NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026
The latest on Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson, Bowen Byram, Jake DeBrusk, Valeri Nichushkin, and John Carlson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WILL ZACH WERENSKI REQUEST A TRADE?
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Brady Tkachuk trade has increased speculation about the future of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.
Like Tkachuk, Werenski has two years remaining on his contract. Team USA teammates such as the Tkachuk brothers and Quinn Hughes have forced trades to teams where they wanted to play, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is attempting to do the same.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)
Given the Blue Jackets’ difficulties in becoming a playoff contender, Columbus fans could be worried that Werenski might do the same.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell recently met with Werenski’s agent, Judd Moldaver. He said both sides don’t know where the “noise” about the Norris Trophy winner’s future is coming from. Waddell remains confident that the 28-year-old defenseman wants to stay in Columbus.
Portzline’s colleague, Pierre LeBrun, believes Waddell’s moves during this offseason could determine Werenski’s future.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger believes Waddell will “seek a king’s ransom” if they end up having to trade Werenski.
“My line is usually, ‘It would be a boatload,” Waddell said. “We don’t want to trade him, but if it ever came to that, then year, it would be (a high price).”
Werenski has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team no-trade list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no indication that Werenski wants to move on. The Blue Jackets came very close to making the playoffs last season, and he could be willing to wait and see if they can get over the hump next season. If they do, it’ll improve the Jackets’ odds of signing him to an extension next July. If they fail again, it could lead to his departure via trade next summer.
UPDATE ON DYLAN LARKIN
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who believes there won’t be any common ground found between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin that would see him return with the team for next season.
Larkin submitted a trade request earlier this month, with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers his initially preferred destinations. It’s believed he’s been asked to expand that list.
Friedman believes the Red Wings will trade Larkin this summer. He thinks GM Steve Yzerman believes they can’t bring him back and have to move on.
Meanwhile, Michael Whitaker noted that Friedman’s colleague, Nick Kypreos, believes the Dallas Stars are now Larkin’s destination of choice. Kypreos also thinks Anaheim Ducks GM (and former Red Wings assistant GM) Pat Verbeek might try to get in on this.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred landing spot, but that might not be possible if they can’t afford the Wings’ asking price. Yzerman will want to get the best possible deal for moving his top center.
As for the Stars, that’ll depend on whether they re-sign winger Jason Robertson. If they do, they won’t be able to afford Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.
Speaking of Robertson…
COULD JASON ROBERTSON BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at how the threat of an offer sheet could affect the Stars’ contract talks with Jason Robertson.
The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.
After the Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers, reports emerged that they would make a big push for Robertson via trade or offer sheet. The Senators have over $25 million in cap space for 2026-27, enabling them to pitch a $14 million to $15 million per season offer to Robertson. The Stars, with just over $10 million in cap space, likely couldn’t match it.
If the Stars manage to re-sign Robertson, Mavrik Bourque could become an offer-sheet target. However, the young forward indicated that he believes he’ll be back with the Stars this fall.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assimakopoulos noted that Robertson would have to want to be open to signing an offer sheet to receive one, and he’d have to be open to joining the Senators for them to make a pitch. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter what they’re willing to offer.
The Senators could attempt to acquire Robertson via trade. He lacks a no-trade clause, but if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension, the Sens are unlikely to give up assets for a player who would depart next summer via free agency.
Some of you might point out that the Senators did that a few years ago with Alex DeBrincat, but that was under different management. Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t likely to waste valuable trade assets on a one-year player.
COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE BOWEN BYRAM?
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports a league source told him that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “going big-game hunting” this summer.
Yohe believes Bowen Byram is a player worth watching. The 25-year-old Buffalo Sabres defenseman has a year left on his contract and will seek a significant raise. It would cost a lot in trade pieces and future cap space, but Byram is a player the Penguins like a great deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas and the Penguins have the trade assets that could entice the Sabres if they put Byram on the block. It will depend on how much the Sabres want, especially if they seek a good roster player as part of the deal.
THE LATEST ON JAKE DEBRUSK
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators trading Brady Tkachuk puts them in the market for a left winger. He speculated that they could make a move for Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, but he’s looking to join a contender and doesn’t want to play for the rebuilding Canucks.
DeBrusk could be a good fit with the Senators. He also carries an affordable $5.5 million annual cap hit. The Canucks’ asking price could be the 25th overall pick, which they could pair with the 24th overall pick would be a good return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Canucks could use those two picks to select twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruff. That’s assuming the two forwards are still available at that point. Liam is the 20th ranked North American skater while Markus is 23rd.
Johnston also reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in DeBrusk. The Blue Jackets hold the 14th overall pick.
