Schneider is a pending restricted free agent (RFA) in the NHL, meaning the Rangers run little risk of losing their young defenseman and would get a draft pick in return in the worst-case scenario. Still, the Blueshirts will likely hope to get a bit more in return for the 24-year-old blueliner.

At the very least, New York wants to set its own terms rather than conforming to the offer-sheet compensation set by the league. The signs point in the same direction, and that’s toward a trade. Whether it happens sooner or later remains to be seen.

“Braden Schneider is heading toward his last RFA summer, which should serve as a deadline of sorts,” Vincent Mercogliano reported on The Athletic. “An eventual trade for forward help remains a logical outcome, especially considering the new wave of defensemen who have recently been added to the pipeline.”

NY Rangers grow confident on defense

New York didn’t waste time during the NHL offseason. The blueline was an obvious area of need for Mike Sullivan and company, and Chris Drury and the front office made sure to fill every hole. Whether those solutions stick and meet expectations, only time will tell.

For the time being, however, it’s one less item on the Blueshirts’ to-do list. Thus, Schneider is no longer a vital part of the defensive corps, but he remains the team’s biggest (realistic) trading chip and the ace up their sleeve in a potential acquisition of a top-six forward, preferably a young buck.

The Rangers reportedly already know they must use their 2027 first-round pick on a center, one who could eventually replace Mika Zibanejad or J.T. Miller in the top six, but they could also explore the trade route for such a talent. Schneider may not be enough to acquire a top young prospect from another team’s pipeline, but no one really knows when it comes to trades in the NHL. To each their own.

Schneider’s contract and stats

After filing for arbitration, Schneider put the pressure on the Rangers and got himself a one-year, $5.5 million contract through the 2026-27 campaign. Considering Schneider has registered 87 points (20 goals and 67 assists) in 368 games with the Broadway Blueshirts, his $5.5 million cap hit may be more than what New York was initially willing to pay.

Still, with the salary cap rising and arbitration knocking on the door, the Rangers acknowledge it’s not terrible either. However, the team’s concerns are far from dissipated. The Rangers are still keeping a wary eye on their former first-round pick, and all the reports coming out of the Big Apple suggest the young defenseman will be traded.

Before or during the season, ahead of the deadline, as an RFA or as part of a sign-and-trade, there is no such thing as a wrong answer at this point.

“The fact neither player (Xhekaj and Bolduc) has signed yet leads me to believe they could become part of sign-and-trade deals,” Stu Cowan reported on Montreal Gazette.

Though a fan favorite, Xhekaj’s name isn’t new to the NHL rumor mill, with many reports linking the Canadiens’ blueliner to a trade before the start of the new season. Bolduc hasn’t been mentioned nearly as much since arriving in Montreal but is no stranger to it either, as he landed in the City of Saints in a trade from the St. Louis Blues.

Xhekaj’s situation

Xhekaj’s second NHL contract, a two-year, $2.6 million deal, expired after the 2025-26 season. The energetic defenseman remains an RFA, but the Habs have yet to hand him an extension. Although he was eligible, Xhekaj opted not to file for arbitration, making no use of the leverage-gaining maneuver.

Xhekaj and his camp aren’t asking for a big contract, and the Canadiens, who have over $9 million in cap space, could very well afford an extension. However, it’s clear the Habs have their doubts about re-signing the 25-year-old bottom-pairing defenseman.

Through 230 games in his career, Xhekaj has recorded 10 goals and 23 assists. At times, he may provide a spark for the team, but at others, he may turn into a liability. Last season, for example, Xhekaj tallied just four points but 116 penalty minutes (PIM) in 65 outings. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Xhekaj appeared in 13 games for the Canadiens, logging only two points yet 28 PIM.

Bolduc’s NHL future

While Xhekaj came into the league undrafted, Bolduc was a first-round selection in 2021, which is part of the reason why his situation raises so many questions for Montreal. St. Louis had its doubts about him and chose to trade the Quebec native back to his home province.

