The 2026–27 NHL regular season opens on 29 September, but with training camps scheduled to begin the week of 15 September, several high-profile roster situations remain unresolved. The most prominent involves Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who has formally requested a trade to a Stanley Cup-contending team, according to reports from multiple North American hockey outlets.
Larkin Wants Out of Detroit
Larkin, the long-serving face of Detroit's rebuild, has grown frustrated with the franchise's inability to compete for a championship and has communicated his desire to be moved. His preferred destinations, as reported, include the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and — more recently added — the Dallas Stars. Industry insiders describe Detroit's situation as the most active unresolved trade target in the league heading into camp, with the front office under pressure to either execute a deal or open the season with their captain publicly unhappy. No trade had been reported as of 25 August.
Fantilli: Most Notable Unsigned Restricted Free Agent
Columbus Blue Jackets centre Adam Fantilli remains the highest-profile unsigned restricted free agent in the league. Fantilli posted 59 points — 24 goals and 35 assists — across all 82 games in the 2025–26 regular season and is now eligible for an offer sheet from rival clubs. Three franchises have been identified by analysts as potential candidates: the Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames. A five-year deal in the range of 13 to 13.5 million dollars per season is widely anticipated, with expectation in the industry that an agreement gets done before camps open.
Hellebuyck Situation Cools
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who generated sustained trade speculation through much of the summer, appears to be losing traction as a potential asset. A deal with the Buffalo Sabres reportedly fell through in late June ahead of the draft. Interest from the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils has been noted in various reports, but no concrete movement was reported through the 23–24 August weekend, and momentum appears to have stalled.
Further Transactions and Offseason Notes
The New York Rangers completed two quiet defensive signings last week — Vincent Iorio on a one-year, 850,000-dollar contract (22 August) and Scott Morrow on a one-year extension at the same figure (19 August). In Columbus, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery with no timetable announced for his return, a complication in a contract year for both player and club. Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier, who scored 41 goals in 2025–26, rejected a four-year, 52-million-dollar offer from the Ducks and is understood to be seeking a contract closer to the five-year, 90-million-dollar deal Leo Carlsson received from the Philadelphia Flyers.
On the expansion front, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league is targeting December to finalise an agreement for a Texas-based franchise — either in Houston or Austin — with a debut season of 2029–30 in view. Training camps, which have historically resolved most lingering summer contract disputes, open in mid-September — the next firm deadline for Larkin, Fantilli, and the handful of remaining unsigned restricted free agents.