NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2026
Check out the latest on Dylan Larkin, Morgan Rielly, and Jake DeBrusk in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
RED WINGS SEEK MATT BOLDY IN RETURN FOR DYLAN LARKIN
PUCK GONE WILD: Chris Schad recently cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, who claimed the Detroit Red Wings “would have no problem” trading center Dylan Larkin to the Minnesota Wild if they got Matt Boldy in return.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).
Larkin, 29, included the Wild on his three-team list of destinations when he requested a trade last month.
According to Kypreos, apart from Boldy, there is nothing else that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is interested in.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman reportedly seeks a return with a good young NHL player for Larkin. Boldy won’t fill the Red Wings’ need for a first-line center once Larkin is traded, but he would address their need for a top-six winger.
Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that the Wild would part with Boldy for Larkin; otherwise, that trade would’ve happened by now. The Wild see themselves as a Stanley Cup contender with Boldy on the same line as their new first-line center. He also has terrific chemistry with superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov, so they’re not going to mess around with that.
It remains to be seen how the Larkin situation is resolved and whether the Wild will be his destination. However, they won’t part with Boldy to get him.
THE LATEST ON MORGAN RIELLY
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports there is nothing imminent regarding a trade for defenseman Morgan Rielly. Nevertheless, GM John Chayka and Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, will continue to try to get something done.
Rielly, 32, isn’t beating down Chayka’s door demanding a trade, and the Leafs GM has no desire to give him away for nothing. If a move takes place, it’ll be a hockey trade involving a player who can help the Maple Leafs.
If no trade happens this summer, Rielly will report to the Maple Leafs training camp in preparation for his 13th NHL season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there is no sign that there are teams with serious interest in Rielly. Based on Chayka’s recent remarks, he has no issue with the veteran blueliner being in the Leafs lineup when the regular season begins in October.
UPDATE ON JAKE DEBRUSK
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported Wednesday that there was no dialogue between the Vancouver Canucks and Jake DeBrusk about waiving his no-trade clause. For now, it looks like he’s staying.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I missed this during the blizzard of activity in the free-agent and trade markets on July 1. Since then, there’s no sign that this situation has changed for DeBrusk, but we’re still early in the offseason. The 29-year-old winger could draw more interest now that the free-agent market has been picked nearly clean of quality talent.
DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $5.5 million. He has a full no-movement clause but is reportedly open to waiving it to go to a contender. A playoff club seeking a second-line winger could come calling.
It seems Larkin has overplayed his hand. He either has to give more teams or play. And I wouldnt trade Boldly either
Strange that De Brusk hasnt got more suitors with a history of scoring and a good contract. As for Rielly, he is still a top 4 D and the contract isnt terrible, I wouldnt give him away either
I wonder if Pettersson at 9,5 for Appleton, the lesser of Kasper/Danielson and a 2nd from Detroit would do it? However I doubt Pettersson would waive for Detroit
Kent: IMO Larkin has misread the market and will have to expand his list. But Vancouver is nowhere close to a playoff contender, which is what Larkin seeks.
You missunderstood the comment, the proposed trade is separate from any Larkin trade, maybe I was not clear enough
He’s frustrated over the GM not being able to build a winner. Larkin has invested his entire career in Detroit, only to see the team spin their wheels year after year.
I don’t generally like players demanding trades, but I can also understand his frustration with the lack of progress in Hockeytown.
When you sign an 8yr deal you better be prepared to honour your contractual obligations. Win or lose you made a commitment and signed a contract so suck it up buttercup! IF Stevie can move him for the return he’s looking for then fine just let him go….but he won’t just give him away to make him happy or to be rid of the distraction. He absolutely 💯 needs to nail this trade or just keep him until some team is desperate enough to give him what he wants.
That’s right, the player made an eight-year commitment to the team. He is being held to that commitment, as he should be. If the trade works for Wings, make it and move on. To that, I agree.
But when is someone going to finally hold this general manager responsible? This guy has been at the helm for over 7 years. He took over a franchise that used to be a preferred destination. He has all the resources necessary to build a winner, but the team continues to spin it’s wheels.
Time for the free passes to expire.
He is well paid to invest his career in Detroit and spin his wheels with all the other spinners; all he has to do is respect his contract and team and play…by the way isnt’t he a captain????
