NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2026

by | Jun 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2026

More trade speculation about Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, the latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, a notable Red Wings prospect could be heading to the Mammoth, and an update on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CAN THE WILD AFFORD TO ACQUIRE DYLAN LARKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: The Minnesota Wild are among the three teams on Dylan Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations. However, Joe Smith and Michael Russo believe the Wild’s pursuit of the Detroit Red Wings center could be hampered by their limited trade capital.

The Wild gave up three significant assets (Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and their 2026 first-round pick) to the Vancouver Canucks in December to acquire superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. They still have some solid prospects left, such as forwards Danila Yurov and Charlie Stramel. However, it’s debatable that they’re enough to land Larkin.

Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt could be considered their “top prospect”, but he’s not going anywhere until starter Filip Gustavsson has recovered from offseason hip surgery. Even then, his solid performance during this postseason could make the Wild reluctant to part with him. It’s also questionable that the Red Wings would want Wallstedt because of the young goalies in their system.

The Wild don’t want to move center Joel Eriksson Ek or defenseman Jonas Brodin. Doing so would be a step backward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith and Russo believe the Wild’s best shot at landing Larkin is if the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights (the other two teams on his trade list) either aren’t interested or cannot match an offer from the Wild. They also suggested the possibility of the Wild getting a third team involved that would part with an asset that would entice the Red Wings.

THE LATEST ON CANUCKS CENTER ELIAS PETTERSSON

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma wondered what the future holds for Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. The Canucks have new management and a new head coach, and they face a daunting challenge as they attempt to rebuild the roster.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Kuzma suggested Pettersson, 27, could be a useful trade chip that could fetch the type of return that helps the Canucks going forward.

The Detroit Red Wings will be in the market for a replacement for Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade last week. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings need a top-six center to replace the retired Anze Kopitar.

Detroit has over $32 million in cap space, and moving out Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value opens possibilities to take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million AAV. Despite the decline in his production, some believe he can regain his form.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There aren’t many options available for the Red Wings and Kings to fill their needs at center. The Canucks would undoubtedly listen if either club came calling for Pettersson. However, his cap hit and offensive inconsistency could make both teams wait and see if better players become available.

SEBASTIAN COSSA TO THE MAMMOTH?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff referenced a report by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, who tweeted that he was told that Red Wings prospect goaltender Sebastian Cossa could be on the move, with the Utah Mammoth believed to be among the suitors.

Duff also noted a “false flag” rumor claiming the Edmonton Oilers are also interested in Cossa. However, agent Gerry Johansson, who represents Cossa, recently appeared on “Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer”, saying that his client is hungry for more opportunities in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Promising goalies Trey Augustine and Michal Postava have raised questions about Cossa’s future, sparking trade speculation in recent weeks. A first-round pick in 2021, the 23-year-old netminder has only seen one game of NHL action, and he’s hungry for more.

Dylan Larkin’s trade request leaves the Red Wings facing the difficult challenge of finding a suitable replacement. Perhaps Cossa could be packaged with Larkin as part of a larger deal to land a significant return.

Another option could be using Cossa as trade bait to bring in a player who can replace Larkin, or to bring in a return that could be flipped to another team to address that issue.

Barrett Hayton of the Mammoth could be someone the Wings could attempt to acquire. Ryan O’Hara of The Hockey News recently suggested the 26-year-old center could be their best trade chip, with promising centers such as Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers in their system.

Hayton wouldn’t replace Larkin’s skill or his role as the Wings’ first-line center, but he could fill the second-line center role while management shops for Larkin’s replacement. He could also be used as trade bait by the Red Wings in a bigger deal.

THE LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators’ priority positions to be addressed this summer include a top-six forward, a right-shot, top-four defenseman, and a backup goaltender.

According to Garrioch, forward Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks could be a realistic target. He claimed the Senators are interested in pending unrestricted free agent goalies Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers and Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins to fill that backup role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the limited number of available centers, the Senators could face competition from several other clubs who could be interested in McTavish, assuming he’s available.