However, his first year in Quebec’s metropolis wasn’t much better. Playing in a contract year with his entry-level contract expiring, Bolduc totaled 30 points in 78 games for the Habs. Still, it doesn’t seem to have been enough for the front office to be impressed. Bolduc wasn’t arbitration-eligible, unlike Xhekaj, who was but chose not to go down that path.

Different realities could lead to same fate

In many ways, Bolduc and Xhekaj’s situations have nothing to do with each other. It’s only that both situations lie in the hands of Montreal, and reports hint they could be in for a similar fate.

Offer sheets are another alternative, and perhaps a reasonable one for teams not looking to negotiate with the Habs. However, with both Bolduc and Xhekaj trending toward signing low-AAV deals, there’s reason to believe an offer sheet could be matched by Montreal, leading back to square one, where a sign-and-trade might be the most reasonable option.

“I would think [Larkin] will be accepted in the locker room,” Red Wings beat writer Ted Kulfan said on 97:1 The Ticket. “That won’t be an issue, things get worked out between those guys.“

While they may not all agree with Larkin’s decision to request a trade, NHL players can see where the center is coming from, and the Red Wings’ locker room is no different. Thus, Larkin may not be walking into the wolf’s mouth if he returns to Detroit, at least for training camp. How the loyal fanbase in Motor City would react, however, is another question.

Larkin trending to stay in Detroit for a while

“As we get closer and closer to training camp, I can definitely see Larkin at least reporting to camp and starting the season with the Wings,” Kulfan stated during his appearance on the radio show.

That would definitely be a risky strategy, though. Fans would most likely jeer Larkin every time he touches the puck if he starts the 2026-27 NHL campaign with the Red Wings after asking for a trade and triggering a costly domino effect in the process.

However, Detroit may have no choice but to go down that route. The Minnesota Wild need outside help to trade for Larkin, and no interested team is willing to meet the Red Wings’ demands, leaving Detroit facing a major problem in trade talks because of its high asking price.

Can Detroit and Larkin figure things out?

The simplest solution seems to be to try and figure things out. That will come at a cost, but if booing is the price to pay, then Larkin and the Red Wings will have to foot that bill. It might not last long.

If Larkin redeems himself and the team gets off to a hot start, all may be forgotten, and the captain might even change his mind about his plans for the future. Unlikely? Perhaps, but it still seems like the best shot both parties have at the moment.

Things can change when the puck drops, but until then, Larkin and Detroit will have to go through with the plan.

Just as the Red Wings face a major problem because of their high asking price for Larkin, the Wild lack the assets that would make Detroit interested in sending its captain to Minneapolis. Minnesota has seemingly accepted its fate.

Perhaps the only way the Wild could trade for Larkin is if another organization chimes in and lends them a hand. Indeed, the only way for Larkin to head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be through a three-way trade.

“The problem is the Wild’s assets are what they are,” Michael Russo reported on The Sheet podcast. “They aren’t going to suddenly magically give up [Matt] Boldy in a Dylan Larkin trade. So unless [the Red Wings] are going to want futures that aren’t sure things, I don’t know how that deal is going to get done. Unless it’s a three-way trade.“

Wild need to convince Detroit, not Larkin

Dealing with a player signed through the 2030-31 NHL season and under a full NMC, the Wild know they must sell their pitch to the Red Wings, not Larkin. In fact, the center needs no further convincing. Larkin wants to move to Minnesota, and he’s made that clear.

However, as much leverage as he currently has, he can’t automatically trade himself to the Wild. He needs the Red Wings to accept an offer so he can waive his clause. That’s where things get tricky. Detroit wants NHL-ready talent in return for Larkin, and Minnesota can’t afford to lose key pieces of its puzzle.

At the end of the day, the Wild are eyeing their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and giving up too much for Larkin could result in them taking steps backward rather than forward. The most realistic scenario, as things currently stand, appears to be a three-team trade. Still, help would come at a cost for Minnesota, and all eyes across the NHL are fixed on Quinn Hughes.

