NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2026
Should the Bruins make a pitch to acquire Dylan Larkin from the Red Wings? Which members of the Kings could become trade candidates? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Boston Bruins’ biggest area of concern is their talent and depth at the center position.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).
The Bruins currently have Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, Fraser Minten, and Sean Kuraly slotted in as their centers for this season. However, Proteau thinks they need an upgrade at that position.
It’s been reported that the Bruins aren’t on Dylan Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations. However, Proteau feels that general manager Don Sweeney should try to convince the Detroit Red Wings center and his agent that Boston would be a terrific landing spot.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney could do this by contacting the Red Wings to seek permission to speak with the Larkin camp to see if they could be at least persuaded into adding the Bruins to his list of destinations.
Proteau also mused over the availability of Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. He admits all are long shots, but thinks it’s up to Sweeney to get creative to address that need at center.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but you can also bet that other general managers could also have an eye on those centers, and on Larkin. Whether Sweeney will get creative in his search for a first- or second-line center remains to be seen.
What say you, Bruins fans? Let us know in the comments section below.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes two members of the Los Angeles Kings could become trade candidates this season.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper struggled last season, losing the starter’s job to Anton Forsberg. Kuemper is in the final season of his contract with a $5.25 million cap hit, which would make him an expensive backup.
O’Hara speculates that a team seeking help in goal could be interested in Kuemper, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024-25.
Meanwhile, speedy winger Trevor Moore has been unable to nail down a top-six role with the Kings. He has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.2 million. He scored 31 goals in 2022-23 and could benefit from more offensive responsibilities with another club.
O’Hara believes the Kings don’t have to move Kuemper or Moore right now. However, they could become trade chips if GM Ken Holland feels the need to shake up his roster again.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper and Moore could be players worth monitoring if the Kings struggle this season, or if Holland wants to improve his club’s chances for a deep playoff run before the March trade deadline.
I really, really like Karlsson but he isnt a 1C. He is a good 2C, and a great 2C with the right wingers or a great 3C on his own. I have a hard time the other 2 being moved
I think Forsberg is a 1B due to not being steady enough, they should keep Kuemper
As a Sens fan I completely agree on Forsberg. He’s great until he isn’t. He’s a very steady back up, who can cover and cover well for a stretch with an injury to your #1, but as soon as the pressure is on–and he perceives himself as the main guy….whammo. He poops the bed.
Goalies are weird between the ears. That’s his issue.
That observation that goalies are much more difficult to fathom has been around for a long, long time (remember Jacques Plante and Terry Sawchuk? lol).
Here’s a consensus explanation which makes a lot of sense:
“NHL goalies are considered hard to fathom because their position demands extreme isolation, rigid superstitions, and the unique psychological burden of single-handedly absorbing every defensive failure.
Why Goalies Are Different – Total Isolation: Skaters share the ice, rotate in shifts, and can hide a mistake. A goalie stands alone for 60 minutes, and every error instantly results in a red light behind them.
Coping With Chaos: Pucks take unpredictable bounces off skates, sticks, and ice ruts. To feel a sense of control over this chaos, goalies lean heavily into bizarre superstitions—like talking to the goalposts (such as Patrick Roy) or never stepping on the goal line during warmups.
The “Glutton for Punishment” Mindset: It takes a counter-intuitive personality to willingly stand in the path of frozen rubber flying at 100 mph while everyone else tries to get out of the way.
Asymmetric Accountability: A forward can miss four breakaway chances and still be a hero if they score in overtime. A goalie can stop 39 of 40 shots, give up one fluky deflection, and take the loss.”
I can’t imagine dealing with the above night after night with umpteen media outlets analyzing everything from soup to nuts, including slow motion shots from every angle. No wonder some go ’round the bend now and then.
Add to that the “spectacle” of getting pulled – especially in front of the home crowd.
A skater screws up on assignments and if he’s benched, most in the crowd probably don’t even notice. But the goalie has to skate off under the full glare of the crowd and the TB audience, sometimes with leather-lunged yahoos screaming cat-calls and obscenities at him … perhaps with his wife and kids there
Small wonder they can be “different.”
