NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

by | Sep 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest takes on Quinn Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin, Zachary Bolduc, and Arber Xhekaj.

THE LATEST TAKES ON QUINN HUGHES, CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, AND DYLAN LARKIN

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli believes the Minnesota Wild should act quickly and re-sign Quinn Hughes or trade him if the two sides fail to agree to a new contract. He believes it would be a mistake to let the team and the season be held hostage by this storyline.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If the Wild decide to trade him, Seravalli believes the New Jersey Devils remain Hughes’ destination of choice, reuniting him with his brothers Jack and Luke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I still believe Hughes and the Wild will agree to a short-term contract extension. However, Seravalli is right that they can’t allow this to become an unnecessary distraction this season.

If Hughes doesn’t want to sign, the Wild should move him to the team of his choice for the best possible return and move on. He lacks no-trade protection, but since everyone believes he wants to play with his brothers in New Jersey, it’s unlikely other suitors will emerge to bid for a player who will walk next summer.

Seravalli also weighed in on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request. He believes the Jets are content to slow-play this situation. They could either get close to an acceptable return for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, or Hellebuyck honors his contract and starts this season with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers, like TSN’s Martin Biron, believe Hellebuyck might not report to the Jets for training camp and might even sit out the entire season to force a trade. However, it’s a big risk that could backfire.

Withholding his services would be seen as a breach of contract, enabling the Jets to suspend him without pay, fine him, and toll his contract forward a year if he sits out the season. Trading him would avoid all this, but not for pennies on the dollar.

Holding out for a year also wouldn’t do Hellebuyck’s playing career much good. He’s 33 now and doesn’t have many quality years left to chase the Stanley Cup, so he cannot afford to risk an entire season at this stage.

The Jets were reportedly close to a deal in June that would’ve sent Hellebucyk to the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps those two clubs will revisit those discussions if they haven’t already.

Turning to Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Seravalli wondered if a trade would happen now that Steve Yzerman is no longer the general manager.

Larkin is a Michigan native who loved playing for the Red Wings, but didn’t get along with Yzerman. With the latter out of the picture, Seravalli suggested it could give Larkin a chance to save face by rescinding his request and giving it another year with the Wings under new management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits wondered if Larkin would pull his trade request after Yzerman’s was removed as GM, but Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported he hadn’t changed his mind.

Larkin’s status remains in limbo until the Wings hire a new general manager. His camp has kept quiet about this situation for months, but he’ll have to face questions in two weeks when training camp opens.

UPDATES ON THE CANADIENS’ ZACHARY BOLDUC AND ARBER XHEKAJ

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes Montreal Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc could sign a new contract before the players arrive for their training camp physicals on Sept. 16.

The 23-year-old winger completed his entry-level contract last season. Engels speculated that he could receive a three-year contract with an average annual value of around $4 million. He believes the young forward will take a considerable step forward in his development now that he’s had a full season under head coach Martin St. Louis.

Meanwhile, there’s been no word from the Canadiens or Arber Xhekaj’s camp regarding the status of the 25-year-old defenseman’s contract talks. He completed a two-year deal worth $1.3 million annually, but his ice time was reduced, and he was a frequent healthy scratch last season.

Engels reports Xhekaj wants to stay in Montreal and the Canadiens prefer to keep him. However, he speculates that Xhekaj might not be ready to commit yet until he has more certainty about his role with the Canadiens. He knows that the club could draw from its overcrowded blueline to address its need for a top-six forward. Such a move could involve Xhekaj or clear room for him to get more runway in Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret that the Canadiens have been shopping for a forward to play alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov on their second line.

The contract situations involving Bolduc and Xhekaj prompted Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette to speculate that both could be part of a “sign-and-trade” scenario to bring in a top-six forward. With training camp two weeks away, we should find out soon what’s in store for both players.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2026

by | Aug 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2026

Potential trade candidates for the Flames, how the Panthers might replace sidelined winger Brad Marchand, and the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson expects the rebuilding Flames will be outside the playoff picture again by the March trade deadline. He looked at several players who could be moved out by then.

