The biggest NHL news heading into Tuesday, October 27, centres on Connor Hellebuyck’s possible New Jersey Devils debut, another potential Toronto Maple Leafs blockbuster trade, and fresh injury concerns involving two Canadian teams.
Hellebuyck, acquired from the Winnipeg Jets in a stunning October 23 trade, has joined his new teammates and could make his first appearance during New Jersey’s three-game road trip. Meanwhile, Toronto general manager John Chayka has confirmed he remains open to another significant move, even as Easton Cowan continues to establish himself as an important part of the Maple Leafs’ future.
Monday’s NHL action also produced several storylines. Calgary ended Toronto’s four-game winning streak, Detroit rallied to beat Edmonton in a shootout, and Los Angeles handed the Rangers another troubling defeat.
Perhaps most importantly, Zach Hyman and Kirill Marchenko both left their games with injuries.
Here is your October 27 NHL news roundup, including the latest NHL rumors, yesterday’s scores and the developments worth following tonight.
Connor Hellebuyck’s New Jersey Devils Debut Could Be Getting Closer
The next major chapter of Connor Hellebuyck’s NHL career could begin this week.
After acquiring the three-time Vezina Trophy winner from Winnipeg, New Jersey welcomed Hellebuyck to his first full team practice on Monday. The 33-year-old goaltender had been skating independently while awaiting a resolution to his situation with the Jets.
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Hellebuyck told reporters he feels ready to play, but Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe is taking a more cautious approach.
According to the Devils’ official practice report, the team hopes to get Hellebuyck into a game during its road trip through Dallas, Colorado and Vegas. A specific starting assignment had not been confirmed as of this update.
My take: The most interesting question isn’t whether Hellebuyck can improve New Jersey’s goaltending. His established track record makes that a reasonable expectation. The bigger question is how quickly he can regain game rhythm after missing the opening weeks of the regular season.
New Jersey has won five of its past six games, so there is little reason to rush its newest star.
A Hellebuyck start against Dallas tonight would immediately become one of the NHL’s biggest stories. Until the starting goaltender is officially confirmed, however, it remains a possibility rather than a certainty.
NHL News and NHL Rumors and NHL Scores: October 27, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors: John Chayka Keeps His Options Open
Toronto’s four-game winning streak ended Monday, but the bigger story may be what general manager John Chayka said before the loss.
In an interview with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, Chayka acknowledged that improving Toronto’s defensive play remains a priority. He also said a trade isn’t necessarily the only solution.
When asked whether he would consider another blockbuster comparable to the Matthew Knies–Kirill Marchenko transaction, his response was simply: “Yeah.”
That answer doesn’t confirm an imminent trade. It does indicate that Toronto’s roster remains a work in progress.
Easton Cowan’s emergence complicates matters. The young forward scored his sixth goal of the season against Calgary, and Chayka has praised his development and complete game.
My assessment is that Toronto should be extremely cautious about including Cowan in any defensive trade package. Affordable, productive young players are among the organization’s most valuable assets.
There is another complication: Marchenko left Monday’s game with a lower-body injury. Until the Maple Leafs determine his availability, moving another forward could create an unnecessary weakness.
NHLTradeRumor.com Salary-Cap Watch: Can Toronto Afford a Defenseman?
PuckPedia’s Toronto cap breakdown lists approximately $2.39 million in current cap space, but a projected cap-space deficit of approximately $8.18 million when longer-term obligations are incorporated.
Those two figures describe different accounting positions.
Consider a hypothetical defenseman carrying a $4 million annual cap hit:
- At 50% salary retention, the acquiring club’s annual cap charge would be $2 million.
- At 25% retention, the annual charge would be $3 million.
- The difference is $1 million in cap flexibility.
This is an original illustrative calculation, not a proposed transaction. Toronto’s actual ability to complete a deal depends on LTIR, roster changes, timing and applicable cap rules.
It helps explain why retained salary and the players leaving Toronto would matter almost as much as the incoming defenseman.
Edmonton Oilers Face Another Zach Hyman Injury Concern
The Edmonton Oilers suffered more than a shootout defeat Monday.
Zach Hyman left the game against Detroit after his head struck the glass following a hit from defenseman Andreas Englund.
The veteran forward required assistance and did not return.
Sportsnet reported the incident Tuesday, while subsequent reporting suggested Hyman could miss at least a week. The Oilers had not announced a definitive return timetable.
For Edmonton, the uncertainty is particularly frustrating because Hyman had only recently returned from an earlier injury.
