NHL Rumor Mill – January 29, 2026
Could the Sharks attempt to acquire Rangers winger Artemi Panarin? Are more moves coming for the Islanders? What’s the latest on the Flames, Blue Jackets, and Kraken? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN
THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano was among the pundits reporting yesterday that New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin was being held out of the lineup for roster management purposes. The 34-year-old Panarin isn’t expected to appear in any more games before the upcoming Olympic break from Feb. 4-22.
New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).
Mercogliano stated it is unclear if the Rangers are currently working on a trade or are holding Panarin out of the lineup to avoid injuring a prime asset before the March 6 trade deadline. The Rangers may have worked out the parameters of a deal and are allowing Panarin to negotiate a contract extension.
Panarin reportedly seeks an extension before signing off on a trade. Mercogliano indicated that the winger has been permitted to discuss a new contract with interested clubs ahead of a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication yet that Panarin has given the Rangers a list of preferred trade destinations, but this report suggests his days are numbered in New York.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports the Sharks have inquired about Panarin and if he’d be willing to sign an extension with them.
Peng stated that this doesn’t mean the Sharks are close to acquiring Panarin. He anticipates there will be plenty of competition for the talented playmaker.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Mike Grier recently signaled that his club is accelerating its rebuild by acquiring Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks. Landing a big fish such as Panarin would be a major move on his part, and a clear indication that they now believe they are a playoff contender moving forward.
The Rangers are reportedly seeking affordable younger players who can have an immediate impact on their roster, as well as draft picks and prospects. Grier won’t part with young superstar center Macklin Celebrini, rising stars like Will Smith and Yaroslav Askarov, or a promising youngster such as Michael Misa.
It seems unlikely that the Sharks would part with left wingers William Eklund or Collin Graf, but one of them might have to move to make way for Panarin. Long-time Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro, 27, could be part of the return if he and the Sharks fail to agree to a contract extension. However, Grier has stated he’d prefer to hang onto his pending UFA players for a run at the postseason.
ISLANDERS MIGHT NOT BE DONE MAKING TRADES
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears praised Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche for his recent acquisitions of Carson Soucy from the Rangers and winger Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. Soucy provides much-needed depth for their banged-up blueline, while Palat could provide a boost in their scoring if the change of scenery helps him regain some of the offensive touch that he lost in New Jersey.
Sears pointed out that the Islanders didn’t lose any draft or prospect capital. They still have two first-round picks and the Devils’ third-rounder in this year’s draft to use as trade bait if necessary.
Sears also reported that Darche might not be done making moves before the March 6 trade deadline. The Isles GM said nothing is off the table in terms of potential deals if it would improve this club.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Soucy and Palat additions were affordable moves that should provide some short-term help for the Isles in their quest to nail down a playoff berth this season. It’ll be interesting to see if Darche’s next move is a more substantial one that benefits them over the long term.
UPDATES ON THE FLAMES, BLUE JACKETS, AND KRAKEN
RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Seattle Kraken are currently drawing the most attention in the trade market.
Despite their recent trade of Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Flames aren’t rushing further into the sellers’ game. Andersson is UFA-eligible, and they didn’t want to risk an injury that would adversely affect his value in the trade market.
Forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman have been mentioned as trade candidates. However, the Flames aren’t in a hurry to move them.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s because Kadri and Coleman are under contract beyond this season. The Flames can afford to be patient.
Sportsnet reports the Flames haven’t been blown out of the water yet with offers for Kadri. As for Coleman, however, they still feel he’s more likely to be moved before the trade deadline despite being sidelined until after the upcoming Olympic break.
It’s also been rumored that the Flames could flip recently-acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud at the trade deadline. However, the 29-year-old blueliner has two more years left on his deal. As with Kadri and Coleman, the Flames can afford to be patient.
The Blue Jackets have been getting calls about UFA-eligible players such as captain Boone Jenner and Charlie Coyle. Winger Dmitri Voronkov is signed through next season, but he’s also drawing interest.
