NHL Rumors: Cassidy to Maple Leafs, Babcock Secret, Larkin Trade List Grows, Jenner’s Future

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be waiting on a big-name coaching option, the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search has officially gone off the rails with the uncertainty around Mike Babcock, the Detroit Red Wings are pushing for flexibility in Dylan Larkin trade talks, and the Columbus Blue Jackets could lose two key pieces.

Maple Leafs Could Wait on Bruce Cassidy

The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be done exploring coaching options just yet. Bruce Cassidy has reportedly expressed interest in speaking with the (really, any) organization about their vacancy, but only if the Vegas Golden Knights grant permission—something they’ve declined to do so far.

Toronto has already cast a wide net, speaking to dozens of candidates and narrowing the field to a handful of finalists. However, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic writes:

“There is no downside in waiting a little while longer if you’re new Leafs GM John Chayka, who fired Craig Berube a month ago. Free agency doesn’t start for another two and a half weeks, and as Chayka said, the team won’t be operating under any “artificial timeline” as far as hiring their next coach.”

source – ‘Bruce Cassidy is open to the Maple Leafs. They should wait for a chance to talk’ – Jonas Siegel – The Athletic – 06-11-2026

There’s a growing belief that Vegas could revisit its stance once its playoff run ends, especially with Toronto being an Eastern Conference team. Cassidy remains arguably the most accomplished coach potentially available, and waiting a little longer to see if that door opens may be worth it.

Oilers Players Chose Babcock, But There’s A Problem

The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search is becoming increasingly complicated. What once looked like a potential fit with Mike Babcock is now clouded by an NHL investigation into his departure from Columbus. It is being reported that the Oilers players spoke with Babcock at length and grilled him about his past. They walked away from the meeting saying, “This is our guy.” However, the NHL might have something to say about it. The feeling is that there are accounts of other instances beyond the cell phone story that everyone knows about.

With uncertainty growing around that situation—and other candidates like Peter Laviolette already off the board—the Oilers may need to pivot quickly. There is a sense that this investigation the NHL is going to conduct on Babcock will unearth some troubling news. The Oilers may have little choice but to walk away.

One interesting name that could surface as a fallback option is veteran coach Darryl Sutter. Sutter, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, has been out of the league since 2023 but brings experience and a hard-nosed approach. It would be another polarizing choice, but it would likely come with far less scrutiny than Babcock.

The Oilers might also see if Tortorella is offered an extension in Vegas. Once June 30th hits, Tortorella is free to sign anywhere.

Larkin Trade Talks Expand Beyond Original Teams

The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly pushing for more flexibility in potential Dylan Larkin trade discussions. Originally limited to a short list (three teams) of preferred destinations, that list may now be expanding.

GM Steve Yzerman has asked for more teams and other teams have called Detroit looking for a conversation. Clubs like the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks have been loosely connected, while the possibility of a third team getting involved could further complicate talks. Pierre LeBrun writes, “Yzerman went back to Brisson and asked to expand their original list of three teams, and my sense is that Brisson was receptive to that to some degree. So I don’t think we’re just dealing with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers anymore.”

The broader the list becomes, the easier it may be for Yzerman to find a return that meets expectations. For now, the situation remains fluid.

Blue Jackets Facing Tough UFA Decisions

The Columbus Blue Jackets have key decisions to make regarding several unrestricted free agents, including Mason Marchment and Boone Jenner.

As per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, Marchment is believed to be aiming for a significant payday, making him potentially the toughest to retain. Jenner’s situation is also worth watching after a recent agent change, which could signal a desire for a longer-term deal—something Columbus may be hesitant to offer.

While there’s still time for negotiations, the Blue Jackets could be at risk of losing both players. Watch for the Edmonton Oilers to show some interest in Jenner if he becomes available.