NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2026
Check out the latest on the Rangers and Devils, plus updates on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently looked at the trade tiers for the New York Rangers.
Artemi Panarin topped their list of pending UFA players who could be moved before the March 6 trade deadline. The Rangers will surely try to get a first-round pick as part of the deal, but the potential return depends on how many teams Panarin is willing to consider as trade destinations.
New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).
Mercogliano followed up by reporting that a league source informed him that the Rangers haven’t approached Panarin yet about waiving his no-movement clause. They haven’t yet made their final decisions regarding the trade deadline and are holding off on that for a little while longer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade deadline is less than two months away, giving management plenty of time to assess the club’s performance and what the trade market looks like. They could be ready to deal before the Olympic roster freeze in early February if the club hasn’t reversed its on-ice fortunes.
Players who could move as “change of scenery candidates include 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere, winger Brennan Othmann, and defenseman Braden Schneider. Othmann is considered the most obvious candidate, as the Rangers have been listening to offers for the 23-year-old winger.
Vincent Trocheck would be a hot commodity, especially given the need for centers around the league. He carries a 12-team no-trade list, but there’s no indication yet that general manager Chris Drury is ready to entertain offers for Trocheck.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of today’s focus is on Panarin, but he’s not the only player the Rangers could move if they become sellers. Othmann is the most likely to move. Lafreniere could attract interest because he’s still young (24) and could flourish in a different setting, although his streakiness and $7.45 million average annual value through 2031-32 could be sticking points.
SPORTSNET: During Monday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated about possible destinations for Panarin. He thinks the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals could be among them, but acknowledged it’ll take some work to acquire the Rangers winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Part of that work will be finding sufficient cap space to take on the remainder of Panarin’s $11.642 million cap hit. The rest could be meeting the Rangers’ asking price. However, this could be a situation similar to when the Bruins traded Brad Marchand to Florida last season or when the Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane to the Rangers. In both cases, the player would only accept a trade to one team, meaning the return was less than what it would’ve been if several teams were involved in the bidding.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Rangers shouldn’t wait for the trade deadline to move Panarin if he’s not interested in re-signing or if they’re not willing to pay what he wants to stay in New York.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Panarin now would probably sink their slim hopes of reaching the playoffs. At this point, however, why risk an injury that would hurt his trade value or take him out of the market altogether?
UPDATE ON THE DEVILS
TSN: New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said he’s been working the phones trying to make trades to improve his struggling team.
Defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat have been mentioned most often in those trade discussions. Fitzgerald said the two are highly respected among their teammates, and he will treat them with the same respect. He also said he’s been in constant contact with Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, to ensure everyone is on the same page, an assertion confirmed by Barry.
Fitzgerald refuted reports claiming current contracts with trade protection prevented him from attempting to acquire Quinn Hughes before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild last month.
The Devils GM said head coach Sheldon Keefe’s job was safe. It’s also believed that Fitzgerald’s job is safe, as he indicated he speaks regularly with Devils ownership about the club’s direction.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are among the potential fits for Hamilton. However, the Maple Leafs wouldn’t entertain a deal unless the Devils retain a significant portion of his $9 million AAV through 2027-28.
However, the Devils must move winger Ondrej Palat and his $6 million AAV through 2026-27 before they can move Hamilton to create salary-cap flexibility. The veteran winger has a 10-team trade list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Hamilton rejoining the lineup after being a healthy scratch on Sunday, it appears the wheels are in motion to move him. A deal could take place before next month’s Olympic break, depending on how soon they can free up cap space to make room for whatever they can get back for Hamilton.
TRADE TALKS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON ARE HEATING UP
SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the time is right for the Calgary Flames to trade Rasmus Andersson. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman is UFA-eligible in July, and there’s no indication that a contract extension is in the works.
Andersson isn’t itching to leave Calgary, but the blueliner doesn’t fit into the Flames’ rebuilding timeline. Francis believes he can fetch at least a first-round draft pick and a top prospect who is already contributing at the NHL level.
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the trade market for Andersson is heating up fast. The Flames are hoping to finalize a trade before the Olympic break next month.
It’s believed the Boston Bruins have offered up young defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick. The Detroit Red Wings are said to be interested if Andersson is willing to sign a contract extension. They’ve also made young blueliners Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka off-limits in trade talks. The Ottawa Senators are also believed to be interested in the Flames blueliner.
Murphy indicated that the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars have expressed interest in Andersson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could be assured of a significant return if Andersson is willing to sign a contract extension. However, he could prefer playing out this season and testing the UFA market in July.
