NHL Rumors: Larkin Returns, Klingberg New Role, DeBrusk Deal

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Dylan Larkin will return to the Detroit Red Wings for training camp after requesting a trade, but he won’t return as the team’s captain. Meanwhile, John Klingberg has officially announced his retirement after 700 NHL games and has already landed a new job in hockey. The New York Islanders are reportedly showing interest in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, while Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk appears less interested in leaving the rebuilding club than previously believed.

Dylan Larkin Returning to Red Wings Without Captaincy

Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings have confirmed that the veteran forward will report to training camp despite his trade request. Larkin said he has had several in-depth discussions with Red Wings leadership and will remain focused on his teammates and the upcoming season while those conversations continue privately.

However, one major change will be noticeable when camp opens: Larkin will no longer be the team’s captain. The Red Wings announced they will begin the 2026-27 season without a captain and will revisit the decision once new hockey operations leadership is in place.

Larkin remains under contract, and Detroit said any discussions about his future will happen behind closed doors after it hires a new hockey operations leader.

The Red Wings’ statement did little to quiet the frustration among the team’s fan base. With Detroit still searching for a new hockey operations leader and Larkin having publicly requested a trade, some fans are understandably upset. One follower called the statement a “blandest, nothingburger” and criticized the secrecy surrounding Larkin’s situation. Many called the team out for not having figured out their management situation. Others went further, arguing that Larkin should apologize for wanting out.

John Klingberg Announces NHL Retirement

John Klingberg has officially retired from professional hockey after playing 700 NHL games. The 34-year-old defenseman spent time with the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks.

Once regarded as one of the NHL’s premier offensive defensemen, Klingberg’s career was hampered by injuries, particularly ongoing hip problems, that eventually took their toll. Klingberg underwent three hip surgeries and said his body eventually stopped allowing him to play at the level he expected. He also revealed that injections, anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers were regular parts of his career.

Klingberg has already transitioned into his next hockey role, joining Swedish broadcaster SVT as a hockey expert. “It feels very inspiring, actually. It’s something that I’ve thought I could do well moving forward in life when I’m done with hockey. So I’m very excited to get this chance.”

Islanders Linked to Marchenko

The New York Islanders are reportedly among the teams showing interest in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko. Elliotte Friedman indicated the Islanders are “around that” in terms of their interest, although the cost of acquiring the 25-year-old forward remains high.

Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast interviewed Pierre McGuire and discussed Waddell’s comments that the Columbus Blue Jackets want to make a roster player-for-roster player trade. Waddell noted that if they’re going to trade Marchenko, they need to replace that offense. That could rule out the Montreal Canadiens.

McGuire said, “As soon as he said that… I didn’t want to get everybody angry in Montreal, but as soon as he said that, I’m like, yeah, but I don’t see the fit there. Maybe there is; I don’t personally see it.”

DeBrusk to Stay in Vancouver?

Meanwhile, Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk appears less interested in leaving than previously suggested. DeBrusk previously expressed frustration about the possibility of a rebuild but later clarified that his comments came during an emotional season.

He says he never requested a trade and still believes he can help Vancouver win. DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 at a $5.5 million AAV and has a full no-movement clause.