NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2026

by | Jan 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2026

What’s the latest on Artemi Panarin? Will the Flames move Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman? Are the Kings pursuing Canucks winger Evander Kane? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN

TSN: Darren Dreger reports contract talks between the New York Rangers and Artemi Panarin have not progressed. However, it’s unclear if the 34-year-old winger is open to being moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

Panarin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a full no-movement clause in his contract.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Dreger speculated that the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights might be interested in Panarin if he’s willing to waive his clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers reportedly haven’t approached Panarin yet about presenting a list of acceptable trade destinations. They are reportedly willing to wait until the end of January before deciding if they’ll be sellers.

The Panthers might not have sufficient room to add Panarin with Matthew Tkachuk coming off long-term injury reserve before the Olympic break. They must also ensure they have room for team captain Aleksander Barkov’s possible return before the end of the regular season. The Stars and Golden Knights also have limited cap room.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

TSN: Darren Dreger expects the Calgary Flames will likely move Rasmus Andersson before the March trade deadline. There is definite interest in the 29-year-old defenseman from other clubs. Dreger also didn’t rule out the possibility of Nazem Kadri getting traded. The 35-year-old center has frequently been linked to rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is UFA-eligible on July 1, and there’s no sign that he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension. A solid, all-around right-shot defenseman, Andersson should fetch a decent return, especially if there’s a bidding war among several clubs. If he’s willing to sign a contract extension as part of the deal, the Flames could get a bigger return.

Kadri’s full no-movement clause became a 13-team no-trade list last July. His two-way style, which is agitating, makes him an enticing option for clubs seeking experienced depth at center. However, his age and his $7 million average annual value through 2028-29 could be significant sticking points.

Dreger also acknowledged recent trade conjecture about Blake Coleman. However, he believes the Flames prefer to hang onto the versatile 32-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could part with Coleman if someone is willing to overpay for his services. However, he’s signed through next season with a reasonable AAV of $4.9 million, so the Flames don’t have to move him this season.

KINGS ARE RUMORED TO BE INTERESTED IN EVANDER KANE

MAYOR’S MANOR: Two separate sources claim that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland is “kicking tires” on Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane.

Kane would be the third former Edmonton Oilers player brought in by Holland, who was GM of the Oilers from 2019 to 2024. Holland brought Kane, Warren Foegele, and Corey Perry to Edmonton during his tenure with the Oilers. Foegele and Perry now play for the Kings.

Kane, 34, is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a 16-team no-trade list. His physical style of game is well-suited for the grind of playoff competition.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Holland is interested in adding Kane, it’s unlikely the latter will block the opportunity to play for the Kings.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 16, 2026

by | Jan 16, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 16, 2026

The Bruins retire Zdeno Chara’s number, multipoint performances by the Sabres’ Tage Thompson and the Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel, Jets center Jonathan Toews reaches a career milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S GAME

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins honored Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara by retiring his No. 33 in a pregame ceremony before winning their fifth straight game by defeating the Seattle Kraken 4-2. Mark Kastelic scored the game-winner while shorthanded, and Jeremy Swayman stopped 26 shots for the 27-19-2 Bruins. Chandler Stephenson and Eeli Tolvanen replied for the Kraken (21-16-9).

The Boston Bruins retire Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 (NHL.com)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chara spent 14 of his 24 NHL seasons with the Bruins from 2006-07 to 2019-20. He was their captain throughout that period, making him the longest-tenured captain in franchise history. He led them to three Stanley Cup Finals, winning the Cup in 2011. He also won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and was twice named to the Second All-Star Team.

Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied his 20th goal of the season, tying him with Patrice Bergeron and Johnny Bucyk for the second-most consecutive 20-goal seasons among the Bruins’ all-time scoring leaders (10 seasons). Brad Marchand leads the franchise with 12 seasons.

Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour collected an assist as he returned to action for the first time since being sidelined by an injury on Dec. 16.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson tallied a hat trick and collected two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Thompson also passed the 200-goal plateau as the Sabres (26-16-4) have won 15 of their last 17 games. Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Lane Hutson each had two points for the 26-15-7 Canadiens, who are 1-2-1 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutson became the second-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 100 career assists, doing so in 132 games. Sergei Zubov was the fastest with 127 games.

