Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 18, 2026
Check out the latest on who’s pursuing Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, updates on the Rangers, and the latest on Elias Pettersson, Robert Thomas, and Kiefer Sherwood in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
BRUINS IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins appear to be the front-runners to acquire Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
The Bruins have made a serious offer. Friedman believes they’re the only team that the Flames have permitted to speak with Andersson about a contract extension. He thinks those discussions have been “pretty serious”.
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).
Friedman reported the Vegas Golden Knights are also involved, but their offer isn’t as strong as the one from the Bruins. He thinks the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs are also floating around in the mix.
TSN: Darren Dreger reported the Bruins were among four teams in the mix for Andersson. Two are in the Eastern Conference, and two are from the West. The Vegas Golden Knights are also considered “strong contenders”.
DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports there is no definitive word on whether the Detroit Red Wings remain in the Andersson sweepstakes. He’s heard they might not be part of it any longer because the 29-year-old defenseman wants to test the free-agent market on July 1. The Flames’ asking price is said to be two first-round picks (or the equivalent) plus another asset.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson played last night and was named the game’s third star, receiving an appreciative ovation from Calgary fans as though it were his final game for the Flames. It’s expected he could be on the move within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Unsubstantiated rumors claimed the Bruins offered up defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick. We should find out soon if he’s heading to Boston or whether another club might swoop in and meet the Flames’ asking price.
THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS
THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reports New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin admitted he was “confused” over the club’s plans to retool its roster, including not offering him a contract extension. However, he claims he’s okay with it and remains focused on giving his best in every game he has left with the Rangers.
Panarin declined to comment on his discussion with Rangers general manager Chris Drury, and whether he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes there will be teams contacting the Rangers to ask if Panarin is willing to talk to them, and whether he’d be a playoff rental or sign an extension.
Mercogliano believes the Rangers intend to listen to offers on just about everyone, including center Vincent Trocheck, who is considered their best trade chip lacking a no-movement clause. Drury doesn’t have to rush because the 32-year-old Trocheck has three years remaining on his contract, but teams are calling about him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rating’s Marco D’Amico reports an NHL source told him that a few teams have already asked the Rangers what they intend to do with Trocheck.
D’Amico noted that Trocheck’s experience, premium center position, and two-way play check a lot of boxes. He pointed out that Trocheck carries a 10-team no-trade list, and the need for centers in this year’s trade market gives the Rangers plenty of leverage.
Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere and defenseman Braden Schneider are also generating some interest in the trade market. Mercogliano claimed the people he’s spoken with wouldn’t be surprised if the Rangers listen to offers for younger players in need of a change of scenery.
Mercogliano also reports that winger Mika Zibanejad has affirmed his commitment to the Rangers. He carries a full no-movement clause and is almost certain not to be moved, at least before the March 6 trade deadline.
UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS
RATINGS: Marco D’Amico reports center Elias Pettersson and defenseman Filip Hronek have come up in trade rumors. The Canucks are more willing to listen to offers for Pettersson because Hronek has flourished since Quinn Hughes was traded to Minnesota last month.
An NHL source suggested that Pettersson’s $11.6 million annual cap hit is too expensive for a team that is rebuilding its roster. He noted the Carolina Hurricanes were previously interested in Pettersson and could attempt another big move. The Utah Mammoth or Philadelphia Flyers could also make a major splash.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s full cap hit, but they may be focused on other options now. The Mammoth and Flyers can also afford it, but they could balk unless the Canucks retain part of it.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks are working with Kiefer Sherwood’s agent to help them get a trade done. He believes there are teams interested in the 30-year-old winger, but they’re now waiting for one to step forward.
COULD THE BLUES MOVE ROBERT THOMAS?
RATINGS: Marco D’Amico reports the St. Louis Blues have been quietly retooling their roster over the last three years. That has raised speculation that they could consider moving a core player such as Robert Thomas or Jordan Kyrou.
The Blues aren’t shopping Thomas, nor will they give him away, but a well-placed source said they could consider moving him if they received an aggressive offer comparable to what the Canucks received in the Quinn Hughes trade with Minnesota.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas and Kyrou must waive their no-trade clauses first, and there’s no indication they’re willing to do that. If they do, the Blues will only get a limited number of trade partners, so the returns might not be that good.
I guess the Bruins really feel that Andersson is with the equivalent of two first rounders. They feel he can be plugged into their backline for 5-6 years, while sacrificing multiple pieces young talent. It’s a move you make if you feel you are that close to competing for a Cup.
