin will remain patient as the 26-year-old superstar continues to mull over his future.

Hughes is UFA-eligible next summer. The Wild hope to re-sign him to a long-term extension. However, the blueliner isn’t in a rush to make a decision.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Wild’s Stanley Cup window will depend, in the short term, on whether Hughes stays or goes.

If Hughes won’t re-sign, Guerin will have to consider “the nightmare scenario”: trading the former Norris Trophy winner a year after giving up a hefty return to get him. The loss of Hughes’ defense partner Brock Faber (fractured skull) could also factor into his decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is plenty of time for Hughes to make a decision. A solid performance by the Wild, even with Faber sidelined, could convince him that they are his best chance to win the Stanley Cup over the next several years.

Guerin gambled that Hughes could be swayed into re-signing with the Wild. He gave up a lot to get him, and now risks losing him for nothing to free agency, which could be a significant setback for the Wild, unless he can get a substantial return for him before the March 1 trade deadline.

UPDATES ON PAVEL ZACHA AND ALEXANDER NIKISHIN

TSN: Chris Johnston reports contract extension talks have taken place between the Boston Bruins and Pavel Zacha. The 29-year-old two-way center is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

However, the two sides haven’t found the right salary numbers as contracts skyrocket with the rising salary cap.

Johnston suggested Zacha’s situation could be worth watching. He could find himself the subject of trade speculation as one of the few top-six centers potentially available.

For now, Zacha’s in no rush and remains focused on his game, while the Bruins still hope to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Mike Gould writes that Zacha and Morgan Frost of the Calgary Flames headline a very thin market for free-agent centers next summer. “It’s a list populated by a handful of fading stars in their mid-to-late-30s, followed by a collection of bottom-six forwards of various ages.”

If the Bruins can’t re-sign Zacha, he could fetch a significant return before the March 1 trade deadline.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Scott Coffman looked at what it might take for the Los Angeles Kings to acquire defenseman Alexander Nikishin from the Carolina Hurricanes.

Nikishin, 25, is a restricted free agent who requested a trade following the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run. The Hurricanes’ asking price is reportedly two first-round picks or something comparable.

Coffman reports the Kings and Hurricanes discussed Nikishin at the 2026 NHL Draft in June. The asking price then was a 2026 first-rounder, a young NHL roster player, and one of the Kings’ top prospects.

Given the new price, Coffman speculated the Kings would have to give up their 2027 first-round pick and either Henry Brzustewicz or Elton Hermansson. With Nikishin seeking an AAV of between $7 million and $9 million, the Kings would have to move out two contracts to make the dollars fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It won’t be easy for the Kings to move out those contracts. Coffman suggested Cody Ceci and Trevor Moore, but acknowledged finding takers for them would be difficult.

They could also have trouble outbidding a club with more trade capital like the St. Louis Blues, who’ve been linked to Nikishin for months in the rumor mill.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 2, 2026

by | Oct 2, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 2, 2026

Recaps of Thursday’s games, Commissioner Gary Bettman isn’t happy about the recent rise in trade requests, the latest contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING THURSDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: Evan Bouchard reached another early-season scoring milestone while Connor McDavid had a five-point game as the Edmonton Oilers held off the Vancouver Canucks 9-7.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

Bouchard had a goal and two assists, becoming the first defenseman in NHL history to record at least eight points in his first two regular-season games. McDavid had a goal and four assists, and Leon Draisaitl scored twice and collected an assist for the Oilers, who held 5-0 and 8-2 leads before the Canucks rallied to make it interesting. Forwards Marco Rossi (two goals, one assist) and Elias Pettersson (one goal, two assists) each finished with three points for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was 80s night in Vancouver as the Oilers and Canucks offered up an entertaining offensive game that also exposed their respective defensive weaknesses. Oilers goaltender Devon Levi gave up seven goals on 22 shots in his Oilers’ debut while Canucks starter Kevin Lankinen was chased from the net after allowing eight goals on 20 shots.

Before the game, the Oilers announced that winger Zach Hyman could miss a couple of weeks with an undisclosed injury. They also placed center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (lower body) on injured reserve.

Igor Shesterkin became the first goaltender in New York Rangers history (and the 18th in league history) to score a goal in a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Shesterkin also made 24 saves while Pavel Dorofeyev and Mika Zibanejad each had a goal and an assist. Nikita Kucherov replied for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Rangers announced backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo is week-to-week with a lower-body injury and placed him on injured reserve. They recalled Dylan Garand from their AHL affiliate in Hartford.

Winger Matthew Knies had a three-point debut (two goals, one assist) as the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-3. Charlie Coyle had three assists, and Zach Werenski had two helpers. Noah Ostlund and Owen Power each collected two assists for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knies was acquired in a six-player trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, and played like he wanted to prove a point to his former club and to impress his new team.