The Sabres recalled forward Konsta Helenius as center Josh Norris is day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered during Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Vegas Golden Knights rallied to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 on an overtime goal by Jack Eichel, who also had three assists. Mitch Marner picked up two assists against his former club as the Golden Knights (23-11-12) picked up their sixth straight win and lead the Pacific Division with 58 points. William Nylander and John Tavares each had a goal and an assist for the 23-16-8 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nylander left this game after rolling his ankle in the first period. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs Auston Matthews didn’t want to answer more queries about Marner. Following the warm-up skate, he told TSN’s Mark Masters he’d had enough of the “Mitch questions” for the day, preferring to focus on the upcoming game.

Golden Knights’ goaltender Adin Hill returned to action for the first time since being sidelined by a lower-body injury on Oct. 20. He stopped 23 shots for the win.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele had a goal and three assists in a 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Jonathan Toews, Josh Morrissey, and Gabriel Vilardi each had a goal and an assist as the Jets (19-22-5) have won four straight games. Danila Yurov and Marcus Johansson scored for the Wild (26-13-9), who have one win in their last six games (1-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toews picked up his 900th career NHL regular-season point. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed this game as he’s week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 6-3. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist, Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak each collected two assists, and Stuart Skinner stopped 30 shots for the 22-14-10 Penguins. Flyers winger Matvei Michkov scored his 10th goal of the season for the Flyers (22-16-8) as they are winless in their last five games (0-4-1).

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin kicked out 35 shots to shut out the Edmonton Oilers 1-0. Anthony Duclair scored the game’s only goal as the Islanders improved to 26-16-5. Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s 20-game goal streak ended as his club sits at 23-17-8.

Three second-period goals by the San Jose Sharks gave them a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. Collin Graf had a goal and an assist for the 24-19-3 Sharks, who are 7-2-0 in their last nine games. Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard replied for the Capitals (24-18-6).

Columbus Blue Jackets forwards Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson each had a goal and an assist to beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1, extending the latter’s winless skid to nine games (0-7-2). Elvis Merzlikins made 30 saves for the 21-19-7 Blues Jackets as they collected their third straight win. Brock Boeser scored for the Canucks, who sank to 16-26-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson returned to action for the first time since suffering a hip injury on Oct. 25.

The Utah Mammoth extended their points streak to six games (5-0-1) with a 3-1 upset of the Dallas Stars. Karel Vejmelka turned aside 26 shots while Nick Schmaltz and John Marino each had a goal and an assist for the Mammoth, who improved to 24-20-4. Mikko Rantanen scored for the Stars (27-12-9), who have two wins in their last 11 games (2-5-4).

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund scored a shorthanded goal and picked up an assist in a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Devin Cooley made 22 saves for the 20-23-4 Flames. Nick Foligno scored for the 19-21-7 Blackhawks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers were honored at the White House on Thursday for their second straight Stanley Cup championship.

AP NEWS: St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas will be sidelined for two weeks with a lower-body injury.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche forward Ross Colton is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2026

by | Jan 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Devils, plus updates on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently looked at the trade tiers for the New York Rangers.

Artemi Panarin topped their list of pending UFA players who could be moved before the March 6 trade deadline. The Rangers will surely try to get a first-round pick as part of the deal, but the potential return depends on how many teams Panarin is willing to consider as trade destinations.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Mercogliano followed up by reporting that a league source informed him that the Rangers haven’t approached Panarin yet about waiving his no-movement clause. They haven’t yet made their final decisions regarding the trade deadline and are holding off on that for a little while longer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade deadline is less than two months away, giving management plenty of time to assess the club’s performance and what the trade market looks like. They could be ready to deal before the Olympic roster freeze in early February if the club hasn’t reversed its on-ice fortunes. 

Players who could move as “change of scenery candidates include 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere, winger Brennan Othmann, and defenseman Braden Schneider. Othmann is considered the most obvious candidate, as the Rangers have been listening to offers for the 23-year-old winger.

