NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

The latest on Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson, Bowen Byram, Jake DeBrusk, Valeri Nichushkin, and John Carlson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL ZACH WERENSKI REQUEST A TRADE?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Brady Tkachuk trade has increased speculation about the future of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

Like Tkachuk, Werenski has two years remaining on his contract. Team USA teammates such as the Tkachuk brothers and Quinn Hughes have forced trades to teams where they wanted to play, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is attempting to do the same.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Given the Blue Jackets’ difficulties in becoming a playoff contender, Columbus fans could be worried that Werenski might do the same.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell recently met with Werenski’s agent, Judd Moldaver. He said both sides don’t know where the “noise” about the Norris Trophy winner’s future is coming from. Waddell remains confident that the 28-year-old defenseman wants to stay in Columbus.

Portzline’s colleague, Pierre LeBrun, believes Waddell’s moves during this offseason could determine Werenski’s future.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger believes Waddell will “seek a king’s ransom” if they end up having to trade Werenski.

“My line is usually, ‘It would be a boatload,” Waddell said. “We don’t want to trade him, but if it ever came to that, then year, it would be (a high price).”

Werenski has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no indication that Werenski wants to move on. The Blue Jackets came very close to making the playoffs last season, and he could be willing to wait and see if they can get over the hump next season. If they do, it’ll improve the Jackets’ odds of signing him to an extension next July. If they fail again, it could lead to his departure via trade next summer.

UPDATE ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who believes there won’t be any common ground found between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin that would see him return with the team for next season.

Larkin submitted a trade request earlier this month, with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers his initially preferred destinations. It’s believed he’s been asked to expand that list.

Friedman believes the Red Wings will trade Larkin this summer. He thinks GM Steve Yzerman believes they can’t bring him back and have to move on.

Meanwhile, Michael Whitaker noted that Friedman’s colleague, Nick Kypreos, believes the Dallas Stars are now Larkin’s destination of choice. Kypreos also thinks Anaheim Ducks GM (and former Red Wings assistant GM) Pat Verbeek might try to get in on this.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred landing spot, but that might not be possible if they can’t afford the Wings’ asking price. Yzerman will want to get the best possible deal for moving his top center.

As for the Stars, that’ll depend on whether they re-sign winger Jason Robertson. If they do, they won’t be able to afford Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.

Speaking of Robertson…

COULD JASON ROBERTSON BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at how the threat of an offer sheet could affect the Stars’ contract talks with Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

After the Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers, reports emerged that they would make a big push for Robertson via trade or offer sheet. The Senators have over $25 million in cap space for 2026-27, enabling them to pitch a $14 million to $15 million per season offer to Robertson. The Stars, with just over $10 million in cap space, likely couldn’t match it.

If the Stars manage to re-sign Robertson, Mavrik Bourque could become an offer-sheet target. However, the young forward indicated that he believes he’ll be back with the Stars this fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assimakopoulos noted that Robertson would have to want to be open to signing an offer sheet to receive one, and he’d have to be open to joining the Senators for them to make a pitch. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter what they’re willing to offer.

The Senators could attempt to acquire Robertson via trade. He lacks a no-trade clause, but if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension, the Sens are unlikely to give up assets for a player who would depart next summer via free agency.

Some of you might point out that the Senators did that a few years ago with Alex DeBrincat, but that was under different management. Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t likely to waste valuable trade assets on a one-year player.

COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE BOWEN BYRAM?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports a league source told him that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “going big-game hunting” this summer.

Yohe believes Bowen Byram is a player worth watching. The 25-year-old Buffalo Sabres defenseman has a year left on his contract and will seek a significant raise. It would cost a lot in trade pieces and future cap space, but Byram is a player the Penguins like a great deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas and the Penguins have the trade assets that could entice the Sabres if they put Byram on the block. It will depend on how much the Sabres want, especially if they seek a good roster player as part of the deal.

THE LATEST ON JAKE DEBRUSK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators trading Brady Tkachuk puts them in the market for a left winger. He speculated that they could make a move for Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, but he’s looking to join a contender and doesn’t want to play for the rebuilding Canucks.

DeBrusk could be a good fit with the Senators. He also carries an affordable $5.5 million annual cap hit. The Canucks’ asking price could be the 25th overall pick, which they could pair with the 24th overall pick would be a good return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Canucks could use those two picks to select twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruff. That’s assuming the two forwards are still available at that point. Liam is the 20th ranked North American skater while Markus is 23rd.