“TV audience ….” (sigh)
Larkin would be a perfect fit for Boston because they need help for Pasta, they need a first line center which they never replaced when Bergeron and Krecji retired,and he would be comfortable playing with Mcavoy and Swayman his USA teammates. Most of all Boston has the assets to make the deal.
I agree, Boston would be a perfect spot for Larkin they have the immediate need. Problem is, the Bruins do not have the assets that Detroit needs now. They do not have an asset to meet the Wings’ needs now.
Yes they have asset for Detroit red wings
They do have the assets:
Zacha, Zadorov and Zellars
The Killer Z’s!
You think the three “Z’s” are going to get Larkin?
No it won’t get it done.
Detroit will ask for more, but Letourneau and Minten might do it. Would need to send money the other way, so guessing Detroit asks for Zacha, maybe they settle for Mittellstadt. Who is a UFA at the end of the season.
Detroit moves DeBrincat as well, starts building around the D core and young forward group.
Illich may not want that either.
Ray, I just hope that, if and when they do deal DeBrincat, their return is more or less equivalent to what they gave Ottawa to acquire him – a fading Dominik Kubalik, a B-level D prospect in Donovan Sebrango and a conditional 2024 1st-round draft pick and Detroit’s 2024 4th-round selection.
That conditional pick turned out to be Boston’s 2024 1st-rounder that Detroit had obtained earlier (the 25th overall), which Ottawa wound up dealing back to Boston as part of the Ullmark deal. As for the 4th rounder, Ottawa selected LW Javon Moore out of Sioux Falls of the USHL, and the 6’ 4” 205 lb winger is now playing at the U. Of Minnesota in the Big 10.
Sweeney is the General Manager so forget about a significant move. Creative? Aggressive? This is not Sweeney.
Here we go again. I’m a Bruins fan, and they don’t have jack to offer for Larkin. The Wings want a return that would help them now, and the Bruins don’t have anyone that would
Exactly Sr. Man If I were Sweeney I’d at least give it an honest try I don’t was to see Guys like Kreider who at 36 may have a year or two left.of decent play on this team. Hes not as fast as he once was. Larkin would be the ideal solution. Don’t forget we’ve got three number ones between now 28 that is a tremendous Ace for the bs.. Also although he’s a little older the bruins have also been linked to Bo Horvat
Yes they have a assets for Detroit and those assets are Zacha and Casey middlestat plus lohrei and two 1 rounds picks and a second round picks too
You want to know how to get Larkin over to Boston? Let Charlie Mac talk to him. I know some might say “what then heck is that going to do?” I think it’ll convince him to put Boston on his list. Larkin’s played against Charlie he knows what kind of player and talent his is. And Charlie is a convincing guy Hey couldn’t hurt. Larkins your #1 Centre. Voila!Come on Sweeney think about it,
Seems to me if they want someone “perfect” for their needs, be prepared to relinquish something good in order to get him …. like Morgan Geekie.
No? Well, then, forget about Larkin. Anyway, while Detroit may have a measure of internal confusion at the top still to resolve … they’re not obtuse. Resolving the Larkin situation will wait until they’ve made their decision on a new GM.
Larkin to Bruins would be cool, but the B’s just don’t have the assets to get this done. Makes any deal difficult, is Detroit’s insistence on a number one center or something close in return. Boston does not have one to offer and neither Casey nor Zacha will get it done.
I think the only team that may have assets is Sam Jose. And they aren’t going to rattle their young core to get it done. Sharks not in the short list either.
I agree with you on the gm but I don’t think they would need to relinquish Geekie, I think Zacha and a first should do it. Bruins need a new centre and Larkin would fit nicely.
Mittlestadt minten unconditional 1st to start
I tell Larkin you are starting with the team in Detroit and if we are not in the playoff picture we will revisit a trade a the deadline.
