NHL Rumors: Larkin to Montreal, Lohrei’s Future, Hughes Buzz Denied – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Dylan Larkin may have a preferred destination in Minnesota, but the Montreal Canadiens are being suggested as a team that makes more sense on paper. Meanwhile, Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei appears determined to earn a permanent spot in the lineup after months of trade speculation. One “beat writer” in Minnesota shot down rumors of Quinn Hughes being traded to the New Jersey Devils. Finally, Brock Boeser could become a trade candidate as the Vancouver Canucks continue their rebuild.

Larkin Could Be a Fit With Canadiens

Dylan Larkin’s trade situation remains complicated, particularly with the Detroit Red Wings still searching for a general manager, but TSN’s Bryan Hayes and Frankie Corrado believe the Montreal Canadiens could make plenty of sense for the veteran center. Hayes argued that Larkin would be an ideal addition, while Corrado agreed — though Hayes acknowledged Larkin would have to “come around” to the idea.

Montreal could potentially deploy Nick Suzuki and Larkin as its top two centers, giving the Canadiens significant depth down the middle. Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit is also manageable alongside Suzuki’s $7.875 million and Cole Caufield’s $7.85 million. The problem is that Larkin currently isn’t prepared to waive his no-trade clause for Montreal.

Could he change his mind, and would the Canadiens be willing to part with the assets needed to acquire Larkin as a No. 2 C?

Lohrei Focused on Winning Bruins Job

Mason Lohrei spent much of last season surrounded by trade speculation, including reports that the Boston Bruins had included him in a proposal for Rasmus Andersson before the Calgary Flames ultimately traded the defenseman to Vegas. Lohrei’s future in Boston remained a question into the offseason, particularly after he appeared in only three of the Bruins’ six playoff games.

For now, however, it appears Lohrei will stay put. The 25-year-old defenseman told The Boston Globe that he is looking forward to the challenge of earning a full-time roster spot this season. Boston will likely give him an opportunity to see whether he can establish himself as a regular.

Still, Lohrei remains someone to watch if the Bruins eventually decide they need to make a significant move for help at center.

Wild Confident They Can Sign Quinn Hughes

After getting into a bit of a heated debate and taking a shot at the lack of beat reporters in New Jersey (not accurate, by the way), The Athletic’s Michael Russo reports that league sources are “emphatically” dismissing rumors of trade discussions between Minnesota and the New Jersey Devils involving Hughes.

He writes:

“As the Minnesota Wild continue extension talks with Quinn Hughes, league sources emphatically shot down reports that the Wild have engaged the New Jersey Devils — or any team — in trade talks regarding the superstar defenseman. One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations that aren’t public, went as far as to tell The Athletic on Tuesday that the rumors are “bulls—,” “made up” and “invented BS by bloggers.”

source – ‘What we’re hearing about Quinn Hughes trade rumors, a Wild-John Hynes extension, more’ – Michael Russo – The Athletic – 08/25/2026

According to Russo, the Wild remain in discussions with Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, and are confident they can reach an agreement before the regular season. Hughes is entering the final year of his six-year, $7.85 million contract and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The biggest issue may be term, with Minnesota preferring eight years while Hughes’ camp could favor a shorter three- to five-year contract.

Boeser Could Become Canucks Trade Candidate

Brock Boeser could become an intriguing trade candidate as the Vancouver Canucks continue their rebuilding process. TSN’s Travis Yost believes the 29-year-old winger remains a better player than his statistics over the past two seasons suggest.

Boeser is entering the second season of a seven-year contract carrying a $7.25 million annual cap hit and has a full no-movement clause. That makes any potential trade entirely dependent on Boeser’s willingness to leave Vancouver. If the rebuild stretches longer than expected, Boeser could eventually decide that his future is elsewhere.