Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 15, 2026
The latest on Flyers winger Matvei Michkov, the Senators are looking to move a forward, and an update on the Canucks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
FLYERS NOT TRADING MATVEI MICHKOV
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere and president of hockey operations Keith Jone met with Matvei Michkov this week, making it clear to the 21-year-old winger that he’s part of the club’s future and won’t be traded.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last week, ESPN’s Kevin Weeks reported that Michkov was unhappy and would prefer a fresh start with another club. That report caught the Flyers by surprise, with Briere saying it was news to them.
Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov (NHL Images).
Friedman said Flyers management also spoke with several of Michkov’s younger teammates who are close to him in age about how they felt about him, and the feedback was positive.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are determined to build around the promising younger players on their roster and within their system. Their handling of Michkov since Weekes’ report has stoked speculation that they could consider moving out some veterans if things don’t improve this season.
SENATORS ATTEMPTING TO MOVE ANDRE BURAKOVSKY
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Ottawa Senators are looking at moving Andre Burakovsky. They acquired the winger from the Chicago Blackhawks in June, but he has no points in eight games and has been a healthy scratch twice.
Friedman believes the Senators hope to add to their roster this season. He’s not sure if Burakovsky will be used as part of a deal to bolster their roster or simply to move him from their lineup to create an opportunity to add a player.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported last week that Senators GM Steve Staios was shopping around in the trade market for forward depth.
Garrioch believes the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings are open for business. However, he cited a league executive who claimed that there are other teams also searching for a forward, and that’s jammed up the market right now.
Burakovsky could be used in a package deal, but he carries a $5.5 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. While his actual salary is $3.75 million, the decline in his performance won’t make him easy to move.
UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS
SPORTSNET: Last week, Vancouver Canucks co-presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin met with the media to discuss the rebuilding club’s performance thus far. They admitted they’re unhappy with the results thus far and are weighing their options.
The Canucks are off to the worst start in franchise history, going 3-17-1 in their first 21 games. They’re last in the overall standings with seven points.
Daniel Sedin said he and his brother continue to have confidence in their coaching staff and the players. They don’t want to lose sight of what they’re trying to build and aren’t looking for wholesale changes.
Nevertheless, Henrik Sedin said the front office is evaluating whether moving players would improve the club. However, he indicated that they won’t make trades simply to acquire draft capital, saying they want to add players who can support their young players.
THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently looked at which veteran players could become trade chips for the Canucks.
Keeping winger Brock Boeser and defenseman Filip Hronek comes with financial implications, as both carry AAVs of $7.25 million for the next five seasons. However, their production, poise, and leadership are invaluable for a rebuilding club.
Center Elias Pettersson is playing better this season, but Kuzma noted the Los Angeles Kings need a replacement for retired center Anze Kopitar and the Detroit Red Wings could use a new center once Dylan Larkin is finally traded. However, he has a full no-movement clause, and the Canucks may be reluctant to retain part of his $11.6 million AAV.
Other trade candidates include forwards Jake DeBrusk, Filip Chytil, Paul Cotter, Drew O’Connor and Brendan Gallagher. Defenseman Luke Schenn could be another, though he has a full NMC.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trade rumors have dogged Pettersson and DeBrusk since last season, with the latter the more likely trade candidate given his affordable $5.5 million AAV, provided he’s willing to waive his NMC.
The Jackets may not be active in the trade market, just yet. I’ve started reading hints that Don Waddell and Rick Bowness may not last until Xmas.
Yes it is possible. Bowness is at the end of his long everlasting successful career and due to health reasons should be replaced and Gms like Waddell and Rutherford should join others in a retirement or care home. The Sedans should also seek employment in those care homes
Sure Detroit and LA could use Pettersson but why go from one bad team to another? He won’t waive unless it’s for a contender in a good place and the right kind of coach
Detroit is treading water but are just a couple piece from being very competitive. They have had the 2nd mot 1-goal games this seaon.
Getting Petey would surely help.
A 3-way with the Wild would do good for all 3 teams.
I think most of us Sens fans never understood the Burakovsky trade from the get-go. I personally think Staois just needs to eat this one if he has to give up a significant sweetener to get rid of him which he’ll most likely have to do. The puzzling part is that he never needed to trade for him, as the team was already set with forwards. Instead of having 5.5 million in cap space for a legit target, Staois is left with a player who just does not fit the system and will be impossible to unload without giving up assets. Staois for the most part has done well in his trades, and no gm will be perfect, but this one was always a head a scratcher.
It is that for sure, Owen. The only saving grace is that he is a UFA at season’s end so, if he does make a deal to bring in a better F, perhaps he can dump him sooner as part of the overall trade. When he and the other F walking-wounded get back (Eklund and Foegele) he’s going to have 16 Forwards – which is at least 3 too many. Blais is easy enough … he’ll go back to Belleville, as will – probably – Hodgson, but I think Thomasino has made a good case for himself and so will remain up. And they have to get Amadio re-signed. At age 30, the kicker there will be term. Can’t be for more than 4 years – preferably 3.
Burakovsky history is and was quite apparent. Dumb signing and now you are stuck with him . At least he will be on IR most of the time.
Waddel has not been in the chair that long for a GM . Coaches are hired to be fired