NHL Rumors: Larkin Returns, Senators Blast Tkachuk, and Carlsson Snubbed?

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Anaheim Ducks’ decision to name Mikael Granlund captain instead of Leo Carlsson has sparked speculation about whether the young star was intentionally passed over following his contract drama with the Philadelphia Flyers. Meanwhile, Dylan Larkin is back on the ice for the Detroit Red Wings after missing the start of camp with an upper-body injury. Finally, Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer has offered his most pointed comments yet about Brady Tkachuk’s decision to leave the organization and join the Florida Panthers.

Ducks’ Leo Carlsson Captaincy Decision Raises Questions

The Anaheim Ducks’ decision to name Mikael Granlund their new captain instead of Leo Carlsson has sparked plenty of discussion, with TSN’s Bryan Hayes suggesting the choice may have been connected to the young forward’s offer sheet situation.

Hayes floated the theory on OverDrive, suggesting Carlsson might have been named captain had he not signed an $18 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers. He argued Anaheim may have chosen Granlund “out of spite” to send Carlsson a message. Jeff O’Neill pushed back, calling it an “idiotic take” and arguing GM Pat Verbeek was responsible for letting the contract situation develop. Jamie McLennan also questioned the choice given Granlund’s age.

Dylan Larkin Returns to Red Wings Practice

Dylan Larkin is back on the ice with the Detroit Red Wings after missing the opening portion of training camp while recovering from an upper-body injury. Larkin suffered the injury during an off-ice workout and had initially been given no firm timeline for his return.

Ansar Khan posted, “Here’s Larkin in battle drills. No word yet on whether he’ll be ready for either of the final two preseason games but probably not since this is his first practice.”

His return comes with plenty of attention already surrounding him following his offseason trade request and the decision by Detroit to remove him as captain. Larkin told reporters earlier this month that requesting a trade was not an easy decision and that he did not regret making it, although he declined to discuss whether the request remains active. Detroit has also indicated Larkin could remain with the club for the entire season.

Senators Owner Opens Up About Brady Tkachuk Trade

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer remains complimentary of Brady Tkachuk, but his latest comments make clear the organization was frustrated by how his departure from the team unfolded. Speaking with Pierre LeBrun, Andlauer suggested Tkachuk’s family played a significant role in his decision to leave Ottawa and join his brother Matthew with the Florida Panthers.

Andlauer, clearly frustrated with the family, said:

“Blood is thicker than water, and let’s just say that his father and his brother got in his kitchen. Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother. It’s a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree. But you have to want to play for Ottawa. And right to the end, our fans were behind Brady — even after Team USA won gold. I have no doubt in my mind.”

SOURCE – ‘Senators owner Michael Andlauer on Brady Tkachuk trade: ‘Blood is thicker than water’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 09/22/2026

Brady has previously said his trade request “wasn’t about” his brother, but the Senators obviously don’t believe that. It’s also interesting that the owner commented when the team wants to move on from the topic. Thomas Chabot was asked and said, “If we keep answering those we will answer about Brady all season long. The only person in position to answer that question would be Brady.”