NHL Rumor Mill – January 12, 2026

by | Jan 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 12, 2026

The latest Canucks speculation, plus updates on Bruins forward Pavel Zacha and Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston suggested it wasn’t impossible for the Vancouver Canucks to trade Elias Pettersson. Teams are reportedly interested in him, and while he’s not scoring like he used to, he remains a solid defensive player.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The Carolina Hurricanes were interested in Pettersson before, and they’re trying to find a new home for struggling center Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Johnston thinks a team that needs a top-notch center, one close to elite but not an out-and-out No. 1 guy, could use Pettersson. He suggested the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, who have young superstars as their first-line centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Pettersson’s production is an issue, but it wouldn’t be so bad if he weren’t being paid like a first-line center. That $11.6 million AAV through 2032 is too much for a second-line center. He also carries a full no-trade clause, which further limits where the Canucks could send him if they decide it’s time to part company.

Vancouver was in trade talks with Carolina about Pettersson two years ago before re-signing him to his current contract. While the Hurricanes aren’t afraid of bold moves, they could be targeting other options now.

Even if the Canucks agreed to retain up to half of Pettersson’s cap hit, he might not be a fit with the Blackhawks and Sharks. The Blackhawks have promising Frank Nazar as their second-line center. Meanwhile, the Sharks recently re-signed second-line center Alexander Wennberg to a three-year extension, and they’ve got promising Michael Misa in their lineup.

Winger Jake DeBrusk has surfaced in the rumor mill. However, the 29-year-old winger recently told Johnston that he’s not going anywhere, saying he wants to be part of the solution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is in the second season of his seven-year contract. He also has a full no-movement clause, which explains his confidence about staying in Vancouver.

A source told Johnston that things “are heating up” regarding trade talks between the Canucks and teams interested in Kiefer Sherwood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks reportedly revisited contract talks with Sherwood, but the feeling out of Vancouver is he’ll be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline, if not sooner.

Johnston noted that CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal last week said that the Canucks looked into sending Evander Kane back to the Edmonton Oilers, but they weren’t interested. He also believes defenseman Tyler Myers isn’t going anywhere, citing his no-movement clause and that he and his family are settled in Vancouver.

Depth forwards such as Teddy Blueger and David Kampf won’t fetch much in the trade market, but they could draw interest from playoff contenders.

BRUINS UNLIKELY TO MOVE PAVEL ZACHA

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa considers it unlikely that the Boston Bruins will trade Pavel Zacha. The 28-year-old center has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

Shinzawa pointed out that Zacha has become a dependable long-term member of the Bruins’ secondary tier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha was a fixture in the rumor mill throughout last summer and earlier in this season. However, the Bruins have been more competitive than expected after last season’s disappointing performance, and remain in playoff contention.

Shinzawa expects rival clubs will continue to inquire about Zacha’s availability unless the Bruins climb higher in the standings. However, it’s unlikely they’ll trade him even if they were to tumble in the standings. He’s become a valuable part of their roster core, and they will probably attempt to sign him to a contract extension this summer.

MERZLIKINS’ FUTURE WITH THE BLUE JACKETS REMAINS UNCERTAIN

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger wondered what the future holds for Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.

The 31-year-old Merzlikins is in the fourth year of his five-year contract with an AAV of $5.4 million. He’s no longer the Blue Jackets starter, having been relegated to backup duty behind Jet Greaves, and has made only sporadic appearances in goal.

Hedger believes that’s a problem for the Blue Jackets, who opted not to trade or buy out the struggling netminder last summer. His trade value is lower now, and the contract buyout window is six months away. Sending him to the minors would require waivers plus Merzlikins’ willingness to report.

