Story perspectives

Connor Hellebuyck Requests Trade as NHL Season Starts

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 3:56 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S.-born NHL players are leaving Canadian teams as the 2026-27 season begins Tuesday.
Former Detroit captain Dylan Larkin announced he will not consider any Canadian team.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk forced a trade to the Florida Panthers to play with brother Matthew.
Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade and was suspended for missing training camp.
Vancouver Canucks traded defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.

History

Historical Context

On June 25 1997 the NHL approved four U.S. expansion franchises—Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus and Saint Paul—bringing the league to 27 teams for 1998-99. Nashville’s entry triggered a shift to a six-division, geographic alignment that moved the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Eastern Conference and expanded U.S. presence. That precedent encourages today’s U.S.-born players to favor American clubs.

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Story summary

U.S.-born NHL players are leaving Canadian teams as the 2026-27 season begins Tuesday.
Former Detroit captain Dylan Larkin announced he will not consider any Canadian team.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk forced a trade to the Florida Panthers to play with brother Matthew.
Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade and was suspended for missing training camp.
Vancouver Canucks traded defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.

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