NHL Rumors: Marchenko Hurdles, Creative Canadiens, Hellebuyck Pivot, and a Wild Larkin Ask

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, how many hurdles did the Toronto Maple Leafs have to jump to land Kirill Marchenko? Meanwhile, how close were the Montreal Canadiens, reportedly the first and most motivated team to trade for and acquire the forward? Is the Dylan Larkin situation becoming frustrating for other GMs? Finally, is the situation between Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets changing enough that a trade with the Edmonton Oilers could be possible? It appears they could use goaltending help.

Maple Leafs Used Their Financial Muscle

Toronto got the Kirill Marchenko deal done ahead of the 5:00 p.m. ET deadline for cap-compliant opening-night rosters, and Elliotte Friedman offered two interesting reasons in the latest 32 Thoughts podcast.

First, the Leafs had the best asset available in Matthew Knies. Columbus likely knew from the start that Knies could come back in a deal, and no other team could offer a player that young, that talented and with that much team control.

Second, the Leafs were willing to use their financial muscle, absorbing two unwanted contracts, Elvis Merzlikins and Miles Wood. Wood is now with the Marlies in the AHL, and Toronto was reportedly tried to move him elsewhere that day.

Marchenko’s extension was verbally agreed to Monday and signed Tuesday: six years at $12.5 million per year. His agent, Dan Milstein, knew what he wanted, and the Leafs picked the six-year option. The contract had to be redone because of the “tagging” rule, which stops teams from fitting this year’s cap while stacking huge commitments onto next year’s. It is believed that’s why Emil Andrae was included in the trade.

Canadiens Tried to Get Creative in Marchenko Deal

Montreal was the most serious pursuer of Marchenko all summer, chasing the forward from the moment it became clear he was available and wouldn’t be extended in Columbus. Friedman noted that Marchenko was reportedly happy to go there.

Montreal tried to get creative and may have involved other teams, either to take extra Columbus players or to send a player to Columbus from a third club. Columbus wasn’t impressed with the offer. It included some good players but also futures the Blue Jackets didn’t want, and nothing came close to Knies in value.

Hellebuyck to Oilers Still a Longshot, But Not Impossible?

Frank Seravalli raised a new angle on the Connor Hellebuyck standoff in his Sportsnet column Thursday, asking whether Hellebuyck’s wish to stay in the U.S. is an absolute or just a preference. He floated the Oilers as a possible fit if Tristan Jarry keeps struggling. Jarry allowed six goals in his season debut, and with Frederik Andersen out until December, goaltending continues to be an issue for the Oilers.

Winnipeg holds the leverage, since time is on its side. Hellebuyck is suspended for failing to report and is losing $38,659 a day.

If Hellebuyck agrees to join the Oilers, Edmonton’s bigger hurdle is what it can offer in return. Jarry has trade protection, Winnipeg likely doesn’t want him, and the Jets’ pickup of Clay Stevenson may have eased their need for a goalie. Edmonton is also tight on cap space and useful players the Jets might want, so the deal is a long shot.

Larkin Trade Demands Unrealistic?

In a recent report, Seravalli verified that rival executives are frustrated with the Detroit Red Wings because the ask in trade for Dylan Larkin is unrealistic. “They have essentially asked for a younger version of Dylan Larkin back,” the GM said. “Even if someone had it, who is giving that up?”

There is also talk that Larkin’s injury situation seems unclear, at best. The Red Wings continue to maintain that he’s hurt, but it was also noted, “I think it probably should be pointed out that Detroit is only clearing the salary cap floor by $1.6 million with Larkin on the books,” the executive told Seravalli. “Paying him for now works for everyone.”