NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2026
Could Penguins center Evgeni Malkin hit the trade block in January? What’s the latest on the Red Wings, Sharks, and Blackhawks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE PENGUINS TRADE EVGENI MALKIN IN THE NEW YEAR?
TSN: Darren Dreger reports Evgeni Malkin must submit a three-team trade list to Pittsburgh Penguins management in January. He wondered whether general manager Kyle Dubas might consider moving the 40-year-old center if the club is still struggling.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).
Dreger said Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin is interested in his former teammate, “but only if the price is right and Malkin is ready to move by that point.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins are struggling, with just three wins in their last 14 games as they approach the 20-game mark. If this continues through their next 20 games, Dubas could accelerate the club’s transition to a younger roster.
A month ago, it was reported that Dubas was open to moving some of his veterans for younger talent. Malkin wasn’t mentioned as a trade candidate, but that could change by January.
Guerin’s interest in Malkin could be his Plan B if he can’t acquire Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings. Speaking of Larkin…
THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN AND SIMON EDVINSSON
TSN: Chris Johnston reports that part of the reason it’s taking so long for the Detroit Red Wings to trade Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson is that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is trying to hit a home run with these deals.
Johnston isn’t blaming Horcoff, pointing out that he’s only been in the role for a short time and he’s trying to address these difficult situations. He’s waiting for certain deals, but he’s not getting them from the 10 teams on Larkin’s trade list. Meanwhile, it’s probably going to take until the Dec. 1 deadline to sign Edvinsson before there’s any movement.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Horcoff has reportedly asked Larkin to expand his trade list again, but the center has so far refused. The Red Wings GM has a much better chance of moving Edvinsson, a restricted free agent lacking no-trade protection. However, he’s on the clock with the Dec. 1 deadline approaching.
SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS LOOKING FOR HELP
TSN: Chris Johnston reports the San Jose Sharks are “big-game hunting”, claiming they’re “very much in” on Simon Edvinsson. He said some teams think Edvinsson makes the most sense to end up with the Sharks.
Pierre LeBrun reports the Sharks’ recent struggles raised speculation about Ryan Warsofsky’s future as their head coach. However, he believes general manager Mike Grier isn’t contemplating a coaching change “at this stage” because they signed Warsofsky to a contract extension in September.
Meanwhile, Johnston said the struggling Chicago Blackhawks have been in the trade market to add some depth to their forward lines. The Blackhawks felt they would be contending for a playoff spot by now.
Johnston believes Grier and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson can’t afford to be patient for much longer because they’re getting into the meat of the season now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks beat writer Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports that questions are being raised about Davidson’s job security and that of head coach Jeff Blashill and the players.
Lazerus noted that Davidson got a contract extension earlier this year, and they can’t fire the players. He said it’s usually the coach who bears the brunt in this situation, but Blashill would be the third coach he’s fired, and the next would be the third he’s hired, and the fifth, including interims.
If Davidson’s not going anywhere and he’s reluctant to fire another coach, trades would be the most logical option, but finding the right deals won’t be easy at this time of year for a club that’s already facing the prospect of another lost season.
“The Red Wings GM has a much better chance of moving Edvinsson, a restricted free agent lacking no-trade protection. However, he’s on the clock with the Dec. 1 deadline approaching.”
Edvinsson will be re-signing with the Wings, unless he’s willing to be unemployed for the entire year. Sure, it may come down to Dec 1st, but he’s going to be a Wing again.
If Horcoff was going to trade him he’d be gone already, IMO.
As I see it, the Hawks have only one avenue to address their problem: a gold mine of draft picks: 3 firsts, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds for next draft year.
But start trading away your draft picks and you perpetuate your problem.
UFAs are an option, but which top flight ones would go to a rebuilding team?
Probably better to take the pain that comes with a rebuild and end up better in the long run.
Eddy for Nazar, might help the Hawks defensively.
Interesting read on Kucherov money situation and the disparity between no-tax states and others in the league.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/the-kucherov-calculator-why-the-lightning-are-playing-the-long-game/
Let’s see how much money Larkin is willing to burn before he accepts a trade to a team not on his list because that is what will happen for him to get traded. He can stand firm all he wants with his list but the Wings are not losing 41K per day sitting out.
Him quitting on the team was as stupid as his list. He painted himself into a corner and all the Wings have to do now is wait for him to cave after he loses enough money.
Wings need to sign Edvinsson. Playing hardball with him is completely stupid. The Edvinsson/Seider pair was top 5 in the NHL last season. Before anyone says that Seider makes anyone look good, tell that to the numerous partners he’s had over the years including Chiarot who has the worst WAR among defensemen this season despite playing with Seider who has the best. Imagine how good Seider could be if he didn’t have to cover for a partner that has no business being in the top 4 of any NHL team. Someone who can actually help him instead of drag him down.