NHL Rumor Mill – November 3, 2026

by | Nov 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – November 3, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at the latest Nikita Kucherov speculation and some scoring winger trade targets for the Blackhawks.

THE LATEST ON NIKITA KUCHEROV

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports “at least 25 teams” have internally discussed the possibility of acquiring Nikita Kucherov if the Tampa Bay Lightning change their minds about not trading him.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

Kucherov, 33, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after informing the team last week that he wouldn’t sign an extension and wanted a trade. He has a 10-team trade list for this season, which Kucherov submitted in May or June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines, Kucherov told the press yesterday that a lack of communication and respect from Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois led to his decision not to re-sign and to request a trade. BriseBois released a statement on Friday indicating the team wasn’t trading Kucherov.

LeBrun believes Kucherov’s list could change given all that’s occurred since he submitted it earlier this year. As far as he knows, Kucherov doesn’t have a short list of teams yet.

Some teams believe the Lightning could change their minds and shop Kucherov before the March 1 trade deadline. In that case, the question is whether he would agree to sign an extension with his new team to maximize the Lightning’s trade return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun listed several teams and the reasons why they could pursue Kucherov if he becomes available in the trade market. All of them have been previously reported since the story broke about his trade request on Friday and duly noted here in previous posts.

As I’ve said before, it’s all a guessing game until we get definitive info on which teams are on Kucherov’s list. Even then, it won’t matter unless Lightning management reverses its stance against trading him.

TSN: Travis Yost listed several hurdles teams must clear if they hope to trade for Kucherov.

The superstar winger’s $9.5 million cap hit for this season is difficult for most contenders to absorb because they’re pressed against this season’s cap. Another issue is whether to pursue him as a rental player or a sign-and-trade target. The latter comes with risk because he reportedly wants a six-year contract with an average annual value of $20 million.

Yost pointed out that not a single contender can currently take on Kucherov’s contract without money going out or salary retention by the Lightning, though teams like the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes and Utah Mammoth have more cap flexibility than others.

Other clubs must figure out their cap commitments for this season and beyond if they’re looking at a sign-and-trade scenario.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve also mentioned some of those points in my previous posts on this topic. Yes, Kucherov will draw plenty of attention if the Lightning peddle him this season, but making the dollars work (especially beyond this season if he agrees to an extension with his new team) will be difficult.

The Lightning’s asking price will be another big hurdle, especially for teams hoping to make an extension part of the deal. They won’t be interested in a package full of castoffs, and it’s doubtful they’ll want only draft picks and prospects. At least one good young player (likely a forward) must be part of the deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton wonder if Julien BriseBois’ handling of Kucherov’s contract negotiations could cost him his job as Lightning GM.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have a history of unhappy breakups with some of their greatest players since the late 2000s.

Kucherov’s situation is mirroring that of former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos through 2023-24. Stamkos never requested a trade, but he was obviously unhappy with the state of his negotiations with BriseBois during that season.

The treatment Stamkos and Kucherov have received suggests a trend by BriseBois that might not sit well with other Lightning players, especially those eligible for new contracts in the near future.

Nevertheless, BriseBois’ job is safe if he’s doing what ownership is instructing him to do.

WHICH SCORING WINGERS COULD THE BLACKHAWKS TARGET?

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson could explore a trade to shake up his struggling roster. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Davidson seeks a “shoot-first scoring winger with size.”

Pope wondered if Davidson’s trade targets could include Ivan Miroshnichenko of the Washington Capitals, Dmitri Voronkov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jake DeBrusk of the Vancouver Canucks, and Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports that GM Don Waddell confirmed he’s received interest in Voronkov, but nobody’s made an offer yet. Portzline said the Jackets would want prospects and/or draft picks in return.

Miroshnichenko is available, but the youngster has yet to establish himself at the NHL level. DeBrusk has a full no-movement clause and could prefer joining a contender. Pope doubted the Flyers would part with Tippett.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 2, 2026

by | Nov 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – November 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, plus updates on the Canadiens and Flyers.

THE LATEST KUCHEROV SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wondered if the Edmonton Oilers might make a pitch for Nikita Kucherov. The 33-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning winger surprised the hockey world by requesting a trade after contract extension talks fell apart.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

Parsons noted the Oilers tried to acquire Kucherov in 2019 by offering up Leon Draisaitl, but the deal fell apart when they asked for Anthony Cirelli to be included. This came after the Lightning were swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets and before Draisaitl emerged as a superstar in his own right.

