NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Protect Cowan, Larkin Concern, Penguins Shopping Rakell

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear unwilling to include Easton Cowan in a major trade for defensive help, while the Detroit Red Wings may be feeling increased urgency surrounding Dylan Larkin. Meanwhile, William Nylander’s status is uncertain ahead of Toronto’s matchup against the San Jose Sharks, and the Montreal Canadiens may have explored an interesting trade option involving Rickard Rakell. Finally, who are the Pittsburgh Penguins open to moving?

Maple Leafs Unwilling to Include Easton Cowan in a Major Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be willing to move a premium asset to upgrade their blueline, but insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Easton Cowan does not appear to be available.

On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman explained that Toronto believes Cowan has made significant progress in a short period and is increasingly viewed as a key part of the organization’s future.

Given the report that the Maple Leafs are willing to move a “premium asset” for blue line help, and they’ve already included Matthew Knies in the deal for Kirill Marchenko, what else could Toronto be willing to part with? Cowan’s early-season development may have convinced management that he is too valuable to move.

That means Toronto is eyeing different prospects or the first-round pick they have in 2027 that came from Colorado.

Red Wings Feeling Pressure to Make a Decision on Dylan Larkin

The Detroit Red Wings may need to decide how much longer they are willing to wait before addressing the situation surrounding captain Dylan Larkin.

Friedman suggested Detroit could be reassessing the risks of allowing the situation to continue and specifically raised concerns about how long the organization is willing to risk Larkin getting hurt.

The recent Connor Hellebuyck situation may also have created a greater sense of urgency for the Red Wings. While the exact connection between the two situations remains unclear, the NHL insider wonders if the Red Wings are feeling the heat.

William Nylander a Game-Time Decision Against Sharks

The Maple Leafs could be without William Nylander for their matchup against the San Jose Sharks after the forward missed the morning skate because of an illness.

Head coach Jim Hiller confirmed that Nylander would be a game-time decision. Auston Matthews appeared optimistic when asked about Nylander’s status, smiling and saying, “I think he’s going to be great.”

Toronto’s morning-skate lines featured Bo Groulx alongside Matthews and Jack Roslovic, while Cowan skated with Nick Paul and Kirill Marchenko. Gavin McKenna, Colton Sissons and Vinni Lettieri formed another line, with Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger and Zack MacEwen rounding out the forward group.

Sergei Bobrovsky was also in line to start in goal again for the Maple Leafs.

Canadiens Reportedly Explored Rickard Rakell Trade Option

The Montreal Canadiens may have explored a potential trade involving Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell while pursuing Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Friedman reported that some of his sources believed Rakell was among the players Montreal investigated as a possible addition to a deal involving Columbus. It’s unclear whether Montreal made a formal offer or whether Rakell was close to being moved.

Rakell’s name emerging in the discussions suggests the Canadiens may have considered different ways to put together a deal that could appeal to Columbus. It also makes sense that the Penguins are being mentioned again in rumors. Friedman noted on Saturday’s Headlines that the Penguins are open to trading older veterans for youth. Rakell would rank near the top of the list of players GM Kyle Dubas might be shopping.