I totally disagree with the honoring your contract subject /it’s a two way street if you sign me for 8 yrs and trade me after 4 isn’t that the same thing
If Larkin really wanted out it would have been kept under the radar since he no “right” to get out of his contract.
He has to put his big boy pants on and play.
What’s he going to do, underperform?
lol that would be an interesting lawsuit or criminal fraud case.
Yzerman has the think end of the bat here as there’s 5 more years of contract left, he can tell Pat Brisson to get his client to waive his NMC and STFU.
Which is exactly what I hope he’ll do.
I have not heard anyone say that Larkin has underperformed as a player and a leader. He seems to have held up his end of the commitment and performed to the best of his ability.
Can we say the same for his general manager? I get he’s frustrated and wants to win. What has he seen from his GM to think the scene around Hockeytown is going to change anytime soon?
One party has performed, the other has underperformed and still holds the upper hand.
I dislike players that asked to be dealt in the middle of a deal, but the player has a point. And keeping him around to spite him isn’t going to help the team.
Expand the list of teams and move forward.
Why dosnt he talk to Verbeek and get pick then trade Larkin to him and with picks use to get Dallas guy and sign a offer sheet for Ohio guy
I think Chayka has done a good job so far with the Leafs. He has a lot of ground to make up, his predecessor did the team no favors.
Y signed other team’s cast-offs on FA day, including Arvidsson (but I liked this signing) because FA’s no longer flock to Detroit or other players will waive their trade protection to go there.
Y is just being belligerent in demanding Boldy in a Larkin trade. It is like demanding Robertson in a Larkin trade, knowing Robo will not sign in Detroit.
The culture needs to change in Detroit, starting with Yzerman and his cronies leaving. Gretzky knew when to throw in the towel on managing, Y needs to do the same.
Patrick Kane looking elsewhere to sign now and there are rumblings that DeBrincat will not re-sign in Detroit.
Time for Stevie to pack up.
So, none among Larkin, Kane and DeBrincat hold ANY responsibility for the long playoff drought in Detroit. They were the 3 always in step – everyone else was out of step.
Can’t help but wonder what some – if not all – the players still there think of that attitude. About the same, I suspect, as those in Ottawa feel about Tkachuk .. and now maybe Giroux.
Being regarded as crap by two players that were your captains is something that will linger … and sure to boil over when they start running into them in seasons to come. Nor will it be pleasant for Larkin, Kane and DeBrincat if they have to start the season in Detroit and Giroux in Ottawa – IF Staios even keeps the welcome door open – which I hope he does not. To use the French pronunciation of his name hit the road Claude.”
It’s one thing to “demand your right” … quite something else to say the reason you’re asking out is due to the “inferior” roster assembled around your “star” shoulders.
Look at Buffalo – the team performance changed the DAY they made a change at GM. Long overdue to Y to pack and leave. Wings becoming a pass for players.
Yzerman didn’t demand Boldy. Kypreos speculated about what Yzerman would want based on what was left on Minnesota’s roster. Yzerman isn’t going to talk about what players he wants in a trade. I wish people would stop this narrative.
In my opinion the Wild should shut down all this #1 center nonsense. Look what they were going to give the Rangers for Trochek. Way more than Utah sent. A player like Zacha (Boston) would be just fine. Stop gutting the picks. Why is Spurgon the sacred cow? If they had traded him for a bag of pucks, they might have had enough for Lee AND maybe P Laine
Tin man
Not sure what you think Guerin was willing to give up for Trochek. If that’s true what reason would there be for Drury to take a lesser deal? Agree he should stick with what he has. Let Stramel and Yurov play. Address needs at next deadline.
In my opinion the Wild should shut down all this #1 center nonsense. Look what they were going to give the Rangers for Trochek. Way more than Utah sent. A player like Zacha (Boston) would be just fine. Stop gutting the picks. Why keep an old expensive d man, If they had traded him for a bag of pucks, they might have had enough for Lee AND maybe P Laine
Tin man my feeling on Boston and Zacha is the following,if they look like a non playoff team he could get a small ransom. A lot depends on the development of Minten and Hagens. Now if you look at their D corps they have 8-9 on NHL contracts.. With Mcavoy out for the first 6 games they will probably play all their D men and evaluate who they want to trade and keep. Also keep in mind that Middlestadt like Zacha is in the last year of his contract so he could be moved. I m glad Sweeney didn t sign Trouba and got Borgen a similar player for 4 million dollars a year less. Looks like an interesting year for Boston who s management team has a lot of pressure from ownership to make the playoffs.
