NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2026
The Senators could be pursuing Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, plus the latest on the Oilers, Red Wings, Jets, Canadiens, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE SENATORS PURSUE MACKENZIE WEEGAR?
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported league executives claim the Senators and Calgary Flames may have had discussions about Flames right-shot defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
The Senators have been shopping for a right-side defenseman. Garrioch noted the 32-year-old Weegar is an Ottawa native. He carries an AAV of $6.25 million through 2030-31.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman have frequently popped up in recent media trade chatter, but this is the first time Weegar has been mentioned.
Flames GM Craig Conroy is reportedly examining all of his options, but he’s not tearing everything down to the studs. He has been retooling his roster since 2023-24 and would prefer to retain some of his veterans to help the development of the Flames’ promising youngsters.
Weegar carries a full no-trade clause through 2026-27. He has full control over whether he’ll accept being traded and the potential destinations.
THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION
YARDBARKER: Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed possible moves by the Oilers. Both of them suggested Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann might be a great fit in Edmonton.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication that the struggling Maple Leafs are ready to sell, but their recent tumble in the standings is putting them closer to becoming sellers. McMann, 29, is UFA-eligible this summer and could draw attention in the trade market if the Leafs make him available.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers continue to have trade discussions with teams regarding Andrew Mangiapane. They’re being open-minded about the return for the 29-year-old winger, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.
So far, the Oilers haven’t found a fit. Nevertheless, LeBrun wondered if the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, or St. Louis Blues might be interested.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also indicated that the extra year on Mangiapane’s contract has complicated the Oilers’ efforts to move him. However, the biggest sticking point likely remains the decline in his performance over the past couple of years.
RED WINGS SEEKING A CENTER
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Detroit Red Wings are buyers as they jockey for first place in the Eastern Conference. He indicated that GM Steve Yzerman seeks a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman. He would prefer if both players had terms remaining on their contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of projected trade deadline salary-cap space and tradeable assets to address at least one of those areas by March 6.
LATEST ON THE JETS
TSN: Darren Dreger addressed speculation suggesting the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken were discussing a deal involving Kraken center Shane Wright. He claimed, “There’s been no conversation between these two clubs about the potential availability of Shane Wright.”
If the Jets become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline, Dreger believes defenseman Logan Stanley could become a player of interest. The 27-year-old Stanley is UFA-eligible this summer, and there have been no contract extension talks between the two sides.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright has recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid speculation the Kraken could seek a “dynamic scoring forward”. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he had 44 points last season, but his production and playing time have decreased this season.
NO BIG DEADLINE DEALS FOR THE CANADIENS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has no plans of sacrificing assets for quick fixes before the March trade deadline. In a recent podcast, Hughes said he intends to be prudent in the trade market.
LeBrun believes the Canadiens still want to make hockey trades. He cited their creativity in the trade market, and will be on the lookout for a deal that could improve their top-six forwards.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could also be in the market for an experienced penalty killer. The Canadiens are 27th in that department.
BLUE JACKETS STILL DETERMINING IF THEY’RE BUYERS OR SELLERS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have improved under new head coach Rick Bowness, but they’re still six points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Jackets could decide by the upcoming Olympic break in February if they’ll be buyers or sellers. If they sell, pending UFAs such as Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Erik Gudbranson would draw interest.
Detroit may look into Kadri. Though he is older he is the type of gritty player the Redwings will need in the playoffs. Bonus he is signed for a few more seasons
For RD rangers will sell ya Will Borgen. Cost controlled with a rising cap
How is a 2nd and 6th?
Has anyone watched Wrights game long term. Like from juniors etc
Can this dude play RW? Does he look like a natural goal scorer with touch or more Tavares like where he has to play between the dots and grind out goals?
Montreal should look at Blueger in Vancouver now that he is playing again. VG penalty killer, good on draws and can play 3c in a pinch
Despite the pens 4th line doing really awesome this year I wouldn’t mind seeing blueger come back to Pittsburgh to replace acceri. Teddy brings similar defensive skills with a bit more offensive upside.
Weegar for Pinto
Flames get their C, then they would be too short on RD. Can’t have everything. 🫤
I’d probably do that if I was Staois. Straight up trade. Money is close too. Tough to see Pinto go, as he well liked in the room I think, but Weegar is the solid pairing Sens need for Chabot.
Well, now, let’s not go overboard here.
Yes, he was born here and all that. But he just turned 32 and, signed at $6,250,000 per off the cap, he’ll be 37 when it expires in 2031.
