NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs and Laine, Larkin Return, Oilers Cap Plan – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly among the teams showing interest in Patrik Laine. Would they take a chance on the veteran winger? Meanwhile, can the Detroit Red Wings repair their relationship with captain Dylan Larkin? The Anaheim Ducks are working on Cutter Gauthier’s next contract, which could mean another move. Finally, the Edmonton Oilers revealed their salary cap and trade deadline plans.

Maple Leafs Among Teams Linked to Patrik Laine

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly one of several teams linked to free-agent forward Patrik Laine. According to Montreal Gazette reporter Herb Zurkowsky, Laine has also been connected to four other teams.

He wrote:

“Since free agency began on July 1, Laine has been linked to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and, more recently, the Philadelphia Flyers. Most of those teams would make sense as destinations for various reasons. Mostly, if a club is seeking offence, the 6-foot-4, 208-pound Laine can deliver.”

source – ‘Zurkowsky: Former Canadien Patrik Laine could find fit with bargain-hunting club’ – Herb Zurkowsky – The Gazette – 08-05-2026

A move to Toronto would create an interesting reunion of sorts for Laine and Auston Matthews, who were selected first and second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.

The 28-year-old is a former 40-goal scorer, but his 2025-26 season was essentially lost to injury. He appeared in just five games for the Montreal Canadiens and recorded one assist after undergoing core-muscle surgery. A short-term, incentive-laden contract could make sense for both sides if Laine is willing to accept a minimal base salary with performance bonuses.

Could Dylan Larkin and Red Wings Reconcile?

The longer the Detroit Red Wings go without finding a resolution to Dylan Larkin’s trade request, the more speculation there is about what the organization should do next. One possibility raised by Detroit Free Press columnist Helene St. James is that the team could attempt to repair the relationship rather than trade its captain.

St. James suggested CEO Christopher Ilitch could reach out to Larkin and see whether the veteran center might reconsider his request. Given Larkin’s status as a hometown player who was drafted by Detroit and eventually became captain, it might be the simplest and most appealing outcome.

However, it’s difficult to know whether the relationship can actually be repaired at this point. Larkin’s reported desire to leave likely comes after considerable thought, and even the organization’s decision to remove Steve Yzerman as general manager may not be enough to change his mind.

Ducks Facing Tough Cap Decisions After Carlsson Deal

The Anaheim Ducks took care of business by matching the offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, but the move has created another significant challenge. The Ducks now need to find a way to get restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier under contract.

Verbeek has already indicated that signing Gauthier is a priority, but Anaheim has only a little more than $9 million in projected cap space. If Gauthier wants as much as $15 million, it could force the Ducks to make additional moves.

One possible short-term solution could involve placing Troy Terry on long-term injured reserve. The other might be trading one of Alex Killorn or Frank Vatrano.

Oilers Will Spend to the Salary Cap Ceiling

The Oilers are taking a different approach this offseason, choosing to preserve their salary-cap flexibility rather than spend right up to the ceiling. General manager Stan Bowman recently explained that the team intends to hold onto that available cap space with the goal of making a significant addition during the season.

After operating with little to no financial flexibility in recent years, the Oilers are now in a much more advantageous position. They can now take advantage of opportunities, particularly when other clubs are looking to move contracts or make players available during the season. They will wait for the right opportunity to emerge, whether that comes through a trade early in the season or closer to the deadline.

Bowman made it clear the Oilers intend to use the cap space eventually.