NHL Trade Rumor Mill Heats Up: Hellebuyck, Larkin, and Hughes Headline September's Big Board

With training camps wrapped and the 2026-27 season set to open September 29, NHL general managers are making their final roster evaluations — and the rumor mill is churning. Three names dominate this month's trade speculation: Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Detroit center Dylan Larkin, and Minnesota defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Dylan Larkin's Limbo

Larkin's trade request, first reported back in early June, remains unresolved. The 30-year-old center sits at No. 2 on the latest NHL Trade Targets Big Board and is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.7 million cap hit. He holds a full no-movement clause but has reportedly agreed to waive it for Minnesota, Florida, and Vegas, with Dallas also mentioned as a possible fit. The complication: Detroit is searching for a new general manager, and Larkin's preferred destinations don't currently have the cap space or assets to get a deal done. Some observers believe he'll need to widen his list if he wants out before the season starts.

Already Done Deals

Not everything is speculation — real moves have already happened this month. On September 1, the New Jersey Devils acquired forward Luke Evangelista from Nashville for a first- and second-round pick in the 2028 draft. That followed a busy August that saw Detroit add Sutter Muzzatti from Nashville, Anaheim bring in Cruz Lucius from Pittsburgh, and Carolina pick up Stiven Sardarian from Buffalo.

New Names on the Board

This month's trade board also added some fresh names to watch: Anaheim winger Chris Kreider and Calgary defenseman Zach Whitecloud both joined the list for the first time in September after a quiet August. Meanwhile, several names who dominated chatter over the summer — like Vancouver's Brock Boeser — continue to linger in trade conversations as the season approaches.

With general managers evaluating rosters right up until puck drop, don't be surprised if one more of these stars is wearing a new jersey before October.