SR
I believe. You are correct and Sweeney keeps both and if out of it trades them and others at deadline
Except for the Peterka trade Sweeney has done nothing to move the needle. As currently constructed possibly a last place team in the division.
Funny Larkin wants out of Detroit because of Yzerman not making moves to Larkin liking.
Now he wants Yzerman to trade him to a team of his choice for a bag of pucks.
This guy is a joke. If you want out expand your list of teams. Maybe this is why Detroit is not in the playoffs. Their Captain lacks character.
Funny if that were true……….🤔🙄
You got that right Jeff. Sure, Larkin’s stats have been impressive. The last few years The Wings have been in playoff position late in the season only to fall short. Lots of blame to go around but the team captain has to lead. Larkin has been a poor leader and captain.
Perfect example of leadership down the stretch was Nick Suzuki leading the Habs to the playoffs in 2025. That’s the type of leadership the Wings haven’t gotten from Larkin.
I hate to say it but it’s time for SY to go. Maybe then Illitch can persuade Larks to stay. Then go all in on Robert Thomas. Or perhaps EP40 and play the young studs giving them major roles.
If the young guys make major strides we can change our culture, enticing FA once again. Our goaltenders outlook for the future is EXCELLENT.
Agreed
I wonder if Dubas would have interest in Laine as another reclamation project, and if Laine would be willing to take an incentive laden contract? Seems like a natural fit for the Dubas plan.
I’m beginning to lean that way myself as a result of this Giroux waffling. Let him wait until a “cup contender” comes calling and use the cap space (and bonus additions) to bring in Laine.
If he’ll sign on the come, and not be guaranteed line spot, Tampa was awful in faaceoffs last year and traded Paul, their best guy persentage wise, to the Leafs. But dunno if “win faceoff and get off the ice” fits his self image; Bolts have many better penalty killers, and at 50 points 38 years he’s a reach for the top two lnes.
I have to admire what Chevy is doing in Winny. He has kept the news of Hellebuyck’s wishes private and has just gone about his business in a quiet manner not playing to the press like the messes in Detroit and Columbus.
I don’t believe anything that comes out of Kypreos mouth. There’s no way Boldy going anywhere.
With Werenski staying in Columbus, maybe Larkin would consider joining him there. They’re on the cusp of playoffs. Marchenko staying for now but has already expressed wanting out.
Aren’t these trade “requests” brought to the press by agents. I can’t see Waddell or Yzerman hanging out the laundry. (Rutherford? yes!)
I will tell you if Larkin reports to camp, all year boo’s will rain down on him. And when he sits in that locker room, all other players will know he’d rather be somewhere else. Screw him!
Same with Giroux – IF Staios continues with “the door is always open” crapola. Slam it shut and move on, Steve.
I think the Bruins got a steal in that Borgen trade, I wish the Habs made that deal.
Drury was fleeced
Now that Drury traded for Durzi, DeAngelo and Pettersson, it’s time to steal Schneider for peanuts like Borgen.
Hab fan. You may have a valid point I think he will do well as 2rd
For bruins not flashy but solid player. Prefer that trade than one for Nurse. I still think some trades will be forthcoming for several teams including both your Habs and bruins before the season starts
ughh, DeAngelo signed with NYI not the Rangers
Schneider name was always out there but, Borgen had a full nmc that ended 7/1. Always made sense to keep the younger player. With addition of Durzi, he’s still a trade option. If NY keeps him, they have a pretty solid D group along with a top goalie. Drury still in drivers seat. Can wait on best offer.
Given the other roster moves, Reilly is a better fit on the blueline than they will get for the money. He will stick with the Leafs at least til Dec.
Philly offer sheets Leo Carlsson 18 per wow wish it was Boston.
This is crazy. Ducks can match but will be left with 15 mil to sign Gauthier and Mintyukov. Is Brierre getting back at Gauthier for wanting out of Philly? If Ducks don’t match Flyers get stud. If they do match, less money for Gauthier
Bridge Gauthier, they have $$ coming off next season. Do the same with Mintyukov. If they accept, which we don’t know.
Plus the Ducks have holes in the blue line you could drive a truck through, so they need help, and to spend some money there.
Crazy contract offer. Good player, I get it, but wow.