Vincent Trocheck would be a hot commodity, especially given the need for centers around the league. He carries a 12-team no-trade list, but there’s no indication yet that general manager Chris Drury is ready to entertain offers for Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of today’s focus is on Panarin, but he’s not the only player the Rangers could move if they become sellers. Othmann is the most likely to move. Lafreniere could attract interest because he’s still young (24) and could flourish in a different setting, although his streakiness and $7.45 million average annual value through 2031-32 could be sticking points.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated about possible destinations for Panarin. He thinks the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals could be among them, but acknowledged it’ll take some work to acquire the Rangers winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Part of that work will be finding sufficient cap space to take on the remainder of Panarin’s $11.642 million cap hit. The rest could be meeting the Rangers’ asking price. However, this could be a situation similar to when the Bruins traded Brad Marchand to Florida last season or when the Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane to the Rangers. In both cases, the player would only accept a trade to one team, meaning the return was less than what it would’ve been if several teams were involved in the bidding.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Rangers shouldn’t wait for the trade deadline to move Panarin if he’s not interested in re-signing or if they’re not willing to pay what he wants to stay in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Panarin now would probably sink their slim hopes of reaching the playoffs. At this point, however, why risk an injury that would hurt his trade value or take him out of the market altogether?

UPDATE ON THE DEVILS

TSN: New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said he’s been working the phones trying to make trades to improve his struggling team.

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat have been mentioned most often in those trade discussions. Fitzgerald said the two are highly respected among their teammates, and he will treat them with the same respect. He also said he’s been in constant contact with Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, to ensure everyone is on the same page, an assertion confirmed by Barry.

Fitzgerald refuted reports claiming current contracts with trade protection prevented him from attempting to acquire Quinn Hughes before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild last month.

The Devils GM said head coach Sheldon Keefe’s job was safe. It’s also believed that Fitzgerald’s job is safe, as he indicated he speaks regularly with Devils ownership about the club’s direction.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are among the potential fits for Hamilton. However, the Maple Leafs wouldn’t entertain a deal unless the Devils retain a significant portion of his $9 million AAV through 2027-28.

However, the Devils must move winger Ondrej Palat and his $6 million AAV through 2026-27 before they can move Hamilton to create salary-cap flexibility. The veteran winger has a 10-team trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Hamilton rejoining the lineup after being a healthy scratch on Sunday, it appears the wheels are in motion to move him. A deal could take place before next month’s Olympic break, depending on how soon they can free up cap space to make room for whatever they can get back for Hamilton.

TRADE TALKS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON ARE HEATING UP

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the time is right for the Calgary Flames to trade Rasmus Andersson. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman is UFA-eligible in July, and there’s no indication that a contract extension is in the works.

Andersson isn’t itching to leave Calgary, but the blueliner doesn’t fit into the Flames’ rebuilding timeline. Francis believes he can fetch at least a first-round draft pick and a top prospect who is already contributing at the NHL level.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the trade market for Andersson is heating up fast. The Flames are hoping to finalize a trade before the Olympic break next month.

It’s believed the Boston Bruins have offered up young defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick. The Detroit Red Wings are said to be interested if Andersson is willing to sign a contract extension. They’ve also made young blueliners Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka off-limits in trade talks. The Ottawa Senators are also believed to be interested in the Flames blueliner.

Murphy indicated that the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars have expressed interest in Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could be assured of a significant return if Andersson is willing to sign a contract extension. However, he could prefer playing out this season and testing the UFA market in July.

The Golden Knights always seem to be in on everybody. However, they have limited trade assets to draw on and wouldn’t be able to outbid clubs like the Bruins, Red Wings, and Ducks.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE A GOALTENDER?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos speculated the Maple Leafs could leverage their goaltending depth by the March trade deadline.

Joseph Woll could get the bulk of the starts if he gives the Leafs the best chance to win. With Anthony Stolarz returning from injury, Kypreos speculates that Stolarz, prospect Artur Akhtyamov, or perhaps even Dennis Hildeby could become a trade chip to pursue a scoring winger or a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stolarz seems the more likely trade candidate, but the 31-year-old netminder has a 16-team no-trade list for this season, and starts a four-year, $15-million contract extension in July. Hildeby will draw interest, but the Leafs would likely prefer to hang onto him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2026

by | Jan 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2026

Brady Tkachuk reaches a scoring milestone in a lopsided win over the Rangers, the Sabres move back into a wildcard berth, the Canadiens re-sign Alexandre Texier, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk scored his 200th career NHL regular-season goal and collected three assists in an 8-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Dylan Cozens and Ridly Greig each had three points for the Senators, who picked up their second straight win and improved to 22-19-5. Gabe Perreault tallied twice for the Rangers (20-22-6) as their winless skid reached five games (0-4-1).

