NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2026
Check out the latest on Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
DOES CUTTER GAUTHIER WANT THE SAME DEAL AS LEO CARLSSON?
DAILY FACEOFF: cited a recent episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, in which Keith Yandle said he was “fed a little tidbit” that Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier “will not be taking one dollar less” than what teammate Leo Carlsson received on his new contract.
Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).
Carlsson, 21, signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3, which the Ducks matched six days later. The average annual value is a league-leading $18 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast said there was no truth to this report, adding that there has been no confirmed ask from Gauthier.
Gauthier’s asking price will likely exceed $10 million annually now that Carlsson’s new AAV has become the league benchmark. However, first-line centers are usually more valuable than wingers, which is why the Ducks had to match that offer sheet for Carlsson.
The Gauthier camp could be waiting to see what Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson receives on his next contract. The 26-year-old winger filed for salary arbitration on July 5. He’s reportedly seeking an AAV of $14 million, while the Stars countered with $12 million.
THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN
THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin remains in play, but things are currently quiet.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman remains patient in his search for the right return. Smith wouldn’t be surprised if Larkin is still with the Red Wings when training camp opens in September, though the situation could become uncomfortable in Detroit if it comes to that.
The Wild have made their offer to the Red Wings, who are seeking roster players rather than futures. Regarding Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos’ report that the Red Wings want Matt Boldy in return for Larkin, Smith doesn’t see a scenario in which the Wild move on from Boldy.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith believes the Wild will wait if they can’t trade for Larkin. Other options could become available over the course of the summer or during training camp.
UPDATE ON ZEGRAS AND DRYSDALE
NHL.COM’s Bill Meltzer cited two team sources claiming the Flyers expect new contracts for forward Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale to be hammered out before their scheduled arbitration hearings.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players usually file for arbitration to set a deadline for signing their new contracts, rather than having them drag on throughout the summer. Few end up needing arbitration to settle things.
Drysdale’s hearing is scheduled for July 20, and Zegras’ is July 22.
TEAMS ARE SHOWING INTEREST IN ARBER XHEKAJ
TVA SPORTS: cited Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, claiming more than one team has contacted the Montreal Canadiens about Arber Xhekaj.
The 25-year-old Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent this summer. He’s completed a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.3 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj sees third-pairing minutes while also serving as the Canadiens’ enforcer. His physical style has made him popular among his teammates and a fan favorite in Montreal. Nevertheless, some Montreal pundits believe he could be traded to make room for one of their up-and-coming blueliners.
The Canadiens could wait and see how things shake out in training camp and the preseason before deciding whether to move Xhekaj.
Yzerman fired!
Technically its a promotion but in reality he is fired
Does Larkin stay now?
Surprised no one has given this guy Arber an offer sheet big, tough defenseman why not.
Pete – Arber is role player. Not discounting his value but not the type of player you would present with an offer sheet.
Keep in mind generally speaking, offer sheets only work when a team is tight against the cap (habs are not) or if you drastically over pay in dollars term or both. Something that does not make any sense in a cap structure for a 3rd pairing Dman with a limited ceiling.
Just my thoughts on it.
If you like the player trade route makes most sense.
Pete, you don’t need to offer sheet a part time 3rd pairing, #6,7,or 8th D. If you want him, you can trade for him and it won’t cost much, like a pick or two, AHLer type of return if Montreal even wants to trade him.
I don’t think Larkin can stay. Once your captain wants out, there’s just no turning back.
Can we really consider a his move a “bump up” for Stevie? Or a position where he can do less damage?
Yzerman is still GM as he will remain till him and Ilitch find a new GM.
Too bad he didn’t get released 2-3 years ago as he rushed the rebuild and we all know what happens when you rush a rebuild.
Frank? Rushed the rebuild? You may be the only one I’ve ever seen make that statement! The vast majority of fans think he took way too long.
I’ve always liked Wifi but his game hasn’t necessarily progressed over the last couple of years, he seems to be what he’s shown, a hard edged competitor with several rough spots defending at today’s speed of game. I’d think that if teams are looking for something similar, then Logan Stanley is out there as an UFA and its been crickets for him so far this offseason. Both guys are suitable 6-8 type of dmen, available for those harder type of opponents.