Ultimately, Parson believes too many obstacles stand in the way, including Kucherov’s $20 million AAV asking price for his next contract, the Lightning’s current unwillingness to trade him, and the Oilers’ limited trade capital.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have a better chance of acquiring center Matt Rempe from the New York Rangers. According to Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli, Oilers GM Stan Bowman is seeking more toughness for his lineup, and head coach Mike Babcock is believed to be an admirer of the big Rangers enforcer. 

ESPN: Kevin Weekes reported sources told him that the Lightning’s first contract offer to Kucherov this year was $13 million AAV. They raised it to $15 million AAV following the Leo Carlsson offer sheet ($18 million AAV) and Cale Makar’s contract extension ($20.4 million AAV)

HOW WILL THE CANADIENS ADDRESS THEIR DEPTH AT CENTER?

TVA SPORTS: Nicolas Cloutier recently suggested how the Montreal Canadiens could acquire Dylan Larkin if the Detroit Red Wings center added them to his trade list.

Cloutier noted the Canadiens had $1.7 million in salary-cap space (now $1.820 million). To make room for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value, he proposed an offer of forwards Alex Newhook ($2.9 million), Kirby Dach ($3.6 million), defenseman Adam Engstrom ($896,667), and prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming the Red Wings approve that offer, those combined salaries ($7,396,667) might be enough to take on the remainder of Larkin’s AAV and salary for this season.

Still, Canadiens management could prefer shedding more salary for more cap flexibility. Meanwhile, the Wings could want a better return than Cloutier’s proposal. They’ll likely want top prospect Michael Hage as part of the return, which could be a deal-breaker for the Canadiens.

Anyway, it’s irrelevant if Larkin only wants to be traded to American clubs.

Jean-Charles Lajoie recently examined seven centers who could address the Canadiens’ need for depth at that position.

They include Larkin, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets, Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, and Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings. Lajoie also suggested waiting for Hage to join the team after his college season ends.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lajoie prefaced his list by saying some were realistic and others were “dreams”. I’ll let you decide which players fall into those categories. I will say that Byfield would be the player I would pursue if he were available, but the Kings aren’t parting with him given their own lack of depth.

WHICH CENTERS COULD THE FLYERS PURSUE?

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco recently looked at possible trade targets for the Philadelphia Flyers to bolster their depth at center.

Sources told him the Flyers were interested in Dylan Cozens and Ridly Greig of the Ottawa Senators. However, they no longer see Cozens fitting within their top six, and they’re unsure about Greig’s upside.

Di Marco indicated that the Flyers could have varying degrees of interest in Chicago Blackhawks forwards Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore. They like Nazar’s upside, but the Blackhawks don’t seem to be in the market to move him. They’re skeptical about whether Moore can be a long-term, top-six center.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 1, 2026

by | Nov 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 1, 2026

Check out all the latest on Nikita Kucherov, Dylan Larkin, and Simon Edvinsson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

POTENTIAL TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR NIKITA KUCHEROV

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports on what led to Nikita Kucherov’s decision not to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning and his subsequent trade request.

When negotiations began, Kucherov was initially looking for something similar to the $17 million average annual value being earned by Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, which at the time was the highest salary in the league. However, the Leo Carlsson offer sheet by the Philadelphia Flyers changed everything.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

Friedman thinks the pace of the negotiations, rather than the money, was the deciding factor. He thinks the lack of pace in those talks upset Kucherov, leading to his decision. Friedman also acknowledged the Lightning’s statement claiming they’re not trading the reigning Hart Trophy winner.

Many teams believe that to be true. The Lightning hope the situation will stabilize and Kucherov changes his mind. However, those who know the superstar winger say once he’s made up his mind, he rarely changes it.

Kucherov has a 10-team trade list. Friedman said he couldn’t find out which teams are on it, but he believes if the Montreal Canadiens or Toronto Maple Leafs could come up with a trade package that the Lightning liked, they would be two teams among many that he would consider.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Eric Cruickshank suggested the Canadiens, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth as potential destinations for Kucherov.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary included the Canadiens, Stars, and Mammoth on his list of five possible landing spots for Kucherov. The others were the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Just because these teams are mentioned doesn’t mean any of them are on Kucherov’s trade list. For now, it’s a guessing game until we get more definitive word on his preferred destinations.

