NHL Rumors: Senators and Laine, Maple Leafs Trade, Larkin a No-Go on Canadiens? – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Ottawa Senators appear to have moved on from the idea of signing Patrik Laine. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs have reached the 50-contract limit after signing Brendan Brisson, potentially setting the stage for another move. Finally, Dylan Larkin’s trade market could be getting more complicated after a report indicated the Montreal Canadiens remain off his approved list.

Senators Appear to Be Out on Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine appears unlikely to end up with the Ottawa Senators this offseason. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa did discuss the possibility of signing the unrestricted free agent, but the team no longer appears interested in pursuing the former 44-goal scorer.

“Staios and the Senators did discuss the possibility of signing unrestricted free agent Patrik Laine, but it’s highly doubtful he’ll end up in Ottawa. In fact, that ship has likely sailed… We’re led to believe that the Senators don’t feel that Laine is the right fit for their roster. Yes, he can sign a bonus-laden contract, so there isn’t much risk involved, but the Senators are relying on the fact that Burakovsky can find his game in Ottawa.”

source – ‘What you see is what you get: Senators ready to prove they’re contenders’ — Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Citizen – 09-01-2026

The Senators could use another pure scorer, and despite Laine having 224 goals and 422 points in 537 career NHL games, he’s not their guy. Where will that leave Laine? Would he be willing to sign a PTO contract?

Maple Leafs Reach 50 Contracts After Brisson Signing

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reached the NHL’s 50-contract limit after signing forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year, two-way deal. The contract carries an $850,000 NHL cap hit and $300,000 in the AHL.

Brisson spent last season with the New York Rangers and Hartford Wolf Pack, recording one assist in three NHL games and 37 points in 66 AHL contests. While Brisson may not have a guaranteed NHL roster spot, he could provide organizational depth and become a potential call-up from the Marlies.

The timing of the signing is notable because Toronto now has no contract slots available. If GM John Chayka wants to make another addition, the Maple Leafs will first have to move a contract. With several fringe players competing for NHL jobs, another roster transaction could still be coming.

Dylan Larkin Trade to Montreal Looks Unlikely

The potential market for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin may have taken another turn. According to TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie, the Montreal Canadiens remain off Larkin’s approved list of teams he would accept a trade to.

Larkin has a full no-trade clause until 2028, meaning he controls where he could ultimately go. Montreal had been viewed as a logical landing spot because the Canadiens have the prospects, draft picks and salary-cap flexibility to build a significant package. TSN’s Bryan Hayes and Frankie Corrado have also identified Montreal as an ideal fit, although Hayes noted that Larkin would have to “come around to it.” If Lavoie’s report is accurate, Detroit will have to look elsewhere.

Minnesota continues to be linked to Larkin, but the Wild’s situation with Quinn Hughes could complicate any major move. Per Elliotte Friedman on NHL Network, “I don’t think Quinn Hughes wants long-term in Minnesota. And I do think that the Wild and Hughes are going to be meeting soon to start heading this out. Where they are and where they’re going?”