NHL Rumours: Josh Norris Concern, Edvinsson Progress & Crosby/Karlsson Extensions – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start with more on Connor Hellebuyck, and how it appears Josh Norris and his health concerns was the hang-up in a deal with the Buffalo Sabres. Next, Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned, but there has been some progress on a new deal.

Finally, both Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson are eligible for extensions, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are willing to take a patient approach with them.

Jets’ Concerns About Norris Held Up Hellebuyck to Sabres Deal

Around the draft, there were a ton of rumours circling, linking Hellebuyck to the Sabres. The deal reportedly included the fourth-overall pick, other draft capital, a high-end prospect, and a roster player. The reported hold-up was that the Jets weren’t willing to move the eighth-overall pick back to the Sabres and had their eyes set on Viggo Bjorck at eighth.

While there could still certainly be validity behind that, Darren Dreger reported, “There was a centre from the Sabres that could’ve been included in the deal that the Jets didn’t necessarily love. They had concerns with that player from a health standpoint.”

While it could have been Jiri Kulich included in the deal, who dealt with blood clots, it would make more sense for the Sabres to be trying to move Norris.

Over the past few seasons, Norris has dealt with a number of shoulder injuries, causing him to miss significant time in each of the last five seasons.

The Sabres continue to be in the mix to acquire Hellebuyck, but their offer from the start of the offseason is off the table, and a new deal would have to look much different.

Horcoff Making Progress on Edvinsson Deal

The Detroit Red Wings took over two months to name an interim general manager, and with Shawn Horcoff taking that role, he has quite a bit of work to do.

One of the biggest tasks is getting Edvinsson signed. The defenseman is currently a restricted free agent, but has been attending training camp.

A new baseline has been set for his contract if it is a long-term deal. With Zeev Buium’s eight-year deal, paying him over $9 million annually, there is a great comparison for him in negotiations. Another comparable contract could be Fraser Minten, and though he isn’t a defenseman, that contract could be looked at as the minimum for Edvinsson.

Now that Horcoff has the reins, Pierre LeBrun reported that he has been talking with Edvinsson’s agent to get a deal done, with LeBrun adding, “they’ve gotten going for real here.”

Crosby, Karlsson Extensions Not Coming Yet

In a recent article by The Athletic‘s Josh Yohe, the discussions (or lack thereof) between the Penguins and Karlsson/Crosby were brought up. (from What I saw at Penguins camp: McGroarty, Hayes, Pickering face uphill battle for roster spot, The Athletic, Sept. 17, 2026)

For Karlsson, Yohe wrote that negotiations haven’t begun yet, but both sides seem open to doing business down the road. He quoted Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza, who said, “There’s been great conversation and transparency around his situation…We think a lot of Erik. I think he’s enjoyed his time here. We’ve enjoyed having him. So, those types of situations will play themselves out as the year goes.”

As for Crosby, his current contract was signed as an extension in Sept. 2024. His last negotiation bled into mid-September, so this isn’t anything new for him or the club.

At this point, there isn’t any reason to think Crosby will lace up for any team other than the Penguins, but his delays are about his level of play, not the destination.

Spezza was asked about Crosby, too, and said, “You want to kind of see how you feel, and you want to play to a certain standard. I think that’s probably where Sid is at right now. There’s not really a concern on our end, or on his end, at this point.”