Speak of the Devils

Anything can happen in the NHL, and the conclusion may not be the most logical. If it were, however, the New Jersey Devils would make a lot of sense. Perhaps they could help out the Wild by providing the assets the Red Wings are after in exchange for Quinn Hughes. It would definitely be an eye for an eye, and then some.

Still, it could happen, especially if the trade for Larkin ends up being delayed until the trade deadline, or if Hughes tells Minnesota he doesn’t plan on re-signing before, during, or after the 2026-27 NHL season.

Faced with the prospect of losing Hughes to free agency in the summer of 2027, the Wild may pull off a wild move. Such desperation may lead the team in Twin Cities to make a pact with the Devils. Make no mistake, the team in Detroit may have wings, but they are no angels, either. Minnesota should keep that in mind when negotiating in the near future. Every organization in the NHL only looks after itself, and no one is a philanthropist.

When Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit after the 2025-26 NHL campaign, he handed Steve Yzerman and the front office a three-team trade list, with reports suggesting a fourth candidate may have been added in the Dallas Stars. However, since then, Yzerman is no longer the Red Wings‘ general manager, and two teams have apparently taken themselves out of the sweepstakes.

According to a report from Michael Russo of The Athletic during an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek podcast, the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights have no interest in Larkin. That would mean two of the three—or perhaps four—teams Larkin is willing to waive his NMC for aren’t asking him to do so.

Where Panthers, Golden Knights, and Wild stand

The Cats won two Stanley Cups in the last three seasons and made it to three of the last four Stanley Cup Finals. Moreover, the Panthers have their core locked up for the long term, and adding another top-six center in Larkin would be a luxury rather than a necessity.

As for the Golden Knights, they have made it to two of the past four Stanley Cup Finals and won it once. They have more than enough talent to be confident in what they currently put on the ice and may not want to go through the trouble of negotiating with Detroit and its steep asking price.

Minnesota, on the other hand, may have no choice but to go all in on Larkin. Lacking a true top center all these years, the Wild can’t let this chance go to waste, especially when a great candidate actively wants to join them. Whether the Wild could put together an appealing offer is another question.

The Wild are still lurking around Larkin

Larkin’s original three-team trade list included the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild. Months after asking Detroit to trade him before the new NHL season, only the latter are showing interest.

However, Minnesota understands nothing can happen until Detroit finds its new general manager. Reports suggest the Red Wings are ready to hire their new GM, but until that actually happens, no one will pick up the phone on the Wild’s calls.

“The Wild still have interest,” Russo, who covers the Wild, reported. “So, [the Wild] have got to see who the [Red Wings’] GM is, and then if the Wild can make some sort of trade.”

Quinn Hughes is Wild’s secret agent

Having close ties with Larkin, Quinn Hughes spends much of his summer skating and practicing with the Michigan native in Ann Arbor, where the U.S. National Team Development Program has its headquarters.

Both Hughes and Larkin are products of the program and became even closer friends while playing for Team USA at the Olympics. (Hughes missed the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 due to injury.)

“The Wild are still really holding out hope for Larkin,” Russo stated. “Obviously, [Hughes] has a lot of inside information because he skates with Larkin on a daily basis in Ann Arbor. He knows Larkin’s preference would be to go to Minnesota, Vegas or Florida. But Florida and Vegas right now don’t have interest in him.”

Hughes and Larkin could help each other

Maybe Hughes can help Larkin find his way to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Doing so would benefit the defenseman as well. Hughes has yet to sign an extension with the Wild, and there’s reason to believe he won’t put pen to paper unless he’s certain Minnesota is a contender for years to come.

The franchise finally landing a first-line center would go a long way. In more ways than one, Larkin and Hughes could help each other out, with the Wild being the biggest beneficiary.

“New York will have their first-round pick in 2027, and that is going to be key. The team might have to use that on the best center available,” as stated by Nick Ziegler on Sports Illustrated. “The Rangers seemingly have a wide range of where they might land in the draft next year.”

