An NHL player’s trade request rarely becomes public knowledge. In most cases, they aren’t revealed until after the move takes place, as when the Ottawa Senators shipped Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on June 21.
However, the summer of 2026 saw two notable stars’ trade requests become common knowledge, sparking speculation among fans and pundits about the reasons and the potential destinations.
On June 5, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin had requested a trade. Nearly three months later, on Aug. 27, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck revealed that he also asked to be traded.
Larkin, 30, has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Red Wings, the last five as team captain. He didn’t reveal the reason behind his request, but it’s believed he’s frustrated over the club’s decade-long playoff drought and tensions with GM Steve Yzerman, who was relieved of his duties in mid-July.
Hellebuyck is the only active three-time Vezina Trophy winner. He also won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2024-25 and backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold in men’s hockey in February. In a statement, he said it was best for him and his family to move on to a team where he could win the Stanley Cup.
Larkin and Hellebuyck are attempting to pressure their respective teams into moving them quickly. Some observers considered their trade requests examples of growing player empowerment as they seek to assert more control over their careers.
However, Larkin remains with the Red Wings as they search for a new general manager, indicating he’ll report to their training camp this week. Meanwhile, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has a history of patiently waiting for the right deal, which could force Hellebuyck to stick around longer than expected.