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 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 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 Rumor Mill – January 13, 2026

by | Jan 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Some suggested trade destinations for Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Maple Leafs could face a tough decision with winger Bobby McMann, and some young players the Penguins should monitor in the trade market.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman noted that Dougie Hamilton’s time with the New Jersey Devils could be coming to an end soon. The Devils made the 32-year-old defenseman a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, sparking trade speculation after his agent indicated his client was willing to be flexible with his 10-team trade list to facilitate a mutually beneficial deal.

Wegman listed the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames as three clubs that should attempt to acquire Hamilton.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

The Sharks reportedly attempted to acquire Hamilton last summer, but he vetoed the deal. Perhaps he’d reconsider with the Sharks now in playoff contention. He would instantly become, at worst, their second-best right-shot defenseman.

In Nashville, the Predators overcame a slow start to put themselves into wildcard contention in the Western Conference. Hamilton could elevate his game playing alongside Predators captain Roman Josi. They could add him without sacrificing their future.

Wegman admits a reunion with the Calgary Flames is unlikely, but pointed out that they could theoretically turn Hamilton into a draft pick or a prospect if he plays reasonably well over the remaining two years of his contract. He would also garner plenty of playing time if they end up parting ways with Rasmus Andersson.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Sharks and the Utah Mammoth have circled back on Hamilton after attempting to acquire him last summer. A source told him that Hamilton had the Mammoth and the Toronto Maple Leafs on his no-trade list, but that won’t matter anymore.

That source suggested keeping an eye on Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz and defenseman Nate Schmidt. The Vegas Golden Knights and Detroit Red Wings could also be interested in Hamilton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks could be interested if Hamilton is now willing to go to San Jose, but they could be reluctant to risk upsetting the promising chemistry they’ve built up among their players this season.

Hamilton could bolster the Mammoth’s depth on the right side of their defense corps. However, they are believed to be keen on re-signing Schmaltz, who is UFA-eligible this summer.

The Leafs and Golden Knights lack sufficient cap space to take on Hamilton’s full cap hit. The Devils would have to retain half his salary. Even then, the Leafs would have to shed salary to free up sufficient cap room. As for the Flames, it’s doubtful that Hamilton will okay a return to Calgary, or that they would want him back.

Nashville has already saddled itself with enough veterans on expensive contracts that are difficult to move. It would be surprising if they took on Hamilton even with salary retention.

Hamilton could be a good addition to the Red Wings’ blueline. However, general manager Steve Yzerman could have his eye on younger, more affordable options leading up to the March 6 trade deadline.

WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS RE-SIGN OR TRADE BOBBY MCMANN?

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports winger Bobby McMann played a key role in the Maple Leafs’ recent turnaround. He thrived during a recent stint on their top line. The 6’2”, 217-pounder is a streaky scorer, but he tallied 20 goals last season and already has 13 this season. He’s a speedy forward who plays with a physical edge and carries an affordable $1.35 million cap hit.

However, the 29-year-old McMann is UFA-eligible in July. He’s due for a significant raise that could be outside the Maple Leafs’ comfort zone. They could offer him $4 million annually, but he could get over $5 million on the open market.

McGran suggested that Treliving could consider using McMann as a trade chip to bolster the blueline. He pointed out that they already have plenty of big-bodied wingers, and they’ll have to make room for Dakota Joshua when the sidelined winger returns from injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving McMann would’ve been considered a no-brainer six weeks ago, when the Maple Leafs were at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and their supporters were screaming for a sell-off. Their recent resurgence, however, could make Treliving reluctant to part with McMann.

FOUR YOUNG PLAYERS FOR THE PENGUINS TO MONITOR IN THE TRADE MARKET

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed four young players that he believes the Penguins should be watching in the trade market.

Topping his list is forward Jakob Pelletier of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who is currently playing with their AHL affiliate in Syracuse. He also included New York Rangers winger Brennan Othmann, Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert, and defenseman Ville Heinola.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Othmann is the more likely of those four to be available before the trade deadline. He’s frequently surfaced in the rumor mill lately. Lambert was briefly mentioned last November, but the Jets’ shallow prospect pool could make them unwilling to move Lambert or Heinola.










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.










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.