In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Dylan Larkin was not impressed with the way management in Detroit handled the Red Wings’ trade deadline. What now? Meanwhile, Rasmus Andersson spoke about his future with the Calgary Flames. The Vancouver Canucks won’t exercise the option on Rick Tocchet’s contract. Finally, it seemed like Evander Kane was good to go for the opening game of the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff run, but now he’s not in for Game 1. What’s going on there?
Evander Kane a No-Go For Game 1
According to the latest reports from head coach Kris Knoblauch, the Edmonton Oilers will have several players returning, but will still be shorthanded when they begin their series with the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night. The latest notes that Mattias Ekholm, Evander Kane, and Troy Stecher will not play Game 1. Trent Frederic is a maybe as he is day-to-day, and Brett Kulak should be good to go after leaving the team and heading back to Canmore, Alberta, for the birth of his second child.
The Evander Kane situation is intriguing because speculation was that he was good to go and could be available for Game 2. The question becomes, what difference will 48 hours make? If Kane has been out all season but isn’t good for Game 1, why would the Oilers believe something will change with his prognosis that he’ll be good for Game 2?
Is he a backup plan in case things go sideways early?
Larkin Critical of Red Wings Trade Deadline Decision
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin spoke with the media over the weekend and openly criticized the team’s lack of movement at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. Suggesting the team missed an opportunity to add and give the roster something to be excited about, Larkin essentially bashed GM Steve Yzerman’s conservative approach.
“I think, especially in March, it was hard that we didn’t do anything,” Larkin said. “Guys were kind of down about it… it would have been nice to add something and bring a little bit of a spark.”
The comments stirred up a ton of chatter among Red Wings fans, who wondered if this was some kind of hint that Larkin wasn’t happy with the team’s direction and, eventually, there could be talk of a trade. That might be premature, especially considering he’s the captain and is locked into a deal that pays him $8.7 million per season until 2031.
Rasmus Andersson Unsure of Future With Flames Amid Offseason Uncertainty
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson faces an uncertain future as he enters the final year of his contract. The 28-year-old, who carries a $4.55 million cap hit, is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Speaking with reporters, Andersson admitted he hasn’t given much thought to his long-term plans, having been focused on the playoff push and his upcoming appearance at the World Championship.
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“It feels like the first big decision of my career,” Andersson said. “I’ve been here 10 years and loved every second of it.” He added, “But you know, there’s a lot of good young players in the organization, and you know, there’s only certain amount of right-shot defenseman you can have on a team.”
He emphasized his desire to sit down with his family after the Worlds and carefully consider his options. ” I think both sides just need to sit down and see what’s going to happen, and then we’ll take it from there.”
Canucks Won’t Exercise Option on Tocchet’s Contract
As per Elliotte Friedman: “Canucks GM Jim Rutherford says team will not exercise option on Rick Tocchet’s contract. Praises the job the coaching staff did. “I would suspect sometime this week, we will have (Tocchet’s) decision.” Hope is Tocchet stays.”
Is this a sign that Tocchet will be leaving the Canucks? More on this tomorrow.