Senators general manager Steve Staios knows him from their days with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, and his father, Dale McTavish, is a Senators scout. However, it remains to be seen if those connections would carry any weight in any attempt on the Senators’ part to acquire McTavish.

With the St. Louis Blues in a full rebuild, Garrioch wondered if Colton Parayko would reconsider waiving his no-movement clause. The 33-year-old right-shot defenseman rejected a trade that would’ve sent him to the Buffalo Sabres at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Parayko didn’t want to join a rising club like the Sabres, what’s the selling point that convinces him to accept a trade to the Senators? I’m not trying to be a jerk, but I don’t see what the Senators could do to sell him on joining their roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2026

by | Jun 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2026

The latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, a list of potential offer-sheet candidates, the Canucks could be interested in Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DYLAN LARKIN SUBMITS A THREE-TEAM TRADE LIST

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reported Monday that Dylan Larkin submitted a three-team trade list to Red Wings management. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers are his preferred destinations.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Minnesota is better-positioned to land Larkin than Vegas and Florida. The Wild has sufficient salary cap space (though they’ll have to move out some salary just the same) to acquire him. While they traded away their best prospects for Quinn Hughes in December, they have enough left to put into an enticing trade package, depending on which roster player or players they’re willing to part with.

The Golden Knights lack the cap room to take on Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value through 2030-31. And no, the Wings won’t retain salary. They don’t have a suitable center to include in the deal.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards looked at what it would cost the Panthers to land Larkin. He believes the Panthers would have to give up center Anton Lundell as part of the return.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would probably jump at the chance to add Lundell, but it’s unlikely the Panthers will part with him. He’s the eventual replacement for Aleksander Barkov when the Panthers captain retires.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looks at how Larkin’s addition to the trade market might affect the Rangers’ efforts to move Vincent Trocheck this summer.

Trocheck is no longer the top center in the market. However, he could still prove enticing to clubs seeking a center who are not on Larkin’s trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin may be the best center in this trade market, but Trocheck is more affordable and more available. He has a 12-team no-trade list that drops to a 10-team list on July 1. Unless Larkin expands his trade list, it really won’t hurt Trocheck’s trade value.

POTENTIAL OFFER SHEET CANDIDATES

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently did up an offer sheet primer, including a list of players who might get one this summer.

The list includes Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson, Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev, Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves, Colorado Avalanche center Jack Drury, Anaheim Ducks defensemen Olen Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov, and Montreal Canadiens winger Zack Bolduc.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev and Bourque could be the most likely offer-sheet candidates, assuming they’re willing to sign. The Golden Knights are squeezed for cap space, while the Stars will have to shed salary to re-sign winger Jason Robertson.

CANUCKS REPORTEDLY INTERESTED IN GALLAGHER

TVA SPORTS: Gerry Johansson, agent of Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, told the Donnie & Dhali podcast that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in his client.

Gallagher, 34, told reporters last week that he would be moving on from the Canadiens. He has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a six-team no-trade list.

A Vancouver native, Gallagher expressed an interest in playing for the Canucks. The Canadiens have permitted Johansson to speak with other teams about a trade.

“Vancouver initially expressed interest, but there are many variables. It’s on their desk; they are interested,” Johansson said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One variable could be what the Canadiens would want in return. The Canucks could also want the Canadiens to retain part of Gallagher’s salary. 

THE BLACKHAWKS ARE SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope recently reported Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is interested in making trades this summer to add more established talent into his young roster.

One target is a veteran left-shot defenseman. The Blackhawks’ young defense corps struggled after shipping out Connor Murphy at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most notable veteran left-shot blueliners include Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers. However, they’re unlikely to waive their no-movement clauses to join a rebuilding team.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2026

by | Jun 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2026

More Dylan Larkin Trade Speculation, plus the latest on the Canadiens and the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at whether Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin would be a fit with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 29-year-old center requested a trade last week. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a full no-trade clause.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Kurz believes it would make sense for the Flyers to pursue Larkin, who would fill their first-line center position.

