Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 7, 2026
The latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
WHAT WOULD IT COST THE CANADIENS OR FLYERS TO LAND DYLAN LARKIN?
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Dylan Larkin would “definitely” be a good fit for the Canadiens’ second-line center position.
The 29-year-old Detroit Red Wings captain’s trade request made headlines last week. He’s scored at least 30 goals in each of the last five seasons. He has five more seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).
Cowan believes the Red Wings’ asking price would start with the Canadiens’ top prospect, center Michael Hage. He thinks the Habs have reached the stage in their rebuild where moving Hage is no longer considered unthinkable, adding that they need a second-line center to skate alongside rising star Ivan Demidov.
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James noted that Larkin would be a good fit for the Flyers, who need an experienced top-six center.
James believes the return to the Red Wings would depend on what direction general manager Steve Yzerman wants to take the team. If he’s targeting players that can help him now, the Flyers have defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and winger Owen Tippett, who’ve been the subject of trade speculation.
If the Red Wings seek a center as part of the return, the Flyers would have to part with Noah Cates. They aren’t moving Trevor Zegras, and they recently re-signed Christian Dvorak, who has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1. Team captain Sean Couturier has a full no-movement clause.
James felt the Flyers would prefer to offer up a package of prospects and NHL players. It could also include a first-round pick. The price would be high, but it would be worth it to land a first-line center such as Larkin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens and Flyers have the assets to make competitive bids to the Wings for Larkin. However, it ultimately depends on whether they’re on his list of preferred trade destinations.
WILL THE CANADIENS REVISIT THEIR ATTEMPT TO ACQUIRE MATTHEW KNIES?
SPORTSNET: On Friday, Elliotte Friedman confirmed a recent report by Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claiming the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs had an agreement in place that would’ve sent winger Matthew Knies to Montreal at the March trade deadline
The deal would’ve seen the Canadiens send prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect, and two first-round draft picks to the Maple Leafs for Knies. However, the deal fell through because the trade was filed one minute past the 3 pm ET deadline on March 6.
Friedman believes the Canadiens might want to revisit that deal, but it’s off the table and won’t happen now.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils could crush the Canadiens’ offer for Knies if he’s still available.
He suggested the Devils could offer up young right-shot defenseman Simon Nemec, center Dawson Mercer, or veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton as the centerpiece, along with a prospect and two first-rounders.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs dodged a bullet here. That return from the Canadiens might have helped the Leafs in two or three years, but it wouldn’t have helped them now. That would’ve likely led to the departure of Auston Matthews this summer via trade, which would’ve scuttled any chance of the Leafs having a bounce-back season in 2026-27.
It would’ve immediately improved the Canadiens’ forward lines, giving them a young power forward with an affordable contract to skate on the second line with Ivan Demidov. As for that mysterious “other prospect” that was supposed to be in the deal, Pagnotta claimed it wasn’t Michael Hage or defenseman David Reinbacher.
Before this report came out, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes hinted that he might revisit his attempt at what was then a “mystery trade”. However, as Friedman pointed out, that no longer seems possible with the Maple Leafs under new management.
This could turn into a blessing in disguise for the Canadiens. The assets offered for Knies could instead be put toward addressing their need for a second-line center, which is now a bigger priority than adding a physical scoring winger, even one as promising as Knies.
As for the Devils, it’s doubtful they’ll be able to pry Knies away from the Leafs. John Chayka, their new GM, thinks highly of the young winger, and likely sees him as a key player in his plans for the roster.
FIVE POTENTIAL “CHANGE OF SCENERY” TRADE CANDIDATES
DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed five players that he believes would benefit from a trade this summer.
They include (in alphabetical order) forward Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, winger Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks, defenseman Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils, and center Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: All five have surfaced in the rumor mill, some more than others. Kyrou’s been a fixture for two years. McTavish first appeared last summer as his contract talks dragged into training camp. Nemec and Wright first appeared around midseason, while Johnson recently began to pop up in media trade chatter.
Kyrou is the more established of this group, with three seasons of at least 30 goals and four exceeding 70 points. He also has the more difficult contract, with an AAV of $8.125 million through 2030-31 and a full no-trade clause. The 28-year-old right winger was linked to the Canadiens last summer before his NTC kicked in on July 1.
McTavish could be targeted by teams seeking second-line depth at center. It’s believed Nemec could be moved if he proves too expensive for the Devils to re-sign, although his lack of arbitration rights gives him little leverage.
Wright seemed on the verge of a breakout performance last season, but his playing time was cut this season under head coach Lane Lambert. Johnson’s production dropped in part due to losing almost 12 pounds in the offseason, which affected his consistency and led to a reduced role with the Blue Jackets.
Of this group, McTavish and Nemec seem the most likely to move given their age, positions, and potential.
If Larkin wants out , you can’t be too selective. I have a feeling Yzerman might dig in and Larkin is not moving anytime soon.
I would ask for Hage and Reinbacher. You will have to add and involve other pieces. This is a critical franchise move for Detroit .
Leafs needed picks and prospects. Cupboard virtually empty . Those two firsts would have been attractive . Mckenna changes that optic with one bingo ball
Hey Stu. Thanks for telling us that any Larkin trade starts with Hage. I think we’ve all figured that out. How about telling us where it ends.
The Habs would have to add a first. And a young NHL player like Kapanen, Newhook or Bolduc. And another good prospect. Maybe Reinbacher, maybe Pickford maybe Engstrom.
