NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2026

by | Jan 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2026

Could Auston Matthews consider moving on if the Leafs miss the playoffs? Would Dougie Hamilton be a good fit in Toronto? Could the Penguins attempt to acquire Jason Robertson and re-sign Evgeni Malkin? Will the Blues trade Robert Thomas? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wonders what Auston Matthews will be thinking if the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs this season. The 28-year-old superstar center has two seasons left on his contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Kypreos believes Matthews will need assurances that the Maple Leafs are capable of building a contender. He pointed out that other elite NHL players, such as Matthew Tkachuk in 2022 and Quinn Hughes last month, forced a change of scenery, and wondered if Matthews might do the same at some point if the Leafs are no longer playoff contenders going forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews isn’t going anywhere this season, but it’s fair to raise the question about his future if the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs. Even if they squeak in but endure another early elimination, that will spark speculation about whether he’ll finish his contract in Toronto.

Kypreos also addressed whether Dougie Hamilton would be a good fit with the Maple Leafs. The 32-year-old New Jersey Devils defenseman has surfaced in the rumor mill after his agent recently indicated that the blueliner was willing to be flexible with his 10-team trade list.

“Aside from the high acquisition cost and a few warts in his game, the Devils defenseman does check many boxes the Leafs desperately need on their blueline for a playoff push.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Warts aside, the acquisition cost is the biggest stumbling block in the path of a trade here. Hamilton carries an average annual value of $9 million through 2027-28. It’ll likely take a sweetener to convince the Devils to retain any part of that cap hit.

The Leafs have limited cap room and trade capital. They could face difficulty trying to outbid other clubs.

Meanwhile, Kevin McGran noted the logjam in the Maple Leafs crease with Anthony Stolarz due to return soon from injury, joining Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby.

McGran believes Hildeby will likely return to their AHL affiliate because he’s waiver-exempt. If Stolarz regains last season’s solid form, the Leafs could be tempted to use one of those three goalies as a trade chip to shore up the defense.

COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE JASON ROBERTSON AND RE-SIGN EVGENI MALKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe speculated recently that the Pittsburgh Penguins might go the trade route this summer to bring in a young NHL star forward.

He believes the Penguins love Jason Robertson. The 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He will draw lots of attention if the Stars make him available in the trade market, suggesting the Penguins have the salary-cap space and the tradeable assets to make a solid pitch. He also doesn’t see them attempting to go the offer sheet route as the compensation required would be over the top.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas will probably be in touch with the Stars if they decide to trade Robertson this summer. And yes, it would be in the summer because the Stars are all-in this season to win the Stanley Cup, and that includes having Robertson in the lineup.

The Penguins would be well-situated to outbid most teams. The question is whether Robertson would be committed to joining them on a long-term deal. He could opt to go to arbitration, sign a one-year deal, and test the unrestricted free-agent market in 2027. That would crush his value in next season’s trade market, making him enticing only to Stanley Cup contenders seeking a postseason rental.

Yohe also reported that long-time Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is willing to sign a one-year contract and accept a pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh.

Malkin, 39, realizes this could be his final NHL season, but he’s not ready to retire yet. He’s not interested in playing for another team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas indicated last fall that he would meet with the Malkin camp during the upcoming Olympic break to discuss his future. Despite missing 15 games with an upper-body injury, he’s third among their scorers this season with 37 points in 34 games. It won’t be surprising if he ends up with that one-year deal at a reduced price.

COULD THE BLUES PEDDLE ROBERT THOMAS?

THE ATHLETIC: With St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas surfacing in recent trade speculation, Jeremy Rutherford and Shayna Goldman looked at his potential value in the trade market.

Thomas, 26, is in the third season of an eight-year contract with a AAV of $8.125 million. Rutherford and Goldman believe he’ll fetch more than the asking price of a comparable center on an expiring contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You’ll need a subscription to see their detailed breakdown of comparables, cost, and whether it would be worthwhile for the Blues to trade Thomas. In my opinion, he could fetch three assets containing at least a first-round pick and a top prospect or a promising young NHL player.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2026

by | Jan 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2026

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Flames, Rangers, and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANUCKS AFTER THE SHERWOOD TRADE?

SPORTSNET: According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, there could be teams still intrigued by the skillset of Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Despite the decline in the 27-year-old’s production, some clubs could be wondering if he could regain the heights of his career-best 102-point performance in 2022-23.

