As the 2026-27 NHL regular season approaches its third week, trade rumors are buzzing around several notable stars, creating intrigue among fans and analysts alike. Various circumstances, from injuries to player requests, stir the pot as teams seek to enhance their rosters. Let's dive into the most significant trade rumors and determine which ones are likely to materialize.

Igor Shesterkin's Injury Sparks Goalkeeping Speculation

The New York Rangers have experienced a significant setback with the season-ending injury of their starting goaltender, Igor Shesterkin. This unfortunate twist has led many to speculate whether the Rangers will explore acquiring Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets' premier goaltender and a three-time Vezina Trophy winner. With Hellebuyck publicly requesting a trade in August and remaining suspended by the Jets, the potential allure of landing him appears tempting to Rangers management.

However, pundits caution that while Hellebuyck could fill the gap left by Shesterkin, the logistics of such a transaction present challenges. Reports indicate that the Rangers are focused on backup Dylan Garand and call-up Spencer Martin for the immediate future. Adding Hellebuyck to the mix would require significant salary-cap space, estimated at around $20 million, making it less likely for the move to happen soon.

Buy or Sell: Sell — For now, the Rangers seem content with their current lineup in net, as they anticipate the return of Joonas Korpisalo from injured reserve next month.

Canadiens Fans Call for Larkin Amid Trade Speculation

In a dramatic turn of events, fans of the Montréal Canadiens were vocal in their desires for the Detroit Red Wings' center Dylan Larkin during a recent matchup. With chants of "We want Larkin" echoing through the Bell Centre, many began to wonder if this would nudge Larkin toward accepting a trade to Montréal.

Larkin, who has expressed a desire for a fresh start, has a well-documented list of preferred destinations, notably excluding Canadian teams. Nevertheless, commentators speculate that his talents could place him as an ideal fit in the Canadiens’ second-line center role, behind Nick Suzuki. However, Larkin’s decision remains firmly within his control, as he is hesitant to accept a move to Montréal.

Buy or Sell: Sell — Although Canadiens fans might push for Larkin’s move to their team, his preferences are likely to keep him from donning the bleu-blanc-rouge anytime soon.

The Vancouver Canucks Eye Connor Zary, but Interest Fades

Connor Zary, the 25-year-old forward from the Calgary Flames, hit the trade rumor circuit following his demotion to the AHL. With notable injury troubles clouding his development after a promising debut season, Zary is rumored to be on the Canucks’ radar. However, insiders including Thomas Drance feel that while Zary possesses potential, his current physicality traits and skating challenges diminish immediate interest from the Canucks and other teams.

Although Zary's future remains uncertain, analysts highlight the possibility of a Canucks reclamation project should he perform well in the AHL. However, at this juncture, it doesn't seem that a trade is imminent.

Buy or Sell: Sell — Interest may linger, but there’s no current momentum towards a Zary acquisition by the Canucks.

Alexander Nikishin's Trade Rumors and Contract Negotiations

Ever since the Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Stanley Cup, defenseman Alexander Nikishin has stirred up chatter surrounding a potential trade. Despite his request for a deal and links to teams like the New York Rangers, no serious negotiations appear to be unfolding for the 25-year-old restricted free agent.

Recent insights suggest that the Hurricanes may contemplate recontracting Nikishin rather than facilitating a trade, especially as he navigates a tricky negotiating landscape over salary expectations. His rumored asking price for a long contract creates obstacles for transactions at this point in the season.

Buy or Sell: Buy — The uncertainty surrounding his asking price may lead Nikishin back to the Hurricanes if he can't find suitable offers from other teams.

Philadelphia Flyers Seek to Bounce Back Amid Trade Conversations

The Philadelphia Flyers are feeling the pressure as they stumbled out of the gate with a disappointing 1-6-3 record in their initial ten games. Fans expressing dissatisfaction and calling for head coach Rick Tocchet's dismissal reveal the team's struggles. However, multiple sources have indicated that Tocchet’s job is safe for the moment, leaving the Flyers to potentially explore trades to revive their season.

Young players, including Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, are among those under consideration as they lack any no-trade protection. Meanwhile, long-standing Flyers such as Travis Konecny may also be on the proverbial chopping block. Nevertheless, ongoing dialogues suggest no immediate blockbuster transactions are on the horizon.

Buy or Sell: Sell...for now — The Flyers face a significant challenge but may opt to resolve internal issues before pursuing trades with urgency.