NICHUSHKIN AVAILABLE? CARLSON TO THE LIGHTNING?
COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported he’s started hearing Valeri Nichushkin being mentioned in the rumor mill.
“Colorado is looking for some (cap) flexibility, I think. His name is out there. We’ll see,” Friedman said during Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin’s inconsistency, his health, and well-documented off-ice issues make him a risk acquisition. The 31-year-old winger carries an AAV of $6.125 million and a 12-team no-trade list.
RMNB: cited Friedman saying “most people” wouldn’t be surprised if John Carlson signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 36-year-old defenseman recently told the Anaheim Ducks that he was going to test the market, and it’s believed he wants to return to the Eastern Conference.
Carlson playing with Hedmon (and a nice picture of them both in pirate gear at the all-star game) was a thing a few years ago. Bolts already have two D-men at that Age, Heddy, and MacDonough. Adding a third might mean too much work for the trainers, and too much cap for 35+ D contracts that you’ll have to run out without relief, assuming Carlson wants a contract and not a 1Yr 2MM to try for a cup run deal.
Hope werenski stays with the blue jackets. I think they are on the right track.
If you believe byram is a true number one/two defence man. Should the leafs not be doing everything to get him? Knies straight up for Byram (if he is willing to sign a long term contract)?
If Larkin is all about the playoffs there are probably 10 teams you probably count on making them next year. Yzerman should work out the best deal he can with those teams. If Larkin doesn’t want to go then he can spend the next 5 years in Detroit. There are many examples where the relationship is fractured but teams work it out. First thought that comes to mind is Lecalvalier in Tampa. They went on to win a Stanley Cup.
Would Detroit have the assets to acquire Byram without including sieder, Raymond and DeBrincat?
I hope he stays there too
Larkin to Montreal makes sense if he wanted to be a part of a team that could have a good playoff run.
I think so too, ds.
But the Habs best offer are prospects not players, and certainly include no center the Wings need. A third party would need to be involved.
It is still early and we may see something around draft day re Larkin, but I wonder if the lack of a trade with him means his narrow preferences are impeding things.
Jeff, other than maybe C Emmitte Finnie, LD Simon Edvinsson and RD Axel Sandin-Pellikka and the 3 you mention, there really isn’t anything the Red Wings have that Buffalo would want for Byram, nor do I see them wanting prospects at this juncture.
Question for my friends north of the border. In your opinion, why is it that players like Tkachuk no longer wanted to play in Ottawa or other cities? And I trying to fully understand from a a Canadian perspective.
Thanks
I think the Brady Tkachuk is a different situation than most as he wanted to play with his brother and that’s it. Hughes wanted out of a mess in Vancouver.
A few other American players who asked for a trade from Canadian teams was right after covid and they were separated from their family’s like Mathew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau.
There have been plenty of other players who asked to be traded from American teams, most recent Larkin. Before him Seth Jones requested a trade out of Columbus and Eichel requested a trade from Buffalo.
Eichel was right to ask out of Buffalo. Sabres were a total mess back then.
Ya know, I was thinking the same thing. I think one thing, maybe the main thing, is the media.
How many times was Tkachuk asked if he was happy in Ottawa? Maybe his inital answers were honest that he liked it there. But the continuous chatter of how he wants out was horrible.
Are you happy in Ottawa?
Are you really happy in Ottawa?
Do you want to be traded?
Do you want to play with your brother?
It seems every time he was interviewed….maybe there was some truth to this, someone heard him talking. It could have just been gossip though.
I even got tired of listening to this drone. Every time his name came up, those questions were always associated.
In FLA he isnt the biggest fish there, they have NFL, MLB, NBA……not the same hype as in Canada.
BTW the reasoning for media asking is because his brother screwed over Calgary. I get that but find something else to talk about.
Not an Ottawa fan but…take your 1st rounders this yr, maybe trade for Debrusk/sign Tuch/offer sheet one of Robertson / Dorofeyev / Nemec. Give up the draft capital next year.
Replace Tkachuk with two good players.
I always got the impression that he was happy in Ottawa. Maybe it was the combination of many things that changed his commitment to the team. That would include the constant questions that had little to do with his play on the ice.
Don’t think for a fleeting second that Dad Keith didn’t get involved in the form of his “advice.”
I’d hope so George. I still try to get my pops advice on major life decisions.
That’s how close families function, for sure Chrisms.
Most of my advice to my 4 boys is “don’t do what I did” – lol
Hoping Taylor Raddysh forces a trade out of US to Toronto to play with his brother
Reading through this I found my self thinking about the comments often posted on social media of how great the GM of Florida or Vegas is. Are they really that great. Sitting back doing nothing and having players asking to come to you and then just needing to make a trade from a position of strength doesn’t seem a great skill.