Ducks will match. They can’t afford to let Carlsson go. But this will make it harder to sign Gauthier. His ask just went up. But he is ineligible for an offer sheet.
Doubt this was about getting back at Gauthier. That would be sophomoric. And it’ll likely get him more money.
Verbeek has been playing with fire with his RFAs. His tactics basically drove Zegras and McTavish out of town. Being a feisty GM isn’t like being a feisty player.
Two days ago Demidov’s deal looked great for the Habs. Now it already looks like a huge bargain.
I literally asked here a few days ago why there was zero chatter surrounding Carlsson and an offer sheet.
Personally, I thought anything north of 16 would make it near impossible for Anaheim to match. But I would have expected a 2 year deal to steal.
As i also said, Carlsson is that guy I’d break the bank on offer sheeting .
I believe this guy is probably the most underrated player in the game.
I think they match too.
This hurts the Ducks whether they match or not, which is why I’m on the fence with offer sheets.
I live in Edmonton, but I get why STL did it. Edmonton set themselves up for it and couldn’t match both. They made their bed.
This is different, ANA can and kinda has too.
So Philly didn’t make their team better just screwed over another team.
Playing with fire IMO.
So what does Celebrini get if he waits until next year, which he likely will.
$20M per?
Do the ducks need to match?
Aside from getting 4 1st round picks, the let the Flyers put themselves in a bit of a bind.
They only have $11m left and among the people they need to sign, Zegras and Drysdale see what Briere is spending.
Not to mention Michkov and Martone shortly.
Flyers upset their own applecart.
JohnnyZ,that’s only if Larkin agrees to go!
I think they do HF30 he’s their best player at the hardest position to find #1C. If they don’t they’re restarting the rebuild.
If the end result of getting him for the Flyers is upsetting the apple cart, then fair to question the wisdom of this decision?
He’s an excellent young player, but not worth $18M at this stage in his career. Whoever gets him will mess their overall cap. Ducks can’t afford to let him go, lesson for all the other GMs sitting on players who are coming up to offer sheets
How about Fantilli?
I’d send him an offer sheet yesterday.
The cap is going up every year. This isn’t going to upset the Flyers’ apple cart IMO.
For one, Leo was the second overall 1st round pick three years ago and is only 21. That takes the sting out of losing four 1st rounders; in a way, it’s like losing 3 instead.
The four 1st round picks the Ducks may get could very well end up being late 1st round draft picks… Maybe even the 32nd in one of those four years (wink, wink).
Add to this, the Flyers still have that UNPROTECTED 1st rounder (2027 or 2028) from Toronto for Scott Laughton!
Martone and Michkov can be bridged.
The Flyers have other players they can trade away to recoup the draft picks /get cap space if need be down the road.
If the signing goes down, they could even bridge one of Drysdale or Zegras to have some time to make space. Who knows right now? They both want to be there, I do know that.
It should be rather easy to make cap space in a market like this if they have to.
The Flyers are far from “upsetting their own apple cart. However, they may have upset a bunch of other NHL teams’ apple carts if this goes down.
Love it.
I hate to say it but it’s time for SY to go. Maybe then Illitch can persuade Larks to stay. Then go all in on Robert Thomas. Or perhaps EP40 and play the young studs giving them major roles.
If the young guys make major strides we can change our culture, enticing FA once again. Our goaltenders outlook for the future is EXCELLENT.
I hate to say it but it’s time for SY to go. Maybe then Illitch can persuade Larks to stay. Then go all in on Robert Thomas. Or perhaps EP40 and play the young studs giving them major roles.
If the young guys make major strides we can change our culture, enticing FA once again. Our goaltenders outlook for the future is EXCELLENT.
When Verbeek lets Carlson go, he trades for Larkin using 2 of his new 1sts and Granlund and a prospect like Procyszyn.
JohnnyZ,that’s only if Larkin agrees to go!
He’ll agree, Y has pushed him into no-man’s land with refusing to make a deal with the USA Hockey GM, (Y being the ex-GM for Hockey Canada).
Larkin will expand his list and Y and Verbeek will deal.
If Carlson moves it is going to create a dominos effect for sure.
He signed the papers and so did Hayton. We will know in 7
Philly couldn’t get somethings done for Larkin for less
Michkov Bonk a first? Or Dylan doesn’t to play for that playoff year