He is also currently the worst F on the Flames – by far – at minus 30. I know that doesn’t always signify the true capabilities of a player, especially on a struggling team. and perhaps it’s partially due to his playing top minutes against the opposition’s best. But wow. No one else on the Flames D who has played in a significant number of games is even close:
Kevin Bahl 51gp +11; Yan Kuznetsov 38gp -7; Zach Whitecloud 51gp -8; Joel Hanley 49gp -5; Brayfen Pachal 25gp -7
I’m not trading Pinto even up for that.
Above should read “currently the worst D …
Hey George,
I prefir to look at expected goals for percentage rather than +/-.
As per Natural Stat Trick, Weeger has a xGF of 41 and a xGA of 44, for a xGF% of 48.23% (anything above 50% is good), which works out to be the equivalint of -3. That is a far cry from a -30. Rasmus Andersson has a +/- of minus 3, but has a xGA% of 47.11%.
In Calgary Weeger has been playing top d-pairing, IMO he’s better suited for the second pairing.
Kevjam, interesting perspective on Weegar for sure. Thanks.
But at this stage, as I post elsewhere, the D is not what’s been holding the Senators back. It’s inconsistent goal-tending. While Weegar might well be an improvement over, say, Nick Jensen, both in terms of age and capability, I doubt it would make that much of a difference in their on-ice results without a corresponding improvement in nets.
Certainly not enough to give up a 25 y/o 6″ 3″ 210lb right-shot C who has 82-game career averages of 21g 23a 43 pts playing primarily 3rd line minutes, often with wingers not exactly known as snipers.
Where they stand now, if I were going to relinquish Pinto, it would have to be for a good young winger with term, or a 1st round pick.
Copp has finally been doing some good filling in as 2nd line C. Now Y wants another one? You never can have enough C’s!
NYR’s Schnieder could do well as the Wing’s new RD!
Copp would be a better 3C for them—he is not that fleet of foot but i guess he and Kane are similar?
I thought earlier in the season Conroy said that they will not be trading Weeger. I don’t see this happening unless the Sens greatly overpay for him.
Staois doesn’t look like a guy who overpays very often. I think Pinto for Weegar is fair. Money is close. Pinto is much younger. As George said yesterday, it’s the Sens only position of strength. Halliday is looking like a quality player. Big, skilled and gritty. Sens could make Pinto or Cozens available. I wouldn’t trade any more than that. Both RD and C are the hardest positions to fill and Weegar is 32.
Right now, the only Senators’ D with a minus are Jensen at -8 and Kleven -5. Their D, if anything, has been their strength this season. It’s the goaltending inconsistency that has been holding them back.
Maybe Staios is looking to replace Nick Jensen who is 35 and is a UFA at the end of this season?
There is Weegers NMC to think about as well.
The goaltending is by far the biggest position of need, but I would argue there is not much out there to help the Sens atm. The Sens have great metrics in almost all areas, but they lead the league in two metrics. 1. The worst save percentage and 2. the worst percentage of defensive zone giveaways. I, like you George, watch most Sens games, and it’s mind blowing the decisions the team has at times exiting their zone. When Jensen goes who replaces him? If Spence moves up, who pairs with Kleven? Montipalo? Sanderson/Zub
Chabby/Weegar
Kleven/Spence
makes me feel much better. I agree that Pino or Cozens would be a high price. Maybe Halliday goes, but there goes our cheap, young center who, to me, looks like the real deal. I’m sure Flames would want a pic to boot for Halliday, which the Sens don’t really have.
Tough spot for sure.
I was thinking the same thing Kev. I would t trade Weegar unless the offer was an overpayment.
And Pinto would be just that … an overpayment.
McMann goes in the corners and spends time in front of the net. He would be perfect
For a team who plans to go deep into the playoffs. Then he could cash in on July 1.
Leafs looked pretty bad last night and I think there’s more to come.
I grew up in the same town as Bobby McMann, Wainwright AB. It’s about 2 hours east of Edmonton. As a teenager I worked at my Dad’s grocery store and I delivered groceries to his Grandma. She was a super sweet lady. She always tipped me a quarter. LOL
If the price is right I would love to see him in an Oilers jersey.
Kinda love that story. 🙂
Anyone who is first in the offensive zone is a player I want on my team. And McMann is just that.