2 1sts??? I heard 1 mid round 1st formerly the leafs . A 3rd line d and possibly ahl player. With an extension in place. That is no where near 2 1sts
Maple Leafs first and one of the Bruins’ top prospects other than Hagens. That basically equals two firsts. I like Andersson’s play, I am just not sure he’s worth the value the Bruins would have to give up. Maybe if he was 24, but not at 29.
also Anderson is in his prime and fits perfectly with the Bruin core pieces
If you believe he is, then that’s fine. It just seems a lot to give up, extension or not. Good luck man.
There is absolutely no way that Pettersson would accept a trade to Philly with Tocchet being there. Canes, Wings and LA seems more likely options
Can see canes for him as a fit
I’m tired of this “ don’t trade the Tor pick” nonsense. The pick wont be a top 20 and the Bruins have 10 picks this draft.knowing Sweeney the plan was trade chip all along . In my opinion the Bruins are a true top 6 F and top 4 right D away from being legit threats. Andersson is in his prime right now and fills a desperate need for a solid right shot d. 24 minutes a night he’s on the ice. I’m all for it just weary about Lohrei being involved. It hasn’t been confirmed so you never know. Hagens could be in the deal. You never know. Pasta isn’t going any younger nor are the rest of the core. One less long term improvement need to worry about. If he hits free agency it’s a serious bidding war between several teams. Basically would get Minten and Anderson for Carlo.ill take that every time
Andersson is going to Vegas.
Whitecloud, Wiebe, 2027 1st, conditional 2027 2nd that becomes a 2028 1st if they win the Cup. Flames eat 50% of Ras. No extension needed. Figures, I would call that the Vegas advantage, no extension required cuz they’re confident he’;ll want to stay once he gets there. Hope Conroy learns a lesson, if you want to get a huge package back for a pending UFA, trade them at the previous year trade deadline so that the acquiring team has 2 playoff runs & lots of time to extend the player. Still this isnt bad for a rental return.
That’s pretty good return!
Doesn’t everybody go to Vegas? Or Miami?
Interesting how winning changes things. Players did not regularly want to play for the Panthers for years. Then they hired a good GM and became a winner. Winning in Florida and Vegas is a great recruiter.
You forgot Toronto…just saying
Toronto St Pat. Who did Florida recruit? Almost every key player was either drafted or acquired in a trade.
Whitecloud, Wiebe, 2027 1st, conditional 2027 2nd that becomes a 2028 1st if they win the Cup. Flames eat 50% of Ras. No extension needed. Figures, I would call that the Vegas advantage, no extension required cuz they’re confident he’;ll want to stay once he gets there. Hope Conroy learns a lesson, if you want to get a huge package back for a pending UFA, trade them at the previous year trade deadline so that the acquiring team has 2 playoff runs & lots of time to extend the player. Still this isnt bad for a rental return.
I like the Bost rumor much better . I guess he would not extend. So for all intents and purposes a rental.
If not good for him. These players have to work hard to get to ufa… a status most other professions inherently just have… and while I’m no boohooing for people making that kinda cash… they deserve to be able to sell their skills to whomever at some point.
Taxachusetts probably kept him away. Sweeney probably tried to lowball him too.
Heh. I like that Dave.
Wonder if it could be adapted for Ontario … let’s see … “Ontaxio” sounds good. Or maybe Quetax for that other tax-happy province ….
As a Bruin fan I’m so happy they didn’t get Rasmus price was way to high.
Boston reminds me so much of Detroit when they fell out of contention. They brought on Frans Nielson to try and replace Datsyuk when he retired. Boston brings on Lindholm to try and replace Bergeron. Lidstrom retires and the Wings D-core falls to Kronwall & a mixture of FAs/trades like Zidlicky and Mike Green to try and retool. Chara leaves Boston, and D falls to McAvoy with a rotating cast of FA/trades like Orlov and Hampus Lindholm. Detroit had a promising young goalie in Jimmy Howard behind that crumbling core. Boston has a promising young goalie in Swayman behind that crumbling core. Detroit kept getting mid first round picks like Svechnikov and Chowlowski that never lived up to even their modest hype. Take your pick of failed picks out of the Bruins system over the past decade (Lauko, Senyshyn, even DeBrusk). Detroit fans held out hope saying they needed to win before Zetterberg retires. Boston fans saying the same thing about Pasta. Living in the limbo of mediocre just to be terrible afterwards sucks.
Andersson signing with Boston would be a disaster for both. Boston needs to let it go and do a quick full tear down. If Andersson signs there he’ll just be on a team as bad as the Flames in about 2 years, wearing yellow instead of orange.