NHL IN 60 SECONDS
Winnipeg is preparing for an outdoor Heritage Classic after moving Connor Hellebuyck, with Dawson Mercer expected to join the lineup. In New Jersey, Hellebuyck has practised and could feature during a three-game trip, subject to medical and coaching decisions. Carolina has ended its stalemate with Alexander Nikishin on a one-year, $3 million deal. Elsewhere, Dylan Larkin’s reported trade request remains unresolved, while Detroit is said to be taking calls. The schedule also placed Quinn Hughes back in Vancouver with Minnesota, and Matthew Schaefer within one goal of moving past Bobby Orr on a teenage-defenseman scoring list.
THE BIG FIVE
Larkin’s reported trade situation remains unresolved
A radio discussion said Detroit has been scouting Montreal and New Jersey while assessing what other clubs may have available. The same discussion suggested the Red Wings want a younger centre comparable to Larkin in a return, while acknowledging that such a player is difficult to find. New Jersey and Carolina were raised as possible fits in the conversation, alongside several other clubs, but no deal, negotiations or destination was confirmed. Reportedly, Larkin’s 10-team list had been released and that there was chatter of a resolution sooner rather than later. For now, the stated position is status quo: Larkin is playing, is being paid, and has not rescinded his reported request.
IHM Signal: The only firm update is that the reported request has not been withdrawn.
Coach Mark: A resolution would give Detroit greater clarity on how to shape its centre group, but the reported asking price points to a difficult match.
Jets begin again at Heritage Classic after Hellebuyck move
Winnipeg began a new chapter at the 2026 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic following the trade of Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils. The Jets received Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command and two draft picks. Hellebuyck had not reported to training camp following his offseason trade request, creating uncertainty around the team. Mercer made his Winnipeg debut in Sunday’s outdoor game, recording two shots and one blocked shot in 15:22 of ice time. Montreal ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, with Jacob Fowler making 33 saves. Despite the defeat, Winnipeg has moved beyond the prolonged trade situation and begun integrating its new players.
IHM Signal: Winnipeg’s focus has shifted from a prolonged situation to integrating the return.
Coach Mark: With Mercer expected in the lineup immediately, the Jets can begin building on-ice familiarity while turning attention back to their own games.
READ FULL STORY: Jets Begin New Era After Connor Hellebuyck Trade
Nikishin signs one-year, $3 million Hurricanes deal
Alexander Nikishin has signed a one-year, $3 million contract with Carolina, ending a standoff that had left the restricted free-agent defenceman yet to play this season. The 25-year-old recorded 33 points, including 11 goals, in 81 regular-season games as a rookie last season and averaged 18:11 of ice time. His 11 goals established a Carolina/Hartford Whalers rookie record for a player at his position, and his 33 points were second in that franchise history among rookie defencemen. Nikishin also had one assist in 17 playoff games as Carolina won the Stanley Cup, and he was named to the 2025-26 NHL All-Rookie Team. General manager Eric Tulsky said the club was pleased to have him return and looked forward to his contribution. Carolina, 9-2-2 and leading the NHL with 20 points, hosts Boston on Tuesday.
IHM Signal: Carolina has restored a rookie defenceman who contributed during its championship season.
Coach Mark: The agreement gives the Hurricanes another established option on defence after Nikishin’s productive rookie campaign.
READ FULL STORY: Alexander Nikishin Signs One-Year Hurricanes Deal
Heritage Classic headlined a five-game Sunday slate
Sunday’s five-game NHL schedule featured the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, where the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 at Princess Auto Stadium. Jacob Fowler delivered 33 saves, while Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle scored for Montreal. Isak Rosen answered for Winnipeg, and Dawson Mercer made his Jets debut following the Connor Hellebuyck trade. Elsewhere, Quinn Hughes recorded a goal and an assist in Minnesota’s 4-2 victory over Vancouver, reaching 500 career NHL points in his return to his former home. Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer scored his 25th career goal against Dallas, moving past Bobby Orr for the second-most goals by a teenage defenceman in NHL history.
IHM Signal: The slate paired an outdoor event with significant player milestones and returns.
Coach Mark: Outdoor conditions can add a different rhythm, while the Jets’ potential new arrivals faced an immediate high-profile setting.
READ FULL STORY: Jets’ Outdoor Game Follows Connor Hellebuyck Trade
Hellebuyck feels ready as Devils weigh debut timing
Connor Hellebuyck practised with New Jersey for the first time Monday and said he felt ready to make his Devils debut, though the final decision was not his. The 33-year-old goalie joined the Devils after Friday’s trade from Winnipeg, having not reported to Jets training camp last month and spent several weeks skating in Michigan. Coach Sheldon Keefe said Hellebuyck looked sharp but stressed that medical and coaching decisions still had to be made before he entered the lineup. New Jersey begins a three-game road trip at Dallas on Tuesday, followed by Colorado on Wednesday and Vegas on Friday. Keefe said the intention would be to involve Hellebuyck on the trip, taking it day by day. Hellebuyck said he enjoys handling the puck behind the net to give teammates time to organise their breakout.
