NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2026
What’s the latest on Artemi Panarin? Will the Flames move Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman? Are the Kings pursuing Canucks winger Evander Kane? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN
TSN: Darren Dreger reports contract talks between the New York Rangers and Artemi Panarin have not progressed. However, it’s unclear if the 34-year-old winger is open to being moved by the March 6 trade deadline.
Panarin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a full no-movement clause in his contract.
New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).
Dreger speculated that the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights might be interested in Panarin if he’s willing to waive his clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers reportedly haven’t approached Panarin yet about presenting a list of acceptable trade destinations. They are reportedly willing to wait until the end of January before deciding if they’ll be sellers.
The Panthers might not have sufficient room to add Panarin with Matthew Tkachuk coming off long-term injury reserve before the Olympic break. They must also ensure they have room for team captain Aleksander Barkov’s possible return before the end of the regular season. The Stars and Golden Knights also have limited cap room.
UPDATE ON THE FLAMES
TSN: Darren Dreger expects the Calgary Flames will likely move Rasmus Andersson before the March trade deadline. There is definite interest in the 29-year-old defenseman from other clubs. Dreger also didn’t rule out the possibility of Nazem Kadri getting traded. The 35-year-old center has frequently been linked to rumors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is UFA-eligible on July 1, and there’s no sign that he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension. A solid, all-around right-shot defenseman, Andersson should fetch a decent return, especially if there’s a bidding war among several clubs. If he’s willing to sign a contract extension as part of the deal, the Flames could get a bigger return.
Kadri’s full no-movement clause became a 13-team no-trade list last July. His two-way style, which is agitating, makes him an enticing option for clubs seeking experienced depth at center. However, his age and his $7 million average annual value through 2028-29 could be significant sticking points.
Dreger also acknowledged recent trade conjecture about Blake Coleman. However, he believes the Flames prefer to hang onto the versatile 32-year-old winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could part with Coleman if someone is willing to overpay for his services. However, he’s signed through next season with a reasonable AAV of $4.9 million, so the Flames don’t have to move him this season.
KINGS ARE RUMORED TO BE INTERESTED IN EVANDER KANE
MAYOR’S MANOR: Two separate sources claim that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland is “kicking tires” on Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane.
Kane would be the third former Edmonton Oilers player brought in by Holland, who was GM of the Oilers from 2019 to 2024. Holland brought Kane, Warren Foegele, and Corey Perry to Edmonton during his tenure with the Oilers. Foegele and Perry now play for the Kings.
Kane, 34, is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a 16-team no-trade list. His physical style of game is well-suited for the grind of playoff competition.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Holland is interested in adding Kane, it’s unlikely the latter will block the opportunity to play for the Kings.
Andersson, Coleman and a 3rd for Robo, Lundkvist.
Dallas is going to do as much as they possibly can to keep Robertson. The only way that he does move is a one for one for a player of comparable age and skills. There aren’t many of those out there that could be available.
He’s resigning in Dallas.
Who the hell is “Robo”?
Alex Murphy? LOL
Jason Roberson
Why would the Stars, who are all-in to win the Stanley Cup this year, trade their leading goal scorer (who is also second in points) for a good (but not great) defenseman and a banged-up middle-six forward? And why would the Flames acquire a winger who could bolt on them via the UFA market in 2027? Why would Robertson want to stay with a team that is clearly rebuilding? It makes no sense.
I spouse if they can’t re-sign Robo that the Stars could trade him at the draft and just use him as their own rental the rest of this season.
You never hear dog Mr Cop hahah
Lol “of” auto correct to dog because I suck at typing., or rather caring about typing correctly. 🙂
Same question as you Lyle…thanks for asking
Don’t you just love the use of nicknames and sweater numbers, Don O Ray?
Kane at 50% for a 3rd rounder
The east is so tight. Somebody is going to make a deal in an effort to separate themselves from the other teams. Teams have have draft capitol are going to make a move. I can see it happening before the trade deadline.
In fact, it’s SO tight, Toronto St Pats, that virtually every team in the East, with just 5 points separating 8th from 15th, likely views themselves as “buyers”- unlike the West – with the probable exception of the NYR who are no doubt sellers from this point.
Even out West only Vancouver is virtual toast, being 14 pts out of a WC spot. The Jets, Flames and Blues are closing in on that reality … but just 7 to 8 pts back, not quite yet.
So, with so few teams currently seen as sellers, it’s small wonder that trades are rare, as the sellers are probably playing one offer off others to get the best returns possible. Can’t really bla,e them, I guess.
Panarin most likely would waive to go to Florida. Plenty of social media over the years showing him hanging out with Bobrovsky, who is also ufa at end of season. Any talk of extending him? Maybe they both take discounts to play together next season. This season? Maybe if Barkov don’t come back. Panarin at 50% retention and Florida would still need to trade dump salary. Rodriguez and Luostarenin? Plus future pick/ prospect? Not sure they go far without Barkov.
Slick62, there is some indication that Barkov, who has resumed skating, could return to the line-up before the final seasonal games are played. Certainly for the playoffs. Sorta like the Kucherov situation??
https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/johnston-pretty-high-chance-barkov-returns-for-panthers-this-season/
George O. After I posted this i immediately thought cap don’t stop Panthers. They’ll do whet ever to make things work and I admittedly don’t understand “deadline cap space”
Idea
Laffy to Pitts for Rust and a pick?
Laffy way younger and plays on SIDS left
Next face of the Penguins in 2 yrs when the old guard retires
Rust a RW immediately becomes #1 rw to play with miller and Trotchek
Trade bread for picks and. Rw right hand prospect that shoots first
OK – who is “Laffy”?
Lafreniere, and no freaking way do I ever want to see that guy as a Penguin.
A polite no thank you from Pittsburgh. A bust for a not bust and the not bust also includes pick?
Andersson and Coleman have Las Vegas Golden Knights written all over them. We will have to see what kind of deal Vegas comes up with.
Whitecloud, Holtz and a 1st for Andersson (1/2 salary) and Coleman
Welp. Drury just sent out a letter. Expect some of your “favorite players may be moved in coming weeks. Labels or a retool. In its entirety, I’m guessing Panarin and Zibanejad could be at top of the list. Followed by Lafreniere. I think JT Miller and Trochek aren’t going anywhere
I’d add that I can see him pursuing Sherwood.
Had meeting with leadership group before sending out. Reportedly met separately with Panarin. Figured he’d have already discussed with players about their nmc’s beforehand.