Check out the latest on the Canucks, Flames, Rangers, and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANUCKS AFTER THE SHERWOOD TRADE?

SPORTSNET: According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, there could be teams still intrigued by the skillset of Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Despite the decline in the 27-year-old’s production, some clubs could be wondering if he could regain the heights of his career-best 102-point performance in 2022-23.

Johnston noted that the Carolina Hurricanes were interested in Pettersson before he signed his current contract. He thinks they could still be a fit for the struggling Canucks center, especially as they’re willing to trade center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who could also benefit from a reset.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed some teams believe Pettersson could be traded this season, perhaps before the upcoming Olympic break from Feb. 4 to 22. He said the Canucks are in a spot where they’re willing to consider anything and everything.

Pettersson is in the second season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. However, if a club believes a change of scenery could rejuvenate his career, Seravalli suggested that Pettersson’s expensive cap hit doesn’t sound like a crazy risk profile.

THE ATHLETIC: Canucks beat writer Thomas Drance acknowledged that Canucks management is willing to entertain offers for their players.

However, he believes those in their late-twenties with term remaining on their contracts aren’t being aggressively shopped. That includes Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, Jake DeBrusk, and Marcus Pettersson.

Regarding Elias Pettersson, Drance believes a center would have to be part of the return to tempt the Canucks into trading him. He also stated that their level of interest in moving defenseman Filip Hronek is “virtually nil.”

Drance also stated that the Canucks aren’t using their draft picks as trade bait, particularly the four picks they hold in the first two rounds of this year’s draft.

Players that don’t factor into the Canucks plans beyond the March 6 trade deadline (Teddy Blueger, David Kampf, and Evander Kane) are the most likely to be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are likely reluctant to retain part of Pettersson’s cap hit to facilitate a trade because six years is a long time to have that dead cap space on their books. That consideration would require a significant offer from a rival club to convince them to do it.

The Hurricanes have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s full cap hit, but his declining production since 2023 would still make him an expensive gamble that could adversely affect their long-term cap room if he doesn’t improve, even if the Canucks would accept Kotkaniemi and his $4.82 million AAV in return.

THE LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there are ongoing discussions between Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy and the representatives for center Nazem Kadri. That doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, but Kadri wants to do what’s best for the Flames.

Kadri also wants to win the Stanley Cup. Dreger believes there has been some “tire-kicking” by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and maybe the Dallas Stars.

Dreger stressed that there is no rush on the Flames’ part, and a lot of work to do if they were to trade Kadri.

Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun reports Conroy didn’t say Kadri and winger Blake Coleman definitely aren’t moving, but he’s open to taking calls about them. LeBrun noted there is a market for Coleman, but the Flames are quite ready to retain the versatile winger given his leadership role with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why there is so much interest in Kadri. There’s a need for centers in the trade market, and he’s a proven performer. However, he’s also 35 and carries an average annual value of $7 million through 2028-29 with a 13-team no-trade list. Those factors must be taken into consideration, especially for clubs with limited cap space for this season.

Coleman is reportedly drawing the most interest. He has more Stanley Cup experience than Kadri, carries a more affordable cap hit ($4.9 million), and is a versatile two-way forward. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets moved instead of Kadri before the March 6 trade deadline. However, he’s signed through next season, so the Flames can be patient and wait for a good offer.

J.T. MILLER WON’T BE TRADED BY THE RANGERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t know why J.T. Miller is being mentioned as a trade candidate. He said the New York Rangers captain has no intention of waiving his no-movement clause, and management isn’t going to ask him to do so.

LeBrun pointed out that the Rangers acquired Miller last season and made him captain before this season. They still believe in the reasons why they brought him in.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller’s teammate, Mika Zibanejad, also reportedly doesn’t intend to waive his no-movement clause. Of the three Rangers’ forwards with NMCs, Artemi Panarin is the only one that management could move if he’s willing to waive his clause.

KRAKEN RUMORED TO BE SHOPPING JAMIE OLEKSIAK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited a report by NHL insider Frank Seravalli, claiming the Seattle Kraken are looking to move defenseman Jamie Oleksiak by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Kraken are jockeying for a wildcard berth in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, Seravalli said they’re in the same market in terms of trading veterans such as Oleksiak, Jaden Schwartz, and Jordan Eberle. Staples thinks Oleksiak could be a good rental addition to the Oilers’ blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oleksiak, Schwartz, and Eberle are original members of the Kraken, but they’re also UFA-eligible this summer. Management is transitioning the roster toward younger talent, which explains why they may be willing to part with those players at the deadline for draft picks despite the risk of scuttling their chances for a playoff spot.