NHL IN 60 SECONDS
Trade speculation surrounds Connor Hellebuyck as training camp approaches. A lack of progress in Quinn Hughes’s contract talks has prompted further trade chatter, while the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson could run out of time to complete an eight-year extension before 15 September. Pittsburgh’s forward depth, early professional tryouts and Anton Frondell’s hopes for Chicago also feature in the latest NHL discussion.
THE BIG FIVE
Will the Winnipeg Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck before training camp?
The Winnipeg Jets face questions over whether Connor Hellebuyck could be traded before training camp, with the possibility of a distraction during camp and the season forming part of the discussion. No destination or proposed return is specified.
IHM Signal: This remains pre-camp trade speculation rather than a completed transaction.
Coach Mark: A resolution before camp would give the coaching staff greater clarity when planning goaltending work. Until then, the situation remains uncertain.
READ FULL STORY: Will the Winnipeg Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck Before Camp?
Pittsburgh Penguins musings: depth, trade candidates and Erik Karlsson
The Pittsburgh Penguins may have too many forwards. Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell could be available only if a specific price is met, though a move before the season may not make sense. Kyle Dubas has reportedly explored trades, but significant moves appear unlikely at this stage. If Pittsburgh is in a playoff position around the holidays, the club could be aggressive in adding; if it is out of the race, teams could enquire about Erik Karlsson, Rust, Rakell and others.
IHM Signal: Rust and Rakell’s availability is conditional, while Pittsburgh’s direction around the holidays could shape later decisions.
Coach Mark: Conditional trade speculation does not require an immediate change to line combinations, but it does leave room for roster plans to shift.
Quinn Hughes trade speculation and Drake Batherson’s contract timeline
The Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson could run out of time to complete an eight-year extension before the 15 September deadline.
IHM Signal: Both situations remain unresolved, with contract uncertainty keeping trade speculation alive.
Coach Mark: Until contract situations are resolved, coaches can only prepare for possible roster scenarios rather than assume an outcome.
Anton Frondell aims to help the Chicago Blackhawks reach the playoffs
Anton Frondell said his goal is to help the Chicago Blackhawks reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 19-year-old centre had nine points, including three goals, in 12 games at the end of last season. Connor Bedard is likely out until November after left-shoulder surgery, and Frondell is among the candidates to fill in on the top line if needed.
IHM Signal: Frondell has set a playoff target for Chicago and could be an option while Bedard is sidelined.
Coach Mark: If Frondell is used in a larger role, his development and the team’s immediate needs will need to be balanced.
Early PTO signings and notable recent success stories
Early professional tryouts include goaltender Cal Petersen with the Washington Capitals, goaltender Chris Driedger with the Vancouver Canucks and forward Alex Nylander with the Calgary Flames. Recent examples include Daniel Sprong, who turned a 2022 PTO with the Seattle Kraken into a one-year, two-way contract before recording a career-high 21 goals and 46 points in 66 games.
IHM Signal: Most PTO players do not earn roster spots, but the route can still lead to an NHL opportunity.
Coach Mark: A PTO gives a club an opportunity to assess a player’s fit during camp before deciding whether to offer a contract.
IHM SHORT ICE
Vancouver Canucks waiver targets and Montreal Canadiens signings
Ten potential waiver-wire targets have been identified for the Vancouver Canucks. The Montreal Canadiens still need to sign Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj.
Could Carolina use a Bussi-Kochetkov goaltending tandem?
The Carolina Hurricanes lost a veteran goaltender during the summer and did not replace him despite having significant cap space. The viability of a Bussi-Kochetkov tandem is now under discussion.
San Jose Sharks preview: veterans add stability
The San Jose Sharks are looking towards the playoffs next season. Trouba, Nurse and Kesselring add veteran stability and depth on defence, while Marchment boosts forward scoring.
Detroit Red Wings face looming decisions with no GM in place
With training camp a couple of weeks away, the Detroit Red Wings still do not have a general manager in place and the Dylan Larkin situation remains to be resolved.
IHM NHL PULSE
Contract uncertainty keeps trade talk active
The Quinn Hughes and Drake Batherson situations show how unresolved contract matters can keep players in trade discussions. Neither scenario has a confirmed outcome.
Goaltending questions before camp
Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg, the question over Carolina’s potential tandem and early PTOs for goaltenders all place goaltending in focus before training camp.
pre-season roster questions remain open
Pittsburgh’s forward depth, Chicago’s options while Bedard is sidelined and Detroit’s vacant general manager role are among the issues still unresolved ahead of camp.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
- Whether Connor Hellebuyck is traded before the start of training camp.
- 15 September, the reported deadline for an eight-year extension involving Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators.
- November, the month cited for Connor Bedard’s likely return after left-shoulder surgery.
SHORT ICE Q&A
Will Connor Hellebuyck be traded before training camp?
It remains unresolved. The available information raises the possibility of a trade before camp but provides no proposed destination or return.
Are Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell available from Pittsburgh?
They could be available only if a specific price is met, indicating conditional availability rather than imminent moves.
What is the immediate impact of Connor Bedard's surgery on Chicago?
Bedard is likely out until November after left-shoulder surgery. Frondell is among the candidates to fill in on the top line if required.
Are PTO signings worth tracking before camp?
Most PTO players do not earn roster spots, but successful examples show that a tryout can lead to an NHL contract and a meaningful season.
FAN PULSE
Which development worries or excites you most heading into camp? Choose one:
- A. Potential trade of Connor Hellebuyck
- B. Contract uncertainty around Quinn Hughes
- C. Bedard’s recovery timeline and opportunity for Frondell
- D. Early PTOs and goaltending questions