Johnston also reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in DeBrusk. The Blue Jackets hold the 14th overall pick.

NICHUSHKIN AVAILABLE? CARLSON TO THE LIGHTNING?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported he’s started hearing Valeri Nichushkin being mentioned in the rumor mill.

“Colorado is looking for some (cap) flexibility, I think. His name is out there. We’ll see,” Friedman said during Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin’s inconsistency, his health, and well-documented off-ice issues make him a risk acquisition. The 31-year-old winger carries an AAV of $6.125 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

RMNB: cited Friedman saying “most people” wouldn’t be surprised if John Carlson signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 36-year-old defenseman recently told the Anaheim Ducks that he was going to test the market, and it’s believed he wants to return to the Eastern Conference.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – June 14, 2026

by | Jun 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – June 14, 2026

The latest on the Hurricanes and Golden Knights on the eve of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Devils gauge the trade market for Jacob Markstrom, the latest Dylan Larkin speculation, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors. 

THE ATHLETIC: Sean Gentille listed three keys for the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday.

Whether Mitch Marner can restart his push for the Conn Smythe Trophy and dealing with the absence of two-way center William Karlsson are among the keys for the Golden Knights.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Since his hat trick performance in Game 3, Marner has only one point in five-on-five play. Meanwhile, Karlsson will miss Game 6 (and possibly Game 7 if required) with an upper-body injury.

Meanwhile, Gentille wondered how Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers follows up his “worst game” of the playoffs. He also wondered if their struggling power play can produce as well as it did in Game 5, when they scored twice with the man advantage.

Ehlers had three assists in Game 5, but also took two uncharacteristic delay-of-game penalties, with the first resulting in a Golden Knights goal.

TSN: Hurricanes former starting goaltender Frederik Andersen remained the team’s third-stringer during practice on Saturday. Brandon Bussi will be their starter for the third straight game, while Pyotr Kochetkov will serve as his backup.

Bussi replaced Andersen after the latter gave up four goals in the second period of Game 3.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella is doubling down on Carter Hart as his starting goaltender. Despite Hart giving up at least four goals in each of the previous five games in this series, Tortorella believes the netminder has a better game in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes can become Stanley Cup champions with a win in Game 6 on Sunday in Las Vegas. A win for the Golden Knights will force the seventh and deciding game on Wednesday.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports sources claim the New Jersey Devils are gauging the trade market for goaltender Jacob Markstrom. He also indicated that a deal isn’t imminent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lack of quality goaltending depth in this summer’s free-agent market could push teams into the trade market for help.

Markstrom’s coming off a difficult season, finishing with a record of 23-19-1, a 3.07 goals-against average, and an .883 save percentage. He’s in the final season of his six-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. He starts a two-year contract extension on July 1 with an average annual value of $6 million and a 20-team no-trade list in 2026-27 and a 5-team NTC in 2027-28.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Detroit Red Wings must land a first-line center for Dylan Larkin. Proposed packages of draft picks, prospects, wingers or goaltenders won’t address their need for a suitable replacement for Larkin.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman recently reported the Florida Panthers have made an offer for Larkin, but he didn’t reveal the details.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely the Red Wings will get a first-line center straight up for Larkin. They’ll either have to swing a three-team deal or use whatever assets they receive and try to make a separate move to address that need.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen speculated that Larkin’s addition in the trade market could delay the New York Rangers’ efforts to trade Vincent Trocheck. He noted that the Red Wings’ interest in the 33-year-old center could intensify if they don’t get a center back in the Larkin trade.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of Trocheck, Jack Studley believes he’ll remain on the Boston Bruins radar as they search for a No. 1 center this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin has a three-team trade list, though his camp is reportedly open to expanding it. Teams seeking a first-line center that aren’t among his preferred destinations could continue to pursue Trocheck, but the latter will likely have to wait until the Larkin saga is settled.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato listed four players who could become contract buyout candidates this summer.

Center Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes tops that list, followed by winger Ondrej Palat of the New York Islanders, forward Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres, and winger Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kotkaniemi and Palat are the more likely buyout candidates.

