NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2026
Check out the latest on the Red Wings, Kraken, Predators, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN AND SIMON EDVINSSON
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins are two teams not on Dylan Larkin’s 10-team trade list that are rumored to be interested in the Detroit Red Wings center.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Understandably, the Canadiens might be interested in Larkin because they need a second-line center. However, I’m skeptical that the Bruins would be a suitor. They’re doing quite well thus far with Pavel Zacha, a resurgent Elias Lindholm, and promising youngsters Fraser Minten, James Hagens, and Matt Poitras.
Granted, Zacha is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and hasn’t committed to a new contract. Lindholm is 31 and has been inconsistent in recent years, while Minten, Hagens, and Poitras have yet to reach their potential. Nevertheless, they don’t appear to have an immediate pressing need for someone like Larkin.
Dreger wondered whether the Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues might be interested in pursuing Larkin if he expands his trade list. He indicated the Red Wings are conducting due diligence by scouting some of the clubs not on Larkin’s current list in case he changes his mind.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators and Blues are trying to retool, and Larkin’s preference is for American-based teams that give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup. The Sabres showed promise last season, but their current struggles could make him leery of joining them.
As for Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Dreger believes the Predators are among “nine or 10 other clubs” interested in the 23-year-old restricted free agent. Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff prefers signing Edvinsson, but he’s also taking trade calls.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The clock is ticking for Edvinsson and the Red Wings. Dec. 1 is the deadline for restricted free agents to be signed. Otherwise, he’ll be ineligible to play the remainder of this NHL season.
KRAKEN PURSUING A SCORER, PREDATORS WANT TO ACQUIRE YOUNGER PLAYERS
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Seattle Kraken continue to search for a “top-line scoring winger.” To address that need, general manager Jason Botterill could be willing to draw on some of his promising young centers as trade bait.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matty Beniers recently surfaced in the rumor mill as a target for teams seeking a top-six center, but it’s unlikely Botterill parts with the 23-year-old center. Sophomore center Berkly Catton is having a promising start with nine points in 12 games, but that performance is also a good reason to hang onto him.
Shane Wright frequently appeared in trade rumors last season and into the offseason. However, no one made an offer that would entice the Kraken GM to part with him. He’s currently playing right wing alongside Catton and winger Kaapo Kakko on their third line.
Nashville Predators GM Chris McFarland remains “very, very interested in adding some young skill.” He might be willing to dangle a veteran defenseman like Brady Skjei or Nicolas Hague. Dreger also speculated that McFarland might move some of his veteran forwards for some younger talent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Center Ryan O’Reilly is the most likely trade candidate because he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Winger Jonathan Marchessault occasionally popped up in rumors during the last two seasons.
UPDATE ON ARTTURI LEHKONEN’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE AVALANCHE
TSN: Chris Johnston reports Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen is UFA-eligible next summer. He’s off to a hot start to this season and is in line for a substantial raise.
Johnston said there’s nothing imminent between Lehkonen and the Avalanche. The 31-year-old winger would like to stay in Colorado, but he could price himself out of that market if he maintains his current production.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehkonen is earning an average annual value of $4.5 million. He has a 12-team no-trade list and has 10 goals and 14 points in 12 games this season skating alongside center Nathan MacKinnon.
While Larkin is exactly what the Blues need the reverse isn’t the case. And how much of their young core would have to be included in any deal. Making Thomas the centerpiece is a start but then they will still be looking for more scoring. Blues have been shut out in back to back of games. Maybe a bigger deal could make sense but again why would Larkin even consider it.
For what its worth I read, I believe on Sportsnet, that O’Reilly doesn’t want to be traded and is fine with mentoring young players during a retool. He’s on his 5th team maybe stability is his top priority.
Lehkonen deserves to get a substantial raise; does everything for the team. The other Avalanche players should take their cues from him: consistent, dependable , highly skilled and mentally shows up every night from what I can tell. Perhaps makes mistakes now and then because he’s human
but a pleasure to watch. Can’t ask for anything more from the guy. They better hold onto him and sacrifice someone else if they have to!
Agreed Tommy
He’s an excellent player.
I was sad to see him tradeded to the Avs. The Habs got Justin Barron and a 2nd round pick, which was bundled with another pick so the Habs could pick Hage. I sure do hope Hage turns out to be a good center.
But when Lehkonen was traded, it was the beginning of the rebuild and a necessary trade. Personally, I thought the Habs could have done better in that trade, but, it is what it is.
Chris, I hear you! I know you habs fans loved him. Now you guys are on the verge of something great. Montreal is really good. I thought barron was going to be really good. Did he go to St. Louis, can’t remember where he is now?
Buffalo needs a C and Larkin would fit nicely, it’s all about cost, but as of yet Larkin isn’t interested in going there as they aren’t a real contender and neither are the Blues who are playoff hopefuls at best
Yeah the “report” I seen, named Buffao and Montreal aw the Larkin pursuers that were not on his “list”.
I think if Larkin decided to go to Buffalo, that they could give a handsome return.
Larkin and Gibby (1/2 retained) for
Norris, Kulich, Lyon and ’27 1st and a ’28 2nd
If Detroit decides to keep Postava up then Lyon would be unnecessary to keep and would be flipped, but his salary evens it out for the trade to happen and give Gibby a roster spot.