Jacob Trouba’s recent trade to the Ducks hasn’t stopped speculation he could be on the move again. Check out the latest plus recent conjecture on the Canucks and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS AND BLUE JACKETS WERE INTERESTED IN TROUBA

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports Maple Leafs management likes Jacob Trouba. The 31-year-old defenseman was traded on Friday by the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Simmons believes the Leafs might be interested in Trouba if the Ducks or another team retains a large chunk of the blueliner’s $8 million cap hit. However, he thinks the Leafs, with their limited cap room, will attempt to add “a forward of prominence” by the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported that Canadian teams like the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens looked into acquiring Trouba before he was shipped to Anaheim. Those reports claimed Trouba wasn’t interested in returning north of the border, which suggests all seven Canadian clubs are on his 15-team no-trade list.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets were among the teams that pressed hard to acquire Trouba. However, he declined to remove them from his no-trade list.

The rearguard also declined a trade to the Detroit Red Wings and another Eastern Conference club.

It’s unclear what role general manager Don Waddell had in mind for Trouba. Portzline speculates he might’ve wound up on the top pairing alongside Zach Werenski. He also believes Waddell remains active and is willing to be aggressive in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline pointed out how much Waddell has changed the Blue Jackets’ defense corps since taking over as GM this spring. He brought in Dante Fabbro, Jack Johnson, Jordan Harris and Daemon Hunt and bid farewell to Jake Bean, Nick Blakenburg, Adam Boqvist and David Jiricek.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Pat Steinberg was asked if the Calgary Flames will sign or trade Rasmus Andersson. The 27-year-old defenseman is eligible for UFA status in 2026 and eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July 1.

Steinberg believes the Flames will try to keep Andersson but felt he could be peddled by the 2026 trade deadline if he’s interested in testing the 2026 free-agent market.

A reader asked Steinberg if the Flames would trade Dan Vladar. The club currently has Vladar and Dustin Wolf as their goaltending tandem with promising Devin Cooley with their AHL affiliate. Steinberg didn’t rule out a Vladar trade but felt there was no urgency to do so in early December. He believes the Flames’ asking price is a second-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy could be unwilling to break up his goalie tandem if they’re in playoff contention before the trade deadline.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Filip Hronek’s recent surgery won’t put additional pressure on the Vancouver Canucks to go shopping for blueline help. Hronek underwent shoulder surgery and is out until at least late January.

Jim Rutherford, president of hockey operations, said trading for a defenseman has long been on the table. However, he’s looking for their current blueliners to step up and play a few more minutes. Johnston points out the Canucks have a longstanding need for a right-shot defenseman on the second pairing.