In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start off with the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck, whose suspension is ending. Will he rejoin the team? Next, Dylan Larkin could be on the move, as there is a report that the Detroit Red Wings are closing in on a deal.
Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for help on defense and are willing to move premium assets for a difference-maker.
Hellebuyck Suspension Nearing End – What Now?
After failing to report to training camp, Hellebuyck was suspended by the Jets. The team was within its rights to do so, falling under section 15.13 of the collective bargaining agreement, which states, “If a player who has not received permission to be absent from Training Camp returns to the Club, he shall be subject to a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length.”
That suspension for Hellebuyck is set to end on Friday, Oct. 23, and he will be eligible to rejoin the team.
Jets captain Adam Lowry was asked about this development, and he responded by saying, “If he does show up, there are going to have to be conversations.” He continued on to say that they will look to move forward regardless of who is in the room.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)
Head coach Scott Arniel was asked the same thing and started his response with, “I really don’t care right now on that scenario,” adding that he has other things to worry about.
Without Hellebuyck, the Jets have started the season with a 4-2-2 record, which has them in the playoff picture as of today. Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson have been holding it down in the crease, and while not necessarily posting elite numbers, they are giving the team a chance to win.
There have been numerous reports that Hellebuyck’s return wouldn’t be warmly welcomed by the players, the staff, management, and likely not Hellebuyck, either. Everybody has already moved on without him.
On Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman stated that some teams were waiting to see if a deadline like this could make the Jets make a move under pressure, but that isn’t the case. Friedman reported that the Jets would rather make no trade at all than make a bad trade.
Amongst teams showing interest, Friedman named the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and Los Angeles Kings.
Red Wings Reportedly Getting Closer to Larkin Trade
After requesting a trade in the offseason, Larkin, like Hellebuyck, wasn’t moved. The biggest difference in situations is that Larkin has shown up to play for the Red Wings and has been playing with purpose.
While the Red Wings are still hunting for their new management team three months after firing Steve Yzerman, they have Shawn Horcoff in an interim role. How much control does Horcoff have over the situation?
ESPN’s John Buccigross reported that a Larkin trade is nearing.
On the Oct. 16 edition of Frankly Hockey, Buccigross stated, “I think there’s going to be a trade within seven to 10 days in Detroit. I got a little bit of information last night that tells me that we’re going to see a trade…”
He then confirmed that he was talking about Larkin.
Maple Leafs Eyeing Difference-Maker on Blue Line
The Maple Leafs’ defense group has a lot of talent, but as a whole, they are on the older side and not as mobile as most teams across the league. Morgan Rielly, Darren Raddysh, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson can move the puck well in certain situations, but the current mix isn’t working.
With high aspirations for the season, general manager John Chayka isn’t looking to let this go on, especially with Chris Tanev out with an injury.
Friedman, on Saturday Headlines, said that the Leafs were not looking for a Band-Aid fix. If they are making a trade for a defenseman, it will be a difference-maker.
The Maple Leafs were looking into Zach Werenski in the offseason, but he ultimately declined a different trade and opted to stay with his team.
Every team would love to add a difference-maker on the blue line, but not every team is willing to give up the prime assets to do so. According to Friedman, the Maple Leafs are.
It would be highly unlikely to see young roster players like Gavin McKenna or Easton Cowan involved, but pieces like Ben Danford, Artur Akhtyamov, Tinus Luc Kublar, and potentially Colorado’s first-round pick could be on the table.
Free Newsletter
Get NHL Rumors coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.