NHL Rumors: Hellebuyck to Sabres, Levi and Oilers, Canucks Trades, Tarasenko Tampering

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Dallas Stars continue to work on a Jason Robertson trade, the Edmonton Oilers explored a potential goaltending solution in Buffalo, Vladimir Tarasenko’s camp is facing questions about possible tampering, and trade chatter continues to swirl around Connor Hellebuyck.

Robertson Trade Talk Heats Up With Pittsburgh Lurking

The Jason Robertson situation continues to evolve after a dramatic draft weekend that saw multiple twists. It was revealed that the 26-year-old winger turned down a massive eight-year, $120 million offer from the Seattle Kraken and also showed no interest in joining the St. Louis Blues. However, new developments suggest the Pittsburgh Penguins could still be a serious contender.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Dallas and Pittsburgh held trade discussions that were gaining traction before ultimately falling apart.

Friedman said:

“Now I heard that there were talks with Pittsburgh on Friday or Saturday, and there were a couple of teams who thought there was some momentum there, but obviously it didn’t happen. Pittsburgh, by the way, is another team that people are saying is trying to do something with some heft to it. So I wasn’t so surprised to hear that.”

Robertson, coming off a 96-point season, remains a restricted free agent. With the Stars weighing their options, this situation is far from resolved.

Oilers Explore Devon Levi, Sabres Close on Connor Hellebuyck

Friedman also revealed on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the Edmonton Oilers were active in the goalie market over the weekend, conducting serious research into Buffalo Sabres netminder Devon Levi. While a deal ultimately did not come together, they did look at him and the Sabres are open to moving on.

Friedman noted that Buffalo has made Levi available to multiple teams ahead of free agency, and the Oilers were among those that looked closely at the 23-year-old. Levi has shown flashes of promise but has yet to establish himself as a full-time NHL starter. Given Edmonton’s win-now window, there are valid questions about whether he would have been the right fit.

Meanwhile, trade discussions involving Connor Hellebuyck took a turn with a deal reportedly close between the Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets. Hellebuyck was even willing to waive his no-trade clause to join Buffalo.

Details of a reported offer suggest Winnipeg had eyed a significant package, including a high draft pick, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and additional assets. The No. 4 pick from the draft was involved, but with the Sabres having used the selection, it’s not clear where things stand now.

It also appears the Carolina Hurricanes appear unlikely to pursue Hellebuyck, according to David Pagnotta.

Tarasenko Situation Sparks Tampering Concerns

A report suggesting Vladimir Tarasenko’s free agency outlook has taken an unexpected turn was a surprise development on Sunday. After hiring a new agent, Dan Milstein, reports surfaced suggesting he had permission from the Minnesota Wild to speak with teams ahead of July 1.

However, the Wild quickly denied granting any such authorization. The Athletic’s Michael Russo reported that GM Bill Guerin made it clear that no blanket permission was given, aligning with NHL rules that prohibit early negotiations unless a player’s rights are traded.

If Milstein was told he could engage with other teams, that would be considered tampering, as the league recently reiterated that there is no courting period before free agency officially opens.This could create complications for both agent and player.

It’s been an interesting few days for the Wild. Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, also report that Mats Zuccarello is “pretty ticked” about how negotiations have unfolded and is now determined to test free agency when the market opens on July 1.

Canucks Trade Hoglander, Land Brendan Gallagher

The Vancouver Canucks have traded Nils Hoglander to the Nashville Predators and in a subsequent move, are adding Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens are retaining 50% of the Gallagher salary.