NHL Rumor Mill – February 4, 2026

by | Feb 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 4, 2026

The Olympic trade freeze begins at 3 PM ET today. Check out the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann, plus an update on the Blues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PANTHERS AND LIGHTNING SAID TO BE PUSHING FOR ARTEMI PANARIN

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the New York Rangers intend to move Artemi Panarin before the Olympic trade freeze goes into effect on Wednesday. However, the situation remains firmly in the hands of the 34-year-old winger and his agent.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

The Rangers continue talking to teams, and there has been a range of interest. A key part of a deal is agreeing to a contract extension. Johnston said he’d heard one team put a $40 million offer on the table. However, it’s up to Panarin to determine if he’s found the right situation.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are in the mix for Panarin. It’s believed that the winger’s preference is to join one of the Florida teams. The Minnesota Wild are also making a push.

Murphy indicated that the challenge for the Panthers is that they lack first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. A deal might have to be built around roster players and prospects such as Mackie Samoskevich and Eetu Luostarinen

The San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals are willing to discuss an extension with the Panarin camp. However, they’re unwilling to give up elite young players such as Will Smith or Ryan Leonard in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s no-movement clause and his $11.6 million cap hit are stumbling blocks in the path to a trade. Rangers general manager Chris Drury may be keen to move him as soon as possible, but interested clubs can afford to wait him out and hope the asking price drops.

THE BLUES’ HIGH-END TALENT IS PROVING DIFFICULT TO MOVE

TSN: Darren Dreger reports St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong remains eager to refresh the roster before the change in management after this season.

Defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, forwards Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, and Robert Thomas, and goaltender Jordan Binnington remain in play. However, Armstrong’s high asking prices and the cap management required to take on some of their high-end players have been sticking points.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek also noted that Thomas, Kyrou, Faulk, Binnington, and Parayko are floating around in the rumor mill. As for younger players such as Dalibor Dvorsky, Jake Neighbours, and Jimmy Snuggerud, Marek doesn’t believe they’re on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All those high-end players mentioned by Dreger carry annual cap hits of $6 million or more. They also have various forms of no-trade protection. Factor in what Armstrong seeks for each player, and it wouldn’t be surprising if most of those players are still on the Blues roster after the March 6 trade deadline.

TVA SPORTS: Nicolas Cloutier asked the firm Sportslogiq to target the Montreal Canadiens’ most pressing need at the trade deadline and which player to pursue.

The Canadiens could improve defensively, prompting TVA Sports analyst Maxim Lapierre to suggest that they target Colton Parayko of the Blues.

Their most pressing need is a right winger on the top line alongside center Nick Suzuki and left wing Cole Caufield. Cloutier believes the Blues’ Jordan Kyrou would be a good fit, pointing out the Canadiens looked into acquiring him last summer. He’s also a friend of Suzuki’s.

Cloutier isn’t saying the Canadiens are pursuing Parayko or Kyrou. Nevertheless, they could be talking to Armstrong about some of the Blues’ veterans.

Parayko is a big, hard-shooting all-around defenseman who could be a solid defense partner alongside Lane Hutson. However, he’s 32 with four more years left on his contract, and his performance could decline over that period. Parayko might not be keen to waive his no-trade clause.

The Canadiens’ interest in Kyrou is well-documented, and he could fit in well on their top line. It’s worth recalling that the Habs pursuit of Kyrou ended on July 1 when his current contract (with its full no-trade clause) went into effect. Maybe he’d waive it now to go to Montreal, maybe not.

Assuming Parayko or Kyrou agreed to be traded to Montreal, the asking price could be the deal breaker if the Blues ask for Michael Hage, Jacob Fowler, or Alexander Zharovsky.

BOBBY MCMANN BECOMING THE MAPLE LEAFS’ BEST TRADE BAIT

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes the Maple Leafs could get a return for winger Bobby McMann that would be comparable to what the Vancouver Canucks received for Kiefer Sherwood from the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks got two second-round picks and minor league defenseman Cole Clayton.

Like Sherwood, the 29-year-old McMann is UFA-eligible on July 1 and carries an affordable salary-cap hit ($1.35 million). Koshan also doesn’t rule out the possibility of the winger fetching a first-round pick.

THE ATHLETIC: Joshua Kloke suggested McMann could be a perfect fit for the Edmonton Oilers. They need to improve their third-line depth, and his versatility makes it possible to move him up or down the lineup as needed.

The Oilers lack a first-round pick in 2026, but they have their first-rounders from 2027 to 2029. They also have their second-rounders for the next three years to draw on for trade bait.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox also mentioned the Oilers as a possible suitor. In addition, he mentioned colleague Nick Kypreos listing the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, and Ottawa Senators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs were expected to be sellers before their recent little win streak moved them within five points of a wildcard berth. GM Brad Treliving will likely wait until after the Olympic break to determine his club’s position in the standings before deciding whether or not to sell. Nevertheless, he’s probably fielding offers on McMann and others who are pending UFAs, such as Scott Laughton and Troy Stecher, looking for draft picks and prospects to restock his draft cupboard and prospect pipeline.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2026

by | Feb 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2026

What’s the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin? Will the Blue Jackets be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? Could the Penguins add to their roster before the trade deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL ARTEMI PANARIN BE TRADED BEFORE THE OLYMPIC TRADE FREEZE?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there doesn’t seem to be any eager takers for Artemi Panarin as the Olympic trade freeze (Feb. 4-22) approaches. He indicated that the 34-year-old New York Rangers winger seeks a four-year contract extension at roughly $11 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last Friday said he’d heard that Panarin was seeking a $50 million contract.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Panarin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cap hit of $11.6 million this season and a full no-movement clause. The Rangers are holding him out of their lineup as they attempt to find a suitable trade partner.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes last week reported that 14 clubs were interested in Panarin. They included the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars in the Western Conference, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Islanders in the East.