Morgan Frost is one candidate. The 27-year-old center can become an unrestricted free agent next July. A strong performance by Frost this season could make him an attractive trade target for clubs seeking depth at center.

Zach Whitecloud could be the Flames’ most valuable trade chip. The 29-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $2.75 million. Wilson believes the Flames will retain him for this season to mentor their younger defensemen, but he could be moved this season if Simon Nemec and Zayne Parekh make major strides.

Calgary Flames center Morgan Frost (NHL Images)

Like Frost, Ryan Strome is a center who is UFA-eligible next July. However, the 33-year-old must have a better effort than his disappointing 21-point effort last season to garner much interest in the trade market.

Winger Joel Farabee and young defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz could also become trade candidates. However, the Flames could re-sign Farabee while Brzustewicz could be stashed in the minors for another season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frost and Whitecloud have the most value as trade chips, with the latter likely to draw the most attention if he becomes available. It would be worthwhile to monitor their performances this season if the Flames are sellers again at the trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently examined ways the Florida Panthers could replace sidelined winger Brad Marchand until the 37-year-old returns from surgery later this season.

One option is to work the waiver wire in the hope a reasonable short-term solution becomes available. Lambert also recommended signing free-agent forward Michael Bunting, or simply gutting it out until Marchand returns, with the latter perhaps the most likely outcome.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert observed the Panthers don’t have much salary-cap space, plus Marchand might return by the end of October at the latest. Given those factors and the overall improvement in their roster’s health entering this season, they’ll likely wait for Marchand to return.

THE ATHLETIC: In his latest mailbag segment, Arpon Basu reported Montreal Canadiens defenseman Adam Engstrom has appeared in trade rumors.

Engstrom, 22, is among the Canadiens’ top prospects. He made his NHL debut last season, appearing in 15 games.

According to Basu, teams have asked about Engstrom in trade discussions, and the Canadiens are open to moving him. However, they haven’t moved him yet because they see him as having considerable value.

Basu also noted that Engstrom is among several mobile puck-moving defensemen on the Canadiens blueline who aren’t overly imposing physically. He feels that could elevate the importance of Arber Xhekaj and/or Jayden Struble to the Habs’ defense corps.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basu pointed out the Canadiens have Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Noah Dobson and Alex Carrier, who play a style similar to Engstrom’s. David Reinbacher is another, but Basu pointed out that he has a bit of a physical edge to his game when he reaches his peak comfort zone.

Xhekaj and Struble have been mentioned as trade candidates this summer, especially Xhekaj. However, they could stick around to maintain some physicality within their defense corps if the Canadiens are open to including Engstrom in a deal that addresses their need for a second-line forward, preferably a center.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 13, 2026

by | Aug 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 13, 2026

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Canadiens, and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James recently wondered if the Flyers should return to the offer-sheet route and look into the availability of Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Fantilli and the Blue Jackets remain apart in their contract negotiations. Friedman speculated the 21-year-old center could seek a deal comparable to Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks (five years, $18 million average annual value) or Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks (five years, $15 million AAV). However, the Blue Jackets could prefer something within the $12 million to $15 million range.

James acknowledged a report from Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco last month indicating the Flyers are unlikely to pursue Fantilli with an offer sheet. According to Di Marco, they prefer to preserve their financial flexibility in case a better opportunity arises.

Nevertheless, James mused about whether it might be worthwhile to pursue Fantilli if he and the Blue Jackets remain apart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ultimately, James leans toward the Flyers maintaining their cap flexibility for better opportunities. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility. And if the Flyers aren’t interested, perhaps another club might consider it.

I’d be interested in hearing what Flyers fans think. Please let us know in the comments section below.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan pondered the possibility of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj and winger Zachary Bolduc becoming sign-and-trade candidates before training camp opens on Sept. 16.

Cowan noted the Canadiens’ ongoing need for a second-line center. He also pointed out that general manager Kent Hughes hasn’t ruled out a trade in September or October, though he ruled out making a “dumb trade” just to appease fans on a short-term basis.

Xhekaj, 25, and the 23-year-old Bolduc are restricted free agents coming off low-cost contracts. Cowan believes other teams will definitely have interest in them if they become available in the trade market.