After watching Chris Drury and the front office go through with their offseason retool, fans aren’t sure what to expect from the Rangers in the 2026-27 NHL season. If the moves for Pavel Dorofeyev, Sean Durzi, Marcus Pettersson, and Oliver Bjorkstrand pay dividends, and the Blueshirts can mitigate the departures of Vincent Trocheck, Will Borgen, and others, then New York could be in for a rebound year. Who knows? Maybe even the playoffs.

However, there’s also a scenario in which the Rangers spiral out of control and are in for a repeat of last season. That means New York is just as likely to end up with a top-five pick as it is to miss the draft lottery entirely.

Regardless of what happens, the Blueshirts will still need to address the middle of their lineup, especially with the future in mind, as the Rangers lack a proven top-six center for years to come. Not even the buzz that the Rangers are among the frontrunners for Patrik Laine changes that fact.

NY Rangers need help at center

The Rangers currently feature Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller anchoring their top two forward lines. For the time being, they are more than enough talent for the Blueshirts to feel confident.

Both Zibanejad and Miller are under contract through the 2029-30 NHL season, and while that locks them down for the medium term in Manhattan, it’s no answer for the truly long term. Moreover, both Zibanejad and Miller are 33 years old, meaning they could be in for a considerable decline in production.

New York needs to inject youth into its top six, especially at center. That’s why a move for a player like Shane Wright would be reasonable, and why it makes sense that New York was reportedly pushed to go after the Seattle Kraken’s 22-year-old center. If that’s not the case, then the draft is the best alternative for the Rangers.

NY Rangers face different options to address center need

Obviously, it will all vary based on where the Rangers finish in the 2026-27 NHL season, but taking the best center available may still be reasonable. The Rangers could wait for their first-round pick next year to develop into an NHL-ready player, as Zibanejad and Miller can carry the top-six workload, for better or worse, in the meantime.

All that matters is that the Blueshirts find their answer. For the time being, Noah Laba isn’t quite at a top-six level, and there are no certainties to fill that role in the organization’s prospect pipeline, either.

Free agency would be another option, but there aren’t many intriguing centers set to become UFAs in the summer of 2027. In 2028, it could be much different, as centers like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews may become free agents, and fans in New York know just how many times the Rangers have been linked to them. Perhaps it will finally come true.

New York must take action

Still, the Blueshirts must take matters into their own hands rather than speculate about the future of arguably the two biggest faces of the league. In more ways than one, drafting a center with the first-round pick in 2027 is the best decision New York could make, and one that could help Drury keep his job even if the 2026-27 season turns into a disaster in the Big Apple.

The Penguins are one of the teams that have explored trading for Pettersson, according to NHL Rumour Report. The Los Angeles Kings and Carolina Hurricanes were reportedly others.

While the Penguins could make an intriguing offer, it remains to be seen whether they could come up with a package that the Canucks would accept. Most importantly, though, Pettersson would have to give the green light. Unless that happens, any trade talk surrounding Vancouver’s center would become obsolete.

Complicated trade talks

According to Rick Dhaliwal’s report on Canucks Conversation, Vancouver tried to trade Pettersson during the 2026 NHL Draft, but to no avail. As Dhaliwal noted, “it’s a tough contract to move.”

Pettersson is under contract for the next six seasons, carrying an $11.6 million cap hit. The upcoming three seasons should raise eyebrows for potentially interested teams, as Pettersson will make $37.7 million over the next three years.

That includes an $11 million salary in 2026-27, $14.45 million in 2027-28, and $12.25 million in 2028-29. Throughout the final three years of his contract, his annual salary will drop to $8.7 million. Considering the league’s rising salary cap, that’s figure virtually every team can live with.

Moreover, Pettersson is signed to a full no-movement clause (NMC), meaning he has full control over his future. Unless he waives his clause, the Canucks can’t trade him, no matter how tempting of an offer lands on their table. And it appears Pettersson has no interest in moving out of Vancouver. Maybe only a Stanley Cup contender will make him change his mind. If that’s the case, the Penguins may be up for a steep climb.

Penguins aren’t contenders, at least at first glance

Rolling into the 2026-27 NHL season with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still going, the Penguins have reason to be excited after reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.

