NHL Rumor Mill: Senators Shift Focus Away From Laine, Leafs at Roster Capacity, and Larkin Unlikely Headed to Montreal

In today’s NHL rumors update, the Ottawa Senators seem to have stepped back from their pursuit of Patrik Laine. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs have hit the 50-contract ceiling following the addition of Brendan Brisson, which could open the door to further roster moves. Additionally, the trade outlook for Dylan Larkin appears increasingly complicated after new reports suggest the Montreal Canadiens are still not on his list of approved destinations.

Senators Move On From Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine looks unlikely to land with the Ottawa Senators this offseason. As reported by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, the Senators briefly explored signing the unrestricted free agent but are no longer actively pursuing the former 44-goal scorer.

“Staios and the Senators did discuss the possibility of signing unrestricted free agent Patrik Laine, but it’s highly doubtful he’ll end up in Ottawa. In fact, that ship has likely sailed… We’re led to believe that the Senators don’t feel that Laine is the right fit for their roster. Yes, he can sign a bonus-laden contract, so there isn’t much risk involved, but the Senators are relying on the fact that Burakovsky can find his game in Ottawa.”

source – ‘What you see is what you get: Senators ready to prove they’re contenders’ — Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Citizen – 09-01-2026

Although the Senators could still benefit from adding another natural goal-scorer, Laine does not appear to be in their plans. With 224 goals and 422 points across 537 NHL games, his offensive production is undeniable, but Ottawa has moved in a different direction. The question now becomes whether Laine would consider a professional tryout (PTO) offer to find his next opportunity.

Maple Leafs Hit 50-Contract Limit After Brisson Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially reached the NHL’s 50-contract maximum after inking forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal carries an $850,000 cap hit at the NHL level and $300,000 in the AHL.

Last season, Brisson split time between the New York Rangers and the Hartford Wolf Pack, tallying one assist in three NHL appearances and 37 points in 66 AHL games. While he may not be assured of an NHL roster spot out of camp, he provides valuable organizational depth and could serve as a potential call-up option for the Marlies.

The timing of this signing is particularly significant because Toronto has now exhausted its available contract slots. If general manager John Chayka wants to make any further additions, the Maple Leafs will need to move out an existing contract first. With several bubble players battling for NHL roster positions, another transaction could be on the horizon.

Larkin Trade to Montreal Appears Off the Table

The potential trade market for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin may have narrowed further. According to TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie, the Montreal Canadiens remain off Larkin’s personal approved list of teams he would accept a trade to.

Larkin holds a full no-trade clause through 2028, giving him complete control over any potential destination. Montreal had previously been viewed as a logical landing spot due to the Canadiens’ wealth of prospects, draft capital, and salary-cap flexibility, allowing them to construct a competitive offer package. TSN’s Bryan Hayes and Frankie Corrado have also pointed to Montreal as an ideal fit, though Hayes acknowledged that Larkin would need to “come around to it.” If Lavoie’s reporting is accurate, Detroit will need to explore other options.

Minnesota continues to surface in trade speculation surrounding Larkin, though the Wild’s ongoing situation with Quinn Hughes could complicate any blockbuster deal. As Elliotte Friedman noted on NHL Network, “I don’t think Quinn Hughes wants long-term in Minnesota. And I do think that the Wild and Hughes are going to be meeting soon to start heading this out. Where they are and where they’re going?”

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