Reviewing NHL Trade Rumors Before 2026 Opening Week

With the 2026 NHL season set to begin next week, the rumor mill is heating up.

In Detroit, Dylan Larkin's situation is drawing attention. It has been several months since Larkin requested a trade. Meanwhile, Winnipeg Jets star netminder Connor Hellebuyck has also publicly requested a trade.

Below, we'll take a closer look at these rumors and what might unfold.

Kirill Marchenko Gets Traded

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Kirill Marchenko's status in Columbus is a major storyline as he enters the final year of his contract in the 2026-27 season.

According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, Marchenko's agent has already stated that he does not plan to re-sign with the Blue Jackets.

On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Marchenko, along with the Islanders, Bruins, Canadiens, Jets, Golden Knights, and Kraken.

Marchenko led the team in goals last season and recorded 67 points. Marchenko's public disinterest in re-signing with Columbus makes a trade likely, especially considering there is only one year left on his contract.

Dylan Larkin Gets Traded

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It has now been several months since Dylan Larkin's trade request was first reported.

The Red Wings are still searching for a new general manager after Steve Yzerman abruptly stepped down in July, leaving more questions than answers.

Vegas, Minnesota, and Florida all emerged as the three teams Larkin had his eyes on. But that list has now expanded. In the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that Larkin's list of trade destinations now includes Colorado, Washington, Dallas, and Tampa Bay.

Larkin has five seasons left on a contract that'll see him make $8.70 million annually. He's coming off his fifth straight season with 30+ goals and 30+ assists, and it's likely he's shipped off in the coming months to a team like Colorado or Vegas, who could view him as the missing piece and bolster their offer.

Connor Hellebuyck Stays Put... For Now

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On August 27, Connor Hellebuyck publicly requested a trade, bringing months of speculation about his future with the Winnipeg Jets to an end.

Hellebuyck is widely recognized as one of the best American-born netminders in NHL history with three Vezina Trophies and an Olympic Gold Medal.

As such, trading a player like him is far from simple. Furthermore, several factors have slowed the process.

The main obstacle is his contract, which pays him $8.5 million per year for the next five seasons. At 32 years old, can he continue to be among the best goalies in the league? Last season, Hellebbuyck posted a save percentage under .900 for the first time in his career. He recorded just 5.5 goals saved above expected, a steep drop from his NHL-best 39.6 in 2024-25.

Performance aside, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has expressed that he is taking his time and considering every option. As such, it appears that Hellebuyck will remain with the Jets until a suitable trade offer emerges.