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin and top defenseman Adam Fox sidelined, the wheels are coming off fast for the Rangers. This was their second lopsided loss in three games, prompting Blueshirts fans to chant for general manager Chris Drury to be fired. Drury recently received a vote of confidence from team owner James Dolan, but that could be tested if the losses keep piling up.

The Buffalo Sabres regained a wildcard berth in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Team captain Rasmus Dahlin scored two goals while Tage Thompson, Josh Doan, and Ryan McLeod each had two points for the 25-16-4 Sabres, who’ve won four of their last six games. Owen Tippett had a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who are winless in their last four contests (0-3-1) and have slipped to 22-15-8.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres center Josh Norris left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Sabres announced forward Josh Dunne will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a mid-body injury.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia goaltender Daniel Vladar left this game after the first period with an undisclosed injury. Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen missed this game with an upper-body injury and is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, blueliner Jamie Drysdale was activated off injured reserve and returned to action in this game.

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier scored twice, including the winning goal in overtime, in a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. Jack and Luke Hughes each assisted on both of Hischier’s goals as the Devils improved to 24-21-2. Jared McCann had a goal and an assist for the Kraken (21-15-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald met with the media on Wednesday afternoon, taking full responsibility for the club’s struggles this season. However, he pushed back against making wholesale changes to the roster. “You can’t trade your way out of this,” Fitzgerald said. “This has to come from within.”

Nevertheless, trade rumors involving the Devils persist, with the focus on defenseman Dougie Hamilton. I’ll have the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

The Vegas Golden Knights extended their win streak to five games by nipping the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on an overtime goal by captain Mark Stone. Braeden Bowman and Mitch Marner also scored for the Golden Knights (22-11-12), who hold first place in the Pacific Division. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the 19-16-11 Kings.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens signed winger Alexandre Texier to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Texier signed a $1 million prorated contract with the Canadiens on Nov. 23 after terminating his deal with the St. Louis Blues. He’s been a solid addition for the Habs as a versatile forward throughout their lineup, including his current stint on their top line. After managing one point in eight games with the Blues earlier this season, he has 16 points in 25 games in Montreal.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche activated goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from injured reserve.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets defensemen Neil Pionk, Haydn Fleury, and Colin Miller are week-to-week with injuries.

NHL.COM: Winger Ivar Stenberg of Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League topped the league’s Central Scouting mid-term rankings of International skaters. Penn State forward Gavin McKenna was the top North American skater.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna was considered the favorite to be the first overall pick in this year’s draft. However, his adjustment period to NCAA action after dominating Junior A last season has some observers suggesting Stenberg could be the top prospect.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2026

by | Jan 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2026

More speculation about Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and the latest on the Canucks, Flyers, Senators, and Predators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST DOUGIE HAMILTON CHATTER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported observers were caught by surprise when Dougie Hamilton returned to the New Jersey Devils lineup one day after being a healthy scratch against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, the expectation is that Hamilton will be traded, though there’s no indication that a deal is imminent. LeBrun indicated that the remaining two years on the contract with an average annual value of $9 million is a “complicating factor.”

LeBrun suggested the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential destinations. Hamilton played with the Hurricanes before, but it depends on whether they want to bring him back and what the Devils want in return.

The Devils are also interested in moving winger Ondrej Palat in a separate cost-cutting deal. However, his $6 million cap hit makes it a difficult proposition.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes Hamilton could fetch the Devils a top-six forward or a third-line center. Nevertheless, management’s handling of this situation has cast the club in a bad light.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s contract is a stumbling block, even though the salary cap will rise significantly over the next two seasons. His 10-team trade list is another, though he’s reportedly willing to be flexible. Hamilton’s injury history is also another concern.

