NHL Rumors: Larkin’s 3, Ingram to Senators, More Toronto Coaching Names

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Detroit Red Wings are navigating a complicated Dylan Larkin trade request, especially given that he’s only listed three teams as clubs he’ll consider a trade to. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are targeting help in goal and might have set their sights on Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers. Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs are casting a wide—and surprising—net in their coaching search. It’s more than just Joe Pavelski popping up on the list.

Larkin’s Trade Request List Includes Teams

Dylan Larkin’s reported trade request has put Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman in a delicate position, and the fact he’s listed only the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild as preferred destinations makes trading him much trickier.

Unlike situations where a player limits a team to one option, Larkin’s three-team list could spark a bidding war. At the same time, having only three teams might limit Yzerman’s options if he’s seeking a big return. Analysts and insiders are already wondering if Yzerman will go back to Larkin’s camp and say, ‘If you’re going to request a trade, your list needs to be bigger.’ If he won’t expand this list, the Red Wings should feel zero extra pressure to trade the star center. Just because he asked, doesn’t mean Yzerman has to do it.

Fit-wise, all three teams make sense. Vegas offers a win-now structure behind Jack Eichel, Florida provides a proven contender trying to bounce back next season, and Minnesota is a team that has proven it will take big swings. The Wild are still expected to make the biggest push.

Senators Eye Connor Ingram as Oilers Face Goalie Decisions

The Ottawa Senators are expected to be aggressive in addressing their goaltending, with Connor Ingram emerging as a prime target ahead of free agency. Ottawa is seeking a reliable 1B option—and Ingram fits.

Garrioch writes:

“Veteran goaltender James Reimer, who was brought in with the club struggling to get saves in January, is still contemplating his future. He’s 38 years old, and the Senators haven’t closed the door on bringing him back, but know they need to stabilize the backup position behind Linus Ullmark. He has never played more than 50 games in his career and the No. 2 in Ottawa will have to start at least 35 games. There is a lot of talk that UFA Connor Ingram will be a target for the Senators on July 1.”

source – ‘Senators eye Nick Cousins return as Ottawa weighs options on team’s other UFAs’ – Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Citizen – 06/03/2026

At 29, Ingram has shown he can handle starting duties in stretches, and after navigating a challenging few seasons both personally and professionally, he appears poised to cash in on the open market. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers might be preparing to move on. Reports suggest they are hesitant to overpay, potentially allowing another team to step in.

As for where the Oilers go if Ingram is signed by another team, the choices are few. It might require a trade.

Maple Leafs Coaching Search Takes an Unexpected Turn

The Toronto Maple Leafs are embracing a wide-ranging and unconventional coaching search under new GM John Chayka. The most surprising name to surface is recently retired Joe Pavelski, who has limited coaching experience but is being viewed as a potential “outside-the-box” hire.

He’s not the only name that could pop up and surprise people. Reports indicate the Maple Leafs have already spoken to more than 20 candidates, with several intriguing—and still unknown—names in the mix. Pierre LeBrun reports, “Hearing there’s a few more interesting names in there. The search process is in its second phase now.”