Story perspectives

Maple Leafs Target Zach Werenski, Offer Rielly, Picks.

6/29/2026

Summary

Leafs Target Werenski

The Toronto Maple Leafs are pursuing a trade for defenseman Zach Werenski.
Werenski holds a full no-movement clause and says the Leafs are a Canadian option.
Toronto has $22 million space and can offset Werenski’s $9.5 million AAV by moving Morgan Rielly’s $7.5 million hit.
Columbus GM Don Waddell confirmed on June 26 that talks are ongoing, no deal is set, and returns include Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan and a 2027 first-round pick.

Summary

Sharks Draft Defensemen

The Sharks added three first-round defensemen—Keaton Verhoeff (9th overall), Ryan Lin (21st) and Alexander Karmanov—in the 2026 NHL Draft, strengthening their prospect pool.
With only Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson under NHL contracts for 2026-27, San Jose lacks a top-four blueliner.
Zach Werenski, who has asked for a trade after Columbus missed the playoffs for six straight seasons, is eager to join a contender, making the Sharks’ emerging core attractive.

Summary

Columbus Weighs Werenski

Werenski's no-movement clause lets him choose his destination, and he will be a free agent after the 2027-28 season, forcing a decision for Columbus.
General manager Don Waddell warned that some matters should stay internal, hinting at issues beyond the Werenski trade.
Columbus has lost elite players such as Seth Jones, Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky, missed the playoffs for six straight seasons, and faces fan frustration over false starts.

Summary

Larkin Trade Request

Hurricanes acquired unrestricted free agent (UFA) defenseman John Carlson’s rights from the Ducks for Kyle Masters and a sixth-round pick.
Dylan Larkin told Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman he wants a trade, receiving no guarantees.
Darnell Nurse asked to leave Edmonton and is linked to Pittsburgh Penguins or Philadelphia Flyers.
Jason Robertson rejected trade offers from the Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues, prompting speculation he may re-sign with Dallas.

1 of 4

Leafs Target Werenski

The Toronto Maple Leafs are pursuing a trade for defenseman Zach Werenski.
Werenski holds a full no-movement clause and says the Leafs are a Canadian option.
Toronto has $22 million space and can offset Werenski’s $9.5 million AAV by moving Morgan Rielly’s $7.5 million hit.
Columbus GM Don Waddell confirmed on June 26 that talks are ongoing, no deal is set, and returns include Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan and a 2027 first-round pick.

1 / 4