The Hurricanes have the cap space and the depth in tradeable assets to reacquire Hamilton, but they could be uninterested in a reunion. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are pressed for cap space and are thin in draft picks and prospects to draw on for trade bait. They’d need the Devils to retain up to half of Hamilton’s cap hit, and even that might not be enough to squeeze him into their cap payroll unless they include a player in the deal.

Some Devils fans are calling for general manager Tom Fitzgerald to be fired. However, Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.COM reports Fitzgerald’s job remains safe until at least the end of the regular season.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks could be open to entertaining offers for just about everyone on their roster, including Elias Pettersson.

The 27-year-old center had been the subject of trade speculation during last season and the offseason. However, there hasn’t been any communication between Pettersson’s agent and Canucks management about waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Johnston of The Province recently reported that there are teams still interested in Pettersson, despite the decline in his offense and his expensive contract running through 2031-32.

If the Canucks are willing to listen to offers for Pettersson, they’ll want at least a good young NHL center in return. They could be reluctant to retain part of his $11.6 million average annual value.

FLYERS SEEKING GOALIE OPTIONS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports a Philadelphia Flyers source claimed the club is considering alternative options to replace struggling goaltender Samuel Ersson.

There aren’t many options available in the trade market. Di Marco asked about Colten Ellis and Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres. His source was open to the prospect of acquiring Lyon at the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The immediate options to replace Ersson might have to come from within the Flyers’ system, given the lack of quality options in the trade market. The Sabres have been carrying three goalies this season, but their recent surge in the standings means they’re not moving anyone right now unless it’s for a return that will help them reach the playoffs this season.

WILL THE SENATORS BE BUYERS OR SELLERS?

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the next seven to 10 games will determine if the struggling Ottawa Senators become buyers or sellers in the trade market. He noted that general manager Steve Staios was in Montreal on Monday scouting the Vancouver Canucks, but felt that was Staios doing pre-scouting before his club’s match against the Canucks on Tuesday.

Dreger believes Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood could be a good fit with the Senators, but they must start climbing up the standings before Staios gets that aggressive.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch also reported on Staios’ scouting trip to Montreal on Monday. His sources indicated that the Senators GM continues to scour the trade market for a right-shot defenseman and a top-six forward.

Garrioch speculated the Senators would likely be interested in Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek and forwards such as Sherwood, Conor Garland, and Jake DeBrusk. However, Hronek has a full no-movement clause, and the Canucks could prefer to retain him. Tyler Myers has been mentioned as a possibility, but they aren’t moving him.

The Senators have also kicked tires on Calgary Flames blueliner Rasmus Andersson. However, he’d have to be willing to sign an extension before Ottawa would make that move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ most pressing need is goaltending, given Linus Ullmark’s struggles, his recent absence, and the lack of backup depth. However, the market is thin on reliable goaltending options.

Staios will become a seller by the end of this month if the Senators remain on their current path.

PREDATORS NOT IN SELL MODE

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports the anticipated player sell-off by the Nashville Predators isn’t likely to happen this season, if at all. After a poor start, they surged into wildcard contention in the Western Conference.

They’re also not going to be buyers. General manager Barry Trotz could hold onto assets as “own rentals” if a suitable deal cannot be found.

Daugherty noted that four of the Predators’ trade-worthy assets (Ryan O’Reilly, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, and Michael Bunting) have contributed to the club’s recent improvement. He also noted that all but O’Reilly would likely fetch mid-round picks, which the Predators already have plenty of in the next two drafts.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 14, 2026

by | Jan 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 14, 2026

Oilers captain Connor McDavid extends his points streak, the Lightning set a franchise record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists to extend his points streak to 20 games, but his club dropped a 4-3 decision to the Nashville Predators on an overtime goal by Roman Josi, who finished the game with two goals. Juuse Saros stopped 28 shots for the 22-20-4 Predators. Zach Hyman tallied twice, and Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two points for the Oilers (23-16-8).

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry made 23 saves and defenseman Jake Walman logged over 17 minutes as both returned from lengthy absences due to injuries. Meanwhile, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault missed his 13th straight game with a lower-body injury and was placed on injured reserve.