However, the Blue Jackets have shown improvement since hiring Rick Bowness as their head coach earlier this month. They still believe they have a shot at the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets could peddle their pending UFAs if they fail to gain ground in the standings before March 6. They’ll likely wait and see where they are between the end of the Olympic break and the trade deadline.
The Kraken are still in the playoff hunt, but could become sellers if they continue to slide in the standings. They have pending UFAs such as Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jamie Oleksiak, who could be attractive trade bait. They could also be open to dangling young center Shane Wright for a game-breaking forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken are in the same position as the Blue Jackets. They’ll likely wait until after the Olympic break to get a clearer picture of where they are.
If the Rangers are looking for a similar return the Isles got for Brock Nelson, especially if Panarin agrees to an extension with new team, then that team will have to pay a hefty price. On top of that, there will surely be competition for his services. This response saying San Jose wont give up any young value is ridiculous.
SJ has plenty of young assets aside from those mentioned above.
Isles got Callum Ritchie who was drafted in 1st round 27th overall, a conditional first which will be late, maybe even the last pick in RD 1. Along with Kylington who was flipped to the Ducks the next day for Future considerations. He has played 6 games with them that year and is now in Sweden. So basically nothing and a salary dump.
So an OK/B prospect and a1st.
SJ can send Filip Bystedt, 27 overall the year before Ritchie and producing in AHL as a 6’3″ Center. And the Oilers first in the draft.
Pretty much identical to the Nelson deal.
Ray Bark. I must have been typing while you posted. Could’ve saved me some time there.
IMO. Panarin could get NY more than Isles got for Nelson. That return wasn’t really overwhelming. Calum Ritchie was a late 1st rd pick, and the 1st rounder Av’s gave up this year should also be near end of the 1st rd. Kylington not in league anymore and a 2028 3rd rounds out that “haul”
It’s been reported Panarin prefers a team with extension cause he doesn’t want to move his family multiple times. Looking at SJ roster: A few ex teammates in Reaves, Goodrow and briefly Wennenberg. A few Russians on roster, including a player same age who he’s played internationally with in Orlov. I’ve always felt Florida would be favorite. But, looking back at EC finals 2 seasons ago, you could argue that Panarin didn’t produce in a close series and maybe not the type of player Panthers would want in playoffs. Add to that the almost impossible task of fitting him under cap.
I dunno. Panarin better player but Brock is a center so inherently positionally more valuable. I think the comparison is just about right. Plus his insistence on an extension, which he said he’s not taking a pay cut, also hits his value slightly.
Well, I know where Panarin ISN’T going … anywhere North of the border
Chrisms
I think Panarin has always been a much better player and Isles must have also, as they were willing to pay him more than Rangers back when. Nelson got a 3 year extension with Colorado for 7.5 million per. Here’s where rumors could be misunderstood. Panarin has an AAV of 11.6 but, he received a salary in 1st year of deal of 14 million and it has steadily gone down to the 8 million he received this season. So, do we assume he wants at least 8million per in an extension? 8m x 3 years is reasonable if using Nelson. Could get 9 or 10 per for 2 years.
A similar return from the Sharks for Panarin would be Igor Chernishov, Nick Leddy, a protected first and a conditional 3rd if the Sharks win the cup. I don’t see that as a hefty price.
Panarin is said to prefer being in the East, which may give NYI, NJ and Carolina the edge.
Biz during last night’s TNT game was pushing Detroit, but would AP go inland?
Give me San Jose rebuild tactics of going for it asap and strike while you are stacked with elcs than for example Montreals tactic of hoarding young assets and remaining in a perpetual we arnt quite there yet mentality.
Well, Chrisms, I’ll counter that Gorton (MTL now) learned from his time in NY where the Rags decided to go for it early in the rebuild (Trouba etc) and their contention window closed earlier than it could have if they stayed patient with draft and develop and gave themselves more opportunities and saved the big UFA swings/expensive players in trade until later.
Or how about the Leafs who chased Tavares which left them without the cap room to improve their blueline, which is still a patchwork after years of trying.
