Allow me to begin with an email I received earlier this week. Over the past several days, I’ve been publishing what I believe could be potential targets for the Bruins in the 2026 NHL Draft. The project ultimately spanned more than 6,300 words and covered every pick Boston currently holds. It reflects countless hours spent watching games throughout the season, reviewing ISO footage, and speaking with skating coaches and NHL scouts.
I’m not backed by any financial support. There’s no media outlet behind me and no major sponsor offsetting expenses. I spent a couple of days at the scouting combine and didn’t see a single member of the Bruins media in attendance. I even asked on Twitter whether any of them were there, and not one responded. I’ve never asked readers for financial compensation. There is an option for fans to contribute if they choose, but I have never solicited money.
In one of the draft-related articles I published, I made a minor math error — essentially a typo — that prompted someone to email me. To summarize, the message was about this error and the end read: “You’re a useless tool and an embarrassment. Quit while you’re ahead.”
If the only criticism someone can raise is a minor typing error, then perhaps the work held up fairly well. I’m not sure how else to interpret it. All I can do is continue striving to improve moving forward. To the other 59,999 of you that visit this site each month, thank you.
A couple of weeks ago, I noted reports suggesting the NHL and NHLPA may have significantly underestimated the projected cap for 2026–27 — and by extension 2027–28 — which is currently slated at $113.5 million.
Before the opening game of the Finals between Carolina and Vegas, Commissioner Gary Bettman noted that league revenues this season could land between $7.5 and $8 billion. Using those figures, the projected cap for 2026–27 should sit closer to $116 million — well above the current $104 million figure.
NHLPA head Marty Walsh and Bettman could revisit the projected number for 2027–28, which should land closer to $125 million. The challenge is that players want no part of returning to escrow — they’re enjoying the end‑of‑season top‑offs that balance out the 50/50 split rather than paying money back to owners. On the other side, big‑market teams would welcome a higher cap, while small‑market clubs won’t be thrilled about a rising floor. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing storyline to monitor.
Now, on to the rumors, contradictions and news from the week.
There’s no ambiguity on this one — multiple outlets are now reporting that Dylan Larkin has requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings. Naturally, that development has sent social media into a frenzy of trade proposals, many of which, frankly, undervalue Larkin’s caliber and impact.
Yes, Larkin has trade protection and can influence his destination. But this is Steve Yzerman you’re dealing with — he’s not going to give away a top‑line center. Yzerman is precisely the type of general manager who would hold onto Larkin, even after a trade request, rather than move him for anything less than full market value.
If the Bruins have any level of interest — and they should — the organization must determine how Larkin fits within the long‑term direction they established a year ago, and whether the assets required to acquire him would compromise that plan.
Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet: There is also the Yzerman factor. He will not be bullied into any scenario he dislikes. It’s hard to believe, though, that someone won’t step up. We will see where this takes us between now and the draft.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: This [Dylan Larkin] has the Wild written all over it. I don’t think Dallas is impossible, I don’t think Tampa’s impossible, I don’t know that he’s gonna come to Canada.
Darren Dreger on OverDrive: We can appreciate that Billy Guerin would have a ton of interest in Dylan Larkin.
More from Dreger: This has been in the works for a while, I don’t think it’s as cut and dried as him wanting an opportunity to win. There are multiple layers that go beyond that. Did management do enough?
Emily Kaplan on ESPN: Sources told ESPN that issues between Dylan Larkin and Detroit management have been brewing a while, dating back at least to testy contract negotiations in 2023.
Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet: We can only guess at the rationale. There appear to be two critical factors: Detroit’s inability to make the playoffs, and a somewhat frosty relationship between the captain and the team’s top hockey executive.
Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic: My understanding is that Steve Yzerman has been handed a short list [from Larkin] of teams at this point.
Chris Johnston on First Up: If he [Darren Raddysh] gets to the open market, I think 8 to 9 million is gonna be there for him, I really do. If he’s signing in Tampa, it’s not gonna get that high.
Darren Dreger on X: The Toronto Maple Leafs coaching search is getting more interesting. Sources say Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette are a part of this weeks stage of the interview process.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: I know there were some people who wondered how legit their names were [Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette], I think they’re legit.
Dave Pagnotta on The Sheet: Everybody expects at some point he [Jay McKee] will be jumping to the NHL ranks behind a bench and running a bench; he was in the mix for a few teams last year.
Darren Dreger on The Morning Show: My Rangers sources say that things have cooled around Vinnie Trocheck and the thinking now is maybe they keep him. That can change with a phone call.
Elliotte Friedman on Oilers Now: It sounds like Jay Woodcroft and DJ Smith are the two frontrunners for that job [Los Angeles coaching job].