Johnston noted that the Carolina Hurricanes were interested in Pettersson before he signed his current contract. He thinks they could still be a fit for the struggling Canucks center, especially as they’re willing to trade center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who could also benefit from a reset.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed some teams believe Pettersson could be traded this season, perhaps before the upcoming Olympic break from Feb. 4 to 22. He said the Canucks are in a spot where they’re willing to consider anything and everything.

Pettersson is in the second season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. However, if a club believes a change of scenery could rejuvenate his career, Seravalli suggested that Pettersson’s expensive cap hit doesn’t sound like a crazy risk profile.

THE ATHLETIC: Canucks beat writer Thomas Drance acknowledged that Canucks management is willing to entertain offers for their players.

However, he believes those in their late-twenties with term remaining on their contracts aren’t being aggressively shopped. That includes Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, Jake DeBrusk, and Marcus Pettersson.

Regarding Elias Pettersson, Drance believes a center would have to be part of the return to tempt the Canucks into trading him. He also stated that their level of interest in moving defenseman Filip Hronek is “virtually nil.”

Drance also stated that the Canucks aren’t using their draft picks as trade bait, particularly the four picks they hold in the first two rounds of this year’s draft.

Players that don’t factor into the Canucks plans beyond the March 6 trade deadline (Teddy Blueger, David Kampf, and Evander Kane) are the most likely to be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are likely reluctant to retain part of Pettersson’s cap hit to facilitate a trade because six years is a long time to have that dead cap space on their books. That consideration would require a significant offer from a rival club to convince them to do it.

The Hurricanes have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s full cap hit, but his declining production since 2023 would still make him an expensive gamble that could adversely affect their long-term cap room if he doesn’t improve, even if the Canucks would accept Kotkaniemi and his $4.82 million AAV in return.

THE LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there are ongoing discussions between Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy and the representatives for center Nazem Kadri. That doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, but Kadri wants to do what’s best for the Flames.

Kadri also wants to win the Stanley Cup. Dreger believes there has been some “tire-kicking” by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and maybe the Dallas Stars.

Dreger stressed that there is no rush on the Flames’ part, and a lot of work to do if they were to trade Kadri.

Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun reports Conroy didn’t say Kadri and winger Blake Coleman definitely aren’t moving, but he’s open to taking calls about them. LeBrun noted there is a market for Coleman, but the Flames are quite ready to retain the versatile winger given his leadership role with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why there is so much interest in Kadri. There’s a need for centers in the trade market, and he’s a proven performer. However, he’s also 35 and carries an average annual value of $7 million through 2028-29 with a 13-team no-trade list. Those factors must be taken into consideration, especially for clubs with limited cap space for this season.

Coleman is reportedly drawing the most interest. He has more Stanley Cup experience than Kadri, carries a more affordable cap hit ($4.9 million), and is a versatile two-way forward. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets moved instead of Kadri before the March 6 trade deadline. However, he’s signed through next season, so the Flames can be patient and wait for a good offer.

J.T. MILLER WON’T BE TRADED BY THE RANGERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t know why J.T. Miller is being mentioned as a trade candidate. He said the New York Rangers captain has no intention of waiving his no-movement clause, and management isn’t going to ask him to do so.

LeBrun pointed out that the Rangers acquired Miller last season and made him captain before this season. They still believe in the reasons why they brought him in.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller’s teammate, Mika Zibanejad, also reportedly doesn’t intend to waive his no-movement clause. Of the three Rangers’ forwards with NMCs, Artemi Panarin is the only one that management could move if he’s willing to waive his clause.

KRAKEN RUMORED TO BE SHOPPING JAMIE OLEKSIAK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited a report by NHL insider Frank Seravalli, claiming the Seattle Kraken are looking to move defenseman Jamie Oleksiak by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Kraken are jockeying for a wildcard berth in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, Seravalli said they’re in the same market in terms of trading veterans such as Oleksiak, Jaden Schwartz, and Jordan Eberle. Staples thinks Oleksiak could be a good rental addition to the Oilers’ blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oleksiak, Schwartz, and Eberle are original members of the Kraken, but they’re also UFA-eligible this summer. Management is transitioning the roster toward younger talent, which explains why they may be willing to part with those players at the deadline for draft picks despite the risk of scuttling their chances for a playoff spot.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2026

by | Jan 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2026

What’s the latest on Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad? Could the Wild make another bold move before the March 6 trade deadline? What are the Capitals seeking in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary recently listed five potential landing spots for Artemi Panarin.

The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1, and was informed by Rangers management that they wouldn’t be offering him a contract extension. He has a full no-movement clause this season, giving him full control over possible destinations before the March 6 trade deadline.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

O’Leary suggested the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, acknowledging their limited cap space but also noting they have the assets to tempt the Rangers. The Washington Capitals could use another skilled scoring winger, but they won’t part with top prospect Cole Hutson.

