NHL Rumors Point to Multiple Deals Before Draft Weekend Ends

David Pagnotta expects two or three big moves by the end of draft weekend as the market goes hush-hush on names including Connor Hellebuyck.

Hellebuyck Negotiations Advance

Pagnotta reported that conversations with the Jets around Connor Hellebuyck have grown louder and now involve legitimate interest from multiple clubs. The Winnipeg netminder’s situation contrasts with earlier offseason speculation that treated his name as background noise rather than active dialogue. A deal would immediately alter the Western Conference playoff picture because Hellebuyck posted a .922 save percentage in 2025-26.

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell spoke with Zach Werenski’s agent Judd Moldaver over the weekend, confirming the defenseman remains committed to the franchise. This decision removes one potential domino and forces Columbus to address other roster gaps instead. Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson are all expected to reach free agency, creating three simultaneous vacancies on the forward and defense lines.

Jet Greaves is positioned to take the primary goaltending role after signing a new contract. The move leaves Elvis Merzlikins as the most likely trade candidate among the three goalies tied to the organization. Teams monitoring the market now have a clearer timeline because Greaves’s extension locks in Columbus’s net for the next several seasons.

Larkin and DeBrusk Fit Discussions

Detroit’s offer to Brady Tkachuk earlier this summer established a benchmark package that several executives now view as the floor for Dylan Larkin. Pagnotta noted that a natural fit exists with the Red Wings, yet Steve Yzerman may demand additional assets beyond the original structure. The contrast between the two sides’ valuations could delay any announcement until draft weekend when leverage shifts.

Columbus has identified Jake DeBrusk as a primary target to replace departing forwards. The Bruins winger’s name also surfaced in Vancouver discussions, creating a three-team dynamic that increases the chance of a retained-salary component. DeBrusk recorded 28 goals in 2025-26, giving acquiring teams immediate middle-six production.

Vancouver Retention Strategy

Vancouver’s willingness to retain $2 million to $2.5 million on Elias Pettersson reduces his cap hit to approximately $9 million per season. Pagnotta indicated that Montreal and Los Angeles have expressed preliminary interest under the revised structure. This retention marks a shift from the Canucks’ previous stance and directly addresses the contract’s previous unpalatability for contending teams.

Brock Boeser remains available alongside Pettersson, though his lower cap number makes him the more immediate trade piece. The dual availability creates roster flexibility for Vancouver while it rebuilds around younger core players. Pagnotta stated that the combination of these assets plus the quiet period across the league signals that at least one unexpected deal will emerge before June 27.

The hush-hush nature of current talks typically precedes announcements once teams finalize logistics around draft picks and retained salary. Executives are focused on the headline names of Hellebuyck, Larkin, and Pettersson, leaving room for a secondary move involving Darnell Nurse or Morgan Rielly to occur first.