NHL Weekend Rumors: Maple Leafs Next Coach, Nurse Trade, Larkin Leaving, Sens Plans

In this weekend’s NHL Trade Talk report, the Toronto Maple Leafs are making waves with news of surprising coaching candidates, the Montreal Canadiens and several other teams are closely monitoring the Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit, the Edmonton Oilers are sitting down with Darnell Nurse about a trade, and the Ottawa Senators are already eyeing key offseason additions as the rumor mill ramps up.

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Maple Leafs Have Over 20 Coaching Candidates, Including Surprising Names

The Maple Leafs’ coaching search has taken an unexpected turn, with reports linking several unexpected names, including the recently retired Joe Pavelski. The former NHL star is being viewed as a “Martin St. Louis-style” candidate, despite limited coaching experience. This comes after indications Toronto may have shifted toward more experienced options, with names like Peter Laviolette and Patrick Roy still considered legitimate contenders.

Pierre LeBrun reports, “Joe Pavelski isn’t the only interesting name, although he sure is interesting for sure (@FriedgeHNIC first to report). Leafs GM John Chayka has spoken to more than 20 coaching candidates. Hearing there’s a few more interesting names in there. The search process is in its second phase now.”

Meanwhile, changes to the roster could be coming. Darren Dreger reports that Morgan Rielly’s time in Toronto is “more or less” expected to end via trade, and there was news that Toronto and Montreal had a deal done at the trade deadline involving Matthew Knies. It was essentially done, until the trade was submitted one minute too late at the 3 pm deadline.

Canadiens Among Teams Monitoring Dylan Larkin Trade Drama

The Canadiens remain active in the rumor mill as they continue their search for a second-line center. Dylan Larkin’s situation in Detroit is drawing significant attention, with multiple insiders suggesting Montreal is closely watching developments. However, acquiring Larkin may not be straightforward, as Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is expected to have conversations with multiple teams. The Minnesota Wild is also a team heavily favored to be a big player in this.

If Montreal can’t land Larkin, other potential fits are also being discussed. Pierre LeBrun suggested Nico Hischier could be an ideal target, though that scenario would depend heavily on availability. Montreal is also expected to use its first-round pick as a trade asset to improve the current roster, reinforcing the idea that the team is looking to accelerate its competitive timeline.

Senators Eye Goaltending, Forward Depth Upgrades

In Ottawa, the focus appears to be on addressing key roster needs heading into free agency. Reports indicate the Senators are likely to target goaltender Connor Ingram when the market opens on July 1, aiming to solidify their crease.

Additionally, the team is looking to add a top-six forward to complement Tim Stützle, while also expressing interest in retaining veteran winger Nick Cousins. On the trade front, Ottawa has shown past interest in defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and could revisit that possibility. David Pagnotta also reports that the Senators’ desire to upgrade their blue line could lead them to a trade sending out Jordan Spence.

Altogether, it’s shaping up to be an aggressive offseason approach for the Senators as they look to take the next step.

Darnell Nurse Trade Chatter

Edmonton is reportedly hoping to convince Darnell Nurse to consider waiving his no-trade clause so that the team can clear up some, if not all of his $9.25 million cap hit. If he agrees, the Oilers would like to try and get a deal done before the starrt of next season, and ideally before free agency opens on July 1.

It is unclear if Nurse will waive (he’s declined in the past), but David Pagnotta reports that the defenseman is open to it in the right situation. The San Jose Sharks keep being linked here.

League-Wide Notes: Trade Candidates, Draft Movement, and Coaching Buzz

Elsewhere around the league, several notable storylines continue to develop. Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch is reportedly trending toward free agency amid a lack of contract progress. The two sides aren’t close on the terms of an extension and it makes sense he might want to see what’s out there in terms of offers.

In St. Louis, speculation is growing that Jordan Kyrou could be on the move before next season.

The upcoming NHL Draft could also feature significant movement. Teams like Calgary and St. Louis are believed to be exploring opportunities to trade up, while San Jose may consider moving down depending on how the board unfolds. The Maple Leafs, however, are not really considering trading the No. 1 overall pick.

Coaching speculation remains active as well, with the Los Angeles Kings expected to make a decision soon and Edmonton potentially considering a short-term coaching solution depending on how other targets become available.

With trade talks intensifying and front offices preparing for a pivotal offseason, the NHL rumor mill is only just getting started.