NHL Rumor Roundup Points to Draft Weekend Trades

The Minnesota Wild remain in constant contact with Detroit over Dylan Larkin but lack the assets to meet Steve Yzerman’s price without a third team.

Hellebuyck Trade Path Narrows

Florida holds roughly $11.1 million in projected cap space yet cannot acquire Connor Hellebuyck without surrendering Anton Lundell. The Panthers’ front office confirmed they are keeping goaltending options open while the Jets demand first-round picks and young roster players. This mismatch leaves Winnipeg with two realistic paths: retain Hellebuyck past July 1 or accept a three-team framework that routes Lundell elsewhere.

The Athletic reporting shows the Panthers would need to overpay by at least one additional first-round selection to satisfy Winnipeg. That cost exceeds Florida’s current draft capital after the 2025 offseason. Consequently, any Hellebuyck deal before the draft must involve a third club willing to absorb salary or future picks.

Winnipeg’s $5.5 million cap relief from moving Hellebuyck would immediately improve their 2026-27 flexibility. In contrast, Florida’s goaltending tandem remains intact only if they re-sign their pending free agents rather than pursue the Jets netminder.

Larkin and DeBrusk Deals Require Creativity

Minnesota’s interest in Dylan Larkin continues through daily calls between Bill Guerin, Steve Yzerman and agent Pat Brisson. The Wild’s offer currently sits below Detroit’s asking price of two first-round picks plus a top-six forward. A third team could bridge the gap by sending additional assets to Detroit in exchange for future considerations from Minnesota.

Jake DeBrusk holds a full no-movement clause on the final five years of his seven-year, $5.5 million AAV contract. Vancouver sources indicate the 29-year-old left winger prefers to avoid any Eastern Conference destination. The Canucks therefore target Western Conference suitors willing to assume the full cap hit in exchange for mid-round picks.

These two situations contrast sharply with the 2025 draft weekend, when only one established forward changed teams. The added presence of both Larkin and DeBrusk on the market raises the probability of a three-team structure that satisfies all parties’ roster and cap constraints.

Nikishin and Marchenko Draw Inquiries

Carolina’s $11.1 million in cap space allows them to retain 24-year-old Alexander Nikishin, yet multiple clubs have inquired about his availability before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Hurricanes may trade him to acquire immediate draft capital rather than risk losing him for nothing after he signs a long-term extension elsewhere.

Columbus has fielded calls on 25-year-old Kirill Marchenko despite not shopping the right winger. His remaining one-year, $3.85 million AAV deal makes him attractive to contenders seeking secondary scoring. The Blue Jackets prefer to extend Marchenko on July 1, but a competitive offer sheet or trade package could still force a decision before the draft concludes.

These secondary rumors illustrate how draft weekend functions as a clearinghouse for restricted free agents whose teams face cap or roster mismatches.