In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are already facing questions about rookie Gavin McKenna after a handful of missed optional skates. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly pursuing a young center from the Eastern Conference, while the Detroit Red Wings are facing growing trade interest in defenseman Simon Edvinsson. Finally, Dylan Larkin was on the ice at practice, but has reportedly expanded his trade list as speculation continues to swirl around his future in Detroit.
Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna Under Early Scrutiny
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a 1-2-0 start, and while there are plenty of legitimate reasons for the slow beginning, rookie Gavin McKenna is already attracting attention. The 18-year-old has yet to register a point and has struggled by several underlying metrics, which shouldn’t be a shock given his rookie status.
However, McKenna has also missed multiple optional skates, including a skills practice attended by Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Kirill Marchenko, John Tavares and Easton Cowan. McKenna explained one earlier absence by saying he was trying to keep his body fresh during a back-to-back. Still, the repeated absences have become a storyline in Toronto. McKenna did return for Tuesday’s optional practice, but the attention surrounding his preparation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Oilers Reportedly Pursuing Young Eastern Conference Forward
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly in the mix for a young forward from an Eastern Conference team, according to NHL insider Darren Dreger. Speaking on The Nielson Show, Dreger described the player as a young center with significant upside who is still trying to establish his NHL value.
Matthew Poitras, Boston Bruins (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
He added that Edmonton has been discussing the player for several weeks and was considered a front-runner in trade talks. The identity of the player remains unconfirmed, although Boston Bruins forward Matt Poitras has emerged as a name that fits the description. Poitras, a 2022 second-round pick, has 27 points in 70 NHL games and recently returned from injury. The Oilers aren’t believed to be rushing into a deal, especially with injured players such as Jason Dickinson nearing returns. No trade involving Poitras has been confirmed.
Flyers Among Teams Circling Simon Edvinsson
The Detroit Red Wings could have a significant decision to make regarding Simon Edvinsson after Elliotte Friedman reported that the Philadelphia Flyers are among the teams showing interest in the young defenseman.
Edvinsson, 23, is reportedly frustrated by the prolonged contract negotiations in Detroit and may prefer a trade if the two sides cannot reach an agreement. Philadelphia makes sense as a potential destination. The 6-foot-6 defenseman has 60 points in 175 NHL games and drove 51.2 percent of shot attempts last season. The Flyers have already shown a willingness to aggressively pursue young talent, including their attempt to offer sheet Leo Carlsson.
Other teams, including the Seattle Kraken, are reportedly monitoring the situation as well. Nothing is imminent, however, and Detroit still believes a contract agreement with Edvinsson is possible.
Dylan Larkin Expands Trade List in Detroit
While Edvinsson’s situation has generated plenty of attention, the Red Wings are also dealing with continued speculation surrounding captain Dylan Larkin. Larkin took part in Detroit’s morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s game against Ottawa after missing the first two games of the season with an upper-body injury.
More importantly, Larkin has reportedly expanded his no-trade list to include approximately nine or 10 teams. The challenge for Detroit is that many of the clubs believed to be on Larkin’s list are contenders that may not have the salary-cap flexibility or willingness to surrender the type of significant assets required for a blockbuster deal. That could limit the immediate trade possibilities.
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