NHL IN 60 SECONDS
Connor Hellebuyck made a winning New Jersey Devils debut after a major trade from the Winnipeg Jets, with Martin Brodeur framing the move as a commitment to the club’s competitive window. Leon Draisaitl was named the NHL’s First Star after six goals and nine points in three games. Washington has allowed Ivan Miroshnichenko and his representatives to speak with teams about a potential trade, while Philadelphia’s Rasmus Ristolainen and Detroit restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson feature in further market reporting. The hockey world also mourns André Lacroix, the WHA’s all-time points leader, who died aged 81.
THE BIG FIVE
Miroshnichenko permitted to explore trade options
The Washington Capitals have given Ivan Miroshnichenko and his representatives permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade, according to reporting cited by Elliotte Friedman. That is not the same as Washington placing the forward on waivers or completing a deal; Friedman said the Capitals do not intend to waive him because they believe they would lose him for nothing. Coach Spencer Carbery said Miroshnichenko had performed well in his first three games, but Washington’s deep forward group could squeeze him out when players return to health. Friedman said there is considerable interest and wondered whether the return could resemble the second- and third-round picks Columbus received for Egor Chinakhov.
IHM Signal: This is presented as an opportunity-driven market rather than a verdict on Miroshnichenko’s ability.
Coach Mark: Carbery’s comments indicate that readiness matters: Miroshnichenko’s route back into the line-up may depend on taking the next chance when it arrives.
Ristolainen market talk joins Laine and offer-sheet questions
Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen is increasingly likely to be traded this season if the Flyers continue pursuing the group of playoff teams ahead of them, according to Nick Kypreos. Elsewhere, Emily Kaplan reported that unrestricted free agent Patrik Laine does not intend to sign in Europe and remains motivated to prove people in the NHL wrong. Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky was also asked whether more offer sheets could follow. Tulsky described an offer sheet as a form of trade offer, while noting its unusual leverage: a club can raise a player’s salary and potentially make the player harder for both teams to value. He said cap space is central for the offering and matching clubs.
IHM Signal: Cap flexibility remains the central variable in both the practical use and the defensive response to offer sheets.
Coach Mark: For Philadelphia, any decision on Ristolainen would sit alongside its place in the chase rather than being an isolated roster call.
READ FULL STORY: Flyers Trade Talk, Laine’s Aim and Offer Sheets
Hellebuyck gives Devils a winning debut
Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves in his New Jersey Devils debut, a 5-1 win at the Dallas Stars, four days after arriving in a trade with the Winnipeg Jets. The Devils acquired the 33-year-old goaltender for forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, the rights to unsigned draft choice Alexander Command, New Jersey’s 2029 second-round pick and its 2027 seventh-round selection. Executive vice president of hockey operations Martin Brodeur said the acquisition reflected the need to act while the Devils’ core is in, or entering, its prime. Brodeur highlighted Hellebuyck’s ability to influence games and said Jake Allen gives New Jersey “a great luxury” as the other member of the tandem.
IHM Signal: New Jersey paid a substantial package for proven goaltending and immediately received a victory in Hellebuyck’s first appearance.
Coach Mark: The Hellebuyck-Allen pairing gives the Devils two established options, with the new arrival carrying the profile of a leading starter.
READ FULL STORY: Hellebuyck shines as Devils rout Stars 5-1
André Lacroix dies aged 81
André Lacroix, an original Philadelphia Flyer and the World Hockey Association’s all-time leading scorer, has died aged 81. The centre played 325 NHL regular-season games, including 245 across four seasons with Philadelphia, and finished his NHL career with 198 points. His defining statistical legacy came in the WHA, where he remains the all-time leader in points with 798, assists with 547 and games played with 551. Lacroix won two WHA scoring titles, including a 147-point season for the San Diego Mariners in 1974-75, when he recorded 106 assists. He also represented Canada in the 1974 Summit Series and scored the winner in Canada’s sole victory, Game 2 in Toronto.
IHM Signal: Lacroix’s place in hockey history is anchored by sustained WHA production and a major role in the early Flyers’ story.
Coach Mark: His career shows the value of durable playmaking: Lacroix combined longevity with elite assist production across the WHA.