And for what it’s worth I’m still dubious about that Knies story. Friedman or no Friedman. But of course everyone will believe it.
Hey Silver, I appreciate your comment but why do you think (incorrectly) the Leafs are in need of more prospects and the cupboard is “virtually empty?
The baby Leafs are one game win away for a birth in the Calder Cup. The Leafs best players are all with the exception of one or two contributors being vets are all prospects. Some at forward, defensive and goalie. They may not be top end but the Leafs don’t really need more stars especially with a first overall coming to join them.
Those Montreal picks don’t hold the value they once had since the team is looking like it’s on its path to be a real competitor for years to come so those 1st rounders will be in the 20s (lower third) and players picked that late are more misses than not.
That trade was so bad for the Leafs and surprised they didn’t do it because that would have been a very Leafy thing to them to do. And although some people believe, in hindsight it’s a good thing for the Habs to have missed out because their true need is help up the middle…having a player like Knies is one of the fundamental talents you need on a successful team, one the Habs and many team lack. It goes back to the saying, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush holds true in this case…when you are offered a unicorn, you don’t pass it up, imo. The way I’d see it, it’s better to have one than not.
too funny from James Nichols, whose site is almost as bad as our favorite rumor monger (who is usually wrong on 98% of his predictions). The Devils will be lucky to get a 4th rounder back for Hamilton, considering his salary and 2 years remaining on his deal. He has worn out his welcome on several teams, and seemed to have affected the Devils locker room this past season. Devils will need to retain salary in any deal there.
Doubt Chayka trades Knies, but surely Mercer/Nemec won’t get that done, nvm Hamilton.
I see Nemec more likely to get traded than Hamilton (considering his contract and issues).
as far as Larkin, don’t see the Wings trading him in a deal that doesn’t involve Nico. even if that got done some how, do you go those 3 down the middle? that doesn’t really make sense. And Jack and has much less effective a LW than at C, so it doesn’t really make sense to move him to wing.
Meier’s deal may be untradeable, and the team may need to just hope he rebounds from a poor season. He always starts slowly but it was usual for him to have a big second half, which never happened this season.
If anything, I see Gritsyuk signed a new 5-6 contract, and he gets promoted to play with Nico/Timo. You need to keep Brown with Hughes and Bratt after they way the played together after the Olympic Break.
Put Mercer with Glass and acquire a LW to play with them.
Noesen’s injury and ineffectiveness makes him untradeable, and him coming off an injury he can’t be bought out, so he’ll be back.
Cotter was invisible for most of the season, could see him getting traded and replaced on the 4th line.
don’t expect Sunni to be a miracle worker, a big trade would be nice but not expected that this point. Probably expect a year of transition and go from there.
So, mikep, from what you are saying about Hamilton having worn out his welcome on several teams, and his adverse effect in the Devils’ dressing room – all of which, if accurate, has to be generally known throughout the league – not to mention his full NMC and modified (10 team) no trade protection – we can pretty much conclude that he’s there until his $9 mil per contract runs out at the end of 2027-28 regardless of how much NJ is prepared to withhold.
If that is an accurate summation of his character I know I sure as Hell wouldn’t want him here in Ottawa. Even if he would agree to come here – which he likely would not.
Maybe Larkin + Cossa to the Ducks for McT and McQ and the Red Wing 2027 2nd back and another lesser pick and/or prospect
(McTavish and McQueen)
I don’t see this helping the Wings immediately, but it is a decent return and sending Larkin to the West
No offense, but I see zero chance Larkin goes to Habs. He enjoyed his time last 2 years on 4 Nations and Olympic teams. I believe major part of his wanting to get away from losing franchise. Besides probably not wanting to go north of border, there’s no connection to anyone on Montreal. Despite having a good season, they easily could’ve went out in 1st 2 rounds. Doesn’t really make sense on Montreals end to give up young players they’re high on. Larkin doesn’t make them a cup contender. Eastern conference was Carolina and pickem after that. Minny seems the favorite. Ducks could be interesting landing spot with McTavish going other way and probably more.
No offence taken, Slick.
I doubt going north of the border is an issue for Larkin, as long as it is to a team that is a legit Cup contender so yeah, that leaves one team. And remember, Larking doesn’t hold all the cards.
The real issue is that any trade to the Habs is that they cannot offer Detroit a quality starting center back.
Shane Wright is a centre with a FO win percentage of 39.7% which is pathetic for a professional. This is a skill that can be learned, it just takes hard work and lots of practice. I’d stay away from this guy.
JZ
Must have been typing at same time.
Anybody. Are Leafs and Habs in the business of trading with each other?
Any Habs trade with Detroit for Larkin begins with regulars who can step right into the lineup and ends with Hage.
So Cowan, as usual tells us nothing.
While Hage is seen as a top tier prospect, he isn’t a top 5 pick biding his time, not a player who is expected to replace Larkin ever.
Reinbacher doesn’t fit the bill either since he isn’t a regular and Detroit wants to win now or at least get into the playoffs next season.
Yesterday I suggested, Kapanen, Guhle, Hage. Adding a very late rounder is more of a “won the trade” than an incentive.
Montreal is a destination city now, exciting hockey with forward thinking management, ownership and young lions ready to go. We don’t know where Larkin wants to go but every hockey player wants to play meaningful hockey where it’s appreciated.
Detroit was a city like that, was being the operative word.
LJ who says mtl is a cup contender a playoff contender yes but a cup it’s wide open in the Atlantic