NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2026
Could Dylan Larkin accept a trade to the Canadiens? Should the Lightning pursue him? Could trade rumors about Zach Werenski start up again? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN
NHL ON TNT: Jackie Redmond asked Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman if there was any chance that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin might expand his 10-team trade list.
Friedman suggested that the game the Red Wings played against the Canadiens in Montreal earlier this month, where Canadiens fans chanted his name, “moved the needle a bit”, but not to the point where he says yes to Larkin in Montreal.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)
The only way he thinks it might happen is if the two teams were in a position where they felt they could make a deal, and go to Larkin to see if he’d agree to it.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It obviously didn’t “move the needle” enough for Larkin to include the Canadiens among his 10 preferred destinations. Assuming he’d include them if he broadens his list again, the fact he never deemed the Habs worthy of being among his previous choices suggests they’d be his last resort.
And really, is that the type of player you want to pursue? “Oh well, if they’re the only team I can go to right now, okay, I guess so…”
I understand why the Canadiens remain interested in Larkin. But at some point, you’ve got to accept that he’s just not into you and move on. Save your assets for better options later in the season.
SPORTSNET: Turning to teams on Larkin’s trade list, Michael Amato believes the Tampa Bay Lightning should make a major push to acquire the 30-year-old center.
Amato noted that Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has a well-deserved reputation for going all-in. They’ve been a perennial contender, they’re off to another good start, and Larkin could put them over the top and back on track to win another Stanley Cup.
However, Amato acknowledged the challenge BriseBois faces building a suitable trade offer and freeing up salary-cap space to add Larkin. He suggested building a package around futures such as Conor Geekie, other prospects, and first-round picks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie fits the Red Wings’ rumored asking price of a young center (or centers) as part of the return for Larkin. Cap space would be the most difficult hurdle to clear.
The Bolts have $3.17 million in current cap space, meaning they’ll have to shed significant salary now to make room for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value. And no, the Red Wings won’t retain half.
The Bolts could wait until the March 1 trade deadline, when they’ll have accrued over $12 million in cap space, but Larkin could be long gone by then.
COULD TRADE RUMORS START SWIRLING ABOUT ZACH WERENSKI AGAIN?
SPORTSNET: Michael Amato wondered if defenseman Zach Werenski will soon reappear in the rumor mill if the Columbus Blue Jackets fail to improve.
Werenski at least thought seriously about trade options last summer, to the point that GM Don Waddell fielded trade offers for him. Ultimately, the pair released a statement in which the reigning Norris Trophy winner reiterated his commitment to the Blue Jackets.
However, the Jackets have started poorly this season. Amato noted that they’re not in a great position cap-wise, and lack difference-makers on their roster. Winger Dmitri Voronkov recently surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate.
Werenski is signed through 2027-28, but the Blue Jackets will want to know if he’ll be willing to sign a contract extension. However, the club is running out of time to show him that they can become a winner.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs again, Werenski’s a goner next summer. And I wouldn’t blame him. He’s spent 11 seasons with the Jackets, but apart from a few promising seasons earlier in his career, they’ve been mired in mediocrity.
Werenski turns 30 next July and only has a few seasons left before his performance inevitably declines. Like other players in similar situations (hello there, Dylan Larkin), he wants to play for a winner while he’s still in his prime.
If Werenseki goes, bigger changes could soon follow for the Blue Jackets. Their fans deserve better than what they’ve endured since the franchise’s inception in 2000-01.
A critical question, Lyle – would Werenski consider a Canadian team?
BCLeaf Fan: The Maple Leafs were reportedly among the teams he was willing to get traded to this summer.
You have to feel bad for the fans in Columbus. The Jackets have rarely been able to move their needle forward. At what point does a franchise in Columbus become unsustainable? Not suggesting it, just wondering in this day and age, when does the franchise in this location age out?
If the Habs acquire Larkin, then they could trade Hutson for Werenski! 😉
I tried, Johnny, and I cannot make sense of either scenario separately or both together.
