Hellebuyck, Larkin and Scheifele headline Kypreos’ first trade board

Nick Kypreos has released his first trade board of the 2026-27 NHL season for Sportsnet, and it immediately centres on a growing theme across the league: star players trying to reshape their futures even while locked into long-term, protected contracts. His initial list puts the spotlight on Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg, Dylan Larkin in Detroit and, increasingly, Mark Scheifele with the Jets.

Hellebuyck and Larkin at the heart of early-season drama

Kypreos identifies Hellebuyck and Larkin as the clearest trade candidates despite each having signed lengthy deals with full no-move or no-trade clauses. Hellebuyck requested a move at the end of last season, and after extensive talks around the draft and into the summer, Winnipeg still has not found an offer it likes. The goaltender has not reported to camp and is set to miss the start of the season while he waits for a resolution, a rare situation for a star, award-winning netminder.

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is constrained by Hellebuyck’s full no-move clause and a tight goalie market. Kypreos notes that Buffalo, Utah and San Jose are tracking the situation and trying to persuade Winnipeg to target blue-chip prospects instead of established roster players in a deal. One executive told him Hellebuyck is 33 with a reputation for coming up short in the playoffs, making it difficult to balance current and future value in a trade.

In Detroit, interim rookie GM Shawn Horcoff faces a different kind of challenge. Larkin, the former captain and still the club’s top centre, has publicly acknowledged he wants out while still under an eight-year commitment. His recent media availability, in which he said Red Wings fans deserve answers but did not really provide them, only sharpened the focus on his future. Kypreos reports that the Montreal Canadiens made a push to lure Larkin to play alongside Nick Suzuki, but the player remains uninterested in a move to Canada.

Jets weigh Scheifele’s future as Canadiens look for a centre

The Hellebuyck stalemate is also forcing Winnipeg to re-examine Mark Scheifele’s place in its long-term plans. According to Kypreos, team brass is asking whether it makes more sense to keep the 33-year-old centre or to capitalize on his value in a blockbuster that could reset the franchise’s direction over the next decade.

Among the teams inquiring is Montreal, which has turned its attention to Scheifele after striking out on Larkin. The Canadiens are said to view him as an ideal complement to Suzuki in a one-two punch down the middle. Any price would be steep and could involve prospect Michael Hage, 23-year-old NHLer Oliver Kapanen and potentially Kirby Dach. Kypreos also floats the idea of Sam Montembeault heading to Winnipeg to form a tandem with Stuart Skinner, allowing the Jets to avoid demanding a goalie back in any Hellebuyck trade.

Hughes, Marchenko and Canucks stars fuel a busy rumour mill

Beyond Winnipeg and Detroit, Kypreos raises questions around Quinn Hughes, who was traded to the Minnesota Wild last season and is entering 2026-27 on an expiring deal. His lack of an extension is prompting speculation about whether he wants to stay, is eyeing an average annual value above $20 million in line with Cale Makar, or is simply keeping his options open for a possible reunion with his brothers.

In Columbus, Kirill Marchenko has formally asked out and holds no trade protection, which puts the decision entirely in the Blue Jackets’ hands. After a breakout two-year run, he is a high-impact scorer who would bring back a significant return, and Kypreos lists Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal among the clubs poised to explore a deal. Any acquiring team would gain more than a rental, since Marchenko is a pending RFA with arbitration rights.

Vancouver, meanwhile, remains one of the most intriguing teams to watch. Brock Boeser’s future hinges on his ability to score and rebuild trade value before the March deadline, with lingering questions about who will consistently get him the puck. Elias Pettersson also stays on Kypreos’ trade radar; carrying an $11.6-million cap hit, he would likely require the Canucks to retain $2 to $2.5 million in any deal. Still, with league-wide salary inflation, Kypreos notes that teams are increasingly open to the idea of adding Pettersson even if his production settles in the 55-to-60-point range.