The Canadiens are commonly mentioned because they’re a rising young team with plenty of promising young assets to use as trade bait. They’d have to move out some salary to comfortably take on the remainder of his $9.5 million cap hit for this season.

The Habs have $29.7 million in projected cap space for 2027-28 with 14 active roster players under contract if they prefer to wait until next summer to sign Kucherov as a free agent. There’s enough to meet his rumored asking price of $20 million, but it would blow up their current salary structure and could make it difficult to fill out the remainder of their roster with suitable assets.

The Hurricanes and Mammoth wouldn’t have to shed as much salary in a Kucherov trade. Like the Canadiens, they have plenty of promising young assets to draw on and they each have over $26 million in projected cap space for next season. However, signing him could complicate efforts to fill out their respective rosters, though perhaps not as much as it might for the Habs.

Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun believes it would be a “slim off-chance” of Kucherov getting traded to Toronto. He felt it would cost the Maple Leafs much more than Easton Cowan and the Colorado Avalanche’s first-round pick to land Kucherov, suggesting it would instead be William Nylander (who has a full no-movement clause) or perhaps Kirill Marchenko.

The Stars could pull it off if they offered winger Jason Robertson for Kucherov. The 27-year-old winger is also UFA-eligible next summer, and the Stars might consider moving him if he remains unsigned before the March 1 trade deadline.

The Golden Knights are usually in on most big-ticket players who surface in the trade market. However, they’re strapped for cap space this season and next, plus they don’t have many tradeable assets. We can never rule them out, of course, but they seem the least likely of the aforementioned destinations.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Dylan Larkin could make changes to his trade list over the next 24-to-48 hours.

The Detroit Red Wings center currently has a 10-team trade list. It includes the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New Jersey Devils.

Larkin, 30, is currently refusing to play in an attempt to pressure the Red Wings into moving him.

Friedman said it’s very hard, if not impossible, for some of the teams on Larkin’s list, like Florida, Vegas, or Colorado, to make offers for him. He thinks Larkin might take some names off his list, or perhaps add some.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently looked at the teams on Larkin’s current list.

He claimed the Wild remain very interested and made multiple offers, but the issue for Detroit is the lack of immediate NHL help in those offers. The Hurricanes have kicked it around internally.

The Devils might want to keep their powder dry in case Wild make defenseman Quinn Hughes available in the trade market. The Capitals have engaged, but it may not have gone far. The Mammoth have also considered it, but may not be motivated to go down that path.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco recently reported team sources told him the Philadelphia Flyers would be interested in acting as a third-party broker to help facilitate a trade between the Wild and Red Wings involving Larkin.

Di Marco claimed the Flyers would be willing to absorb forward Yakov Trenin’s contract ($3.5 million AAV through 2027-28) to enable the Wild to free up cap space for Larkin’s contract. The Flyers are also interested in Wild prospect forward Charlie Stramel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Larkin is willing to add to his list, and if he’ll include any Canadian teams. The Canadiens are rumored to be interested, and have the assets to meet the Red Wings’ asking price, but nothing will happen if he doesn’t add them to his list.

UPDATE ON SIMON EDVINSSON

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman listed the Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken among the teams that have “taken a long look” at Simon Edvinsson.

The Sharks have had “substantive” talks with the Red Wings about the unsigned 23-year-old defenseman. He believes a serious offer was made and rejected by the Wings. Friedman can’t speak for the Blues, but he believes the Red Wings asked the other four teams about their young centers.

Friedman said the Wings are willing to wait until the Dec. 1 deadline for signing restricted free agents to trade or sign him.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted Friedman’s report indicating the Sharks made a serious offer for Edvinsson. He also noted the bit about the Wings asking about young centers, noting the Sharks have Michael Misa, Filip Bystedt, and Zack Ostapchuk. Will Smith was drafted as a center, but he’s played as a wing with the Sharks.