The Vegas Golden Knights were O’Leary’s third choice, but he made that pick before they acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. The Los Angeles Kings have the cap space, but lack sufficient trade assets.

O’Leary suggested Panarin could be what the Carolina Hurricanes need to put them over the top as a Stanley Cup champion. They possess more cap space than the other clubs on this list, and the trade capital to make it work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers general manager Bill Zito has made bold moves to bolster his roster. He’ll have the cap space if sidelined team captain Aleksander Barkov remains out for the entire season, including the playoffs.

The Golden Knights are always sniffing around for the best available talent and usually get it, but their acquisition of Andersson may have taken up what little trade bait they had left. As for the Kings, they could have their eye on more affordable trade options, if a recent rumor linking them to Vancouver’s Evander Kane is anything to go by.

That leaves the Hurricanes as the most likely option, provided they’re interested and if Panarin is willing to join them.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers winger Mika Zibanejad said he hasn’t been approached by management about waiving his no-movement clause. He maintained that he remains committed to the club, though Walker felt he left his intentions somewhat open-ended, saying he couldn’t say for certain what would happen in the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful that Zibanejad gets moved by the March 6 trade deadline. Their focus is on moving Panarin. Given he’s signed for four more years with an AAV of $8.5 million, trading him might be an offseason move if he’s open to the possibility.

THE WILD MIGHT NOT BE DONE IN THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith still believe that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin isn’t done in the trade market after acquiring Quinn Hughes last month.

They believe the Wild are “a scoring winger or first-line center away from true contender status.” Guerin is in “win-now” mode and could make another big swing by dealing draft picks and prospects for a center.

Russo and Smith raised the possibility of Guerin using promising goaltender Jesper Wallstedt as trade bait. They pointed out that netminder Filip Gustavsson is under contract until 2031, reminding us that young defenseman Zeev Buium was considered untouchable before he was shipped off to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return in the Hughes deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Wallstedt would certainly be a bold choice by Guerin. It’ll depend on which first-line center or scoring winger becomes available.

That player would have to be someone who could truly turn them into Cup contenders. It’s unlikely he’d move Wallstedt for a rental player, so it’ll have to be someone with at least another year left on their contract, or a pending UFA willing to sign an extension.

CAPITALS SHOPPING FOR HELP UP FRONT

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently reported that Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick is closely watching the trade market.

Patrick said he’s “definitely actively pursuing an addition” that will likely be for his forward lines. He believes the Capitals’ biggest need is for a “higher-end skilled winger”, acknowledging that those types of players usually aren’t available by the trade deadline.

The Capitals GM prefers finding a winger who can be a good short-term addition with the potential to stick around beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cue the “Artemi Panarin to the Capitals” speculation. A more affordable option could be Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, provided they’re on his list of preferred trade destinations.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2026

by | Jan 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2026

What’s next for the Flames after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Golden Knights? Does Patrik Laine still fit into the Canadiens’ plans? Could the Blackhawks trade Connor Murphy? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE FLAMES TRADE NAZEM KADRI AND BLAKE COLEMAN?

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin wondered what’s next for the Flames after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

He believes that if the Flames can acquire young assets or draft picks and give players like Nazem Kadri or Blake Coleman the chance to join a contender, it might be time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri’s been the subject of trade speculation for two years. The 35-year-old center is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million, and carries a 13-team no-trade list.

Kadri has put up decent numbers this season with the struggling Flames and has a Stanley Cup ring on his resume. However, his age and cap hit could be stumbling blocks in the path toward a trade.

Coleman, 34, is a versatile two-way forward who won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier in this decade. He’s signed through next season with a more affordable AAV than Kadri ($4.9 million), but has a more restrictive 10-team trade list. The Flames reportedly prefer not to move him, but that doesn’t mean they won’t if the right offer comes along.

WHAT WILL THE CANADIENS DO WITH PATRIK LAINE?

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen was recently asked where Patrik Laine fits into the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup upon his return from injury. The 27-year-old right wing has been out since Oct. 16, recovering from core muscle surgery. He has resumed skating with his teammates.

Laine is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $8.7 million. Rosen believes it’s difficult to determine where he’ll fit into their lineup right now, though an injury or a slump by one of their top-nine forwards could open up a spot for him.