The Blue Jackets can only ride Greaves for so long. Hedger wondered if the Blue Jackets might consider terminating Merzlikin’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins’ approval would be required for a mutual termination. Otherwise, the Blue Jackets would have to provide grounds to terminate his contract. If they can’t find a trade partner, they’ll have to wait to buy out the final season of his contract in June.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 12, 2026

by | Jan 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 12, 2026

More scoring milestones for Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Predators forward Steven Stamkos, Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl has a career-best performance against his former team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi had a goal and two assists as his club nipped the Washington Capitals 3-2. Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist as the Predators improved to 21-20-4. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 20th goal of the season as his club dropped to 23-17-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has reached the 20-goal plateau in each of his 21 NHL seasons, sitting second all-time for the most in league history. Gordie Howe holds the record with 22 seasons. Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun missed this game with an illness, while teammate Justin Sourdif left early in the second period with an upper-body injury.

Meanwhile, Stamkos netted his 601st career regular-season NHL goal, tying Jari Kurri for 21st overall among the all-time goal-scoring leaders. He also tallied his 233rd career regular-season power-play goal, moving into 10th all-time in that category.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl (NHL Images).

Former San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl had a career-best five points (two goals, three assists) for the Vegas Golden Knights in a 7-2 victory. Jack Eichel scored twice while Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev each collected three points for the 21-11-12 Golden Knights, who’ve won four straight and hold first place in the Pacific Division with 54 points. Collin Graf and Alexander Wennberg replied for the Sharks (23-19-3) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks center Macklin Celebrini’s 13-game points streak came to a close. Teammate John Klingberg returned to action after missing the last four games with a lower-body injury.

The Winnipeg Jets picked up their second straight win by defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Tanner Pearson snapped a 3-3 tie in the third period while Cole Perfetti and Josh Morrissey each had two assists for the 17-22-5 Jets. Cody Glass had two goals for the Devils (22-21-2) as they lost their fourth straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Colin Miller missed this game with a lower-body injury. Devils forward Stefan Noesen will miss significant time as he will undergo surgery this week to address a nagging knee issue. The Devils also announced that forward Zack MacEwen underwent season-ending ACL surgery.

Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo made 27 saves to shut out the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0. Viktor Arvidsson tallied the only goal as the Bruins (25-19-2) are 5-0-1 in their last six games. Stuart Skinner stopped 17 shots for the 21-14-9 Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Bruins announced the signing of defenseman Jonathan Aspirot to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $887,500.

An overtime goal by Dmitri Voronkov lifted the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. Jet Greaves stopped 25 shots, and Kirill Marchenko had two assists for the Blue Jackets, who snapped a four-game losing skid and improved to 19-19-7. Clayton Keller had two assists for the Mammoth (22-20-4) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Mammoth announced that forward Alex Kerfoot is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks placed goaltender Thatcher Demko (lower body) on injured reserve. Earlier this season, the 30-year-old Demko missed 11 games with a groin injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demko’s injury history no longer makes him a reliable starter for the Canucks, which has been a contributing factor to the club’s decline over the past two seasons. Last summer, they signed him to a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $8.5 million.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers winger Travis Konecny left practice on Sunday after taking a puck off his knee. He’s questionable for Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 11, 2026

by | Jan 11, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 11, 2026

Is Dougie Hamilton on the trade block? What defensemen could the Maple Leafs pursue? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DOUGIE HAMILTON’S DAYS WITH THE DEVILS APPEAR NUMBERED

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported Saturday afternoon that Dougie Hamilton appears willing to work with the New Jersey Devils to find a suitable trade partner after being listed as a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, told LeBrun that he considered the decision to scratch his client a calculated one. He said the 32-year-old defenseman is willing to be flexible with his 10-team trade list. Barry indicated that the Devils had attempted to move Hamilton last summer.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

In an interview with LeBrun, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said the decision to scratch Hamilton was made because their blueline is finally healthy, and they wanted to give young defenseman Simon Nemec some playing time after returning from an injury. Another reason is the return of defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic from a knee injury.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that Hamilton is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $9 million. However, his performance has been disappointing this season, with 10 points in 40 games.

Nichols also noted that there have been previous reports suggesting Hamilton rejected several attempts to trade him earlier this season.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng referenced Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported that the Sharks attempted to acquire Hamilton last summer, but the blueliner blocked that deal.