The Golden Knights always seem to be in on everybody. However, they have limited trade assets to draw on and wouldn’t be able to outbid clubs like the Bruins, Red Wings, and Ducks.
COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE A GOALTENDER?
TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos speculated the Maple Leafs could leverage their goaltending depth by the March trade deadline.
Joseph Woll could get the bulk of the starts if he gives the Leafs the best chance to win. With Anthony Stolarz returning from injury, Kypreos speculates that Stolarz, prospect Artur Akhtyamov, or perhaps even Dennis Hildeby could become a trade chip to pursue a scoring winger or a defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stolarz seems the more likely trade candidate, but the 31-year-old netminder has a 16-team no-trade list for this season, and starts a four-year, $15-million contract extension in July. Hildeby will draw interest, but the Leafs would likely prefer to hang onto him.
Having three goalies that are regulars on the I.R. Isn’t having depth.
Ron Jull ya beat me too it
Isn’t it rich coming from fans of teams who have no goaltending, period.
Nice glass house buddy.
Its a snow day here so I will get the speculation going. At 9 million with 3 more seasons left would the Devils entertain moving Hamilton to the leafs ? Would they take New Jersey native Anthony Stolarz and get a little younger in the net, try to move Jake Allen to a contender at the deadline?
They dont want to retain salary on Hamilton, so would they consider Stolarz, Dakota Joshua and and an expiring contract of Calle Jarnkrok? Leafs add a prospect like Miroslav Hlinka or Toblar?
We’re getting shat upon here as well, Sam. Upwards of 25 cm expected by later this evening. Just came back in from a preliminary clean-up. That much less to do when it stops. Thankfully it’s powdery light … not that heavy, wet s&^t.
Sam if you read between the lines, and I bet Devils fan will concur, but it seems the Devils really want Hamilton off the roster. Instead of a player demanding a trade, it’s the team in this case and with either case, they will be trading from a position of weakness.
I’m in no position to be a valid source on a players value to a team/ GM but we do have an idea of costs involved where salary retention is involved. Having said that, I can see the Devils picking up an energy player – and since you’re taking Leafs, that might be a player like Janrok for jam, maybe Robertson as scoring help (plus Keefe has some familiarity with both though he might feel like many here regarding the worthlessness of Robertson 🙄) to start. The Devils might want to acquire some depth at the position Hamilton makes vacant. I don’t know but trading with the Leafs might never happen for many reasons due to them not able to fit his cap this season and two others after this one…probably the right amount of time before his usual time where he wears out his welcome and becomes disgruntled, right?
Pilat and 1st to pens for a third. 😁
As I commented in morning coffee, Shesterkin kept Rangers in games. They’re done without him. Don’t know how long he’s out for but, not sure he’ll save them at this point. I’ve also mentioned in previous posts that Pittsburgh should be in on Panarin. They still have core players over 30 that have term left. They owe it to Sid to hold off on rebuild. Panarin would be a huge addition to that team. Not sure if he’d be willing to waive. Florida to me has always been a team he’d go to. BFF in goal. Not sure how they’d fit him. Retention isn’t a problem. Not much actual salary left to pay. 7mil bonus paid in summer and only 1mil left after that.
Pittsburgh unlikely to move 1st rounders or top prospects. Would ny take 2nd round picks and or mid tier prospects? Doubt it.
I think players not expected to play in the Olympics, will be traded before the Olympic break. Those in the games won’t be traded until the break is over, as teams aren’t going to want to trade for a player who may get hurt during the Olympics, (for example John Tavares getting hurt in the last Olympics)
so I see Panarin getting swapped just before the break, considering how the Rangers have fallen
Hamilton I think gets traded just before the break as well.
Repost: This is more relevant here than in the Morning Coffee.
Drury should start the sell-off and get some great draft position and great picks. Time to kick-start the “retool”.
Panarin should be the first to go, unless he resigns for 4 x $11M or less. Either Schnieder or Borgen should go to alleviate a bloated RD, Schnieder would fetch a top 6 forward and a very good prospect if Borgen is deemed the keeper. Borgen would get a good return, but maybe Schnieds ask on a new contract will be the deciding factor. And then Soucy will get a mid-round pick from someone.
Seems that Laffy had a lot of interest from Van to go there. Does NYR have any interest in a player swap with Van??? And no, don’t suggest Petey. 😉
Johnny Z. Before season I would’ve been interested in Boeser. At this point I don’t trust Drury. And I wonder who on Vancouver has issues with JT. Widely reported Rangers have interest in Sherwood. Drury could go all in trying to save his job. Or Dolan can throw in towel and fire him.
