In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Red Wings aren’t interested in trading Simon Edvinsson, the Maple Leafs could be looking for a defenseman, and the latest on the Canucks.

THE LATEST ON SIMON EDVINSSON

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff told reporters yesterday that he has “zero interest” in trading Simon Edvinsson. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent defenseman remains unsigned and reportedly prefers a trade.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)

“He’s a player we value here, and I know everyone in the locker room does as well,” Horcoff said. “So (a trade) is not something I am entertaining.”

Horcoff said re-signing Edvinsson remains a priority, adding the Wings are working diligently toward getting the young blueliner under contract. He called him “a big part of our core moving forward.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed seven teams as potential destinations if the Red Wings decide to trade Edvinsson.

They include the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and the Vancouver Canucks.

He also suggested the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators as suitors to watch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s list was published before Horcoff spoke to reporters yesterday. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting here in case negotiations deteriorate.

The Red Wings have until 5 pm ET on Dec. 1 to get Edvinsson signed, or he’ll be ineligible to play in the NHL this season.

MAPLE LEAFS COULD END UP SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel reports the recent absence of Chris Tanev with another injury could force the Toronto Maple Leafs into the trade market for a defenseman. Even if Tanev returns soon, Siegel believes there’s no guarantee he won’t be sidelined again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I was among the critics who said the Maple Leafs were taking a risk signing the oft-injured Tanev. He’s a terrific shutdown defenseman, but he already had a lot of mileage on him before joining the Maple Leafs. Now 36, the years of wear and tear have caught up to him.

Acquiring that blueliner won’t be easy. The Maple Leafs no longer have a blue-chip trade asset after shipping Matthew Knies to Columbus for Kirill Marchenko, and they don’t have much trade capital left.

The number of options in the trade market is limited. Siegel mentioned Ian Cole of the Chicago Blackhawks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers (who is currently sidelined), and Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, but other factors could complicate attempts to acquire them.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal included Whitecloud and Ristolainen on his list of five potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs. He also included Carson Soucy of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, and Brenden Dillon of the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leal noted TSN’s Chris Johnston recently said the Maple Leafs will attempt to find solutions internally for now. Nevertheless, general manager John Chayka has proven he’s unafraid to make moves, and is likely monitoring the trade market for any affordable help.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes Jake DeBrusk’s strong start with the Vancouver Canucks could improve his trade value. The 29-year-old winger is skating on the first line alongside center Elias Pettersson. He’s among their leading scorers with three goals and five points in six games.

Before the season started, DeBrusk told Kuzma he was working on improving other aspects of his game, including doing more without the puck and using his speed on the forecheck better.

Kuzma suggested the remaining term on DeBrusk’s contract might scare off potential suitors. He’s signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. However, that could be a moot point for contenders who want to win now.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance weighed in on a recent report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming the Canucks are among several teams interested in Connor Zary. The 25-year-old Calgary Flames forward cleared waivers last week and was demoted to the Flames’ AHL affiliate.

Drance admits being an admirer of Zary’s game, but noted his lack of size, physicality, and below-average skating. Nevertheless, he could be a worthwhile reclamation project if he also netted the Canucks a future asset in the deal, or if it meant shedding a long-term commitment to a superior player or an inefficient one-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Debrusk will garner more attention in this year’s trade market if he maintains his current level of performance throughout this season.

As for Zary, I agree with Drance that it might be worthwhile if he brings in a quality draft pick or prospect or helps the Canucks shed a troublesome contract.