Peng reported a source told him Bystedt, winger Igor Chernyshov, and defenseman Keaton Verhoeff were all up for grabs, but didn’t know the combination.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan recently told a reader that he would be surprised if Dylan Larkin added the Canadiens to his trade list. He believes the Habs would have an interest in Edvinsson, though they’d like him more if he were a right-hand shot.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James noted that Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli recently said the Flyers are seeking an upgrade on defense. Seravalli claimed they’re interested in Edvinsson and Calgary Flames blueliner Zach Whitecloud.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings interim GM Shawn Horcoff insists his priority is signing Edvinsson, but it seems more likely that he’ll move the young defenseman by Dec. 1.

The Sharks seem to be the front-runners based on these recent reports. The Flyers reportedly haven’t made a serious pitch yet, and I doubt the Canadiens are acquiring Edvinsson unless they’re moving a left-shot defenseman (other than Lane Hutson) in a separate deal for a second-line center.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2026

by | Oct 31, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2026

Check out the latest speculation about possible trade destinations for Nikita Kucherov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun looked at what’s next for the Tampa Bay Lightning after Nikita Kucherov’s shocking trade request on Friday.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images)

LeBrun writes that he believes Kucherov is “dead serious” about his trade request. The 33-year-old superstar intends to continue playing with the Lightning this season. However, LeBrun wondered if he might withhold his services at some point to force a trade.

Chris Johnston reports Kucherov sought a six-year extension worth an average annual value of $20 million. LeBrun indicated that his trade request isn’t a ploy to force the Lightning to meet his asking price.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois released a statement indicating his club has no intention of trading Kucherov. However, if they change their minds, LeBrun suggested that a trade would be more likely to happen close to the March 1 trade deadline.

The Lightning are on the 10-team trade list of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who is sitting out awaiting a trade. LeBrun wondered if BriseBois would take a big swing by trying to acquire Larkin and unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson, with Kucherov perhaps getting flipped to another team in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would indeed be a big swing, but also very complicated to pull off, especially given the new constraints on salary retention to facilitate a trade.

As for teams on Kucherov’s 10-team list, LeBrun wouldn’t be surprised if the Montreal Canadiens are on it. He would also keep an eye on the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun doesn’t see the Lightning trading Kucherov to a division rival like the Canadiens, but he didn’t rule out Kucherov signing with the Habs if he goes to market on July 1.

Adding Kucherov would be a big step away from the Canadiens’ plan to add talent that matches the age group (mid-to-late 20s) of their young core. When they added older players, like Phillip Danault and Chris Kreider, they either had a year or two left on their contracts or they signed a short-term deal.

The Canadiens have over $29.7 million in salary cap space for 2027-28. However, signing him next summer at a $20 million AAV would leave them with just over $9.7 million and 15 active roster players under contract, with depth players like Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson, and Arber Xhekaj to re-sign or replace. He also wouldn’t address their ongoing need for a second-line center.

The Golden Knights seem to be in on every big-ticket player who becomes available in the trade or free-agent markets. However, their current salary-cap constraints mean they must move out significant salary to get him, gutting their roster in the process. They also lack depth in draft picks and prospects to use as trade capital.

SPORTSNET: David Amber, Jason Bukala, and Devante Smith-Pelley discussed potential destinations for Kucherov.

Amber said the first team that popped into his mind was the Minnesota Wild because they’re “hot and heavy” in pursuit of Dylan Larkin. Bukala speculated the Wild would have to include young forward Danila Yurov as part of the return.

Bukala suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, noting they have a lot of assets to use as trade bait. Smith-Pelley believes they need to get someone who can play with center Connor Bedard. He and Amber also discussed the Canadiens, with Smith-Pelley suggesting they won’t have as big a need for a second-line center if they add someone who likes to handle the puck like Kucherov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild still hope to re-sign Quinn Hughes, and if they do, they won’t be able to afford Kucherov’s next contract. However, if Hughes won’t commit and if they can’t land Larkin, maybe they could make a pitch for Kucherov. However, if what they’re offering for Larkin isn’t good enough for the Red Wings, it probably won’t be enough for the Lightning.

The Blackhawks have lots of cap space next season ($37.38 million) to sign Kucherov as a UFA. They could free up the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire him this season, though they’ll accrue more cap room if they wait until the trade deadline. However, they’ve been mired in a rebuild for several years, and Kucherov might prefer joining a more competitive team.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner believes New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche will be inquiring about Kucherov. The Isles are in dire need of an elite superstar to complement defenseman Matthew Schaefer.