From all reports , Werenski wanting out has sailed. Could it be another Ottawa/ Tkachuk situation? Maybe.
Either way I don’t think I’d trade Hutson for Werenski. I wouldn’t trade a 22 yo rising elite d-man making 8.85 per for 8 years for Werenski 29 yo making 9.58 and will be a UFA after next year seeking 15+ at 32 x’s 7
Cirelli looks like the guy the Bolts would look to move. His NTC doesn’t kick in until June of 2027 if I’m reading that right.
If I’m Detroit, Cirelli + Geekie might get it done and the $ work.
He has a full NTC this season, next season its a 16 team trade list.
Barzal for Larkin?
as a closet Islander fan I would do that in a heartbeat….
Conor Geekie looks far from a top 6 NHL player
Habs have Hage coming in the spring. He looks like the real deal and would slot into the 2nd line center next season if not right away
I would not trade him for Larkin due to the age
Hage and Guhle and Newhook for Larks
Cap is good, the price is right!
Ok Connor Hellebuyck exit stage left. Alex Nikishin you’re in timeout till spring. It’s all Larkin all the time on this page.
And no Johnny, Lane Hutson is going nowhere.
I just dont see the benefit of telling your team that they suck every time Bowness talks to the press. Might work for some people and a more veteran team so maybe Bowness should look himself in the mirror as well?
Bowness certainly DOES NOT need to look himself in the mirror…the players do and management in Columbus has always been mediocre to bad
Kent’s comment makes sense, whether we subscribe or not, today’s athlete traditionally does not respond well to the tough love narrative. Some do “man up” and take ownership, but others would prefer an environment of less strife and anxiety. I’m thinking the constant barrage from Bowness is grating on most of the Jackets and his shelf life is almost done. Not that I don’t believe that it’s well deserved, it’s probably close to being tuned out, and with it, a playoff spot as well. Werenski packing up and leaving will follow shortly after.
You are missing the point, his method of motivating them isn’t working. Always look at what you are trying to achieve, is my method or what I’m saying the best one? In this case obviously not
Who knows what Bowness’ motivation is. Maybe he’s tried the “keep it in the room” lighter touch and it didn’t work.
And if that didn’t work, and going public doesn’t work, all your left with is a room full of guys who aren’t performing up to the standard required.
Who knows, but it’s not generally the first move to go to the press and call out your guys. And if it is, he’s the wrong guy, and if it isn’t they have the wrong players.
Tampa needs to shake things up. Cirelli for Larkin straight up.
As for werenski go to Dallas and win a cup. Harley for werenski.
Cirelli for Larkin straight up is not going to happen.
St Pats, Nationwide company, which has it’s national headquarters in downtown Columbus, owns one-third of the team. So, while I wouldn’t totally rule out the Jackets being sold and moved, the much more likely scenario is Nationwide buying out the McConnell family and the minority owners.
Here’s hoping Boston’s on his trade list he would be treated like gold in beantown what an acquisition.
Larkin has 1 goal in 9 games! Do you want to give up Mitten or Hagens for that. The D man is who I want!
Larkin looks like a disinterested player, which is not going to help his trade value in any way. The Red Wings need to move him before his stock declines even further.
Nope sorry sr I meant Werenski. With the way kids are playing who needs Larkin.
Wings send Simon Edminson to Jqckets for Zach W. —- keep Larkin happy by bringing home is best buddy and local boy. Wouldn’t that be wild!
They are going to need more than Edvinsson for Werenski he’s going to Boston.
Looking at Larkins preferred destinations, they either don’t have a true need for him or they don’t have salary cap room nor resources to make a trade possible.
The teams interested in him only want to give away the future (why would the wings want to trade a top line center for draft choices?)
How realistic is he in wanting to leave Detroit with no consideration for what is needed to obtain him?
Edvinsson situation is a head scratcher. Was a top pair guy and should’ve been locked up. Always felt that if Larkin rescinded his trade request that maybe Detroit could package Edvinsson in a trade for Werenski. Could still be possible if Werenski agrees to go but I think Larkin expanding his list ends any chance he stays. I mentioned yesterday that Detroit is stacked with young centers. Adding Geekie doesn’t really make sense.