GMs in places like Ottawa, Winnipeg and even Columbus have to deal with no trade clauses and players not wanting to sign with them long term. Seems a GM of a team facing these challenges is far support than a GM who simply needs to put his feet up and keep enough assets available for the player who suddenly announced he wishes to come.
Players want to win. That is their primary motivation for playing, other than money of course.
For many years, the Florida Panthers were not a preferred destination because they were not a winning franchise. Zito and the Cats’ ownership changed that and now players want to go there.
It’s not just hockey, the same holds for most sports these days.
Yeah. Bichette leaving Toronto for $$$ and a better chance to win with the Mets. How’s that going?
Good one George. Hope the Mets finish in last place forever.
Toronto St. pats
Yeah keep believing that.
The only way to fix it, is by changing the cap to allow teams to go over for in the higher tax brackets –
Florida team players are taxed let’s
Say 25 % , whereas a Canadian teams are taxed closer to 50 –
You set up a median – let’s say 30 % – players on teams who pay more taxes, should be allowed to go over the cap – to keep them competitive.
I don’t disagree with you. Florida and Vegas are riding the trifecta right now, winning team, no state tax and nice weather.
That being said, why is Tampa never one of the teams they want to go to ? What am I missing ?
Tampa doesn’t have to recruit – they have the highest winning percentage in the league over the last 10 years, second highest to Boston over the last 15 seasons.
Drafting, trade, development and head coaching.
Dad pool,keep an eye on where Carlson goes!
So. It would cost the Senators 4 first round picks over 11million offer. I believe the devil in the details is that it has to be “their” picks in the next three years and the current year. They have those pics. But that’s a lot to give up and then throw 13 million or something at the kid for 5 years.
Dorfayev might be a better target. But somehow the Knights will pull a rabbit out their ass and figure their pay structure. I don’t see a lot of realistic offer sheet targets actually.
Babcock hired as HC in Edmonton
Oil Country will be interesting to watch next season.
Can Babcock stop a puck?
Can he stop being a over-bearing p#@ck is the real question.
BCLeaf Fan is right.
The Oil were right there……just needed some timely saves and never got enough of them.
With the right goaltending, I think the Oilers would have hoisted 3 cups by now.
How Babcock approaches this gig will be interesting to watch if you go by what the Web has to say in the context of a leopard trying to change its spots:
“A forced, 180-degree pivot can be disastrous. For a coach like Mike Babcock, attempting to abandon his historically rigid, authoritarian style for a completely permissive, player-first approach risks inauthenticity, a total loss of locker room structure, and compromised accountability.
Players are highly perceptive. If a coach whose entire career was built on psychological games and rigid control suddenly tries to act like a player’s best friend, the team will see right through it. This inauthenticity destroys trust and makes any message they preach ring hollow.
Babcock’s tactical acumen has always been his calling card, but his systems require intense player buy-in. By shifting to the opposite extreme—where rules are relaxed and overbearing discipline is absent—a coach risks losing the structural integrity that made them successful in the first place, leading to chaotic on-ice execution.
Extreme swings rarely result in a healthy middle ground. Instead of striking a balance of “positive and demanding,” a coach can easily swing from a micromanager into someone who appears entirely disengaged, leaving a leadership vacuum that players and management alike will inevitably reject.”
Short term…I would bet on the Oilers having their best regular season in the Mcdavid era (assuming no major injuries).
New coaches generally get this team off on the right foot. And I suspect that stays on point. I also think Babcock and Smith’s strengths will do well as they tend to be this group’s biggest weaknesses.
Again, this is not my choice of head coach but its what we have and I am choosing to focus on the good it could and likely will bring.
How long the good lasts, how things go post honeymoon phase…and how soon does his baggage, and new crap creeps in…well we will see.
Tired of players and teams asking for a NMC, getting it and then demanding or asking for a trade.
There was a time, long ago when if you signed a contract you honored it.
My solution to NMC :
Team approaches player : player can select preferred destination(s).
Player requests trade: team is free to trade player to any team it chooses.
When you say there was a time a signed contract was honored, you’re not talking about HOFer and daddy Keith are you? (I had a good year last year so won’t play this year until you give me more $$$)
I think if a player has a NMC or NTC the team isn’t allowed to ask them to waive it, if the player asks to be traded, they either lose it completely or it becomes a 15 team NTC.