Kotkaniemi has four years left on his deal with an AAV of $4.82 million. He’s been a healthy scratch throughout this postseason.

Palat has a year left on his deal with a $6 million cap hit. The Islanders acquired him from the Devils at midseason, but the move did little to improve his performance.

Gallagher has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $65 million. He’s been linked to the Vancouver Canucks in the rumor mill, but the Canadiens might have to retain part of his salary. Greenway (one year, $4 million cap hit) could still have value in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2026

by | Jun 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2026

Check out the latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk, and Blues center Robert Thomas in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun provided an update on the trade request of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and Pat Brisson (Dylan Larkin’s agent) continue to try to work through this in a respectful manner.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Yzerman has asked the Larkin camp to expand their original three-team trade list, and Brisson was receptive “to some degree”. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers were the three teams on Larkin’s list.

Regardless of that trade list, LeBrun claimed other teams are also interested in Larkin. One of them is the Dallas Stars, prompting LeBrun to consider it “food for thought” if the Stars fail to sign winger Jason Robertson to a contract extension.

LeBrun also believes a third team might need to get involved to make the assets work for the Red Wings.

SPORTSNET: During the June 10 episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman said he’d heard there could be other clubs that Larkin might be willing to join. He believes the Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning could be two options.

Friedman also thinks that teams have already submitted trade offers to the Red Wings, including the Wild and the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Larkin really wants out of Detroit, he’ll have to expand his list of preferred destinations. Adding two or three more clubs could help Yzerman find an acceptable return for him.

However, the teams on his trade list could lack sufficient trade assets to make the deal work. That’s why LeBrun suggests it could take bringing in a third team to thread the needle here.

If the Stars can’t get Robertson under contract, they could offer him up to the Red Wings for Larkin. The 27-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who’s a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He also lacks no-trade protection.

In that scenario, the Red Wings would need assurances that Robertson would be open to a long-term contract with them. While that move would address their need for a first-line left winger, it would leave them without a first and second-line center.

ZACH WERENSKI DOESN’T WANT OUT OF COLUMBUS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported there was speculation over what effect Dylan Larkin’s trade request would have on Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Werenski and Larkin are close friends and were teammates on Team USA’s gold-medal Olympic men’s hockey team.

LeBrun indicated that the 28-year-old defenseman isn’t following Larkin’s lead and asking the Blue Jackets for a trade. However, LeBrun isn’t ruling out the possibility, based on the fact that, at some point, Werenski and Jackets management will have to discuss the blueliner’s future in Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Red Wings, the Blue Jackets came close to making the playoffs over the past two years, only to stumble during the final weeks of the regular season.

Unlike Larkin, who has five years left on his contract, Werenski has two years on his. He could see how next season pans out before making any decision about his future.

Werenski is part of the 2028 UFA class that includes Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators. However, if their teams fail to improve in 2026-27, they could all be on the move in next summer’s trade market.

COULD THE SENATORS PURSUE JAKE DEBRUSK?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports “two league sources” believe the Senators are among a group of teams interested in Jake DeBrusk of the Vancouver Canucks.

The 29-year-old winger has spent the past two seasons with the Canucks. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Garrioch believed DeBrusk could be a good fit among the Senators’ top-six forwards. He’s reportedly not thrilled about being on a team undergoing a roster teardown.

The Senators also reportedly have an interest in forward Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks and winger Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues. However, it’s believed that Kyrou won’t waive his no-trade clause for Ottawa. The Philadelphia Flyers are also believed to be interested in McTavish.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch believes the rebuilding Canucks won’t be seeking much for DeBrusk because they want to move his contract. They will likely seek a return of futures (draft picks, prospects, young NHL players) in any trades this summer involving their roster players.

The sticking point is DeBrusk’s NMC and whether he’d waive it to join the Senators.

BLUES SOUGHT AN EXPENSIVE RETURN FROM THE FLYERS FOR ROBERT THOMAS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz, who claimed the Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues discussed a trade earlier this season regarding Blues center Robert Thomas.

According to Kurz, the Blues’ asking price was winger Porter Martone, prospect center Jack Nesbitt, and the Flyers’ first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And now you know why Robert Thomas remains with the Blues and will continue to remain a Blue for the foreseeable future. That asking price was far too much for the Flyers, who know they’ve got a potential superstar in Martone.










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.