You got me on prompting for input from Bruins fans. Sure, Larkin would be great for Boston but the question is how much do you need to give up. I think a starting point is Zacha to help address the resulting hole in center in Detroit, and they would want to talk to him to get an extension in place before the deal is made. Then there is the question of what else. That’s the make or break in answer the question as to whether the Bruins should do this. If Detroit is insistent on adding Hagens or Letourneau, then NO, I would not want the Bruins to pursue Larkin. I wouldn’t want them trading Minten either as I don’t think Detroit would be satisfied with Zacha and Minten and would still want more. Would I add Zellers, possibly. I would like them to add Mittelstadt as I think he is worth something and likely worth more to Detroit than Boston, but I know Zacha and Mittelstadt is not enough. I’d like to know how Detroit values Lohrei as I’d love to see him being part of that deal, or Jokiharju, or Poitras. William Moore or Frederic Brunet could be part of the deal too, as will as draft picks.
No way you give up Hagens and Létourneau no way. But I really think Zacha and a first can get it done. You’ve got to take a chance if you want to be in the mix for a playoff spot. And I
I think the longer this goes the better it is for teams Like Boston. This is doable.
I would also add, let’s not overstate Larkin’s worth. Yes he is a good player, but I am not sure about the 1C label. He has been “good” for Detroit for a long time, yet not good enough to lead the team with much post season success. He is more like a 1C on a moderate team, and a 2C on a true cup contender. Which is why I am limited in how much do you give up.
Larkin isnt much better than Zacha
So Tweedle-Dum for Tweedle-Dee.
What I don’t get is the repeated “Boston needs a C – so trade what is perceived as our best C in order to get one.” ?
Lindsay the reality is that there are not many legitimate first line centers in the NHL. Two teams have actually 2 top line centers Edmonton and maybe Fla.when Barkov is healthy. So Detroits ask for a first line center is probably not going to happen!
With Werenski and Fantilli names both in morning coffee discussion. Can we consider a swap of Fantilli for Larkin trade? I find it odd that hometown Larkin wants out. Columbus is a hop skip and jump from Detroit. Werenski is bff with Larkin. They played youth, college and repped USA multiple times. Larkin was only hockey guy in Werenski wedding party last summer. Trading Larkin puts Detroit under cap floor. Can probably get Columbus to do a sign and trade. Pat Brisson reps both players. Detroit can pay Fantilli and have plenty left to extend DeBrincat. Risky move for CBJ but, not knowing Fantilli ceiling might work out.
Not a crazy idea Slick.
Larkin is on a very good contract considering the market these days.
Does that outweigh the potential upside of Fantilli? The size advantage of Fantilli is a thing too IMO. Big strong C’s are valuable at both ends of the ice, especially come playoff time.
Pretty darn close IMO, especially if it makes Werenski stay.
My concern if I’m Columbus is figuring out if Larkin is a guy you can win with as your top C? His recent unreasonable request and limited teams he would accept a trade to makes me question that too. Is he just plain stupid or simply that narcissistic?
Gentlemen: Let us remember that this Larkin fiasco started a while ago with his increasing dissatisfaction about Detroit’s competitiveness.
His list of 4 acceptable destinations are all legit Cup contenders. Boston is not that, and CBJ aspires to be a playoff contender.
Larkin may be stupid, Ray, given that none of those 4 seem willing or able to meet Detroit’s requirements for a return and he hasn’t expanded that list. At least not yet.
Were he truly interested in winning a Cup what about Carolina, Montreal, Buffalo or Dallas? Yes, Dallas has cap issues but they weren’t on his list.
IMO, Detroit sticks to its guns, forces Larkin back and moves him at the trade deadline.
LJ, much of that will depend on the mind-set of whoever is selected as their new GM, who may not want to have a malcontent hanging around until the trade deadline. I imagine that that will be a standard question when sifting through candidates identified by that firm they’ve hired.
I think Detroit sticks to it’s guns too LJ.
And agree the question is then what happens, or where will he go? Or will he stay?
If he expands his list, I think the ones you provided make the most sense, with Montreal making the most sense from a simple hockey perspective. If Montreal believes Larkin is what they need to get over the top.
Carolina a little bit too, depending if Stanky would move to the wing.