SPORTSNET: Friedman said there are “hard feelings” between Devils management and Hamilton. He feels he’s being singled out for non-performance reasons. Hamilton has no intention of terminating his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s AAV, his injury history, and the recent drop in his production could concern some teams, but he has only missed four games this season before Sunday’s game against the Jets. He’s also a right-shot defenseman with superb puck-moving abilities, and there will be clubs willing to gamble on him returning to form with a more stable roster.

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TARGET?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could be forced to shop for a right-shot defenseman if Chris Tanev’s groin injury turns out to be season-ending.

Koshan mentioned Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames, Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, and former Leaf Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets as possible trade options. Other possibilities include Tyler Myers of the Vancouver Canucks, Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks, and Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The cost of acquiring any of them could be expensive for the Maple Leafs. They don’t have much trade capital apart from promising forward Easton Cowan and prospect defenseman Ben Danford. Koshan suggested that they may have already made their most significant acquisition when they plucked Troy Stecher off waivers in November.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel looked at what it could cost the Maple Leafs to acquire Andersson, Faulk, or Schenn.

He considered Andersson out of the Maple Leafs’ price range, and doesn’t think taking on the 34-year-old Faulk’s contract ($6.5 million through 2026-27) to be a good idea. Schenn would be the most affordable in terms of contract ($2.75 million for this season), as well as the potential cost of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have already sacrificed way too much of their future in deals that didn’t bring them any closer to ending their long Stanley Cup drought. It would be insane to part with what few significant assets they have left for players who won’t significantly improve their odds of winning the Cup.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION (NON-KIEFER SHERWOOD EDITION)

OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal’s appearance on Friday’s episode of Sportsnet’s Halford & Brough In The Morning, where he talked about the difficulty the Vancouver Canucks could face if they attempt to trade Evander Kane.

Moving Kane could be tough, with one team saying, “Have fun moving him.” The 34-year-old winger’s age, AAV ($5.125 million), 16-team approved trade list, injuries, and reduced production adversely affect his trade value.

Dhaliwal said two sources told him the Canucks tried trading Kane back to the Edmonton Oilers. However, his Edmonton source indicated that ship had sailed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seems like Kane’s season, and perhaps his NHL career, will end in Vancouver. Too many factors make it difficult to move him now.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently wondered if Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers might consider waiving his no-movement clause to go to a contender before the March 6 trade deadline.

Myers turns 36 in February and has a year remaining on his contract with an affordable cap hit of $3 million. Kuzma believes the 6’8” blueliner would benefit a team needing second or third-pairing experience.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Myers and his family love Vancouver, which is why he’s stuck with the Canucks for six seasons. However, he’s nearing the end of his playing days, and his chances of winning the Stanley Cup are narrowing.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 11, 2026

by | Jan 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 11, 2026

The Bruins score 10 goals in a game for the first time since 1988, Nikita Kucherov leads the Lightning over the Flyers, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini extend their points streaks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins crushed the New York Rangers 10-2, marking the first time they scored 10 goals in a game since doing so against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 16, 1988. Marat Khusnutdinov had four goals and an assist, Pavel Zacha scored a hat trick, and David Pastrnak tied a team record with a career-high six assists for the 24-19-2 Bruins. Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller scored for the Rangers (20-19-6), who are 1-3-2 in their last six contests.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins winger Morgan Geekie left this game to attend to a family matter. Center Elias Lindholm suffered a lower-body injury and didn’t return.

Nikita Kucherov had two goals and two assists to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Kucherov extended his points streak to nine games while Gage Goncalves tallied twice and Brayden Point collected three assists as the Lightning (27-13-3) picked up their ninth straight win. Garnet Hathaway and Owen Tippett replied for the 22-13-8 Flyers.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored the tying goal to extend his points streak to 18 games, but his club fell 4-3 to the Los Angeles Kings on a shootout goal by Adrian Kempe. Brandt Clarke had two assists, and Corey Perry picked up his 10th goal of the season for the 19-15-10 Kings. Leon Draisaitl tallied twice for the Oilers (22-16-7).