The fact neither player has signed yet led Cowan to conclude they could become part of sign-and-trade scenarios.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer the duo remains unsigned, the more likely the possibility that they could be traded before training camp starts.

I doubt Xhekaj or Bolduc would be enough on their own to fetch a quality second-line center who would fit well within the Canadiens’ long-term plans. Perhaps as a package deal, but even then, the Habs would likely have to add another piece to the deal as a sweetener.

OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t ruling out making other moves to improve the club before the season begins.

Speaking with season ticket holders on Wednesday, Staios pointed out that he wasn’t done making trades after shipping Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, noting his acquisition of winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks soon afterward.

Staios maintained that he’s not done, adding he remains determined to bring the Stanley Cup to Ottawa. He also indicated that he’s focused on getting winger Drake Batherson signed to a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios wanted to add a scoring winger before he moved Tkachuk and brought in Eklund and winger Andre Burakovsky. That will remain his focus throughout the coming season if he cannot find a suitable option before training camp.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2026

by | Aug 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2026

Check out the latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen noted that Kalshi’s hockey prediction betting board numbers have 75 percent anticipating that Dylan Larkin will remain with the Detroit Red Wings for the coming season.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin, 30, requested a trade this spring. He initially listed the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers as preferred trade destinations. Larkin reportedly expanded the list to include the Dallas Stars, but the Detroit Free Press disputed this.

Of those who believe Larkin will be traded, 72 percent believe he’ll be headed to the Wild. However, Allen noted that the Red Wings and Wild have failed to find common ground in trade discussions. He indicated that the Red Wings aren’t enamored with the younger players the Wild are willing to part with, plus they want at least one proven player as part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings reportedly sought Matt Boldy in return, but the Wild aren’t parting with one of their best players to get Larkin.

Larkin may get traded to the Wild once a replacement is found for Steve Yzerman, who is leaving the general manager role to become a senior advisor to team owner Chris Ilitch. The next Wings GM could opt for a quick rebuild with the young assets from the Wild, or flip those assets to another club for an established player.

However, if the new GM takes the same hardline stance as Yzerman, the Red Wings could still have Larkin in their lineup when this season opens in late September.

The Wild are also short on salary-cap space. That means they’ll have to move out a contract or two to clear room for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value, or the Red Wings would have to retain a portion of his AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would take a significant sweetener (like an established top-six forward, preferably a center) to convince the Wings to retain any part of Larkin’s salary.

DAILY FACEOFF’s Anthony Di Marco reports sources say the Calgary Flames had previously shown an interest in Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

However, the Flames no longer see Xhekaj as a fit after acquiring defenseman Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames landed Middleton on July 2 as part of the trade that sent Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta to the Wild.

Di Marco was referencing a recent report by Herb Zurkowsky of The Montreal Gazette that cited rumors linking Xhekaj to the Flames and the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this summer.

As for the Flyers, Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News recently cast doubt on that speculation, noting they already have enough toughness on their blueline with Simon Benoit and Nick Seeler.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2026

by | Jul 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2026

​Check out the latest on the Penguins and the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported on what’s been a quiet offseason thus far for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

General manager Kyle Dubas was unsuccessful in his attempt to make a big splash and move up in the first round of this year’s draft. Yohe believes Dubas either misjudged the value of trade assets such as Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, or how challenging the trade market would be.

Dubas could have better luck next summer. He’ll have over $70 million in salary-cap space to work with, and the trade and free-agent markets should be better than they were this year.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Earlier this month, Yohe was asked what the Penguins plan would be for Erik Karlsson.

The 36-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Yohe stated that he’d be surprised if they re-sign Karlsson, pointing out that he’ll be 37 when his next contract begins. He speculated they could let him walk via free agency next July, or attempt to move him by the March trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Responding to Yohe’s comments about Karlsson, Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast expressed his belief that the Penguins would trade the puck-moving defenseman to the Ottawa Senators or Toronto Maple Leafs before the 2026-27 regular season begins.