LeBrun started the Werenski rumors by speculating if Werenski would ask for a trade because his best friend, Larkin, had done so. LeBrun made this up out of thin air. At no time has LeBrun, Portzline or anyone else actually talked to Werenski and asked him if he intends to ask to be traded.
To be brief, LeBrun created click bait, nothing more.
Paul, let’s be fair: LeBrun reported that there was speculation to that effect, he didn’t start it.
Here is his comment on the situation, per The Athletic:
“There’s been much speculation about Zach Werenski in the wake of Larkin’s trade request, perhaps because they’re close friends and fellow Team USA gold medalists. But I can tell you as of Wednesday afternoon, I’m told there has not been any communication to the Columbus Blue Jackets indicating that kind of thing on Werenski, who has two more years on his deal.
Now, having said that, I’m not ready to say that it couldn’t happen before the end of the summer, either, just based on the fact that at some point the team and player will want to talk about the future and whether or not he sees himself in Columbus long term. And I don’t know what the answer to that question would be.”
Seems like fair reporting to me.
to play devil’s advocate….I’m as annoyed as Paul is about random made up crap – but as a Sens fan…not even a month ago. Player and GM assured us he was 100% committed to Ottawa and here we are….
LJ, one quick question. If there was speculation, why did only LeBrun report it? Until he wrote that, not one hint that Werenski might consider requesting a trade appeared on any Blue Jackets blog, the Columbus Dispatch, or any other Columbus media. I would think that local media would be the first place the story would break, not from a Canadian hockey writer.
I stand by the idea that LeBrun engaged in creative reporting to get clicks.
Lj when I reporter does not acquire this info directly, then where is this info from? Shouldn’t he verify what he heard with either the player or his agent? That is what good reporters do, not repeat something they heard because it’s a hot topic. Paul has a point. What good does this do but generate a hypocritical sentiment towards a player for some page views.
Like I said before, when a reporter says I heard or I feel or think, you really won’t lose much by skipping it.
Gentlemen:
There are a few media types I can’t stand (hello Brendan Kelly), and have no time for so called influencers with a go pro and an internet site.
But Lebrun is a well respected reporter who has credibility. That doesn’t mean he is always correct, nor does it mean that he is immune to criticism.
He has, along with many others I’m sure, a good network credible hockey sources including team representatives and player agents. You and me do not.
Healthy skepticism is good. Dismissive cynicism is not.
Specifically, Paul, LeBrun is not the only reporter who has written about the speculation. Here is an article by Aaron Portzline, who covers the Jackets for the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7380378/2026/06/22/blue-jackets-werenski-contract-trade-tkachuk/
Ron: did you not say once that you worked for CBC? Regardless of whether you did or what you did do you really think a reporter is going to divulge his sources when seeking background information? If he did, he wouldn’t have any.
At the end of the day: read and believe or dismiss, or don’t read at all. Your choice. But where will you get your information if not from the media?
LJ, the Portzline article was written AFTER LeBrun made his claim. And the Dispatch first ran a piece about Werenski possibly requesting a trade yesterday. All other “coverage” of this supposed rumor has been by national and Canadian writers. Not a good thing.
LJ,
Good target for abs is Ryan Hartman to play 2C, he’s under contract for only one more year and the Wild need the cap space.
He can be stop-gap 2C, pugnacious, defend Demidov, create havoc in the crease for only $4m.
He’s good for 45 pts and brings sandpaper, probably get him for a 3rd round pick as a cap dump so they can hase Larkin.
HF30: I am just out to walk the dog. Will look at this and reply later.
Not that you are holding your breath! LOL!
Hartman goes WAY beyond “sandpaper.” Rather, he is widely considered to be flat-out “dirty” and a repeat offender who crosses the line with dangerous and illegal actions.
George, are you saying he’s headed for Florida?
LOL. THAT would not surprise me.
HF30
I highly doubt that you’re getting Hartman, a 45 point C making $4.5M for a 3rd round pick when Dickenson, a 17 point C, just signed a 5 year contract for $4.1M
Why would MIN deplete their C depth for a lottery ticket?
So many teams are looking for a quality Centre that the price would likely be much higher.
I do think he would be a good fit in Montreal though.
Daryl,
I explained why, the Wild need cap space as they are in the hunt for Larkin and Hartman only has 1 year left.
They don’t need a contract back to use up cap space, they need a draft pick for futures.
George,
You’re right he can be downright dirty, like Cousins? Greig? That’s okay.
Except neither Cousins’ nor Greig’s actions that resulted in short-suspensions/fines come even close to the actions of Hartman.
I’ve read up a bit on Hartman, HF30, including an article about him in the Athletic just as playoffs were to start.
