NHL Rumors: Hellebuyck Replacements, Hughes Concern, Hischier Speaks – The Hockey Writers –

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Nico Hischier reveals why he chose to sign an extension with the New Jersey Devils, citing loyalty as a driving factor. Meanwhile, Minnesota Wild Bill Guerin spoke with the media on Monday, and his comments on Quinn Hughes have some concerned. Finally, if Connor Hellebuyck is traded by the Winnipeg Jets, what are they looking for in return? Is a goalie part of the package?

Hischier Wanted to Give Back to New Jersey

Nico Hischier spoke about his decision to sign with the New Jersey Devils and said the choice wasn’t difficult. In a recent article in The Athletic, Hischier explained:

“For me it was clear: My goal is to give something back to New Jersey. They gave me a chance to play in the NHL. They picked me. That’s also a reason for me to stay. I still believe in the guys we have in that dressing room — that we can be a good team.”

source – ‘Nico Hischier on passing on free agency and the Devils’ bounce-back plan’ – Chris Johnston – The Athletic – 09-01-2026

He admitted that with the changes in management, there were talks about his future. “We discussed some things. And we came to the end, and I want to be part of the plan. I want to be part of this.”

Concern in Minnesota About Hughes and His Plans?

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin’s latest comments on Quinn Hughes’ contract situation have raised more questions than answers. Guerin suggested Hughes may have different priorities than Cale Makar, whose recent record-setting extension could have influenced the market.

While Guerin emphasized that he has a strong relationship with Hughes and his agent and that communication remains constant, he admitted there is no guarantee and that Hughes might have different priorities than Makar. Hughes’ desire to potentially play alongside his brothers could be a major factor in his decision.

Guerin also pushed back on the idea that the Wild are locked into keeping Hughes and that he could never trade him. Guerin sarcastically responded to the radio host’s theory with, “I can do whatever I want.”

With no rush to sign, Hughes’s storyline continues to have its ups and downs. One day it feels like a deal could be close. The next, it feels like Hughes has his sights set on leaving.

Hellebuyck Replacements in Winnipeg

Murat Ates of The Athletic took a look at some goaltending options for the Winnipeg Jets, if and when they trade Connor Hellebuyck. Mentioning Connor Ingram, Cam Talbot, James Reimer, Matt Murray, and Petr Mrazek as possible UFAs, he also got into trade theories with the teams that might look at Hellebuyck.

Ates said the simplest play is to acquire a backup in the initial Hellebuyck trade, but noted that it’s not a must from a Jets’ perspective. He added:

“If Cheveldayoff finds a trade partner who can’t spare a goaltender, there’s nothing stopping him from pivoting toward making multiple trades. In theory, the first would send Hellebuyck out the door for multiple first-round picks instead of roster players. That draft capital could then be used to shop for goaltending help in a subsequent deal — perhaps after giving Skinner some time to establish himself in his new city.”

source – ‘Which goaltenders could the Winnipeg Jets target to help replace Connor Hellebuyck?’ – Murat Ates – The Athletic – 09-01-2026

It does sound like a Hellebuyck trade is inevitable. The timeline is more about what the Jets feel they can get out of the deal, not whether they get this done before the regular season starts. If Hellebuyck is prepared to sit games remains a storyline worth watching.