If the Red Wings want to be in the playoff chase next season, they’ll likely want a top-two center in return for Larkin, which would take the Flyers out of the running. However, if the Wings are rebuilding, the Flyers have the tradeable assets to make a competitive trade offer.

Kurz considers it unlikely that the Flyers will land Larkin. He believes general manager Daniel Briere isn’t under pressure to take a big swing right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin has spent the past decade outside the playoff picture. While the Flyers exceeded expectations this season by reaching the postseason, Larkin’s preference could be joining a club he believes will give him the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, Aaron Portzline doubted that the Columbus Blue Jackets have a shot at acquiring Larkin.

Portzline noted the friendship between Larkin and Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, but that’s unlikely to put the Blue Jackets on Larkin’s short list of trade destinations. He noted that the Wings center’s preference could be to join an upper-echelon club, such as the Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have come tantalizingly close to the playoffs the past two years but failed to break through. They probably aren’t the type of team Larkin would be keen to join.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present believes the Anaheim Ducks could be well-positioned to make an enticing trade pitch for Larkin.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek knows Larkin from his days as the Red Wings’ assistant GM. He’s also been an active trade partner with his former club over the past two years.

Present wondered if an offer of young center Mason McTavish, a second-tier prospect such as Eric Nilsson or Lasse Boelius, and a first-round pick might be enough to acquire Larkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have plenty of factors that would give them an advantage over other clubs pursuing Larkin. However, it will come down to whether they’re on his short list of trade destinations.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault will have value in the trade market despite his struggles this season.

The 29-year-old Montembeault entered this season as the Canadiens’ starting goaltender. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistency shook his confidence and turned him into their third-stringer behind Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler.

Montembault has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.15 million. With several teams having goaltending issues, Cowan thinks the Canadiens shouldn’t have a problem trading him this summer.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes the Canadiens could find a buyer for Kirby Dach if they decide to put the 25-year-old forward on the trade block.

Injuries hampered Dach’s development since being acquired by the Canadiens in 2022. Nevertheless, Lavoie believed that Dach still has value. He felt that teams will be interested if he becomes available, suggesting the Canadiens could get a second or third-round pick for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens likely won’t get much for either guy, but a draft pick for each could be used as trade chips to address other issues. One of them could even be part of a larger multi-player deal, though that possibility seems remote.

CAPITALS TO SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently reported that Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin has started rehab as he begins his long recovery from surgery in April to repair a torn ACL.

Sandin is expected to be sidelined for six to nine months, meaning he might not return to the lineup until late January. Capitals GM Chris Patrick said he will explore options to address Sandin’s absence.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 7, 2026

by | Jun 7, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 7, 2026

The latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WOULD IT COST THE CANADIENS OR FLYERS TO LAND DYLAN LARKIN?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Dylan Larkin would “definitely” be a good fit for the Canadiens’ second-line center position.

The 29-year-old Detroit Red Wings captain’s trade request made headlines last week. He’s scored at least 30 goals in each of the last five seasons. He has five more seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Cowan believes the Red Wings’ asking price would start with the Canadiens’ top prospect, center Michael Hage. He thinks the Habs have reached the stage in their rebuild where moving Hage is no longer considered unthinkable, adding that they need a second-line center to skate alongside rising star Ivan Demidov.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James noted that Larkin would be a good fit for the Flyers, who need an experienced top-six center.

James believes the return to the Red Wings would depend on what direction general manager Steve Yzerman wants to take the team. If he’s targeting players that can help him now, the Flyers have defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and winger Owen Tippett, who’ve been the subject of trade speculation.

If the Red Wings seek a center as part of the return, the Flyers would have to part with Noah Cates. They aren’t moving Trevor Zegras, and they recently re-signed Christian Dvorak, who has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1. Team captain Sean Couturier has a full no-movement clause.