Darche was part of the Lightning’s management team during their back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 2020 and 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Kucherov (assuming he’ll join the Isles) could cost a young forward like Victor Eklund or Calum Ritchie. Would Darche offer up Mathew Barzal if the Lightning aren’t on his 22-team no-trade list? 

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan believes Kucherov “has his eyes set on playing with another one of the league’s top superstars and has a few players/teams in mind.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a wide-open field to choose from. Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks? Kaprizov if the Minnesota Wild don’t re-sign Quinn Hughes? Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche? Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs? Let your imagination run wild!










NHL Rumor Mill – October 30, 2026

by | Oct 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 30, 2026

Reaction to the Red Wings suspending Dylan Larkin and the resulting trade speculation, plus the latest on Simon Edvinsson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay on Thursday after his agent released a statement indicating the 30-year-old center decided not to play while awaiting a trade.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason. He’s signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He’ll forfeit over $41, 237 per day while suspended.

Pierre LeBrun reported the Minnesota Wild had pushed hard to acquire Larkin. They’re among the clubs on his 10-team trade list. The Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers are also on his list, but LeBrun believes the Capitals aren’t a fit while the Panthers haven’t engaged in any trade talks with the Red Wings.

The Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche are the others on Larkin’s trade list.

LeBrun said there’s interest in Larkin from clubs not on his list, including the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. However, the veteran center has not expanded his list. LeBrun also said the Red Wings have circled back to teams on that list.

Chris Johnston said a number of teams on Larkin’s list haven’t engaged in trade talks with the Red Wings. They either don’t see him as a fit, lack the salary-cap space to acquire him, or it’s not the right time.

Johnston said the Wild have made the strongest bid, offering two roster players and multiple first-round picks. They are Larkin’s preferred destination, but their offer hasn’t been good enough for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Third-line forward Danila Yurov is believed to be one of those two roster players. Prospect Charlie Stramel is also rumored to be part of the discussions.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Dreger as saying the St. Louis Blues are also interested in Larkin. However, they’re not on his trade list. Gaudio believes that puts them at a disadvantage, as they’d have to convince Larkin that he could compete for a Stanley Cup in St. Louis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The teams on Larkin’s list are those he believes give him the best chance of competing for the Stanley Cup. He’s only played in one postseason during his 11 seasons with the Red Wings, and that was during his rookie year.

The Blues might’ve made his list a few years ago when they were Cup champions. They’ve been rebuilding their roster in recent years, which explains why he didn’t add them to his list.

The Canadiens and Bruins are rising teams that could give Larkin that opportunity. However, he doesn’t want to play for any Canadian team. As for the Bruins, they are currently retooling their roster. Maybe his decision to leave them off his list is an aversion to baked beans and clam chowder.

THE SCORE: Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said it’s been difficult to work on a trade with the teams on his list. He pointed to the “significant challenges” in trying to move Larkin’s salary and in finding the right return.

Nevertheless, Horcoff said he’s prepared to wait “as long as necessary” for a suitable return for his team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears both sides are now digging in. Larkin hopes his decision not to play will put pressure on the Red Wings to trade him, while Horcoff is determined not to do so until someone meets his asking price.

One of the teams not on Larkin’s list could be willing to meet his price, which could explain why the Red Wings have been scouting the Canadiens, whom they don’t face again until Feb. 18. The Wings could use that to pressure Larkin into adding more clubs to his list.

TSN: Turning to defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Dreger believes he either has to be traded or has to sign with the Red Wings. Either way, his situation must be resolved before the Dec. 1 deadline for signing restricted free agents.

Dreger said it sounds like the Wings are willing to take this up to Dec. 1. However, that comes with the risk of not having a trade in place if the two sides can’t agree to a new contract by then.

According to Dreger, up to 10 teams are believed to be interested in Edvinsson, with the San Jose Sharks being among them.