However, to call Pittsburgh a championship contender would be a stretch, at least at this point in the offseason. Perhaps the Pens prove everybody wrong come October. Right now, however, betting against them winning the Cup feels like a safer bet.

Crosby is Pittsburgh’s ace

Still, with Crosby in town, the Penguins may make for a compelling argument to lure a player like Pettersson. Both are centers, so the odds of them sharing the ice would be slim, but being teammates and sharing a locker room and off-ice activities is still an attractive thought.

Needless to say, if Pittsburgh hopes to land Pettersson, it will have to make an offer worth Vancouver’s while without giving up too much in return, so that Pettersson remains interested in joining the organization.

As long as Sid the Kid is in the Burgh, however, the franchise in the City of Bridges may be able to connect with any player in search of a new beginning. It remains to be seen whether Pettersson falls into that category, or, at the very least, whether he can be convinced.

Thus, that is something to keep an eye on as Quinn Hughes makes up his mind. According to a report, the eldest sibling is keen on re-signing in Minnesota, but only if he gets to choose the term of his contract, putting him on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the same year Jack will become one in the NHL.

“I have believed that Quinn Hughes is going to sign [a three-year, $18 million AAV contract] in Minnesota,” Elliotte Friedman stated on NHL Tonight. “People are starting to wonder, what’s going on here. I don’t have any panic about it yet.”

Three-year deal would align Quinn and Jack’s contracts

With Quinn Hughes entering the final year of his six-year, $47.1 million contract, he is set to become a UFA in the summer of 2027. Thus, if he were to put pen to paper on a three-year extension with the Wild, he would postpone his UFA status until 2030.

That year is far from random. Jack Hughes will become a UFA in the summer of 2030, as well. The New Jersey Devils‘ star is signed to an eight-year, $64 million contract running through the 2029-30 campaign.

If Friedman’s estimation is correct and Quinn signs to stay in Minnesota for the next three seasons, then he and Jack could hit the market in 2030 determined to find a team that will have them both. Quinn will be 30 years old in the summer of 2030, while Jack will have recently turned 29.

Other alternatives

There is also the possibility that Quinn decides next season is his last in Minnesota and hopes to sign with the Devils in free agency, getting to play with Jack and Luke as well. If that were the case, the Wild would likely trade Hughes—Quinn has no trade protection—before the deadline to get something in return.

The Devils would be among the suitors, but they could also let Quinn be a rental for another playoff team and go after him in free agency. However, reports state that Quinn wants to show his gratitude to the Wild for pursuing him when he asked out of Vancouver and offer his services for a few more years in the Twin Cities.

Options abound, but it’s clear the Hughes brothers saga will be one to watch as the 2026-27 NHL season looms closer. If Hughes is unsigned by the time the puck drops, then the drama will truly skyrocket.

According to Herb Zurkowsky from the Montreal Gazette, the Rangers are one of the teams linked to Laine ever since free agency began in the NHL on July 1. Over a month has passed and not much progress has been made, but the Blueshirts could still be looking into the veteran winger.

When it comes to Laine, such a slow-cooking process was to be expected. Laine only played five games for the Canadiens last season and underwent core muscle surgery, so there are a lot of questions that need answering before any team makes him a contract offer.

If the once-lethal sniper can brush those concerns aside and prove himself, he could be an intriguing addition for a team like New York. That’s still a big if, and at a time when the Blueshirts need to bring certainties onto the roster rather than more question marks.

Do the Rangers need Laine?

Laine would bring many questions of his own if he were to sign in Manhattan. He has appeared in just 75 games over the past three seasons, which should raise concerns for any front office and coaching staff. However, there may be reason to believe the rest he had throughout the 2025-26 NHL campaign could pay off. Maybe Laine could come into the 2026-27 season energized. And for the Rangers, he could be a key addition.

Realistically, if he is at his best, Laine could be a 15-to-25-goal player for New York. As things stand, a third-line role would work best for both sides, with Laine also chiming in on the power play, where his sniper’s abilities would make him a headache for opponents.