San Jose Sharks winger Tyler Toffoli scored twice, including the winner in overtime, to nip the Dallas Stars 5-4. Macklin Celebrini had three assists to extend his points streak to 13 games as the Sharks (23-18-3) rallied from a 4-2 deficit to pick up their third straight win. Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist for the 26-10-9 Stars, who have one win in their last eight games (1-3-4).

The Colorado Avalanche got a 29-save shutout from goaltender Trent Miner for his first NHL win as he blanked the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0, extending his club’s home points streak to 21 games (19-0-2). Brent Burns scored two goals for the 33-4-7 Avalanche, who hold first place in the overall standings with 73 points. Elvis Merzlikins made 27 saves for the Blue Jackets (18-19-7), who are winless in their last four games (0-3-1).

Goals from Jordan Martinook and William Carrier lifted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Jordan Staal had two assists as the Hurricanes (28-14-3) picked up their fourth straight win and hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 59 points. Matty Beniers and Berkly Catton scored for the 20-15-8 Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin returned to the lineup after missing 10 games with an upper-body injury. The Kraken activated forward Jaden Schwartz from injured reserve.

Detroit Red Wings goalie John Gibson made 27 saves in a 4-0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and two assists for the Red Wings (27-15-4), who took over sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with 58 points. Jacob Fowler stopped 20 of 23 shots for the 25-14-6 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle returned to action for the first time since suffering an abductor injury on Oct. 16 against the Nashville Predators.

The Vegas Golden Knights doubled up the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Mark Stone scored for the seventh straight game while Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights (20-11-12), who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 52 points. Robert Thomas had a goal and an assist for the 17-21-8 Blues, who have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues announced defenseman Philip Broberg signed a six-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $8 million. He left the game early in the first period with an upper-body injury.

Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore scored in his first game since being sidelined with an upper-body injury on Dec. 13. Meanwhile, the club announced that goaltender Carter Hart is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Winger Brandon Saad missed this game with an undisclosed injury.

Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Quinn scored two goals in a 5-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 31 shots as the Sabres (24-15-4) won 13 of their last 14 games for the first time in franchise history. Leo Carlsson had a goal and an assist for the struggling Ducks (21-21-3) as their winless skid reached nine games (0-8-1).

The Toronto Maple Leafs blanked the Vancouver Canucks 5-0. Joseph Woll turned in a 29-save shutout, and William Nylander returned to action with a goal and two assists for the 22-15-7 Maple Leafs, extending their points streak to nine games (7-0-2). Canucks starting goalie Thatcher Demko left this game after the first period with a lower-body injury as his club dropped to 16-23-5.

An overtime goal by Simon Holmstrom gave the New York Islanders a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. Holmstrom finished with two goals and an assist while Ilya Sorokin made 33 saves for the Islanders, who improved to 25-15-5. Quinn Hughes had three assists for the Wild (26-11-9).

The Florida Panthers nipped the Ottawa Senators by a score of 3-2. Gustav Forsling and Carter Verhaeghe each had a goal and an assist for the 23-18-3 Panthers. Fabian Zetterlund and Drake Batherson replied for the Senators (20-19-5), who have lost four straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke out against social media rumors regarding teammate Linus Ullmark’s leave of absence for personal reasons, calling the rumors “f**king bulls**t”. The club released a statement late last week condemning the unfounded speculation.

Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley kicked out 27 shots as his club downed the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1. Matt Coronato snapped a 1-1 tie just 42 seconds into the third period for the Flames (19-22-4), ending a four-game losing skid. Yegor Chinakhov replied for the Penguins (21-13-9) as their six-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins winger Bryan Rust missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Chicago Blackhawks netminder Drew Commesso got his first NHL win with a 36-save shutout to blank the Nashville Predators 3-0. Tyler Bertuzzi had a goal and an assist, and Connor Bedard picked up two assists for the Blackhawks, who improved to 19-19-7. Predators goalie Juuse Saros gave up two goals on 20 shots as his club dropped to 20-20-4.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

by | Jan 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

Check out the latest on Evgeni Malkin, Jason Robertson, Artemi Panarin, Jordan Kyrou, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Marchessault, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Joonas Korpisalo, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS INTERESTED IN EVGENI MALKIN