The Senators are seeking another scoring forward, but maybe they’d be open to adding more offense to their blueline. Karlsson could be open to a return to the team where he spent his best seasons, and he’d fill their ongoing need to bolster the right side of their defense corps. However, that seems more like a move the Sens might make if they’re buyers at the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs’ new management has been busy shaking up its roster. Bringing in Karlsson (provided he’s willing to go to Toronto) would give them a short-term burst of experienced skill. However, they’re currently over the cap by $2.7 million, giving them no wiggle room to absorb his $10 million cap hit. And no, the Penguins won’t retain salary to make it happen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Herb Zurkowsky noted the recent flurry of trade rumors linking the Canadiens to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Zurkowsky acknowledged that having Marchenko and Ivan Demidov on the same line would probably improve the Canadiens, but it wouldn’t address its ongoing need for a second-line center.

The asking price for Marchenko would be high. Zurkowsky believes the Blue Jackets would want one of the Canadiens’ top prospects (Michael Hage or Alexander Zharovsky), a first-round pick, and another player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens were interested in Marchenko, but it doesn’t seem as though he’s available. Despite the recent flurry of rumors, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell refuted the speculation, claiming he hasn’t spoken with other clubs about the 26-year-old winger in weeks. He also stated earlier this month that Marchenko would be in the Jackets’ lineup to start the season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey acknowledged a rumor that linked the Philadelphia Flyers to Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

However, Bailey believes Xhekaj isn’t a fit with the Flyers. He noted they already have two physical defensemen with Nick Seeler and Simon Benoit. Adding another blueliner when they’re also trying to promote promising youngsters like Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek would be counterproductive.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

Pursuing Connor Hellebuyck could be expensive for the Sabres; the Senators continue to search for a scorer; and an update on Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

WHAT COULD IT COST THE SABRES TO ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently pondered whether it would be worth it for the Buffalo Sabres to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The Sabres were reportedly working on a trade for Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets that fell through before the 2026 NHL Draft last month. It’s rumored the Jets sought the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall), goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, and a prospect.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Lambert suggested a package of Luukkonen and Quinn (or a player of similar value), a pair of first-rounders (to replace the value of that fourth-overall pick from the original offer), and maybe a pair of decent prospects might get it done.

It would be a worthwhile bet for the Sabres but would raise the bar for them to exceed expectations.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe looks at what it might cost the Sabres now to acquire Hellebuyck from the Jets.

Promising defenseman Radim Mrtka would be a good addition, but Wiebe believes the Sabres would have to add one or two good forwards in the deal. They won’t part with Zach Benson or Konsta Helenius. Options could include Quinn, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod, or Noah Ostlund.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck was reportedly open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. It was also reported that the Sabres wanted the Jets’ 2026 first-rounder (eighth overall), which may have spiked the deal.

The two sides could revisit those trade discussions, but Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will still insist on a significant return. With Hellebuyck under contract for five more seasons, he’s not in a hurry to move him, and it doesn’t appear that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner is pushing him for a trade.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A SCORER

OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios remains in the market for a scoring forward.

Staios acquired wingers William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky via trades and brought back forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at possible options available for the Senators.

Former Senator Vladimir Tarasenko is still out there in the free-agent market, but he’d have to take a pay cut to return to Ottawa. Patrik Laine is another, but he’s a streaky scorer with a long injury history.

Lambert noted that Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks could be an option if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets have also surfaced in the rumor mill, but it’s questionable if they’re available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ search for a pure scoring winger could carry on into the regular season.

Tarasenko has put up decent numbers, but his best years are now behind him. Laine’s declining speed has also been an issue, and he’s more of a power-play specialist now.

Boeser has been loyal to the Canucks despite their difficulties. The Bruins seem intent on re-signing Zacha. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell swears that Marchenko will be in the Blue Jackets lineup this season.

UPDATE ON ARBER XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Montreal Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent, and he has been the subject of trade speculation since last season. The Calgary Flames were also believed to be interested in the rugged blueliner.

Pagnotta claimed the Canadiens and Xhekaj’s camp are still negotiating a new contract for this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been mixed reports out of Montreal regarding Xhekaj’s value to the Canadiens. Some believe head coach Martin St. Louis lacks confidence in the big defenseman, but others believe his physical presence fills an invaluable role as the club’s enforcer.