What Happened
According to Sportsnet, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade and a deal seems inevitable, though not imminent. Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Alexander Nikishin is in a similar spot but would need a new contract as part of any trade. In Detroit, restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned, and interim GM Shawn Horcoff must negotiate with him overseas after Edvinsson returned to Sweden to skate. Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin has also requested a trade but appears willing to play while a deal is worked out; he missed most of training camp with an injury.
Key Details
- Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, per Sportsnet.
- Alexander Nikishin needs a new contract as part of any trade from Carolina.
- Simon Edvinsson is an unsigned restricted free agent who has returned to Sweden to skate.
- Interim Red Wings GM Shawn Horcoff is handling the Edvinsson negotiations.
- Dylan Larkin requested a trade but is willing to play for Detroit while waiting.
- Larkin missed the majority of training camp with an injury.
What It Means
Players who miss training camp and the start of the season face a difficult path to regaining peak form, according to Sportsnet. Hellebuyck, Nikishin, Edvinsson and Larkin are all key contributors whose absences leave their teams without important pieces. For Detroit, the unresolved situations add to the challenge of operating without a permanent general manager.
What's Next
Hellebuyck's trade request remains unresolved, and a deal is not considered imminent. Nikishin's trade status depends on a new contract. Edvinsson's negotiations continue with Horcoff from overseas. Larkin could return to the Detroit lineup while awaiting a trade.