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently reported that some teams would love to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, but he carries a full no-movement clause. Any attempt to move him requires his consent.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

According to Kypreos, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would be among the suitors, wondering if Russian winger Kirill Kaprizov might convince Malkin to join the Wild for a playoff run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos acknowledged that Pittsburgh is in wildcard contention and under new ownership. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said earlier this season that he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss the remainder of this season. If the Penguins remain in the playoff hunt, Malkin will likely stay put.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS PURSUE STARS WINGER JASON ROBERTSON?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have limited assets to attempt a major trade. They used Easton Cowen as a trade chip last season in a failed attempt to acquire Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues. However, Cowen’s performance this season makes it tough to part with him unless it’s for a significant return.

One idea involves the Maple Leafs making a pitch to the Dallas Stars for winger Jason Robertson. He could seek $12 million annually on his next contract, which is too expensive for the Stars. The Leafs could afford it, but the acquisition cost would be steep, involving Cowen, blueline prospect Ben Danford, and more. That could be more of an offseason move than a deadline one.

Kypreos touched on the possibility of moving Cowen and Danford in a package deal for a top-six forward or puck-moving defenseman in his latest Toronto Star column. He also suggested that Leafs forwards Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, Nicolas Roy, Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Troy Stecher could be valuable trade commodities to stock up on futures while retooling the roster for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is tied with Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor as this season’s highest-scoring American player (52 points). The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Robertson could price himself out of Dallas, but the Stars won’t move him this season. They’re all-in for the Stanley Cup, and they need Robertson’s offense.

The Leafs could be hard-pressed to win a bidding war for Robertson this summer, but they have an advantage with his younger brother, Nick, on their roster.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS, RANGERS, FLAMES, BLUES, SABRES, AND JETS

The Nashville Predators are still expected to be sellers despite their recent surge in the standings. Winger Steven Stamkos’ $8 million annual cap hit makes him difficult to move. Winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a more likely trade candidate, but he has a full no-movement clause. He also didn’t rule out the possibility of goaltender Juuse Saros being part of a “bombshell deal”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but the Predators have clawed their way back into wildcard contention. They’re unlikely to sell if they’re still in contention by March 6. Stamkos, Marchessault, and Saros all have full no-movement clauses, and it’s unlikely that they’ll waive them.

Kypreos felt the New York Rangers could become sellers if sidelined goaltender Igor Shesterkin is out for a lengthy period. He mentioned pending UFA winger Artemi Panarin as the most likely trade candidate. He also suggested keeping an eye on center Vincent Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mollie Walker of the New York Post listed Panarin and Trocheck as trade candidates if the Rangers are sellers by March 6. She also included struggling young winger Brennan Othmann, defenseman Carson Soucy, and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

Blake Coleman is currently the player most in demand on the Calgary Flames. Teams are wary of center Nazem Kadri’s age and the remaining term of his contract. Kypreos still thinks the Vegas Golden Knights are still circling on defenseman Rasmus Andersson and could attempt to acquire him before the Olympic break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson remains the most likely to be traded because of his UFA eligibility on July 1 and his status as the top defenseman in this summer’s free agent market. Mike Gould of Daily Faceoff recently listed the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and the Golden Knights as potential destinations.

The Flames aren’t facing the same pressure to trade Coleman because he has another year left on his contract, though they could ship him out if they get a good offer.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou has a full no-trade clause. However, Kypreos believes there’s a sense he may be softening on waiving it to go to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou was the frequent subject of trade chatter until last July, when his NTC kicked in and silenced that talk. The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested at that time, but their current limited cap space makes it difficult for them to take on his $8.125 million AAV through 2030-31.

The Buffalo Sabres are aggressively shopping as buyers. They have some good young prospects and depth in their system to use as trade bait. Kypreos also believes they can afford to meet the salary demands of UFA-eligible winger Alex Tuch of around $10 million.