THE ATHLETIC:  Jeremy Rutherford and Max Bultman examined what it would cost the St. Louis Blues to acquire Edvinsson. If a center is the Red Wings’ asking price, the Blues might be willing to part with Dalibor Dvorsky in return, along with a top prospect and a first-round pick. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edvinsson reportedly prefers a trade but hasn’t formally requested one. Meanwhile, Horcoff insisted his priority is getting the 23-year-old puck-moving defenseman signed. Plenty of time remains to reach an agreement on a contract or to make a trade, but the clock will tick louder once the calendar flips to November.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2026

by | Oct 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2026

The Dylan Larkin trade speculation continues, the Senators seek scoring help, and the latest on Capitals winger Ivan Miroshnichenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE DYLAN LARKIN SPECULATION

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Dylan Larkin’s absence from practice on Wednesday prompted speculation that the 30-year-old Red Wings center was finally getting traded. However, it turned out to be a false alarm, as Larkin was merely taking a “maintenance day”. He’s expected to be in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at the 10 teams on Larkin’s trade list to identify the ones with the assets (talented young players, high draft picks, NHL roster talent) to meet the Red Wings’ asking price.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

Bultman believes the Utah Mammoth, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars possess those assets, but he wondered if they possess the will to make that move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Minnesota Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred destination, but Bultman ranked them fourth, placing them among his second tier as “possible, but lacking sizzle” in terms of assets.

It’s rumored the Wild could offer a package with young forward Danila Yurov and top prospect Charlie Stramel, but Bultman believes if that were good enough, Larkin would already be in Minnesota.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels noted the recent speculation linking Larkin to the Montreal Canadiens despite them not being on his trade list. He pointed out that Red Wings pro scout Kris Draper has been following the Canadiens recently, and believes the Habs have the assets to pay “an exorbitant price” for a second-line center.

Engels suggests it doesn’t make sense for Draper to be scouting the Canadiens as much as he has lately if Larkin won’t accept a trade to Montreal. The only other reason might be if this is to set up a move involving unsigned Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be hilarious if all this is for Edvinsson instead of Larkin.

Here are a few crazy thoughts. Just me thinking out loud about all the recent speculation tying Larkin to the Canadiens.

First, what if this is part of a three-team deal that sends Larkin to the Wild, or another club on his trade list? I’m not sure what the Canadiens would get back in that scenario that would be worthwhile, but it’s not the first time Habs general manager Kent Hughes got involved in a three-team trade (Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh). Maybe those assets would be flipped to another club to bring in a top-six winger if a center isn’t available?

Or maybe this is about acquiring Edvinsson, though adding another left-shot defenseman doesn’t work for the Canadiens unless they’re moving Kaiden Guhle in the deal. They’d also have to move out more salary to take on what could be a $12 million AAV for Edvinsson’s new contract. Even then, that move would cost assets and cap space necessary to add that elusive forward.

It could also be a three-team deal that flips Edvinsson elsewhere for a top-six forward, preferably a center.

Or maybe it’s only speculation about which clubs are reportedly on Larkin’s trade list. Maybe he has a broader list than we were led to believe. Or maybe it’s all BS that he doesn’t want to play for Montreal or another Canadian team.

Or maybe all of this media chatter linking Larkin to Montreal is baseless.

I share the opinion of The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan: “If Larkin was willing to waive his Canadian no-trade clause to get out of Detroit, I’d be concerned about how a player who really didn’t want to be in Montreal would fit in the Canadiens’ locker room.”

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

SENATORS SEEK A SCORING FORWARD

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is working the phones to add another scoring forward. He was doing so before Warren Foegele was injured during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Senators need a forward who can fit into their top nine and contribute offensively. However, there isn’t much talent available in the trade market right now.

Garrioch listed Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen, Detroit Red Wings forwards Andrew Copp and Michael Rasmussen, and recently demoted Boston Bruins forward Michael Eyssimont.

The Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly open for business, but they’re seeking “hockey trades” involving meaningful assets in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Staios could look into Dylan Larkin’s availability. OK, I’m being facetious, but hey, just because Ottawa’s not on his trade list doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t wanna go there, right? RIGHT??

THE LATEST ON CAPITALS WINGER IVAN MIROSHNICHENKO

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman cited a report by The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta, who claimed the Blackhawks are among several teams interested in young Washington Capitals winger Ivan Miroshnichenko.

The Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Philadelphia Flyers have also been linked to the 22-year-old Miroshnichenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miroshnichenko is a promising youngster with top-six forward potential who has had difficulty cracking a deep Capitals roster this season. He and his agent have been permitted to speak with other clubs.

Rebuilding clubs like the Blackhawks, Flames, and Flyers can give Miroshnichenko the playing time he needs. The Kraken are in the market for scoring, and they could take the chance on him blossoming into a scoring star. Maybe the Senators might want to look into his availability.