To Detroit: Beaudoin, Robertson, Bjorkstrand, and a 2027 1st
To NYR: Larkin
That offer isn’t likely getting Larkin. Beaudoin is a young C, but probably more 3rd liner and another year+ away from regular NHL time. And Bjorkstrand & Robertson on expiring deals are not enticing Detroit for the future.
Plus, Larkin in no way makes the NYR a contender this year, especially without Igor.
And by contender, I mean a REAL post season threat, not a sneak-in and get eliminated quick team.
Going forward they would be locked in to three mid-30 year old declining centers (instead of just 2) for another 4+ years.
Lastly, they already gave away 2028 and 2030 1st round picks for Doro and Pettersson. I don’t want to lose another for Larkin leaving us with just one 1st over the next 4 years, especially for a C who is slowing down significantly.
There are 2 things the NYR truly need: A young 20 something C that can develop into a future 1st liner and another top 6 winger that can play with Doro.
None of those are available right now, so they should stick to the retool, save their cap space and picks/prospects, and then try to leverage that space and expiring contracts at the deadline to make NEXT YEARS team younger, faster, and better.
Foleyd7
“Another top 6 winger” would be JT after putting Larkin at center. How many seasons do you waste by declaring yourself not a serious contender? Who is a serious contender and what realistic chances are there that they have cap space and what Detroit wants? Adding Larkin for next 5 seasons guarantees a top 6 player for 5 seasons. He’ll be 34 at end of his last season of contract. Hes also “younger, faster, and better” than current 1 and 2C
Is Edvinsson that good on his own or is it because of his playing partner?
He’s big and he’s young but if he is that good, why hasn’t Detroit jumped at signing him?
Perhaps they can peddle Larkin to a team for a young defenceman and trade Edvinsson for a C to replace Larkin?
Another wrinkle is most teams would want to negotiate a deal with Edvinsson before trading for him.
Could MIN sweep in there for Larkin and Edvinsson for Faber and Yurov?
“The only way he thinks it might happen is if the two teams were in a position where they felt they could make a deal, and go to Larkin to see if he’d agree to it.”
Wow, what insight!
And really, is that the type of player you want to pursue? “Oh well, if they’re the only team I can go to right now, okay, I guess so…”
Many Habs fans don’t want Larkin, or any player, on those terms.
We will see if Nikishin gets an offer sheet next summer. At $3m, score one for management.
Edvinsson will be next and soon…tick tock
Larkin’s value is trending down
Disappointed is the Jackets of course I am but what’s new? I will throw this out there and it will never happen. I don’t understand the no captain crap they pulled this year. Put the C on Charlie Coyle. Now my big change is in the front office. Waddell out and Rick Nash in. Let bones retire and replace him with Don Granado to tutor TRENT VOGELHUBER for the job. Maybe that put a little life in this team. It sure as hell can’t hurt.
Washington could be the best fit for a Larkin trade.
Strome and Leonard to Detroit for Larkin.
With the Capitals depth at wing, Leonard is on the 4th line,
Strome is a decent centre, not the same level as Larkin who would greatly improve the Capitals.
No draft picks or prospects need to be added by either team.
Washington just covers the Cap and they don’t worry about Leonard’s $10M starting next year. It’s a swing for today for Washington.
Don’t see them giving up Leonord. But that is a good offer.
HF 30,the only reason Leonard is on the 4th line is because they have to pacify Ovi! He will go by Kyrou if he has the same opportunity!
Sr,
Washington didn’t spend the all that capital for Kyrou if he isn’t going to be in their top six and same goes for Tuch.
Protas and Wilson aren’t being moved anywhere either.
Larkin is a big upgrade at C for them.
As for Leonard, I still don’t understand why they got Tuch on a long term contract instead of letting the kid take the spot, so I’m kind of with you.
You would have to add Miroshnichenko to the trade to be cap compliant. Or put 1 of the 2 on IR to LTIR.