NHL News Roundup: Kucherov Trade Request, Larkin & More

The NHL isn’t exactly known for drama, but there’s been plenty of it over the last week (and to start this season). From more Dylan Larkin headlines to Nikita Kucherov’s shocking trade request, here are the biggest NHL storylines from the last seven days.

Devin Cooley Injured

The Calgary Flames have recovered from a 0-5-0 start, going 6-3-0 across their last nine games. Goaltender Devin Cooley was a significant reason for the turnaround, going 4-1-0 and posting a .951 save percentage. He’s gained attention for his viral post-game interviews, but he’s a legitimately great goaltender.

Unfortunately, Cooley suffered an injury in the Battle of Alberta that will keep him out week to week. He had a very wholesome Instagram post about the injury, noting that it offers him a great opportunity to reset physically and mentally, among other things.

Cooley’s strong start this season hasn’t been a fluke, either. He was the Flames’ best goaltender last season, posting a .909 save percentage and saving 16.3 goals above expected. He’s 29, but seems to be a late bloomer, which is sometimes typical with goaltenders. Hopefully, he returns to action soon because he’s one of the NHL’s more entertaining netminders, on and off the ice.

Bobrovsky’s Struggles

This is an important season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’ve had a mixed start to 2026-27, and goaltending has been a factor. Sergei Bobrovsky, whom the Maple Leafs signed to a three-year, $21 million contract this past offseason, has a save percentage of just .885.

What’s concerning is that Bobrovsky has allowed three or more goals in nine of his 10 starts. It’s not all on him, but you need your $21 million goaltender to make saves he shouldn’t always make.

It all came to a head in the Maple Leafs’ 5-4 loss to the Seattle Kraken when Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 17 shots. The Maple Leafs’ defense hasn’t been great, but it hasn’t been bad enough for Bobrovsky to have an .885 save percentage. Anthony Stolarz has struggled with injuries, but they may have to consider starting him more if Bobrovsky can’t turn it around.

Larkin Makes Headlines Again

Another week, another set of Dylan Larkin headlines. First, he announced he wouldn’t play for the Detroit Red Wings again and that this situation has gone on long enough since his trade request in early June. The Red Wings followed the move by suspending Larkin without pay.

Chris Johnston reported on TSN’s Insider Trading that the Minnesota Wild had an aggressive offer for Larkin. The package included two roster players and multiple first-round picks, but the Red Wings turned it down.

Then, on Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman reported that Larkin would alter his trade list, possibly within 24 to 48 hours. The reasoning is that it would be nearly impossible for teams such as the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, etc., to pull off a trade.

We’ll see where this goes. It’s Nov. 2, and there’s been no resolution in the five months since his initial trade request. The Red Wings need a fair return, but this situation feels like it’s reached its boiling point.

Kucherov’s Shocking Trade Request

There may have been plenty of Larkin headlines last week, but the biggest news was Kucherov’s shocking trade request. Late Friday night, Elliotte Friedman reported that Kucherov told the Tampa Bay Lightning he does not intend to re-sign and that he prefers a trade. The Lightning released a statement saying they unequivocally have no intention of trading him.