James felt the Flyers would prefer to offer up a package of prospects and NHL players. It could also include a first-round pick. The price would be high, but it would be worth it to land a first-line center such as Larkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens and Flyers have the assets to make competitive bids to the Wings for Larkin. However, it ultimately depends on whether they’re on his list of preferred trade destinations.

WILL THE CANADIENS REVISIT THEIR ATTEMPT TO ACQUIRE MATTHEW KNIES?

SPORTSNET: On Friday, Elliotte Friedman confirmed a recent report by Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claiming the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs had an agreement in place that would’ve sent winger Matthew Knies to Montreal at the March trade deadline

The deal would’ve seen the Canadiens send prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect, and two first-round draft picks to the Maple Leafs for Knies. However, the deal fell through because the trade was filed one minute past the 3 pm ET deadline on March 6.

Friedman believes the Canadiens might want to revisit that deal, but it’s off the table and won’t happen now.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils could crush the Canadiens’ offer for Knies if he’s still available.

He suggested the Devils could offer up young right-shot defenseman Simon Nemec, center Dawson Mercer, or veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton as the centerpiece, along with a prospect and two first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs dodged a bullet here. That return from the Canadiens might have helped the Leafs in two or three years, but it wouldn’t have helped them now. That would’ve likely led to the departure of Auston Matthews this summer via trade, which would’ve scuttled any chance of the Leafs having a bounce-back season in 2026-27.

It would’ve immediately improved the Canadiens’ forward lines, giving them a young power forward with an affordable contract to skate on the second line with Ivan Demidov. As for that mysterious “other prospect” that was supposed to be in the deal, Pagnotta claimed it wasn’t Michael Hage or defenseman David Reinbacher.

Before this report came out, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes hinted that he might revisit his attempt at what was then a “mystery trade”. However, as Friedman pointed out, that no longer seems possible with the Maple Leafs under new management.

This could turn into a blessing in disguise for the Canadiens. The assets offered for Knies could instead be put toward addressing their need for a second-line center, which is now a bigger priority than adding a physical scoring winger, even one as promising as Knies.

As for the Devils, it’s doubtful they’ll be able to pry Knies away from the Leafs. John Chayka, their new GM, thinks highly of the young winger, and likely sees him as a key player in his plans for the roster.

FIVE POTENTIAL “CHANGE OF SCENERY” TRADE CANDIDATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed five players that he believes would benefit from a trade this summer.

They include (in alphabetical order) forward Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, winger Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks, defenseman Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils, and center Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All five have surfaced in the rumor mill, some more than others. Kyrou’s been a fixture for two years. McTavish first appeared last summer as his contract talks dragged into training camp. Nemec and Wright first appeared around midseason, while Johnson recently began to pop up in media trade chatter.

Kyrou is the more established of this group, with three seasons of at least 30 goals and four exceeding 70 points. He also has the more difficult contract, with an AAV of $8.125 million through 2030-31 and a full no-trade clause. The 28-year-old right winger was linked to the Canadiens last summer before his NTC kicked in on July 1.

McTavish could be targeted by teams seeking second-line depth at center. It’s believed Nemec could be moved if he proves too expensive for the Devils to re-sign, although his lack of arbitration rights gives him little leverage.

Wright seemed on the verge of a breakout performance last season, but his playing time was cut this season under head coach Lane Lambert. Johnson’s production dropped in part due to losing almost 12 pounds in the offseason, which affected his consistency and led to a reduced role with the Blue Jackets.

Of this group, McTavish and Nemec seem the most likely to move given their age, positions, and potential.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

by | Jun 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

The latest speculation on potential trade destinations for Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, an update on Blues center Robert Thomas, and the Ducks’ offseason wish list in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH CLUBS COULD BE SUITORS FOR DYLAN LARKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes it would be a mistake to underestimate Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s ability to get a solid return to Dylan Larkin after the latter requested a trade.