ThebRangers look like they’ve stopped caring. Sullivan was absolutely pissed after the first. I feel like the Rangers need to get rid of Drury. His hard line approach killed the team IMO. But they are also looking old and slow, so some big moves need to happen.
Regarding Andersen, wondering if Calgary would do Yakemchuk (an ex Cagary Hitman) and Buffalos second, since Sens down have their first or second.
That would be conditional on him resigning with Ottawa.
Yakemchuk is a Sen…he and Sanderson, Klevin are not going going anywhere anytime soon
Way too much for Andersson
I don’t necessary agree with that. Sens are pretty much in win now. Jensen won’t be back next year, and although you might want to elevate Spence, I think he slots in great with Kleven on the third. Yakemchuk has skill, but I don’t think he’ll be ready defensively for at least a couple of years. So where does that leave the Sens and their quest to find Chabby a solid D pairing? Sens have Hensler coming up as well, so I feel like Yakemchuk could be expendable for a guy like Anderson who is at his peak.
I dunno. I think they saw enough of Yakemchuk when they had him under their noses. And they’re probably happy with the guy they got 2 picks later who looks like he’s gonna better.
I wonder if the Kraken are interested in moving Ryan Lindgren
I can’t imagine the Rangers moving Schneider or Borgen. Maybe I am wrong, but both are young right shot defenseman. Wish the Sabres would have found a way to keep Borgen. He’s an idea bottom pairing defenseman.
Marner at center. Interesting to see the Golden Knights put him at center and hope someone has an explanation for the move.
Marner at center is giving the player more ice from a more dangerous position to make his plays from. The history of the NHL is littered with non-physical, highly skilled centers. He played it his whole life and is capable of it. Just because the Leafs had him as a winger doesn’t mean he couldn’t play center. In fact, he played like a center in every aspect but take draws on the regular. Play him where ever you like, he’ll still score about 100 pts a season.
If Boston offered a 1st and Mason they are nuts maybe one or the other.
Don’t see bruins giving up a 1st for Anderson without knowing he will sign long term Really don’t believe Murphy has his own sources
It’s well known the Bruins run a tight lipped ship. They don’t ever tip their hat .This is why the media hates them. Sweeney and Neely have both told media guys off. No one in Boston has insider information. When something is leaked it’s usually from another teams insider.
George, I did the Tankathon draft lottery this morning and Ottawa’s forfeited pick won.
What’s the deal with Dylan Cozens? Good size, good at FOs, reasonable scoring stats but he leads the team with a +/- of -15. Is he defensive liability, unlucky, lazy?
Cozens is prone to lots of brain farts and bad give aways. He also has played lots with Batherson who is also not the best defender.
Also, many of his goals I think came on the pp which doesn’t help his +\-
Gored1970, Owen has pretty much nailed it … he is prone to brain-fart giveaways leading to breakaways or 2-3 on 1s, although I should add that his current team-leading -15 might not be so glaring if the goaltenders also hadn’t let in some softies off some of the rushes stemming from his giveaways.
Among the regulars, the next worse minus is Jensen at -12, followed by Kleven -8, Zetterlund -5, Tkachuk & Eller -4 each, and Batherson -3.
On the plus side, the best is Giroux at +11, followed by Spence +9, Zub +7, Sanderson +5, Amadio +4, Stutzle +3, and Cousins, Pinto and Perron +2 each. Chabot is E.
Wow Giroux is only a +11???! Yeah I guess your point regarding goaltending has to play a big part in it…take Stecher who the Oilers (lol) put on waivers is a +10. I’m sure they could have used him or is he really just benefiting from good goaltending in Toronto?
Who says plus/minus is a BS stat? It does draw some more interest into what’s what with what we witness with our teams and players.
Heh. Ron, for Giroux that’s a monumental leap forward. For his 2023-24 season he was -14, and last season finished at -8 despite the team’s winning record. This season so far he’s mainly played on a line with Amadio and Pinto, which might account for his improvement there.
The Rangers are not close to contending.
I think Drury might be clinging to “if everyone was 100% healthy, then maybe” mentality.
But I hope not.
Maybe if they do a mini-retool they can get back to contention in the next 2-3 years with the right players. But 2-3 years is outside the prime windows of Panarin and Trocheck. Get all you can for them now to kickstart that retool. Picks and good prospects.