NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On Dylan Larkin, Zach Werenski And Darnell Nurse
The Dylan Larkin trade request saga continues to dominate the NHL rumor mill.
On Wednesday, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, and Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman continue to try to work through this in a respectful way.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Larkin submitted a three-team list of preferred trade destinations to Yzerman, which included the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers.
Darren McCarty Reacts To Dylan Larkin's Trade Request From Red Wings
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Meanwhile, LeBrun also reported that some observers were wondering if Larkin's trade request might prompt defenseman Zach Werenski to do the same with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Werenski is close friends with Larkin, and both were teammates on Team USA's gold medal men's team at this year's Winter Olympics. Like Larkin, the 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner has spent years on a franchise that has struggled to make the playoffs.
LeBrun said there's no indication that Werenski wants out of Columbus, but he didn't rule out the possibility at some point if the Blue Jackets fail to improve.
Werenski is also part of a star-studded 2028 UFA class that includes Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Ottawa Senators left winger Brady Tkachuk.
However, if their respective teams fail to improve next season, they could follow Larkin's lead and submit trade requests next summer.
Darnell Nurse Requests Trade, Submits A List of 3-5 Teams To Oilers
After years as a blue-line fixture, the veteran defenseman is ready to move on. Following a fractured relationship with management, Darnell Nurse aims to control his exit via a targeted shortlist.
Speaking of trade requests, Darnell Nurse submitted his to the Oilers this week. Sportsnet reported the 31-year-old defenseman has given management a three-to five-team list of preferred destinations.
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal reported that it's rumored the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings were on Nurse's list. His colleague, Jim Matheson, wondered if the Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks might be on his wish list.
Nurse's contract is a significant obstacle. He's carrying an average annual value of $9.25 million through 2029-30 and a full no-movement clause that gives him complete control over this situation. The decline in his performance also makes him harder to move.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 8:34 AM.