Maple Leafs Coaching Search, Nurse Trade Talks, and Larkin Drama Dominate NHL Rumors

The NHL rumor mill is in full swing as teams gear up for a pivotal offseason. The Toronto Maple Leafs are deep into their coaching search with over 20 candidates in the mix, including surprising names like Joe Pavelski. Meanwhile, Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers is reportedly being courted to waive his no-trade clause, and the Detroit Red Wings are expected to explore trade options for Dylan Larkin. With the draft and free agency on the horizon, the league is buzzing.

The Maple Leafs have entered the second phase of their coaching search. GM John Chayka has spoken to more than 20 candidates, with names like Joe Pavelski, Peter Laviolette, and Patrick Roy still in the conversation. Pavelski, a Hall of Fame inductee in 2024, is being considered in a “Martin St. Louis-style” role, despite having no coaching experience. The team is also reportedly close to finalizing a trade for Morgan Rielly, with Pierre LeBrun reporting that Rielly’s time in Toronto is “more or less” expected to end via trade.

Montreal Canadiens are closely monitoring the Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit. The 29-year-old center is a coveted trade target, but Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is expected to have conversations with several teams before making a move. The Minnesota Wild and Canadiens are both in the mix, with the latter also eyeing Nico Hischier as a potential alternative. Montreal is expected to use its first-round pick as a trade asset, signaling an aggressive approach to accelerate their rebuild.

Ottawa Senators are preparing to make key additions ahead of free agency. Goalie Connor Ingram is a top target, and the team is also looking to add a top-six forward to complement Tim Stützle. The Senators are reportedly interested in Rasmus Ristolainen and could revisit a trade for him, having shown interest in the past. With Jordan Spence as a potential trade chip, Ottawa is shaping up for a major roster overhaul.

Darnell Nurse remains a focal point in Edmonton. The Oilers are trying to convince the defenseman to waive his no-trade clause to help clear his $9.25 million cap hit. If Nurse agrees, the team hopes to finalize a deal before the start of the 2026-27 season. The San Jose Sharks are frequently linked to the potential trade, though Nurse has previously declined to waive his clause.

Elsewhere, Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch is reportedly trending toward free agency with no progress on a contract extension. In St. Louis, forward Jordan Kyrou is speculated to be on the move. The NHL Draft could see major upheaval, with teams like Calgary and St. Louis looking to trade up, while the Kings are expected to name a new head coach soon.

With July 1 fast approaching, teams are preparing for a blockbuster summer. The Maple Leafs are not trading their No. 1 overall pick, while Edmonton could finalize a Nurse deal before the season. Free agency and the draft will bring clarity in the coming weeks.