NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2026
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.
Zibanejad is going nowhere.
Panarin is gone.
Not sure why I keep seeing this crazy idea that neither are worth anything.
Over the last 5 year’s Zibanejad ranks 8th among centers in scoring. 26th overall among ALL nhl players the last 5 years
Panarin is ranked #1 among left wingers in that same time span. 6th among ALL players in the NHL over 5 years.
You’re not getting Panarin for a 5th and a b prospect. He’s undoubtedly #1 on the board.
The other options ? Coleman, Mangiapane, Hamilton?
You’d be hard pressed to find a player not getting a 1st ++ at the deadline averaging more than a point a game. UFA or not. Panarin will be no different. Regardless of the NY jersey.
The return won’t be as high as it should be as he will probably say I will go here and only here. Whether it is Avs. Or panthers etc. that make the return smaller
It should be more than the Flames got for Anderson, shouldn’t it?
Panarin is different in that he can just say “no” to a trade to any team he wants and just wait until he’s a ufa. NY isn’t getting a King’s ransom for a player that has all the control.
The nmc will not impact the “general” expected return imo of a panarin trade unless Panarin comes out openly and states where he will or will not go.
I mean Drury is going to set his price and he isnt going to tell the clubs who are on or off the list until he has solid offers.
Then he will take the best one and go ask for a waive by panarin. I mean that is the logical approach no?
So yes the return won’t be the best but it will still meet drury’s criteria. Or he won’t move him
Its the rangers, they are still attractive in free agency.
Just my thoughts
It has nothing to do with the jersey. It’s as the gentleman say below. The nmc and the minimal team(s) they can go to and in z case they cap hit for 5 more years.
It’s a good question 1Oilerfan. Personally I think it will effect his return, by how much depends on how many places Panarin is open to going to. Which we don’t know.
My guess is it is more than 1 as who wants to stay where you’re not wanted when you have a chance to play for a cup. Might as well increase the chances of that trade to at least 2 or 3. But Hall was firm and said only Boston, so who knows. He might have inside info, it’s not like players don’t talk to players from other teams, and they know each other.
As far as what happens first, negotiate with the teams first, or get the list from the player first? I dunno. Perhaps both, you gauge interest with the contenders and teams you identify as possible targets, then speak to Panarin for his list or agreement.
If I’m looking to acquire him, or adding offence to my team, I wouldn’t be wasting time negotiating until I knew what the deal was and if he will waive his NMC. I would focus on players I could actually acquire vs doing hypotheticals with Drury. I sure as heck wouldn’t be making my best offer until then.
The way I understand it the Rags didn’t even engage in extension talks and have said they won’t be. So the only way he doesn’t get traded is if he refuse to waive, which I think is unlikely.
Follow up,
The list isn’t as short as some are thinking. They are saying the Avs are the most likely landing spot. But Washington is in the mix. Florida, Dallas are reportedly showing interest. And I doubt Tampa , Edmonton etc aren’t at least going to kick the tires.
I don’t think this comes down to one team like a lot are speculating.
They don’t need 10 teams to get a fair return (1st +) they need two or three. Anything more than that it will be an overpay.
His NMC means nothing to the teams interested in acquiring him.
Again, this guy has been a top 10 player for a decade. He’s not going for a 3rd 4th and a fringe Ahl’er.
Drury won’t be doing other teams a favor for the sake of a garbage return. At that point move other players and keep pushing.
I doubt the fan base will be upset for Drury not taking a 3rd for Panarin. It would be an insult at that point.
If CAR has cap space why doesn’t Van send the Pettersson then
Just has for a haul and take KK of their hands to get more from CAR
Kk is not that expensive in the big picture
kK can play 2/3c and with a rising cap Van will have space again to play with in addition to the prospect and picks they’d obtain from sending Elias to CAR
Am I thinking too illogical?
You are right i really want petterson to Carolina. Imagine if it happens:
Svech – Aho – Ehlers
Stan – Petterson – Jarvis
Stanley Cup!
Even if he returns to form – which is no guarantee – that’s a big maybe, as it still wouldn’t put them in the same class as Colorado overall.
I’m not a Petterson expert other than what I have read by the writers and scouts who write about these type of things.
But I am familiar with how the Canes play, and how Rod the Bod demands they play. Aggressive sums it if you want to use one word. They apply pressure all over the ice and even play man to man defense for the most part vs the modified box plus 1 that most teams use in their own end.
Skate, skate, skate. Check, check, check.
Again, don’t watch Petey play much, but sure doesn’t sound like him. More cerebral, sound positionally type of player. But maybe the Canes can make that work, I dunno. He doesn’t suck defensively.
Doesn’t sound like Panarin either, but he has elite offensive skills which Petterson hasn’t shown in a few years now. Plus he’s a winger so D zone mistakes or lack of aggression won’t have as big an impact. Panarin can make a special play that can be the difference in tight playoff games.
Heh. If trade history is any indication, and if Kadri is indeed dealt, it likely won’t involve any among the speculated destinations of Toronto, Montreal, Colorado, Los Angeles or Dallas, but rather a team no one gave even a remote thought to as “likely.”
Islanders?
Fits the Flyer mold too
George O: I wonder if Craig Conroy would be willing to (Assuming Kadri says yes) ship Kadri to Carolina for Kotkaniemi, Bradley Nadeau, Car’s 1st 26 and a conditional 1st in 28.
That would be a huge overpay
While I’m sure Tulsky would do that in a flash if he feels his club is close to winning it all, since landing a C like Kadri – who’s been a remarkably consistent offensive player throughout his career – could certainly be the icing on a pretty good cake.
Not to mention infinitely better than Kotkeniami, who’s been pretty much a total bust since being drafted 3rd overall 8 years ago. Nor is the undrafted Nadeau anything more than a toss-in.
The 1st round picks figure to be near the bottom of this year’s draft, and only maybe a bit higher in 2028.
As for Conroy, that’s an under-whelming return, IF Kadri is prepared to go to a contender, I’m sure he could get better offers from the likes of Tampa, Vegas, Dallas and maybe even Florida and Minnesota.
The one over-riding caveat is that Kadri costs $7 mil per off the cap for 3 more seasons after this, by which time he’ll be turning 38 y/o for that final season.
As I post above, Mrbruin4, with the one caveat being Kadri’s age, I wouldn’t see that deal as being a huge overpay. Unless, of course, you’re referring to Conroy’s possible offer as the overpay! 🙂
Neither Kotkaniemi nor Nadeau (who I mistakingly refer to as undrafted above – he was taken 30th overall in 2023 and has all of 11 NHL games under his belt) are worth much, and those two 1st pick project to be low in the 1st rounds,
Kadri, on the other hand, has been consistently in the 82-game average range of 26g 40a 66pts over his entire career of 1034gp.
Vegas figures a way to get Calgary to Pieterangelo’s contract and gets Kadri.
And Kadri does have playoff experience as well – 52gp 19g 25a 44pts
No it was already reported that Kadri won’t waive for Carolina.
I was thinking the exact samething as you. LOL
Carolina came to my mind. The two teams have a history with trades.
Dreger is usually pretty well connected to league scuttlebutt, but the Habs have 5 centers that are playing center, and 2 more who could. I don’t get the Khadri speculation.
Now if you were talking abut a bottom 6 forward who brings what Coleman does, that makes sense to me.
If the Habs were to go for another centre I’d look at one who happens to play the wing a lot, as in Boone Jenner.
He fits the Habs needs, a big physical player who’s solid at C or W, much cheaper than Kadri and fits the team better.