NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2025
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.
You need two reliable goalies especially in an Olympic year with the condensed scheduling .
Not convinced even Hellebuyck will get 60 starts this year.
Could see several teams in on Tuch if Buffalo moves him. Big,tough top 6 wingers are at a premium. My comparables for Tuch are Tom Wilson and a young Stone of Vegas.
Vancouver could use alot, Alex Tuch would be a welcome addition to their line up.
So will someone take Korpisalo off of the Bruins hands.?
Always sad Sens didnt try to grab a guy like Tuch. Big, tough legit top line RW to play with Tkachuk and Stutzle
Gallagher isn’t going to be traded despite being overpaid for his recent production.
He’s being paid for being a warrior and making others around him better since his rookie year.
He’s part of the culture HuGo have added to and grown.
Struble could be traded but there’s no reason, after all he’s one injury away from starting and Kaiden Guhle has yet to play a full season.
I can see him being traded for a like D-man who is a RD such as Brayden Pachal (Calgary).
Habs have 2 guys in the system who are bigger versions of Gallagher, Davidson and Rohrer.
Ok I am going to appoligize to you personnaly for my english this time. But Lyle, we really need tot talk lol
I have a question for you and I’ll first tell you why. I’ve been a hockey maniac for 40 years now and believe me when I say, I look everywhere to get my news, used to be in the papers but now for me the net is a blessing (not talking about social media)
Although I don’t comment often I have been a reader for years now and believe me when I say, nobody, no one anywhere has topped you as an analyst and commentator of trade rumours. None of them have your integrity, your impariality and none of them are as ledgit or have the sens of logic you have.
So that brings me to the question. You are a writer for hockey news and you have several other columns, have you ever thought about applying to TSN and present them the idea of having your own segment or part of a show (I can’t find the good word) ? People would love to have a specialist anlyzing trade rumours like you do and I am pretty sure evryone of your readers here would be the first ones to support you !
Don’t get me wrong now, we still love our little forum here and you’d better not be close it but if you haven’t done it yet, some of them work from home.
So here’s my last question and even though I am french and I live in Quebec I am first and above all a very proud Canadian so I’ll ask you like this this way :
What the heck are you waiting for… eh ?? 😉
You should think about that. Have a great one !
Hi, Mike! I appreciate the kind words and the support. However, TSN is a “don’t call us, we’ll call you” network, as are all the other major sports networks. I’m not holding my breath waiting for that call. Nevertheless, they have some of the best insiders and analysts around (some of whom I’ve had the good fortune to meet), so they’ve got plenty of folks doing a great job there.
Buffalo should keep Tuch and should already have signed him if they knew what was good for them. They have a lot of young guys and needs pieces like him, besides he is a local boy if Im not mistaken.
And if available, I have a hard time seeing Vancouver or Oilers having the best offer for the sabres