Kypreos doesn’t expect the struggling Winnipeg Jets to make a significant roster shake-up if they become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline. He anticipated they would make minor moves, such as peddling pending UFA defenseman Luke Schenn.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins have been gauging the trade market for Joonas Korpisalo. However, the 31-year-old backup goaltender’s contract is a sticking point. He’s got two more years left on his deal with an AAV of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

Murphy indicated that league sources believe the Bruins would have to attach a draft pick or prospect to unload Korpisalo in a deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently examined potential trade candidates for the Boston Bruins should they become sellers by March 6.

Korpisalo fell into the “Limited Market” category. Winger Viktor Arvidsson, defenseman Mason Lohrei, center Casey Mittelstadt, and defenseman Andrew Peeke were among those in the “Let’s Make A Deal” category.

Shinzawa thinks the biggest decision is whether to move Pavel Zacha. He’s a versatile forward who can play in all situations and carries an affordable $4.75 million AAV through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could be buyers or sellers by the deadline, depending on where they are in the standings. Their performance over the rest of this month could determine which direction they go.

UPDATE ON JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette examined what’s gone wrong for Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The 25-year-old Carolina Hurricanes center has been the subject of recent trade speculation. Lavalette believes he failed to establish an identity to his game. His lack of consistency resulted in head coach Rod Brind’Amour losing confidence in him.

Kotkaniemi still believes he can become a top-six forward. Another club could take him on as a reclamation project. His contract isn’t that bad, with four years remaining at an AAV of $4.82 million. There is also a market for centers right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that there are teams interested in Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes could seek a roster player in return, but they could settle for a return of draft picks, or a pick and a prospect, that they could use as trade bait to add a player by the trade deadline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 10, 2026

by | Jan 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 10, 2026

The Jets end their long losing skid, the Capitals spoil Blackhawks center Connor Bedard’s return from injury, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets ended an 11-game winless skid (0-7-4) by defeating the Los Angeles Kings 5-1. Mark Scheifele scored twice while Cole Perfetti and Gabriel Vilardi each collected two assists for the 16-22-1 Jets. Quinton Byfield replied for the Kings (18-15-10), who replaced goaltender Darcy Kuemper with Anton Forsberg after Kuemper gave up five goals on 16 shots.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his fourth goal in his last three games in a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Connor McMichael had a goal and an assist as the Capitals improved to 23-16-6. Oliver Moore scored for the Blackhawks (18-19-7), bringing their four-game win streak to an end.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard was held pointless as he returned to action after missing 12 games with a shoulder injury.

The Utah Mammoth doubled up the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Nick Schmaltz had a goal and two assists, and Clayton Keller picked up three assists for the Mammoth (22-20-3) as they extended their win streak to three games. Oskar Sundqvist and Pavel Buchnevich scored for the 17-20-8 Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mammoth forward Alex Kerfoot left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

Speaking of Keller, he’s not a fan of the Mammoth fans’ recent peculiar habit of whistling during the game. “It’s been pretty disruptive, to be honest,” Keller said, adding he’s not sure where it’s stemming from.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The league’s department of player safety fined Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell $5,000 for high-sticking Montreal Canadiens forward Alexandre Texier during Thursday’s game between the two clubs.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers placed defenseman Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) on injured reserve.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks will be keeping rookie Michael Misa for the remainder of this season. Misa’s last NHL game was on Nov. 1, when he suffered an ankle injury. He was subsequently loaned to Team Canada for the 2026 World Junior Championship.

TSN: Chris Johnston got a first-hand look at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, which will be the main site for the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.

An Italian Cup game was played there on Friday, which was stopped briefly at one point during the first period to repair a small hole in the ice. That’s not unusual with new ice surfaces.

Johnston reported the arena remains a construction site, with visible holes in the exterior of the building, spartan concourses inside with unfinished drywall, and ongoing work to complete the dressing rooms. Construction dust also floated over the playing surface.

Nevertheless, Johnston believes these issues are not a threat to the Olympics starting on time.

THE SCORE: Olympic organizers remain 100 percent confident that the NHL won’t pull out of the upcoming tournament. The league is expected to release a statement following its inspection of the facility.