What happened: Connor Hellebuyck remains on holdout while unsigned restricted free agents Alexander Nikishin, who hired agent Paul Theofanous in September, and Simon Edvinsson continue to miss 2026-27 regular-season action. Unlike the three players sitting out games, Dylan Larkin has stayed in Detroit's lineup while his representative works to facilitate an exit.

Why it matters: The standoffs have intersected on the trade market, with the Hurricanes previously offering Nikishin and a first-round pick in talks for Hellebuyck before a Blues pursuit of Nikishin complicated negotiations. In Detroit, Edvinsson held face-to-face talks with management earlier this week over his own trade request, while Larkin added the Devils, Hurricanes, and Lightning as approved destinations and kept the Canadiens off.

What to watch: Hellebuyck becomes eligible for reinstatement on Friday, setting the next key date across the league's unresolved roster impasses.