IHM Signal: Hellebuyck is practising, but his first Devils appearance remains a decision rather than a certainty.
Coach Mark: His willingness to handle the puck could support New Jersey’s breakout once he is cleared and selected to play.
READ FULL STORY: Hellebuyck Ready to Join Devils on Road Trip
IHM SHORT ICE
Chatfield talks are paused; Blue Jackets hear Voronkov calls
Jalen Chatfield and Carolina have held no contract talks since discussions between his agent and Eric Tulsky at the start of the season did not produce an agreement.
Chatfield is in the final year of a deal carrying a $3.025 million cap hit, while Columbus is listening as teams call about Dmitri Voronkov.
READ FULL STORY: Chatfield Talks Stall as Rangers Assess Goalies
Flyers are not said to be shopping Tippett or Konecny
Philadelphia has received most of its calls on Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny, but a reported view is that neither would be moved unless a deal improves the club overall.
READ FULL STORY: Flyers Weigh Rumours Around Tippett and Konecny
Capitals honour Ovechkin with a new postgame award
Washington has introduced the mirrored-visor “Ovi helmet” as its “Legend of the Game” award in tribute to Alex Ovechkin during his final NHL season.
Ovechkin wore a mirrored visor in his 52-goal rookie season, while the League disallowed mirrored visors in 2006.
Miroshnichenko can seek a trade as Detroit stays status quo
Washington has allowed Ivan Miroshnichenko’s agent to seek a trade, though the Capitals want a legitimate return and will not move him simply to make a move.
Detroit is said to be taking calls on Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson while seeking young centres, and Buffalo told Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to ignore trade rumours.
READ FULL STORY: Miroshnichenko trade permission leads NHL rumours
Flames celebrate their 2004 Western Conference champions
Chris Sutter performed the ceremonial puck drop as Calgary honoured its 2004 team before Saturday’s game against Detroit, alongside Darryl Sutter and former Flames players.
The Flames wore 2004-era jerseys, fans received green hard hats, and Calgary’s 2004 side lost the Stanley Cup Final to Tampa Bay in seven games.
IHM NHL PULSE
Trade situations are producing clarity, not necessarily finality
Winnipeg has completed a major goalie trade and is integrating its return, while New Jersey considers when Connor Hellebuyck can play. Elsewhere, Dylan Larkin’s reported request remains unresolved, Detroit is said to be taking calls on Larkin and Simon Edvinsson, and Washington has permitted Ivan Miroshnichenko’s agent to seek a trade. These are distinct situations, but each centres on clubs seeking a workable next step rather than an announced end point.
Defence remains a recurring roster question
Carolina has brought Alexander Nikishin back on a one-year contract after a lengthy process, securing a 25-year-old who set a franchise rookie mark for goals by a player at his position last season. The developments underline how quickly a club’s blue-line planning can move between immediate resolution and longer-term uncertainty.
Outdoor hockey met milestone watch on Sunday
Montreal defeated Winnipeg 2-1 at the Heritage Classic, with Jacob Fowler making 33 saves. The same Sunday slate featured Quinn Hughes reaching 500 career NHL points in Minnesota’s victory over Vancouver. Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer also made history, scoring his 25th career goal to move past Bobby Orr for second place among teenage defencemen in NHL history.
Teams are using tradition to mark their identity
Washington’s new “Legend of the Game” award honours Alex Ovechkin in his final season, while Calgary’s 2004 celebration included era jerseys, green hard hats and a ceremonial puck drop by Chris Sutter.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
- Carolina hosts Boston on Tuesday, following Alexander Nikishin’s one-year signing.
- New Jersey opens its three-game trip at Dallas on Tuesday, when Connor Hellebuyck could make his Devils debut if selected.
- The Devils then visit Colorado on Wednesday and Vegas on Friday as the trip continues.
SHORT ICE Q&A
Has Dylan Larkin’s reported trade request been withdrawn?
No.
What did Winnipeg receive in the Connor Hellebuyck trade?
The Jets received Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command and two draft picks from New Jersey.
What are the terms of Alexander Nikishin’s new contract?
Nikishin signed a one-year contract worth $3 million with Carolina.
Is Connor Hellebuyck confirmed to start for New Jersey at Dallas?
No. He has practised and said he feels ready, but Sheldon Keefe said medical and coaching decisions must be made before he is placed in the lineup.
What is Washington’s new ” Legend of the Game” award?
It is a mirrored-visor helmet awarded after victories as a tribute to Alex Ovechkin in his final NHL season.
FAN PULSE
Which development will draw the most attention this week?
A) Connor Hellebuyck’s possible New Jersey debut.
B) Alexander Nikishin returning to Carolina’s group.
C) The next turn in Dylan Larkin’s reported trade situation.