Obviously plenty of other factors – flat cap for the Leafs hurt them more than other teams due to timing of their big extensions, overpaid their young guys too early. NYR made plenty of others moves that have impacted them since then.
Plus; SJ has Cellibrini, the Habs don’t. Best player to come into the league since McJesus.
I also think it would be a mistake for SJ to give up too much quality for Panarin. Not that he isn’t good, just that SJ isn’t their yet. And I would focus on D not a winger if I was them.
That is an inaccurate comparison Chrisms. And puzzling. Most consider the Habs to be ahead of schedule in their rebuild. Even with some of the worst goaltending in the league they are still in a playoff position and now have two lines that are an offensive threat.
The only “we aren’t there yet” example is as a serious cup contender. Going from a rebuild to cup contender takes more than a few years, and comes in steps and stages. It would be pointless for the Habs to acquire Panaren, for example; but they have added several different players this year to improve their playoff contender status.
Stanley isn’t won in a day ….
Lj after the Habs brought in Laine,Newhook and Dach I would be careful about who they bring in.
Sr, that is another odd comment about the Habs. Those acquisitions were from a few years ago. They have made a number of transactions acquiring and trading players since then.
I’m not trying to be touchy about the Habs, but what GM doesn’t try to be careful?
Panarin- I was curious for a minute why he was insisting on an extension as free agency would essentially open up so many options for him. But then I realized it’s insurance in case of career ending injury. Smart man.
Jenner isn’t going anywhere. He’s practically Mr Blue Jacket. It would take a stupidly overwhelming offer to even be considered.
Would you not allow for the fact that Jenner may, conscious of being 32, want to move on and have a chance to win the Cup? It is difficult from here to see the Jackets making a serious enough imprmovement at this stage in Jenner’s career to do so. Every year players make the same assessment and sign elsewhere, or agree to a trade.
And Jenner is in the last year of his contract, which is a common profile for getting traded.
May not be what you want to hear but there is little room for sentimentality in pro sports.
If that’s true Paul why no extension yet? Maybe he could be the rare case of a player agreeing to be traded for a cup chance then resign back home. But why risk a career injury with no extension if you are dead set on staying put?
Both good points Ray and lj. Macklin certainly changes the argument a bit. But there was a post here the other day that highlighted the perceived by me mentality of the habs and their fans saying this is what habs need and I’ll give up this. But zero blue chip assets were listed to give up. IMO the Habs are at the point of moving some of their blue chip assets (many not even on the roster!) for the next step.
I could also see the lack of goaltending being another counterpoint to my argument. They are 1-2 pieces away from being cup contenders. But not without a goalie and I don’t see lots of options there.
I do like griers approach though.
Montreal’s management said they are not trading future assets for rentals, they will if its a hockey deal.
That’s my point.
We can certainly agree about the Habs goaltending, Chrisms, and about not a lot of options. I think they are going to have to live with Montembeault and Dobes rather than bring up Fowler again too early and denting his confidence.
I may be in the minority, but when I look at both SJ in the Pacific, and Mtl in the Atlantic…two teams with a stock pile of youth and picks, why not go for it.
A measured go for certainly, but if Mtl can shore up its goaltending or SJ can add Panarin for a prospect and pick that won’t be missed…why not. You dont know things will break for you…you may bet a favorable match up…the top seed may be upset….I mean as a GM id rather regret moves I made than be left wondering what if.
No guarantee that that in a season or two you’d have any better chance.
Now as I said…that is not go crazy but a save move or two that doesnt break the bank in terms of prophecy and draft capital…why not?
I’ll go out on a limb and say SJ will not win the cup this year, with or without Panarin. Too young, D core is below average and needs time to be good enough as some aren’t even in the NHL yet.
Prospects and firsts can be missed dearly if they’re the right ones.
If I’m the GM I try to get in to get playoff reps. Not take big swings to try and win the cup. Too soon. Sherwood made sense to me.
SJ has a bunch of really good young players, who they will want to lock up long term, and those guys will get paid. Last thing you need is a 37 yr old Panarin making $11M when your actually ready to make a serious run and you now have cap problems.
