NHL Rumours: Werenski & Marchenko Out, Hellebuyck to Sabres & Nurse List Expands

In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start off with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who now have both defenceman Zach Werenski and winger Kirill Marchenko on the market. Next, the Winnipeg Jets and the Buffalo Sabres were close to the finish line on a Connor Hellebuyck deal, but it fell through.

Finally, the Edmonton Oilers are still looking to move Darnell Nurse, and his short list of teams has grown.

Werenski, Marchenko Not Re-Signing with Blue Jackets

In the week leading up to the draft, Columbus’ Werenski had some rumours, but the consensus seemed to be that general manager Don Waddell was going to meet with him and his camp after the draft, and get a read on their future together.

Werenski has two more seasons under contract, just like Brady Tkachuk, and while it doesn’t sound like there has been a trade request, there seems to be some uncertainty about him coming back in two years.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun wrote, “Nothing imminent, but the Blue Jackets have started listening to teams calling on Zach Werenski, sources confirm. The CBJ are aware that the Norris Trophy winner is unlikely to extend past his deal.”

As this report came just a few hours before the first round of the draft kicked off, it got people wondering about a team like the San Jose Sharks, who had the second-overall pick to dangle in that deal.

Of course, the first 32 picks are in, and the Blue Jackets may have missed their window for the best package they could have received.

With a whole season to go before he is eligible for an extension, there isn’t a massive time crunch on moving him.

Chris Johnston reported that while it’s unlikely that Werenski signs an extension, he is more than happy to come back, honour his contract, and continue playing for the Blue Jackets.

LeBrun stated that the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes will be at the top of the list with offers, but we could see upwards of a dozen teams looking at a legitimate offer for him.

As for Marchenko, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes kicked off the pre-draft reporting on him by stating that the newly signed eight-year deal with an $11 million cap hit for Pavel Dorofeyev immediately became Marchenko’s comparable.

He followed that up by stating that Marchenko will not re-sign with the Blue Jackets.

Marco D’Amico reported that the Canadiens “will certainly try” when it comes to Marchenko trade talks.

Following the draft, general manager Kent Hughes stated, “When you’re going through the process, until you get the result, it’s frustrating. You try to make a trade, you think you’ve made a really good offer, but it’s frustrating. But it’s been frustrating until something happened every single year since I’ve been here, so I think that’s just the nature of it.”

Hellebuyck Nearly a Sabre Before Trade Fell Through

The conversations around Hellebuyck have been similar to those regarding Werenski. The Jets aren’t under a huge amount of pressure to move one of the best goalies in hockey, but if the deal is there, they have to take it.

The deal was almost there. According to The Athletic’s Murat Ates, the Sabres had the fourth-overall pick, a roster player, and a prospect on the table for Hellebuyck, but part of the agreement would have been the Jets sending the eighth-overall pick back to the Sabres.

That wasn’t happening for Winnipeg.

Elliotte Friedman reported that the deal was close, and that the understanding was that Hellebuyck was ready to waive his no-move clause to go to the Sabres

There is certainly a world where a trade can still happen. While it can be true that there is nothing more valuable than a high pick right before the draft, the Sabres have a great mix of young roster players, a terrific prospect pool, and most of their own picks moving forward.

While a deal for Hellebuyck has become more unlikely, it is still possible.

The belief around the league is that Hellebuyck is looking to go to a team who can have real success over the next three seasons, and would waive for both the Sabres and the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes reportedly had an offer that included a first-round pick and defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

Nurse Trade List May Expand to Potentially Include Ducks

There have been a lot of rumours about where the Oilers may end up sending Nurse. Jason Gregor reported that the three teams Nurse has on his current list are the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Flyers.

With talks not getting anything done with those three, the Oilers may ask him to expand his list. David Pagnotta reported that the Los Angeles Kings could be in the mix on this, too.

While a first-round pick return was unlikely, if the Oilers were looking to get one, that ship has sailed. A late first-round pick could have been in play for the right deal, but a team would likely be unwilling to move one without knowing its destiny.