Yzerman faced similar circumstances before. As GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, Yzerman got a good return for winger Martin St. Louis after he requested a trade to the New York Rangers. Three years later, he met winger Jonathan Drouin’s trade request by shipping him to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

LeBrun indicated that Yzerman has received a short list of preferred trade destinations from the Larkin camp. However, he speculated that list could change or grow. LeBrun also thinks it’s not to either side’s advantage to play hardball in this situation, but should instead try to avoid this dragging out throughout the summer and into next season.

According to LeBrun, between 12 and 15 clubs could inquire about Larkin. Obvious potential fits include the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. The Kings need a replacement for retired captain Anze Kopitar, the Wild seek an established first-line center, and the Canadiens need a second-line center.

LeBrun wondered if the Dallas Stars would be a suitor if they fail to re-sign winger Jason Robertson. He also sees the Boston Bruins as a potential fit.

Meanwhile, Max Bultman wondered where the Detroit Red Wings go from here after team captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade this week.

Larkin’s request complicates the Red Wings’ offseason plans. They must now add a top-line center to their existing needs of a top-line left wing, a second-line center, bottom-six scoring, and toughness.

Bultman wondered if trading Larkin would force the Red Wings to retool their roster around their young core of talent rather than push for the playoffs next season. He also pondered the future of winger Alex DeBrincat, who turns 29 in December and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

PIONEER PRESS: Dan Mitzutani believes the Minnesota Wild should pursue a trade for Larkin to address their need for a first-line center. He believes the Red Wings will seek a substantial return, suggesting it could cost the Wild a couple of prospects along with a haul of draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild beat writers Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic also believe GM Bill Guerin will look into acquiring Larkin. They believe Guerin won’t be afraid to part with young center Danila Yurov or prospects Charlie Stramel, Hunter Haight, or Adam Benak. However, the sticking point could be which players the Red Wings would want from the Wild’s roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on how many teams are on Larkin’s list of destinations. If it remains a short list, and if the Wild are on it, that could work in their favor when it comes to the return. The more teams on that list, the more the Wild might have to pay to outbid other clubs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Hains believes Larkin would be ideal for the Canadiens as their second-line center.

The Red Wings will seek a substantial return, which Hains believes the Canadiens are well-positioned to provide that. They have the prospects, roster players, draft picks, and salary-cap space to pull it off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings will almost certainly ask for center Michael Hage, the Canadiens’ top prospect. Defenseman David Reinbacher or winger Alexander Zharovsky could also be part of it. The Habs could also offer a young roster forward such as Oliver Kapanen or Zach Bolduc in the deal, but the Wings could seek someone more substantial, such as Ivan Demidov, which would be a deal-breaker for Montreal. It would also cost the Canadiens their first-round pick in this year’s or next year’s draft.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins should look into acquiring Larkin. However, he considers it unlikely that they’ll land him.

One reason is Shinzawa doubts they have sufficient trade assets to outbid other clubs. He suggested a hypothetical offer of center Pavel Zacha, young defenseman Mason Lohrei, prospect center Dean Letourneau, and the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft.

Shinzawa doesn’t see that deal happening unless the Red Wings are permitted to speak with Zacha about a contract extension. Even then, it’s debatable that the return would improve the Wings.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes New York Rangers GM Chris Drury could look into acquiring Larkin. The addition of the Red Wings captain no longer makes the Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck the top center in the trade market, though the latter will still draw plenty of interest in the trade market.

Baugh wondered if the Red Wings would be interested in Trocheck if they trade Larkin and don’t get a top-six center in return. In that case, Drury’s asking price could be a young quality player such as Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper, a draft pick, or a combination of the two, as well as a center such as J.T. Compher to slot in behind Mika Zibanejad.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggests pursuing Larkin could be New Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s first chance to make his first big splash.