Connor McDavid, meanwhile, extended his season-opening point streak to 12 games. He has accumulated an extraordinary 34 points during that stretch.
My observation: Edmonton possesses enough elite offensive talent to survive individual absences, but repeatedly changing its supporting cast can eventually affect line chemistry and five-on-five consistency.
Hyman’s health is now a more immediate concern than the result of Monday’s game.
Calgary Flames Trade Rumors: Three Names Drawing Attention
Calgary’s fourth consecutive victory has created an interesting situation for general manager Craig Conroy.
According to Pierre LeBrun’s reporting, teams have expressed interest in defenseman Zach Whitecloud.
However, Conroy reportedly values Whitecloud’s experience and fit with Calgary’s rebuilding group.
Morgan Frost is another player worth watching as his contract situation develops, while veteran Ryan Strome appears to be a more plausible future trade candidate.
These are reported market considerations, not confirmed offers or pending transactions.
The Flames’ recent improvement could encourage patience rather than urgency.
Matvei Gridin reinforced that argument Monday by recording two goals and an assist against Toronto.
Calgary is still building toward sustained success, but moving productive veterans simply because teams are calling isn’t always the best rebuilding strategy.
More NHL Injury and Roster News
Philadelphia announced Tuesday that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been placed on injured reserve. The Flyers also activated Cam York and recalled Jacob Gaucher from Lehigh Valley.
Carolina faces its own injury questions ahead of tonight’s showdown against Boston. Jordan Staal remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Taylor Hall could return from an upper-body issue.
Both situations deserve attention because injuries can influence lineup decisions, player development opportunities and eventual trade priorities.
NHL Scores Yesterday: Monday, October 26, 2026
Just three games were played Monday, but each delivered an important storyline.
Calgary continued its resurgence, Detroit produced a dramatic comeback, and Los Angeles extended its improving road-trip form.
NHL Scores & Game Notes
Monday, October 26, 2026 · All 3 games · Final results
Game notes
- Drew Doughty: One goal and two assists.
- Artemi Panarin: Goal and assist against New York.
- Rangers: James Reimer pulled after allowing three goals on eight shots.
Game notes
- Matvei Gridin: Two goals and one assist.
- Auston Matthews: Reaches 800 career NHL points.
- Kirill Marchenko: Exits with a lower-body injury.
Game notes
- Dylan Larkin: Scores late to force overtime.
- Michal Postava: First NHL win; 25 saves and a perfect shootout.
- Connor McDavid: Extends point streak to 12 games.
- Zach Hyman: Leaves after hitting his head on the glass.
Scores: NHL official game recaps. Final/SO denotes a shootout. Presented by NHLTradeRumor.com.
The standout individual performance belonged to Calgary’s Matvei Gridin, who recorded his first career three-point NHL game.
Toronto also celebrated a significant milestone despite losing: Auston Matthews reached 800 career points in only 703 games, faster than any other Maple Leafs player.
In Edmonton, Michal Postava earned his first NHL victory in his first start, while Dylan Larkin’s late tying goal gave Detroit the opportunity to win in a shootout.
These results reinforce how quickly early-season narratives can change. Winning streaks end, previously struggling teams find momentum, and individual performances can alter expectations overnight.
NHL Games Tonight: October 27 Matchups to Watch
Tuesday features 11 NHL games, including several particularly interesting matchups.
The New Jersey Devils visit the Dallas Stars at 8 p.m. ET, with attention focused on Hellebuyck’s potential appearance.
Boston visits defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina in another 8 p.m. ET contest featuring two of the Eastern Conference’s strongest early-season teams.
Minnesota and Utah meet at 9 p.m. ET in a Central Division matchup. Kirill Kaprizov enters the evening with 13 goals, putting him within reach of a remarkable October scoring milestone.
At 10:30 p.m. ET, Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks host Buffalo, adding another appealing matchup for fans following the league’s emerging young stars.
My game to watch is New Jersey against Dallas. Even if Hellebuyck doesn’t start, the Devils’ goaltending decisions will be fascinating to follow over the coming days.
What Happens Next in the NHL?
Three developments deserve particular attention: New Jersey’s official starting-goaltender announcement, updates on Hyman and Marchenko, and whether Toronto’s defensive trade conversations advance beyond general market evaluations.
Of those stories, Hellebuyck’s return to game action could have the biggest immediate impact on the Stanley Cup picture.
Toronto’s situation may require more patience. Chayka has shown that he’s willing to make significant moves, but that doesn’t mean every roster concern demands an immediate trade.
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