Have the Toronto Maple Leafs made up their mind for the No. 1 pick?
Shawn Hutcheon: A source that is close to the situation and who was at the NHL combine, said that the Toronto Maple Leafs have told Gavin McKenna during their interview that they plan on making him the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft.
The Ottawa Senators have some interest in Jake DeBrusk
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Two sources have said that they believe the Ottawa Senators are among the teams that have had some interest in Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk.
The 29-year-old DeBrusk carries a $5.5 million cap hit for the next five years. He’s scored 20 or more goals in four of the past five seasons.
DeBrusk told the Vancouver Province after the trade deadline that he wasn’t okay with the idea of being part of a rebuild. He has a full no-movement clause, so he determines where he ends up, which would also affect the price.
He does have to keep in mind that if he wants to move, next offseason (July 1st, 2027), his no-move becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Canunks may not ask for much back in return if they’re mainly wanting to get rid of his contract.
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson could use a change of scenery. He’s not a no-movement clause, but a place like Los Angeles might be welcomed.
Dylan Larkin is now available, so that may hold or change things a bit, depending on where he gets moved to, and what type of package they get back.
Would the Red Wings have interest in Pettersson if they’re looking for a center after Larkin is traded? Larkin’s cap hit is $8.7 million, and Pettersson comes in at $11.6 million. Pettersson has one more year on his deal than Larkin does.
Could the Canucks propose to retain some salary to get a better return – a Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper?
If the Canucks are dealing with the Los Angeles Kings for Pettersson, they’d be looking at lesser prospects and multiple draft picks.
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