However, it’s all potential. Everybody in the NHL knows what Laine is capable of in his prime; the gist of the problem is that Laine seems long gone from his peak form. It might take some time to get Laine back to playing with confidence, and an anxious market like New York may not give him that luxury. If the price is right, the Blueshirts could add Laine on a prove-it deal. The Rangers aren’t the only ones with that line of thought, however.

Maple Leafs showing interest

As reported by Zurkowsky, the Toronto Maple Leafs are another team interested in Laine. The Leafs’ appearance is unsurprising, considering they’ve been linked to Laine for some time now.

Still, it’s noteworthy that the interest remains the same despite the recent front-office overhaul in Hogtown. The Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Philadelphia Flyers are other franchises reportedly considering Laine.

Yzerman is no longer at the helm, yet Larkin is digging his heels in after asking out. However, with no team willing to match Detroit’s high asking price, the Red Wings face a major problem in trade talks. According to a report, the Red Wings’ best option is to make amends with their captain. How realistic that is, however, is another question.

“The best course still seems to be a reconciliation,” Helene St. James wrote on an article on Detroit Free Press about the Red Wings’ situation with Larkin. St. James also noted how cap-friendly Larkin’s contract is, and all signs point to retaining Larkin being much wiser than parting with the captain.

Larkin won’t budge, at least for now

Unfortunately for the Red Wings, their captain has made up his mind—or so it seems. Larkin is tired of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs and signing up for déjà vu season after season. However, Larkin was also sick and tired of the direction the front office took and its approach to trade deadlines and free agency.

With Yzerman gone from his role as general manager and a new hire on deck, Detroit could take a significant step toward a peaceful solution with its upset star. That’s another reason why the Red Wings won’t trade Larkin until a new GM is in place.

That, and the fact that assistant GM Shawn Horcoff (currently handling day-to-day tasks) doesn’t have access to the red button that could complete the blockbuster trade ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

Red Wings may avoid trading Larkin

As long as Larkin is signed to a contract in Motor City, the Winged Wheel will keep at least one bit of hope. If no suitable offer comes through, the Wings will explore the options that are actually up to them, and it’s clear which is the best alternative.

If Larkin walks back his trade request, it would still take some time for him to rebuild his relationship with the devoted fan base, but that’s a problem for future Larkin.

For the time being, the Red Wings must take things one step at a time. Finding their next GM is paramount, as it will go a long way toward either making a truce with Larkin or burning that bridge to the ground.

The Red Wings are not simply looking for draft picks or prospects. They want NHL-ready talent that can help them remain competitive, and their biggest priority appears to be finding another first-line center to replace what Larkin would leave behind.

That demand could be creating a major roadblock. According to Helene St. James, the teams Larkin has identified as potential destinations are reluctant to surrender the type of player Detroit will want in return.

Why can’t the Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin?

St. James explained the central issue surrounding the negotiations. “The gist of the problem with trading Dylan Larkin is that the Red Wings need a first-line center in return, and Larkin’s selected teams aren’t willing to part with their own players who fit that bill.”

That could explain why Larkin remains in Detroit despite significant interest from other teams. The Panthers, Wild, Golden Knights and Stars have all been mentioned as potential suitors, but none of those teams would want to weaken their own roster by giving up an established first-line center.

For Detroit, however, simply receiving prospects or future draft capital may not be enough. The Red Wings have young stars such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider and have reportedly been reluctant to send a signal that the franchise is entering a full rebuild.

Four teams interested, but trade remains complicated

The situation creates an unusual stalemate. The Red Wings have a player that several contenders want, but those same teams may not have the exact asset desired by Detroit.

Larkin’s selected destinations also have their own championship ambitions. The Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars would all be reluctant to surrender a proven top-line center because doing so could weaken their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

That leaves Detroit with a difficult decision. The Red Wings could lower their asking price and accept a package built around prospects and draft picks, or they could continue waiting for a team to eventually make an offer that includes an NHL-ready center.

The arrival of a new general manager could ultimately determine which path Detroit chooses. Until the Red Wings complete their front-office search, Larkin’s trade request remains stuck in a complicated stalemate.