Could the Canucks or Oilers pursue Sabres forward Alex Tuch? Will the Canadiens trade Brendan Gallagher or Jayden Struble? Are the Flames considering adding a backup goaltender? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS OR OILERS PURSUE ALEX TUCH?

SEKERES & PRICE PODCAST: Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek believes the Buffalo Sabres could be an early seller if they have another poor start. He wondered how many players could be asking out by American Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Marek noted that Alex Tuch hasn’t signed a contract extension. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He pointed out that Tuch’s wife is from British Columbia and mused about a possible fit with the Vancouver Canucks, even though he wouldn’t address that club’s need for a second-line center.

The Edmonton Oilers might be another possibility given their cap space after Connor McDavid agreed to accept a discount on a two-year extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has a five-team no-trade list, and one or both teams may be on it. Assuming they’re not, the Canucks and Oilers don’t have a lot of tradeable assets to give up for Tuch. If the Sabres become sellers, they could find better offers from other clubs.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked if the Canadiens would let Brendan Gallagher finish his contract in Montreal, when it is at the detriment of younger players who deserve to be on the roster.

Cowan doesn’t see Gallagher going anywhere. He pointed out the value the gritty 33-year-old winger continues to have for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher also brings a measure of veteran leadership and gritty two-way play to the up-and-coming Canadiens. His contract expires in 2027, so there’s no need to push him out the door or move him out for cap relief.

Cowan was also asked if Jayden Struble might be a trade chip to address the Canadiens’ roster needs.

While it’s a possibility, they have already traded away three young defensemen. There’s also the big question mark about David Reinbacher after suffering another injury, and the uncertainty over Mike Matheson’s contract situation. He doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a hurry to peddle Struble.

COULD THE FLAMES SEEK ANOTHER BACKUP GOALIE?

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Calgary Flames were talking to other teams about a backup goaltender.

They intend to give Devin Cooley a shot at securing the backup role to starter Dustin Wolf. If they do add another netminder, they would have four on one-way contracts. Friedman said the teams the Flames are talking to want an enticement to take on one of those extra goalies in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley is expected to get the start for Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. It’ll be a big test for the 28-year-old netminder, who has six games of NHL experience.