Frank Seravalli on The Big Show: If you’re Edmonton and you’re finally looking to get your goaltending situation right, I would have to think that Jordan Binnington is on their shortlist.
Nick Kypreos on Sportsnet: It’s a lot more likely Jordan Kyrou will be traded this summer than most other players on the Blues’ roster.
Jeff Marek on Sekeres and Price: [Colton Parayko] Was available last year at deadline. We suspect he’s still available.
Chris Johnston on The Chris Johnston Show: My sense actually is, Dougie Hamilton – not saying he won’t be moved – but he’s less likely to be moved with Sunny Mehta coming in.
Pierre LeBrun on The Athletic: All things being equal, I think it’s more likely No. 34 [Auston Matthews] stays in Toronto for at least another season.
Chris Johnston on That’s Hockey: There’s a real great fit here [Frederik Andersen – Carolina]. I do think all signs point to an extension being done at some point.
Emily Kaplan on ESPN: All signs point to an extension in Dallas, rather than a trade [Jason Robertson].
Jeff Marek on Sekeres and Price: There has been noise out there about Jason Robertson ending up in Chicago.
Jeff Marek on Sekeres and Price: Anaheim’s got some big contracts on the horizon here and I really do wonder if at the end of it, the squeeze is going to be Mason McTavish.
Chris Johnston on The Chris Johnston Show: I think he’s [Simon Nemec] a piece they could play to maybe address some other issues at forward.
Dave Pagnotta on Morning Cuppa Hockey: There was no formal trade request [from Nemec], but there has been frustration on the player’s side, that’s no secret.
Darren Dreger on Barn Burner: San Jose I’m told doesn’t want to drop below 4th [overall pick at the 2026 draft].
Chris Johnston on That’s Hockey: At this point I do forecast that he’s [Sergei Bobrovsky] gonna go to open market, I suppose there’s still time for that to change.
Chris Johnston on That’s Hockey: There have been some discussions throughout the year with the Panthers [and Bobrovsky] about an extension and the sides have just not seen eye to eye.
Darren Dreger on X: Nothing official, but at this point it seems likely Jonathan Toews is retiring.
Elliotte Friedman on The Fan Hockey Show: If you believe Alex Tuch wants Adrian Kempe’s deal as everybody seems to believe, the last I heard, and this was before the playoffs, I don’t think Buffalo was there.
Nick Kypreos on Sportsnet: The Sabres might be in tough to even live with his [Michael Kesselring] qualifying offer, putting the possibility of a trade on the table.
Chris Johnston on That’s Hockey: I think the Kraken would like him [Bobby McMann] to stay, but the potential riches and opportunities available to him on July 1st to me suggest that he’s gonna be a guy that hits the market.
Chris Johnston on The Athletic: I have no doubt that he’s [Elias Pettersson] tradeable, and likely at full bore. Now the thing is if you’re taking on that full contract, I don’t think the Canucks can expect to get much back in return.
Dave Pagnotta on The Fourth Period: The Canadiens approached the Leafs late in the day on deadline day about the move [Matthew Knies], which Toronto accepted, but the Leafs were unable to get the trade filed ahead of the 3pm ET deadline.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: Dave Pagnotta, he had a report that the deal with the Leafs and the Canadiens that didn’t happen was for Matthew Knies, and he mentioned Zharovsky, another prospect and two 1sts. As I heard it, it was something similar to that.
Pagnotta added: Neither Michael Hage nor David Reinbacher were in that deal, I do know that.
Pierre LeBrun on Melnick in the Afternoon: I think Montreal is gonna call every single team that has a center or a right shot D to see what the market is, no question about it. They already are.
Chris Johnston on The Chris Johnston Show: It’s now blowing in the direction that. It’s more than likely he’s [Morgan Rielly] gonna go, but that’s far from a certainty. He’s been steadfastly against the idea, but I think there’s a least an open mind.
Nick Kypreos on Sportsnet: The way it’s been told to me is that Toronto is looking into things, Rielly is aware of it, and that he will be presented with a few options if they arise.
Dave Pagnotta on Oilers Nation Everyday: I think Philly, while they like him [Owen Tippet]. They’re getting a little deep on that right side. There may be an opportunity for them to move one of those guys out and then fill other areas.
Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Citizen: Reports indicate the Mammoth kicked tires on Matt Barzal last summer, but opted not to make the move.
Mark Spector on Sportsnet: Darnell Nurse and the Oilers are headed for a breakup. Conversations with several current and former employees all lead to the same place. The Oilers are ready and willing to trade Nurse as soon as they are able.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The thing about Darnell Nurse is he’s a year away from his no-trade clause going from a full to a partial, and it’s clear they are going to say to him, this is the last year you have control, do you wanna work with us or not?
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