The NHL's Wildest Trade Conspiracy Theory Is Becoming Reality.

If you've been paying attention to things that have been happening around the National Hockey League over the course of the last several months, you may have caught wind of one of the NHL's craziest conspiracy theories. The theory suggests that a number of players from Team USA's Olympic roster have organized together to try and force their way onto the same team... sounds crazy right?

But what if it's real?

The First Domino Falls.

Over the weekend, Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was dealt to the New Jersey Devils after he very publicly demanded a trade over the summer. Hellebuyck wasn't alone in doing so, former Team USA teammate and Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin had also made a similar request leading to some wondering if there might be a connection. Let's park that for now though.

Hellebuyck though has landed with the Devils which weren't one of the teams reportedly on Larkin's list when he demanded the trade. Which brings me to my next point.

Phase Two.

The conspiracy theory has only gained more believers since the Hellebuyck trade and it's not hard to see why. Hellebuyck was dealt to the Devils only a few short days after it was reported that Larkin had once again expanded his list of teams that he would accept a trade to. If you've guessed that one of the new teams added to the list are the New Jersey Devils, well then you'd be correct.

While Larkin remains a Red Wing... for now, it certainly sounds like he would welcome a change of scenery that would see him join his former Team USA teammates in New Jersey, and I don't believe he's alone.

The Forgotten Domino.

Although it now seems like a distant topic, there was a ton of speculation about another Team USA teammate potentially joining the New Jersey Devils, even before the Winter Olympic Games ever got under way.

Following a trade between the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild that saw star defenseman Quinn Hughes join the Wild, there was rampant speculation that Quinn could seek to join his brothers, Luke and Jack Hughes, on the New Jersey Devils when his contract expires. Well Hughes' contract expires at the end of this season and, despite his claims to the contrary, there has been no indication at all that he plans to re-sign with the Wild before his current contract runs its course.

But Is It Real?

While this all just sounds like wild speculation and conjecture, because that's exactly what it is, this conspiracy theory is starting to draw some real serious eyeballs from around the NHL.

"Larkin adding them to his no-trade list, the whole thing is really fascinating," admitted NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

"I can't say with any certainty that the Devils are gonna pull this all off but it sure looks like step 1 of a multi-step plan," admitted Friedman.

Stay tuned hockey fans, things may be about to get crazy.