NHL Rumors: Ducks Match on Carlsson, Larkin Expands List, Hischier a Hero – The Hockey Writers –

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Anaheim Ducks make a franchise-defining decision on Leo Carlsson, Dylan Larkin’s trade situation takes a small but notable turn, and New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier is making headlines for something far bigger than hockey. Finally, are the Pittsburgh Penguins making a second push to acquire Elias Pettersson via trade?

Ducks Match Historic Offer Sheet for Leo Carlsson

The Anaheim Ducks made the easiest—and most expensive—decision of their offseason, matching the Philadelphia Flyers’ five-year, $90 million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson. The deal carries a record-setting $18 million AAV, making Carlsson the highest-paid player in NHL history.

Anaheim said in a statement that this was an easy decision, while also talking up GM Pat Verbeek for leaving the team with enough cap space to make this move. They view the 21-year-old as a cornerstone piece. Coming off a 67-point season, Carlsson has quickly established himself as a true No. 1 center.

By matching, the Ducks avoid losing him for four first-round picks and the storyline will now pivot to their remaining RFAs. With Pavel Mintyukov already signed and RFAs like Cutter Gauthier still needing deals, they face a tricky next couple of months as they try to keep salaries within reason.

Larkin Expands Trade List, But Market Still Stalled

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has expanded his trade list slightly, adding the Dallas Stars to a group that already included Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas. Still, most believe this decision won’t dramatically speed up the process of completing a trade.

Detroit reportedly aimed high in early talks, asking Dallas for young star Wyatt Johnston—a request that was quickly shut down. Johnston’s age, production, and team-friendly contract make him an untouchable asset for the Stars.

While adding Dallas gives the Red Wings another potential partner, the overall market remains limited. Perhaps the best option might be the door opening to a three-team trade. Teams on Larkin’s list face cap challenges or roster constraints, making a deal difficult to construct.

Nico Hischier Emerges as Hero in Off-Ice Rescue

In one of the more remarkable stories of the offseason, New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier helped rescue a family stranded on the Aare River in Switzerland. The group, including two children, found themselves in danger after their inflatable boat became stuck near a dam.

Hischier, who happened to be nearby, assisted first responders and other bystanders in helping bring the family safely to shore. Authorities confirmed that everyone was rescued without injury.

Despite being praised as a hero, Hischier downplayed his role. “In this situation, everyone is grateful for support, and we were all relieved that no one was harmed in the end,” he said.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have reportedly put their eggs in the trade for Elias Pettersson basket. According to Penguins analyst Tyler Kennedy, as cited by Andrew Fillipponi, having already squashed a trade to Pittsburgh, GM Kyle Dubas might be circling back and making another attempt to trade for the Canucks’ star forward.

Elliotte Friedman suggested that playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could still benefit Pettersson’s game. That the Penguins might see a reunion with Andrei Kuzmenko as a win has people behind the scenes intrigued.

Vancouver is reportedly asking for Ben Kindel in return, which is likely a non-starter for Dubas. Kindel had 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games last season.