Before the game, the Sabres announced defenseman Louis Crevier agreed to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4 million. He was acquired in the trade that sent blueliner Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The San Jose Sharks blew a 3-0 lead, but went on to beat the Florida Panthers 4-3 on an overtime goal by rookie defenseman Luca Cagnoni. Will Smith (two goals, one assist) and Macklin Celebrini (three assists) led the way offensively for the Sharks. Eetu Luostarinen tallied twice for the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov left this game after his left knee buckled when he was battling for the puck along the boards. Head coach Paul Maurice said Barkov will be evaluated on Friday. The Panthers center suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee during training camp last year.

Utah Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka made 15 saves to shut out the Chicago Blackhawks 6-0. Dylan Guenther netted two goals, and Anders Lee scored in his Mammoth debut. Arvid Soderblom made 26 saves for the Blackhawks.

An overtime goal by Jack Hughes lifted the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Luke Hughes also scored, and Jake Allen stopped 23 shots for the Devils. Travis Sanheim had a goal and an assist, and Justin Woll kicked out 41 shots for the Flyers.

The Seattle Kraken doused the Calgary Flames 6-1. Vince Dunn had a goal and two assists, and Jared McCann collected three assists for the Kraken. Ryan Strome replied for the Flames.

Minnesota Wild forward Blake Coleman scored the winning goal in a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. Marcus Foligno and Kirill Kaprizov also tallied for the Wild, while Roman Josi scored for the Predators.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman doesn’t think it’s a good thing that there’s been a recent rise in trade requests by players with no-movement clauses.

It started in early June when Dylan Larkin requested to be traded away from the Detroit Red Wings. Later that month, the Ottawa Senators shipped Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers after he requested a trade following the first round of the 2026 playoffs. In August, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck revealed he requested a trade earlier in the offseason. He is currently suspended without pay by the Jets for not reporting to training camp.

“As I look at what’s happened or is happening now, I don’t think that’s a good thing,” Bettman said. He claimed the purpose of no-trade/no-movement clauses was to ensure players could stay with their clubs for the duration of their contracts.

“This notion now where, a) you can select where you want to go, and b) you can demand a trade…that was never the original intention,” Bettman said. “If this becomes a problem – I don’t think one off-season a problem makes – but if this becomes a problem, it’s something we’re going to have to discuss with the players’ association.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s important to note that Bettman doesn’t believe it’s a problem yet. Time will tell whether these trade requests are the start of a trend.

Tkachuk was successful with his request, partly because he and the Senators kept it quiet and worked together to make the trade happen. Larkin and Hellebuyck went public, which may have hampered efforts to move them. Larkin has returned to the Red Wings while Hellebuyck is holding out to force a trade, which could backfire if it takes months before a deal takes place.

The NHL Players’ Association will push back if the league attempts to impose restrictions in the next round of collective bargaining.

They’ll point out that teams have full control over their players until age 27 or seven accrued seasons, whichever comes first, meaning players can be demoted, claimed off waivers, or traded anywhere without their consent.

The PA will also argue that NMCs/NTCs are freely negotiated as part of contract talks between general managers and the players’ representatives, including what those clauses will look like.

For example, Larkin has a full no-trade clause in the first five years of his eight-year contract, reverting to a 10-team trade list in the final three years. Hellebucyk has a full no-movement clause in the first four years of his seven-year deal, reverting to a 10-team trade list in the final three years.

General managers can negotiate to have a no-trade/no-movement clause voided if the player requests a trade as part of the contract. If the player and his agent reject that pitch (which they likely would), the GM can propose the player offer up a broad number of trade destinations. Failing that, the GM can refuse to include full no-trade/no-move protection in the contract, or negotiate for partial no-trade protection.

Going forward, it won’t be surprising if those types of restrictions end up being negotiated into future contracts, which wouldn’t require the league having to get involved.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed promising defenseman Tristan Luneau to a six-year contract extension worth an AAV of $7.2 million.

Luneau, 22, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He has only 14 games of NHL experience.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek used to play hardball with players coming off their ELCs. That’s changed after being forced to match Leo Carlsson’s expensive offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, which also led to re-signing Cutter Gauthier to a lucrative long-term deal.

This seems like a bit of an overcorrection given Luneau’s limited NHL experience. It could be a bargain in the long term if he meets expectations, or a salary-cap headache if he doesn’t.

MLIVE.COM: Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin will miss the club’s first two games of this season with an upper-body injury that he suffered during training camp.

RG.ORG: Utah Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong believes his club has crossed the line from rebuilding into a playoff contender. He’s built around young core players like Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley, while the Mammoth’s improvement last season has made it easier to attract veterans like Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee through trades and free agency.

Armstrong isn’t done making big moves to improve his roster. “If something comes up, certainly we have the assets to go after that piece. We’ve been aggressive in the past, and we’re going to continue to be aggressive.”

 










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.










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.