NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on the Canucks’ Evander Kane and the Sharks’ Kiefer Sherwood, plus the Sabres could become buyers at the trade deadline.
EVANDER KANE GARNERING SOME ATTENTION IN THE TRADE MARKET
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports a source confirmed several NHL teams are inquiring about Evander Kane. The 34-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cap hit of $5.125 million with a 16-team trade list.
Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane (NHL Images)
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes suggested the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars could be among the interested parties. While his production is down this season (nine goals and 23 points in 50 games), his physical play could make him a good addition for a playoff club as a third or fourth-line forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested teams might not have to give up much to get Kane. However, it could cost a little more if they want the Canucks to retain part of his salary.
COULD THE SHARKS FLIP KIEFER SHERWOOD AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?
THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier didn’t send two second-round picks to the Vancouver Canucks for winger Kiefer Sherwood, only to watch him depart via free agency on July 1.
Sherwood, 30, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. He’s completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.5 million and is expected to seek a significant raise on his next deal. He reportedly rejected a three or four-year offer from the Canucks with a $4 million AAV.
Grier is optimistic he can get Sherwood signed to a contract extension. However, he must also ensure he’ll have enough long-term cap room to re-sign rising stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith in 2027. The Sharks GM didn’t rule out the possibility of listening to offers for Sherwood, but insisted that the winger was a targeted acquisition.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier acquired Sherwood because he likes his physical two-way style. He believes the veteran winger is the type of experienced player who can help the rebuilding Sharks reach the playoffs now and for the next several years.
Nevertheless, if they can’t get an extension done, Grier could be open to offers before the trade deadline, especially if his club struggles to remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.
WILL THE SABRES BECOME BUYERS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?
THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the surging Buffalo Sabres could be buyers at this year’s trade deadline. He believes that general manager Jarmo Kekalainen needs to add a depth defenseman to ease some of the workload from the top-four defensemen.
Injuries have frequently sidelined center Josh Norris, who is currently out with sore ribs. Fairburn believes another forward capable of playing among the top six would help to balance out the forward lines.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kekalainen won’t overpay to address those issues. Nevertheless, he’ll keep his eyes open for any affordable options before March 6.
I would much rather the Stars target Blake Coleman or even Kadri than Kane…
What would you see as a trade for Coleman?
I have a feeling Coleman will end up in Dallas
If I were Buffalo I would not even change my underwear right now. They are playing very well and look to end the playoff drought. Might only be 4 games but nonetheless
I agree that Buffalo doesn’t need to make any significant deal, and that they will finally end their 14-year playoff drought.
I would add, too, that, outside of Tampa and Carolina . they might be the one team no one wants to face in the opening round, and I doubt anyone takes them in 4.
Right now, having gone 7-2-1 in their past 10, their 167 goals scored puts them in 6th place back of Carolina (176), Montreal (174), Tampa (172), Boston (170) and Toronto (169) … and they hold a game in hand on all except Tampa.
They are also in the top 10 in the fewest goals against department, tied with N.J. at 155. Tampa is off by themselves there with 122, but the rest are quite comparative.
We have no idea when Kulich will return to the Sabres, His return would negate the need for BUF to make any deals by March 6. Helenius already looks like an NHLer.
Adding Luke Schenn would be a great move for defensive depth and more physical play on the backline. Timmons may become expendable, once he gets heathy.
I have no idea what the Leafs are going to do before March 6. Their lack of tradeable assets limits the buds’ ability to do much of anything.