The Tampa Bay Lightning won a franchise-record 11th straight game by nipping the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 on a shootout goal by Nikita Kucherov. J.J. Moser scored in regulation, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 26 shots for the Lightning (29-13-3), who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 61 points. Evgeni Malkin replied for the Penguins (21-14-10), who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both clubs were missing a key player in this contest. Lightning center Brayden Point is week-to-week with an injured knee. It is not considered season-ending, but his participation in next month’s Winter Olympics for Canada’s men’s hockey team is in question. Meanwhile, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson missed this game with an undisclosed ailment that has landed him on injured reserve. He will be reevaluated in two weeks.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman turned aside 24 shots as his club picked up its fourth consecutive win, and the second straight by shutout, as they blanked the Detroit Red Wings 3-0. Pavel Zacha, Fraser Minten, and Mark Kastelic were the goal scorers for the 26-19-2 Bruins. Cam Talbot stopped 38 of 40 shots for the Red Wings (28-16-4) as their four-game win streak ended.

The Columbus Blue Jackets picked up their first win under new head coach Rick Bowness by defeating the Calgary Flames 5-3. Boone Jenner snapped a 3-3 tie while Zach Werenski and Charlie Coyle each had a goal and two assists for the 20-19-7 Blue Jackets. Morgan Frost and Mikael Backlund each had a goal and an assist as the Flames dropped to 19-23-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames winger Blake Coleman missed this game with an undisclosed injury and was placed on IR. The Flames sent forward Martin Pospisil to their AHL affiliate in Calgary for a conditioning stint as he works his way back into the lineup from an undisclosed injury that has sidelined him from this season. Blue Jackets defensemen Denton Mateychuk (upper-body injury) and Damon Severson (illness) missed this game.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer collected his fourth shutout of the season with a 33-save performance to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Nick Bjugstad, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Jimmy Snuggerud scored for the Blues (18-21-8) as they snapped a three-game losing skid. Brandon Bussi turned aside 28 shots for the 28-15-4 Hurricanes, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues announced the signing of defenseman Logan Mailloux to a one-year, $850,000 contract extension. Hurricanes blueliner Jaccob Slavin missed this game due to injury rehab protocol, meaning they want him to avoid playing back-to-back after returning from a lengthy injury on Monday.

The Washington Capitals overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Ethan Frank tallied twice to tie the game in regulation before Connor McMichael won it in overtime for the 24-17-6 Capitals. Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher scored for the Canadiens (26-14-7), who are 4-1-1 in their last six contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens scratched Kaiden Guhle from this game. Like Slavin, they wanted him to avoid playing in back-to-back games so soon after returning from a long absence due to an injury.

Winnipeg Jets forwards Adam Lowry and Kyle Connor each had a goal and an assist as their club held off the New York Islanders 5-4. Mark Scheifele collected two assists for the 18-22-5 Jets as they picked up their third straight victory. Emil Heineman had a goal and an assist for the Islanders (25-16-5).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders got a scare when rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer was injured twice during this game, including taking a Luke Schenn slapshot off his right knee in the second period. He’d also been taken off the ice by a concussion spotter in the first period, but was cleared to return. Schaefer missed the post-game interview because he was having his knee evaluated by team doctors.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 10-game points streak ended with a 6-1 loss to the Utah Mammoth. Dylan Guenther tallied two goals and an assist, and Jake McBain had a goal and two assists for the Mammoth, who improved to 23-20-4. Calle Jarnkrok replied for the 23-16-7 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal made 24 saves as his club snapped a nine-game winless skid (0-8-1) by downing the Dallas Stars 3-1. Chris Kreider, Beckett Sennecke, and Jacob Trouba scored for the 22-21-3 Ducks. Roope Hintz tallied for the Stars (27-11-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks were already short on forwards as Frank Vatrano and Tory Terry were sidelined with upper-body injuries. Center Leo Carlsson (upper-body injury) and winger Cutter Gauthier (illness) also missed this game. Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen was absent due to a personal family matter.

First-period goals scored 15 seconds apart by Artem Zub and Jordan Spence lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, snapping a four-game losing streak and improving their record to 21-19-5. Elias Pettersson replied for the Canucks (16-25-8), who are 0-6-2 in their last eight games.