George: Yeah, part of me wonders if there is a personal issue between Larkin and Yzerman. And per your above post, I do remember Plante and Sawchuck. We’re getting up there.
Ray, whether it is Larkin or someone else I do think the Habs believe the missing piece is a 2C. Of course the equally rare RHD and some more grit on the bottom 4, but that’s what I see.
But Carolina has the same cap space as the Habs and were the class of the league this year so Larkin might prefer them.
LJ, he might prefer Larkin but I’m not so sure he’s the type Carolina wants. And while the do have $9,880,182 in cap reserve, they also still have to sign LD Nikishin who’s coming off his ELC of $925,000 after scoring 11g 22a 33 pts in 82gp. Most of that will be gone.
Montreal, with $9,783,924 in cap space, still have to resolve 2 RFAs in Bolduc (coming off $883,334 and scoring 12g 18a 30pts in 78gp, and Xhekaj, coming off an expiring $1.3 mil.
I think we all agree Larkin will have to be open to change where he is willing to go if he is really adamant about leaving Detroit and not playing there any more. Or one of the teams changes their offer. Florida with Lundell etc.
And if that is the case, and Larkin provides options that can send back very good young players/high end prospect & picks, Detroit may have to move off their demand of a top 6 C in return as that is also a very tough deal to make.
Time pressure will start if both sides are still firm come training camp. One or both may have to compromise.
Or he stays and everyone is cool. Might be awkward at first, but not something that can’t be overcome.
I have little interest in getting Larkin in Montreal, I don’t think he has what it takes.
He fades down the stretch, 5v5 numbers go down and whatever production he has is on special teams.
Injuries, overworked, whatever the reason the pattern is there and it won’t get better between 30-35
When a Captain can’t put a team on his back year after year, he isn’t the player I want. He’s their 1C and justifiably want quality in return, not from Montreal.
LJ Don t see him playing the season in Detroit. Hard feelings,bridges burned,relationships with teammates strained. Debrincat next!
He won’t have a choice unless he expands his list. He should of thought of that before making his trade request public and only listing 3 teams.
Sr: what Kronwall said.
I had to read all the comments before jumping in to be sure not to beat a dead horse..but alas LJ pointed it out.
The asking price for Larkin isn’t as important as where he wants to go. Lots of teams might be able to put the right package together but that’s moot if he doesn’t see them as being the right fit.
That being said, his disapproval in DET was their unwillingness to make moves to improve the team. BOS for what it’s worth at the very least make moves…not great ones but moves nevertheless.
He won’t move until there’s a new GM and even then that might take awhile for the assessments to be done on what the team needs or wants to look like.
STOP mentioning MTL he is not the locker room guy we want.
I wouldn’t trade Minten for Larkin straight up.
The Clash said it best; should I stay or go should I go now; if I go there will be trouble and if I stay it will be double.
Carolina makes sense to me. If you want to win is “the reason” then why not the Canes ?
Something else ?
Nikishin Nadeau Artanninov and throw in Kotkaniemi
It has always looked to me since Larkin requested a trade that he has thought himself to be more valuable than he really is. A 3-team trade list isn’t going to get it done.
It was expanded to 4 teams a month ago. And Larkin did not leak the trade request. In fact he has not talked to ANYONE publicly since the request was leaked.
That’s true. Amidst all the blog and other media chatter (and endless speculation) there has only been deafening silence from Larkin himself.
I think Detroit wants too much for Larkin. IMO he’s a #1B type of center. And, OK Zacha is a #1C or #2 Center. Again, IMO Zacha doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s been doing with the Bruins. Particularly last year.
And, the Bruins have a lot of centers on their roster. They have two young centers in Hagens and Minten who might end up as #1s in the near future. If I’m Sweeney I’m betting on Zacha being good enough to hold the #1 center role while the young guys develop.
There’s also a third possibility for the Bruins. Lindholm maybe gets actually healthy and proves able to take the job. Putting him between Peterka and Pasternak might invigorate him.
Bruins Training camp will be interesting this year no doubt.