Habs penalty kill has been bad but with Evans back from injury and now Danault in the line up it should improve. I’m not sure how much of that poor stat is on their goaltenders… With their injured players coming back, I’d be looking for a goalie upgrade more than anything else. Unsure what the options would be. Sure if there’s a good forward or defence trade to be made then go ahead. But I think goaltending is (or should be) the priority going into the deadline.
I’m with Hughes on this. Habs are not yet at the point where they should give up futures for a rental. A hockey trade for a player with term could still be an option. I don’t think the Habs necessarily need any more bodies to play the PK. It’s that the structure and execution hasn’t been great. To say nothing of the goaltending. I think Robidas needs to be replaced as defensive coach in the off season. A veteran assistant to coach the D and PK would help.
Habs just fired their goalie coach. Promoted the guy in Laval who’s done well with Fowler this year. Almost like they read my post. But I stand by the need to replace Robidas. The defensive structure needs to be adjusted and a new voice is needed for that.
I am with you and everyday, Howard. A panic trade is not on.
It is tough to draw conclusions from the PK stat, given how gawd awful the goaltending has been. Or, has the goaltending been the result of a poor PK? In any eventI am unaware of a goalie upgrade available, so they are stuck. Imagine how they would be if the kept Jake Allen?
Fortunately, as much as the start of this season has been a pleasant surprise, I believe this year is a developmental year for the Habs rookies and young players. Playoff experience only makes that better, but it is next year that I expect a stronger, more consistent, and sustainable effort.
If anyone I’d bet the Wings are pursuing Trocheck, because he grew up playing in the local Little Ceasers system. But if that’s the case the Rangers should be prepared for a disappointing return because I don’t see Yzerman parting with Danielson or Kasper for him. The return may be someone like Compher + Lombardi (propsect) + picks.
You made Mickey Redmond happy!
I would like Vinnie too. But I don’t see NYR settling for less than an NHL ready prospect, preferably a C, a high pick and a very good prospect.
Marco or Danny, a 1st rounder (maybe 2027 or 28 is OK) and a prospect. A bit too high for a guy that is well over the wrong side of 30.
Pinto would be a better pick, but Y does not have a RD to give for him.
I know that the Sens just sighned Reimer, but because of what Ullmark just went through I have been wondering if a Pickard to Ottawa deal would make sence. Pickard is hugely liked in the Oilers dressingroom. He may just be what the Sens dressingroom needs, especially for Ullmark. Plus his last bunch of starts he has looked good.
Probably could get him for a 3rd. But at this point of Calvin’s career, he may be just a rental.
Pickard, who turns 34 in April. has a 3.68 gaa and an 0.871 save %.
Merilainen, who turns 24 in August, has a 3.51 gaa and an .860 save % while up with the Senators this season, and was the reason he was sent to Belleville.
Reimer, so far, has only played 4 games but with a 2.32 gaa and 0.871 save %.
How is Pickard – currently playing for a more successful team so far this season – any kind of improvement over what they have? Great guy in the dressing room or not.
I haven’t heard anything to suggest Reimer is anti-social or anything, nor was Merilainen.
Reimer 3.32 gaa correction
The Oilers maybe having more success in the standings than the Sens, but the Sens are the better deffensive team. Plus Pickard is a prooven good backup goalie.
Who would you rather have? a rusty 37 year old goalie who has only played 4 games. Or a 33 year old goalie who is in mid season form who is only making $1 million and is a UFA at the end of this season?
Also, it will probably only coast the Sens at most a 4th round pick to aquire Pickard.
Heh. Right now what I’d rather have is 23 y/o Merilainen back soon, and closer to his form of a year ago through gp in the AHL, combined with a rejuvenated Ullmark.
I totaly understand that.
From purely a selfish position I would like to see the Sens finish ahead of leafs. As they do not have 1st and the leaf pic will actually be 1 higher than it should be and that goes to bruins😀 toss in a Florida squeak in and a Habs miss to boot just another selfish thought I had.
High enough to be outside of the lottery, but low enough to be a good pick. lol
Habs approach to the goalie “problem” was to fire Eric Raymond, the goalie coach.
While it appears to be a knee-jerk reaction it isn’t as they hired Marco Marciano to replace him,
He has been the goalie coach in Laval since 2017 with a lot of success with the goalies there including Primeau, Dobes, Fowler and importantly most recently with Montembeault who came back stronger.
In 2021 when the Habs made the Cup run and Price had that phenomenal playoff run it was Marco Marciano who was working with him.
Coaching does matter.