Welcome back everyone to Season 8 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk!
We have another jam-packed Episode 3 show coming up tonight with Evan Renaerts and myself as we go through the news happening around the NHL and the world of hockey. With pre-season in full swing, there are several key narratives already emerging ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. So let’s jump right into some of the biggest stories we’re tracking as we get set for the new NHL season:
- Connor Hellebuyck Suspended After Failing to Report to Jets Camp – One of the biggest stories around the NHL right now involves Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. After requesting a trade earlier this offseason, Hellebuyck failed to report to training camp and was subsequently suspended by the organization. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner remains one of the league’s premier goaltenders, and Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has indicated that trade discussions remain ongoing as there haven’t been any offers they are happy with. The situation creates significant uncertainty for a Jets team that was already facing major questions heading into the season and as they came off a 2-1 loss last night in a pre-season game versus the Edmonton Oilers.
- Adam Fantilli Holding Out in Columbus – Another contract situation to watch is unfolding in Columbus, where restricted free agent Adam Fantilli has not reported to Blue Jackets training camp. Fantilli has quickly become one of the franchise’s cornerstone players and is expected to be the team’s top-line center moving forward. He is also looking for a big payday given what some of the other young talent has received (Leonard, Gauthier, Batherson, etc.) With the regular season rapidly approaching, both sides will be hoping to find common ground sooner rather than later, as the Blue Jackets look to avoid a prolonged absence from one of their most important young stars.
- Marchenko’s Future Remains Uncertain – Speaking of the Blue Jackets, there is still a lot of trade speculation surrounding Kirill Marchenko, the 26-year-old winger. Reports have surfaced suggesting he was not interested in signing a long-term extension with Columbus all while still being a very team friendly contract (a cap hit of $3,850,000). While the Blue Jackets have remained publicly quiet on the situation, Marchenko’s name continues to surface in trade discussions, and many around the league believe his future remains uncertain as the regular season approaches including with his recent interview comments. For Columbus, the challenge will be determining whether they can convince one of their top offensive players to stay long-term or whether they eventually decide to maximize his trade value before risking a larger contract standoff.
- Alex Ovechkin Managing a Lower-Body Injury – The Washington Capitals are taking a cautious approach with franchise icon Alex Ovechkin after he suffered a lower-body injury during training camp. Ovechkin has missed several practices and may not appear in any preseason games. While the Capitals remain optimistic that the injury isn’t serious, it’s certainly something to monitor given Ovechkin’s age and importance to Washington’s lineup heading into his 22nd NHL season.
- Dylan Larkin Opens Up About Trade Request – Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin addressed his trade request for the first time since making it earlier this summer, saying it was a difficult decision but one he felt was necessary. Larkin also acknowledged losing the captaincy, noting that he understands there are consequences that come with requesting a trade. Despite the offseason drama, he emphasized that his focus is now on helping the team move forward. However, to make matters worse, he was recently sidelined with an upper-body injury suffered during an off-ice workout before training camp. The Red Wings have not disclosed a timeline for his return, but the injury is not believed to be a long-term concern. Between the trade request, the captaincy change, and now the injury, interim GM Horcoff has a lot to juggle this season as the team tries to change their fortunes and make the post season.
- Ducks Name Mikael Granlund Their New Captain – The Anaheim Ducks have officially named veteran forward Mikael Granlund as the 10th captain in franchise history, taking over the role from Radko Gudas. Granlund, 34, is entering his second season with Anaheim after putting up 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 58 regular-season games last season, followed by another 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 12 playoff games as the Ducks made the postseason for the first time since 2017-18. Granlund brings plenty of experience to a young Anaheim group that includes Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson, while his international resume also includes serving as captain for Finland at multiple World Championship tournaments. The Ducks will also have Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, Jackson LaCombe and Troy Terry serving as alternate captains. With Anaheim looking to build off last season’s playoff appearance and continue developing its young core, Granlund’s experience and leadership will be an important part of the team’s direction heading into the 2026-27 season.
- Mathew Barzal Could Miss Islanders’ Season Opener – Injury concerns continue for the New York Islanders, as Mathew Barzal remains sidelined with inflammation related to a previous injury. The team has indicated he could miss opening night depending on his recovery timeline. Given Barzal’s importance to the Islanders’ offense, his status will be closely watched over the next week as the regular season draws near. Barzal’s absence would be significant for an Islanders team that relies heavily on him to drive its offense and create scoring opportunities. The 29-year-old has recorded 459 points (113 goals, 346 assists) in 495 career NHL games, and he has been one of New York’s most consistent offensive players since entering the league.
- NHL Board of Governors Discusses Expansion and Leadership Changes – Off the ice, the NHL Board of Governors held significant meetings this week, with expansion and league leadership among the biggest topics. Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was unanimously elected as the new chairman, replacing Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, while Calgary Flames governor Murray Edwards was named vice-chairman. Expansion was also discussed, although no immediate decision appears to be coming (feel free to watch Season 8 episode 2 of our Jennifer Streeter for a more indepth look into this). The NHL continues to explore potential future markets, including Houston and Austin, while groups in Atlanta, Arizona and other markets have also expressed interest. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league will continue evaluating the opportunities, with another update expected in December.
- The Wild Resign Bill Guerin to Contract Extension – The Minnesota Wild have signed general manager Bill Guerin to a multi-year contract extension. The extension comes just one week after the Wild also locked up head coach John Hynes on a multi-year deal. Guerin, 55, is entering his eighth season as Minnesota’s GM and has also served as the team’s president of hockey operations since 2023. He was named GM of the Year in June after helping the Wild reach 104 points last season, while also serving as GM of the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Olympics. Since taking over in Minnesota, Guerin has made several major moves in an effort to push the Wild beyond the second round of the playoffs. He signed Kirill Kaprizov to a record-breaking eight-year, $136 million contract and later acquired star defenseman Quinn Hughes from Vancouver. Hughes is entering the final year of his contract, making his potential extension one of the next major decisions facing Guerin.
- 2027 World Junior Championship Schedule Announced – The NHL has announced the schedule for the 2027 World Junior Championship, which will take place in Edmonton and Red Deer from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5. The United States will open against Germany, while Canada will face Switzerland on Dec. 26. The tournament will feature several top young NHL prospects. The U.S. will look to return to the medal stand after finishing fifth in 2026, following gold-medal runs in 2024 and 2025
Agree? Disagree? Let’s talk Hockey!
Tune in every Wednesday at 7 PM MST for Season 8 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk, where we break down the latest news and biggest stories in hockey, interview people from around the game, and bring you plenty of opinions, discussion and more. For more hockey news, different takes, and to join the conversation, follow us on X at @hockey_two and @revinev, subscribe to us on YouTube, and visit twoguysandhockeytalk.com for articles and regular hockey content. Want to get in touch or become a partner or sponsor? Email us anytime at twoguyshockeytalk@gmail.com.
- Pawel ‘The Cat’