Rosen doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Canadiens attempting to move Laine before the March 6 trade deadline. Otherwise, they’ll retain him for the rest of the season as an expensive depth forward.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was also asked about where Laine might fit within the Canadiens’ lineup. He doesn’t see him filling a bottom-six role or moving onto the second line.

Cowan speculates the Canadiens could give him some games at right wing on the top line and on their power-play unit to showcase him for a trade before March 6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Laine’s injury history and his cap hit, the Canadiens might have to retain salary to move him. Their asking price could be a draft pick or a prospect.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS TRADE CONNOR MURPHY?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus wondered if this season could be the end of Connor Murphy’s nine-season tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 32-year-old blueliner is UFA-eligible in July, completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.4 million. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.

Murphy and his family live year-round in Chicago. He loves the city, but Lazerus speculated that the rebuilding Blackhawks could peddle him by the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy won’t fetch a big return for the Blackhawks. Moving him to add another draft pick would seem like a waste. They could consider re-signing him if he wants to stay, but he might not fit into their plans.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 18, 2026

by | Jan 18, 2026

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.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2026

by | Jan 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2026

The Rangers could part ways with Artemi Panarin and other veterans soon, while the Flames could be on the verge of trading Rasmus Andersson. Check out the latest in the NHL Rumor Mill.

RANGERS TO BECOME SELLERS AS MANAGEMENT INTENDS TO RETOOL THE ROSTER

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the Rangers won’t be offering Artemi Panarin a contract extension. The 34-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

The news comes on the heels of a public letter released by General Manager Chris Drury to Rangers fans, informing them that he intends to retool the roster.

Panarin carries an $11.6 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. The latter could hamper the Rangers’ efforts to trade him for assets. Nevertheless, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Drury is prepared to work with Panarin and his agent to trade the winger wherever he wants to go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From Drury’s standpoint, the more trade destinations that Panarin lists, the better the opportunity to start a bidding war that could fetch the Rangers a solid return before the March 6 trade deadline. If Panarin only lists one or two teams, the Rangers will be lucky to get a couple of second-round picks for him.

Panarin could decide that he doesn’t like the idea of joining another team midseason. However, it’s unlikely that he’ll want to play out the final months of his contract with a club that prefers to move him.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh examined how the Rangers’ upcoming roster retool will affect the current players. He considered Panarin the most likely to be moved.

Drury had individual meetings with Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Igor Shesterkin. Each of them has a no-movement clause, and informed Drury that they want to stay. A league source told Baugh that Miller’s camp doesn’t expect management to ask their client to waive his NMC.

Trading underachieving 24-year-old winger Alexis Lafreniere doesn’t make sense unless the return is a player around the same age.

Baugh believes the Rangers should at least consider offers for 32-year-old center Vincent Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players with full NMCs won’t be moved unless they’re willing to waive them. Based on Baugh’s reporting, Panarin seems to be the only one who could be moved because of his UFA eligibility in July.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie pointed out that there have been no trades between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers since former Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton became the Canadiens VP of hockey operations in November 2021. Lavoie doubted there would ever be one as long as Gorton and Drury are in their respective roles.

Nevertheless, Lavoie believes the Canadiens have a duty to monitor Panarin’s situation. He noted the veteran winger has been linked to the Florida Panthers for some time.

Lavoie thinks a change of scenery might do wonders for Lafreniere, who is signed through 2031-32 with an AAV of $7.45 million. He believes that the winger’s contract fits within the Canadiens’ salary structure, and he’s the right age to fit in with their young core.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful Panarin will waive his NMC to join a rebuilding team like the Canadiens. Besides, he’s the type of player you acquire if you’re a Stanley Cup contender. The Canadiens have improved, but they’re not yet a Cup contender.

Lafreniere can play either wing, but his strong side is left wing. The Canadiens have Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky filling that role on their top two lines. They have Ivan Demidov at right wing on their second line, and he could end up on the top line within the next two years. Promising right wing Alexander Zharovsky is among their best prospects, and he’ll likely make his NHL debut when his KHL contract expires in 2027.

The Canadiens also lack the cap space to acquire Lafreniere this season. Doing so would mean making a couple of significant cost-cutting moves.

FLAMES COULD BE TRADING RASMUS ANDERSSON SOON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports trade talks are intensifying around Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

The 29-year-old defenseman is UFA eligible in July and carries a $4.55 million cap hit this season with a six-team no-trade list. It’s believed the Flames came close to trading him to the Vegas Golden Knights last summer, but the deal never materialized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been rumors claiming the Flames are on the verge of trading Andersson to the Boston Bruins or the Dallas Stars. Hopefully, there will be further clarification soon.