Draisaitl earns First Star after six-goal week
Edmonton Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl was named the NHL’s First Star for the week ending October 25 after scoring six goals and nine points in three games. He scored twice in each appearance as Edmonton earned two wins and moved into first place in the Pacific Division. Draisaitl registered two power-play goals in an overtime win against the Minnesota Wild on October 20, then produced two goals and three assists against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 22. He completed the week with Edmonton’s two goals in a loss to Toronto on October 24. Through 11 games in 2026-27, Draisaitl had 12 goals and 23 points, alongside six power-play goals.
IHM Signal: Draisaitl paired a six-goal week with a heavy power-play contribution as Edmonton moved atop its division.
Coach Mark: His repeated scoring across all three games underlines the value of a forward who can drive both five-on-five and man-advantage output.
READ FULL STORY: Draisaitl tops NHL Three Stars after nine-point week
IHM SHORT ICE
Rangers still linked with goalie depth search
Elliotte Friedman said he does not think the New York Rangers pursued Connor Hellebuyck, despite discussion of that possibility.
He nevertheless expects the Rangers to continue looking for goaltending, after injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo left Dylan Garand and newly signed James Reimer involved.
READ FULL STORY: Rangers Linked With Further Goaltending Search
Bruins, Devils and Maple Leafs face separate questions
Boston and pending unrestricted free agent Pavel Zacha are not aligned on a contract number, according to Chris Johnston.
Brenden Dillon told Elliotte Friedman that he did not veto a trade last season, while Toronto general manager John Chayka downplayed the idea that a defensive acquisition is necessarily required.
READ FULL STORY: NHL Rumours: Zacha, Dillon and Maple Leafs
Sabres reported to seek scoring winger
Buffalo is said to be navigating cautiously while looking at available options, with Dave Pagnotta reporting a preference for a scoring winger.
Pagnotta said the Sabres are comfortable with their goaltending group and that a forward addition could come later in the season.
Edvinsson interest reported as deadline approaches
Colorado’s Artturi Lehkonen is a pending unrestricted free agent and is not close to an extension, according to Chris Johnston.
Nashville and San Jose are among clubs reported to have interest in Detroit restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson, while Detroit still hopes to re-sign him before December 1.
READ FULL STORY: Lehkonen Contract Watch Leads NHL Rumour Roundup
Penguins selling scenario remains conditional
Jim Biringer said Pittsburgh could begin selling assets before the trade deadline if the club’s slide continues.
He named Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as players who could draw interest, while excluding Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang from that suggestion.
IHM NHL PULSE
Goaltending is shaping the sharpest roster questions
New Jersey has acted decisively, bringing in Connor Hellebuyck and receiving a 17-save win in his first Devils game. The Rangers, meanwhile, are expected by Friedman to continue exploring goaltending depth after injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo. Buffalo’s reported priority runs the other way: Pagnotta said the Sabres are comfortable with their goaltending group and would prefer to add a scoring winger.
Contract and trade markets carry different degrees of certainty
Washington has granted Miroshnichenko’s camp permission to speak with teams, but there is no reported completed trade. Zacha and Boston are described as misaligned on a contract figure, while Lehkonen is not close to an extension with Colorado. Edvinsson is the subject of reported interest from several clubs, yet Detroit still hopes to sign him before the stated December 1 deadline.
Production and history frame the week’s on-ice news
Draisaitl’s six goals and nine points earned him NHL First Star recognition for the week ending October 25. The death of Lacroix brought focus to a career that included 798 WHA points, still the competition’s all-time record.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT
- December 1 is the stated deadline approaching for Detroit and Simon Edvinsson, with the Red Wings still hoping to complete a signing.
SHORT ICE Q&A
What has Washington allowed Ivan Miroshnichenko to do?
The Capitals have permitted Miroshnichenko and his representatives to speak with other teams about a potential trade. Reporting says Washington does not intend to place him on waivers.
What did New Jersey give up for Connor Hellebuyck?
The Devils traded Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, the rights to Alexander Command, their own 2029 second-round pick and their 2027 seventh-round pick to Winnipeg.
Why did Martin Brodeur say the Devils made the Hellebuyck move?
Brodeur said the Devils’ core players are in or nearing their prime years and that the club needed to make this type of move to take the next step in its window of winning.
What made Leon Draisaitl the NHL’s First Star?
He scored six goals and nine points in three games during the week ending October 25, including five power-play goals, as Edmonton collected two wins.
FAN PULSE
Which development has the biggest immediate impact on a team’s season?
A) Connor Hellebuyck joining the New Jersey Devils.
B) Ivan Miroshnichenko being allowed to explore a trade.
C) Buffalo pursuing more scoring on the wing.