However, the Devils already have Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes as their top two centers. A swap of Hischier for Larkin doesn’t work because it seems that the former’s contract extension talks are likely to find a resolution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring the unforeseen, I expect Hischier will sign an extension, meaning the Devils do not need to pursue Larkin.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes it’ll cost the Penguins one or two first-round picks, a prospect, and an NHL player for Larkin, though the asking price could be even higher. Promising Ben Kindel would likely have to be part of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin likely wants to join a contender, which the Penguins currently aren’t despite exceeding expectations this season by making the playoffs. It’s doubtful they’re among his list of trade destinations.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards isn’t ruling out the possibility of the Panthers acquiring Larkin, pointing to GM Bill Zito’s history of making big moves in the trade market.

An offer from the Panthers would have to include their 2026 first-round pick, which is ninth overall. The cost of acquiring Larkin could also include center Anton Lundell, perhaps forward Mackie Samoskevich, and/or Sandis Vilmanis and more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers are already deep at center with Aleksander Barkov, Lundell, and the versatile Sam Bennett. Larkin might not be a fit here.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should be bidders for Larkin if they can afford it. They only have one sure thing at center, and that’s Auston Matthews, assuming he returns with the Leafs next season.

Siegel doesn’t believe the Leafs would put the first-overall pick on the table, but winger Matthew Knies might be. However, if Leafs GM John Chayka were to move Knies, Siegel believes he would lean toward a top defenseman over Larkin. He also doesn’t think the Wings would be excited by an offer of Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Colorado’s first-round pick (27th overall) in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Wild, if the Maple Leafs are on a short list of Larkin’s trade destinations, the less they might have to pay to get him. If that list is larger, the more they’ll have to pay, and they might not be able to outbid other teams.

ROBERT THOMAS OFF THE TRADE BLOCK?

FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK’s Andy Strickland claims the Robert Thomas trade rumors can be put to rest. He claimed the St. Louis Blues are not shopping their first-line center, and expects Thomas will be on their roster when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas was a fixture in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline, and has frequently surfaced as an offseason trade candidate.

However, I’d grown skeptical in recent weeks that Thomas was ever available in the first place. Since the trade deadline, he stated he was never approached about waiving his no-trade clause, adding he wants to remain with the Blues. GM Doug Armstrong said he was never actively shopping Thomas, explaining that he based his high asking price on how much he valued him.

The real clincher was reading a report last month claiming the Blues rejected an offer from the Wild that included promising goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and young center Danila Yurov. That told me they were never serious about moving Thomas.

THE LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present recently looked at what he believes will be the Anaheim Ducks’ offseason shopping list.

A right-shot defenseman tops that list, along with a second-line center, and a top-nine winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Present didn’t speculate as to which players the Ducks might target to address those issues. Nevertheless, they could be worth monitoring in this summer’s trade market. They have plenty of young players and promising prospects to draw on for trade bait.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2026

by | Jun 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2026

Which teams could pursue Red Wings center Dylan Larkin following his trade request? What’s the latest on Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse? How close did the Canadiens come to landing Leafs winger Matthew Knies? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH TEAMS MIGHT ATTEMPT TO ACQUIRE DYLAN LARKIN?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade.

Allen believes there will be “widespread interest” in Larkin. The 29-year-old center is “a consistent 30-goal scoring center in a league where many are looking for centers.”

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin has five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over where he goes.

Allen noted that Larkin has roots in Toronto. He wondered if the Maple Leafs might take a run at acquiring him as their second-line center.

The New Jersey Devils reportedly might be willing to move Nico Hischier. However, he’s slated to become a UFA next summer, and could prove expensive to sign, provided he’s willing to go to Detroit in the first place.