Panarin can also stand firm on contract demands, doesn’t waive as teams don’t want to meet it, he becomes a UFA. But that seems unlikely to me.
You summed up my point above succinctly. Two different approaches. I like San Jose looking into going for it essentially saying we did our time let’s get outta the basement. With the assets Montreal has I’d be pissed as a fan of at least the next two years 1sts wernt in play for the right deal. They have a young team with budding stars as it is with other young assets coming. But I’m just repeating myself now.
I’m fine repeating myself Chrisms!
I’ll change it a bit and focus on the now.
IMO MTL and SJ just aren’t good enough and a guy like Panarin doesn’t make them good enough. Right now.
The team that did it with 2 young stars on ELC’s was Chicago. But that team struggled for a while before that and drafted a bunch of guys prior that were entering or well into their prime, including their D, that were huge contributors. Thinking Keith, Seabrook, Big Buff, Sharp. Along with Toews and Kane who were still 21.
That team dominated the regular season the year before the cup, and the year they won it. That just isn’t the case with MTL or SJ. Neither is even cruising to a playoff spot yet and are not locks to make it. SJ has a negative goal differential. Much improved but a ways to go yet.
I’d be curious what Calgary would want for Whitecloud. Sens need some help going forward on RD and I’ve always liked his game.
Surprised Owen that you are saying that because reading George’s posts it sounds RHS D is not a need for Ottawa when discussing Weegar. I would think a contender might give Conroy a late 1st for Whitecloud right at the deadline. That would probably be an offer for Conroy to say yes.
Weegar would be a good fit & I know George was trashing his numbers but holy smokes, he was a rock star last year. This year he has been playing with a rookie Kuznetsov & before he was called up with Hanley who is a 6-7 depth D on most teams. He also was/is trying so hard to get on the Olympic team he’s been over compensating his game.
You could literally flip the stats of him & Andersson from this year to last year. I wonder if Bruins would give us the same package they offered for Andersson for Weegar. If Ottawa really wanted him, I would say Pinto would be the ask back to make it worth Conroy’s while. Flames have lots of good prospects in the pipeline with 2 more 1st’s coming in 2026 & 2027.
Now if Flames were to trade Weegar I would think they will keep Whitecloud. If we keep Weegar I would think Conroy would move him if he gets his price.
Pinto for Weegar would be an overpayment. Cozens would be a more realistic option with draft picks/other players evening out the trade.
I think George just didn’t like the ask and the contract Weegar has remaining considering his age.
I would say the Sens need a stop gap at RD until one of their propects is able. Although I was thinking Pinto straight up for Weegar would be doable, after further thought I agree with George. If I was Staois I’d keep our centers and maybe hold off if that was the ask for either Weegar or Whitecloud.
Cozens is starting to really find his groove with Tkachuk and Greig. He has great possession numbers and hits like a train.
After seeing Pinto last night against the Mckinnon line, it reminded me just how good he is at shutting down top lines. Considering his assignment every night, for him to be a 50 Corsi and Fenwick is very solid.
I like Weegar and Whitecloud, but giving up either Pinto or Cozens is just too big a price.
Maybe they promote Spence and resign Jensen to a third line role with Kelven.
Panarin to San Jose would really elevate that team and they have the assets. Also Panarin to Anaheim where it is New York Rangers west or the Wild…all three seem like good landing spots for the remainder of the year.
Has anyone checked Panarin playoff stats. When they won the President’s cup he had two points . In 73 career games 61 points. Not screaming post season performer. Sharks a good spot. For a team close no thanks
Outside of that one year, Panarin has been pretty much a point per game in the playoffs. Which is pretty much what he does during the regular season. Expecting him to elevate his game beyond that isn’t exactly realistic.
Outside of the two years he spent in Chicago. Panarin has also had to be “the guy” in Columbus and NY.
Personally, I’d like to see him go somewhere like Dallas , Colorado etc where he doesn’t have to be “the guy” and more of a complimentary player . A more suitable role for a 34 yo guy that can still dominate the game.