Detroit Red Wings

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Larkin and Hughes Talk, Hellebuyck Mess Explained

Cheveldayoff talks Hellebuyck’s situation, Larkin confims trade request, and Quinn Hughes says he’s not worried about his contract situation.

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NHL Trade Talk
September 17, 2026

Today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap for September 17, 2026, takes a quick look at three stories making waves around the league. A GM has addressed his superstar goaltender’s holdout and subsequent suspension, a disgruntled forward in Detroit might not be as disgruntled as he once was, but doesn’t want to talk about it, and a star defenseman says he’s not about to pass up a great opportunity in Minnesota to play with his brothers.

Cheveldayoff Talks Hellebuyck Situation, Jets Aren’t Bending

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff addressed the media on Thursday, explaining the Jets decision to suspend Connor Hellebuyck was more procedural than anything. It’s not clear that Hellebuyck would be easy to reintegrate into the locker room, but the GM called the goalie family until he’s not family anymore.

He also noted that a trade hasn’t happened yet because they are aware about the value of Hellebuyck to the franchise and they was comensurate value in return. Cheveldayoff has denied reports that the team had a “gentlemen’s agreement” that he would deal Hellebuyck if the Jets failed to contend. Cheveldayoff said NHL contracts are binding and insisted there were no side agreements or promises regarding a future trade.

Cheveldayoff Scoffs at “Gentlemen’s Agreement” with Connor Hellebuyck

Larkin Says He’s Not “Ready to Go There”

Dylan Larkin also spoke with the media ahead of training camp for the Detroit Red Wings and confirmed he did ask for a trade, but wouldn’t get into why. Saying he’s trying to remove the distraction from the rest of the team and would love to be on the ice, he said added he’s not ready to go there, when it comes to his explanation for why he wanted to be traded. He may never be, he added.

Fans aren’t love the presser, suggesting Larkin didn’t do himself any favors.

Larkin Breaks Silence on Trade Request, Keeps Reasons Close

Quinn Hughes Isn’t Worried About His Extension

Quinn Hughes says there are no issues between him and the Minnesota Wild despite his contract extension remaining unsigned. Speaking as training camp opened, Hughes said he’s simply taking his time and isn’t feeling pressure to finalize a deal before the season.

He also acknowledged the appeal of eventually playing alongside brothers Jack and Luke but emphasized he wouldn’t sacrifice a great situation in Minnesota to make that happen.

Meanwhile, reports indicate the Wild have offered Hughes an eight-year contract worth more than Cale Makar’s record $20.4 million AAV. Such a deal would make Hughes the highest-paid defenseman in NHL history.

Quinn Hughes Cool About Contract, Addresses Playing With Brothers