Drake Batherson wants a new deal with Ottawa (Credit: Getty Images)Some of the big NHL offseason storylines to watch as we head into the 2026-27 season include Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Drake Batherson’s contract negotiations and the Edmonton Oilers’ top prospect rankings; all of these situations have the potential to impact roster building and long-term planning.The Detroit Red Wings have a decision to make on their captain’s impending trade, and the Ottawa Senators have a big decision to make on Batherson’s future. As the Edmonton Oilers continue to chase Stanley Cup contention, prospect depth questions could be more and more relevant.Dylan Larkin, Drake Batherson and Edmonton Oilers headline latest NHL newsThe latest NHL developments include Dylan Larkin’s uncertain future with the Detroit Red Wings, Drake Batherson’s contract situation with the Ottawa Senators and concerns with the Edmonton Oilers’ organizational depth.Dylan Larkin’s trade request remains unresolved, with the Detroit Red Wings contemplating their next moves with their captain. Larkin has said he wants out of Detroit via trade, but a trade has not happened yet.The difficulty of the situation is Larkin's importance to the Red Wings. The veteran center remains one of the franchise’s most high-profile players, so Detroit would need a lot in return before entertaining a deal.Speculation has been heightened by potential interest from teams such as the Vegas Golden Knights. But it is said that a key element of whether a trade can ultimately happen remains Larkin’s desired destination.Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators are talking about a long-term extension. The sides are said to be apart on the contract value.Batherson is looking for a big deal over eight years that could push toward the $10 million per year mark while Ottawa is believed to want something closer to $9 million per year.Batherson is an important offensive contributor for the Senators, so it’s worth noting these negotiations. That would provide Ottawa with more long-term certainty but would also lock up substantial salary-cap space in one of its top forwards.The Edmonton Oilers have become the subject of attention after a report on their prospect pool was deemed to be below that of the rest of the NHL.The Athletic’s Corey Pronman ranked Edmonton’s prospect pool as the 31st best in the league. The Oilers were also ranked 20th in The Hockey News team power rankings for the coming season.Those assessments point to a potential organizational issue. Edmonton’s roster is built around elite stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but a key to depth under the salary cap is developing affordable young talent.How could these NHL offseason stories develop?Depending on what the Dylan Larkin situation looks like, the Detroit Red Wings could be in for a major roster reset. A trade might get assets to a team that has missed the playoffs time and time again.Getting Drake Batherson locked up long term could help protect one of the Senators’ top forwards from Ottawa’s perspective, but the financial commitment has to fit within the club’s broader salary-cap structure.Edmonton Oilers have a different problem. Right now, they’re focused on winning the Stanley Cup, but the prospect rankings show that there’s a need to find and develop future NHL contributors.