Larkin is friends with Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’re a team on the rise that would love to have a center such as Larkin. The Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings are also seeking centers.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Red Wings must get a first-line forward, preferably a center, in return for Larkin. His suggested possibilities include Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Devils center Nico Hischier, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley thinks Larkin will fill the Bruins’ need for a first-line center. They have five first-round picks over the next three years, top-six forwards, young defenseman, and a reloaded prospect pool to draw on for trade bait.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner expects the New York Islanders will likely look into acquiring Larkin. He speculated whether Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would want Mathew Barzal in return, though the Isles would likely prefer retaining him.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James believes Larkin is just what the Flyers need to address their requirement for a first-line center.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen believes the Avalanche would have long odds of acquiring Larkin, but he thinks it’s worth their while to look into it.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman points out that, even if the Red Wings were to swap Larkin for another first-line center, they’d still have to find a suitable second-line center.

The Red Wings entered the offseason in need of a top-six forward and a retool of their bottom-six forwards. Larkin’s trade request could force management to consider more dramatic changes that could change the franchise’s direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Larkin into the trade market could affect what happens to other centers who’ve been the subject of trade speculation in recent months. They include Hischier, Thomas, Pettersson and McTavish.

It’s doubtful that the Maple Leafs will move Matthews this summer. He’ll likely take a wait-and-see approach to next season.

One team that wasn’t mentioned was the Montreal Canadiens, but I’d be shocked if they wouldn’t be among the suitors for Larkin, provided he’s willing to waive his NTC to go to Montreal. He’s a cost-controlled player in his prime for the next five years with a reasonable cap hit whose style of play would fit perfectly on their second line.

THE LATEST DARNELL NURSE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the Edmonton Oilers and Darnell Nurse are headed toward a breakup. He cited several current and former team employees, saying that the club is ready and willing to trade the 31-year-old defenseman as soon as possible.

Spector indicated that Oilers GM Stan Bowman is expected to meet with Nurse soon to discuss his wishes. He has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team trade list. If Nurse won’t waive his current clause, the trade talks will be shelved until next summer.

Despite Nurse’s burdensome contract and questionable hockey sense, Spector believes he remains tradeable to a team seeking a big-minute defenseman, with the Oilers taking on a contract that the other club wishes to shed.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins referred to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer’s take on Spector’s story. Stauffer suggested the San Jose Sharks as a destination, with the Oilers having to take a contract back in the deal. The Sharks need experienced defensemen and could also be interested in Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It comes down to whether Nurse will waive his full NMC this summer, which teams would be his preferred destinations, and whether any of them would be interested in acquiring him.

The Sharks could be a suitable option if they’re interested and he’s willing to go there. As for which contract they’d want to shed in the deal, they could ask the Oilers to take on the final season of permanently sidelined forward Logan Couture, who has an $8 million cap hit.

Couture has a three-team trade list. Given his situation, he won’t have any issue agreeing to his contract being shipped to Edmonton. The Oilers could then place him on LTIR to free up cap space this summer, and season-ending LTIR when the 2026-27 regular-season schedule begins.

DETAILS OF CANADIENS’ RUMORED BID FOR MATTHEW KNIES REVEALED

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Dave Litman cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta telling the DFO Rundown podcast the details about a rumored trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs involving Leafs winger Matthew Knies that fell through at the March deadline.

According to Pagnotta, the Canadiens and Maple Leafs had an agreement in place that would’ve sent prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, two first-round picks, and another prospect to Toronto for Knies. However, there were some complications before the 3 pm ET deadline on March 6.

Pagnotta believes the Canadiens will attempt to revisit their efforts to acquire Knies this summer. However, Litman pointed out that the Maple Leafs now have new management who might be reluctant to part with the young power forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pagnotta subsequently indicated that neither Michael Hage nor David Reinbacher was the other prospect that would’ve gone to Toronto.

Regardless, the Canadiens now have more pressing needs this summer. The postseason revealed they must find a suitable second-line center and an experienced right-shot defenseman who can log more than 10 minutes per game.

Pursuing Knies now doesn’t address either need and would waste valuable assets that could be used to address one of those issues.