I see the attraction regarding the sandpaper, and he has a rep for elevating his game come playoff time. Positives. My reservation is his point production. I see him more as a third liner than a 2C.
As for who plays the 2C, I am less convinced that Kapanen is the answer though I see a role for him on the team.
Who then at 2C? I don’t think it is totally out of the question that Larkin ends up in Montreal. Not likely, I allow, but his rationale was that he wants to go to a contender. Florida is out with the Brady acquisition, San Jose is less of a contender than Montreal, and while the Wild would like him they have 7 UFAs right now and the Hughes contract to address this coming year. Tampa’s needs are on D, so who fits his desire for a contender?
It’s exactly because the Wild need space for Larkin and Hughes that they need to move players out, Hartman costs $3m but it’s a $4m cap hit.
He plays top 6 minutes for the Wild and Habs have 2 spots to fill in the top 6, he’s cheap, experienced, hard-nosed and, he can be released at the end of the year if not needed.
I like Kapanen and he’s going to improve but a sophomore slump like Kasper in Detroit concerns me, I see Hartman as great insurance.
George,
Cousins has been fined repeatedly, Greig has been suspended twice, I’m fine with Hartman’s indiscretions , maybe they’d take less runs at Habs with him on the ice.
Oh, I wouldn’t count on that. They “owe” him for that filthy brutal slamming of Stutzle’s head to the ice … on a face-off!
I just hope that the next time they meet he somehow leaves himself open to a legal hit … and Tyler Kleven lines him up.
Is there a reality that exists where Detroit and Larkin could find common ground if Detroit were to bring in Werenski? I realize that’s a giant if, but Larkin’s past comments regarding Stevie Y not doing enough around trade deadline comes to mind. Would that be enough?
Columbus – Werenski
Philadelphia- Tippett, York or Risto and a 3rd
No
An unprotected 1st, a 2nd and a young NHL winger, and that’s still a maybe.
Personally I hope the Avalanche don’t trade nichushkin; he plays the game the right way. At the same time, if I am honest he probably is one guy on the roster that other teams covet. Big, strong, and defensively sound with a lot of skill. So, you know teams are interested. If he’s going to be moved for cap flexibility, is that really worth it? How do you replace him on what is coming back? You might get a better player or goal scorer but now you got that hole to fill. We need more nichushkin’s not less IMHO
So Edmonton now has a GM and a Coach with a lot of negative history.
Seriously they can’t find anybody different.
Hard to cheer for Edmonton.
Nemec to the flames ?
Devils sent Nemec to Calgary
That’s a strong deal for the Flames.
Good for Conroy.
I didn’t have the Flames on my list of destinations but Nemec fits the bill.
So is this the kind of return Buffalo should expect for Byram? 2 firsts, (probably late 1sts). A second rounder and a prospect. Calgary also got Tsyplakov.
I had a (day) dream.
Matthews to SJ for the 2nd pick, +, +
Vancouver starts a re-tool, not a full rebuild.
Nylander to Vancouver for the 3rd pick, +
Toronto now owns the top 3 picks in this year’s draft.
2026/27:
Knies – McKenna – Cowan
Robertson – Stenberg – Tverberg
Quillan – Tavares – Joshua
Sim – Grouxl – Pezzetta
Raddysh – Tanev
Danford and Reid
McCabe – Carlo
Chadwick
Where is your trade for Jason Robertson???
That should complete the “dream”.
Nick Robertson.
He has a breakout year in my day dream. lol
That may be a day-dream, WestBrantKid … but it isn’t far-fetched. Wouldn’t THAT be something to see on draft day? There’d be some among us choking on our popcorn – lol
Ottawa is getting Eklund from SJ. Anyone know what Sharks getting?
9oa . 2 prospects coming with Eklund
Could SJ be stocking up for a run at a couple Leafs?
Perhaps Knies or Matthews?
If Eklund is worth a high 1st rounder and two prospects is Knies worth #2 and two prospects?
Maybe Matthews sees fellow countryman Tkachuk going back to the States and sees a path to go back to his roots?
Kyrou just traded to Washington for McMichael, #16 & a prospect
Wow this is better than the TDL lol
Total assets acquired for Brady Tkachuk……so far.
Eklund, Halttunen, Svoboda, 2 firsts and a second.
Tidy work by Staios.
And I don’t believe he’s finished either, Shoreorrpark. That # 25 1st rounder will be the next to go as part of another deal to get either a RD or a an NHL RW.
Kyrou traded to Washington.
STL now has 4 picks in the 1st round of the 2026 Draft
What is Steen and Armstrong cooking up in STL?
Just in news flash- Bruins looking for a general manager who is alive
Don’t bother looking in Detroit!