Dreger’s colleagues Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston believe the Capitals and Hurricanes are among the more legitimate suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that the Capitals, Kings, Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Detroit Red Wings were believed to be willing to discuss a contract extension with the Panarin camp. He also indicated that the Ducks, Avalanche, and Stars were only interested in the Rangers winger as a playoff rental. The Hurricanes were said to be flexible regarding a contract extension, but it depended on how much they were willing to pay him.

The Golden Knights are probably out of the bidding given their limited cap space and recent acquisition of Rasmus Andersson. The Maple Leafs are sellers, not buyers. The Lightning would probably be interested in him as a rental. Ditto the Mammoth. It would be quite a swerve if the Rangers traded Panarin to the Islanders, but it’s unlikely to happen given their rivalry and the fact that they are in the same division.

WHAT WILL THE BLUE JACKETS DO IN THE TRADE MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports that Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell faces a tough decision regarding pending forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment.

The trio is due to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, which could make them trade bait if Waddell became a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. However, the Blue Jackets have won nine of their last 10 games and are surging up the Eastern Conference standings.

Waddell said that he won’t make any substantive moves before the Olympic trade freeze begins at 3 PM ET on Wednesday, Feb. 4. He will try to use the three-week break to get those three players under contract.

RG. ORG: James Murphy reported Waddell intends to reassess his club’s position during the Olympic break and into early March. He also indicated that the Blue Jackets GM would like to re-sign Coyle, but acknowledged a trade could happen if the club falls out of playoff position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are seven points out of a wildcard berth in the Eastern Conference. They still have some time over the remainder of the season to gain ground, but a losing skid could prove fatal to those playoff hopes.

Portzline pointed out that Waddell can’t wait until March 5 to become a buyer or a seller. Those contract talks with Jenner, Coyle, and Marchment will factor into his decision.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas will keep his focus on the future as the March 6 trade deadline approaches. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t make a move that provides more immediate help for his retooling franchise.

Yohe suggested keeping an eye on right-handed defensemen in the trade market. The Penguins are thin on the right side of their blue line.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 2, 2026

by | Feb 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 2, 2026

What will the Maple Leafs do with Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, and Bobby McMann? Are the Canadiens still interested in Nazem Kadri? What’s the latest on the Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Maple Leafs need to decide what they have in Auston Matthews and whether the remaining two seasons of his contract are worth investing in, or whether they should consider moving him elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Maple Leafs management touched base with the Matthews camp, and the latter remains committed to the team.

Nevertheless, a disappointing performance by the Maple Leafs next season could prompt Matthews to reconsider his future in Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).

Simmons believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving must approach Morgan Rielly about a trade. The 31-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause. Given the downturn in Rielly’s performance, Simmons wondered what the blueliner might fetch in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not long ago, Rielly would’ve fetched the Maple Leafs at least a first-round pick and a top prospect or a promising young NHL player. Not anymore. The Leafs might also have to retain part of his salary. They might get a second-rounder if they’re lucky and one other piece.

Simmons also proposed trading UFA-eligible winger Bobby McMann for “some kind of futures” and then bringing him back as a free agent this summer if he agrees to that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those types of moves are rarely done as players who hit the open market tend to go where they can get the best deal. Maybe McMann would accept that scenario proposed by Simmons, provided the same management team remains in place for the Leafs this summer. If Treliving is fired, his replacement might have other ideas.

ARE THE CANADIENS INTERESTED IN NAZEM KADRI?

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports sources confirmed that the Montreal Canadiens were interested in Nazem Kadri earlier this season. The 35-year-old Calgary Flames center is signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $7 million, and a 13-team no-trade list.

D’Amico indicated that the Canadiens are not on Kadri’s no-trade list. However, their interest in Kadri cooled by the time January rolled around. The emergence of Oliver Kapanen as their second-line center, the progression of top prospect Michael Hage, and the December acquisition of Phillip Danault have made Kadri less of a fit for the Habs.

According to D’Amico, the Flames are reportedly willing to retain part of Kadri’s salary to facilitate a trade. The Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings could be among the suitors, with interest likely to increase after the Olympic break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico didn’t fully close the door on the Canadiens’ interest in Kadri, especially if the asking price softens near the trade deadline or if injuries arise. However, it’s now believed the Habs are more likely seeking a scoring winger to play on the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios continues working the phones. It’s believed they recently spoke to the Flames about defenseman (and Ottawa native) MacKenzie Weegar, and “kicked tires” on winger Blake Coleman.

It’s believed that Staios prefers adding players with term remaining on their contracts because returning to the playoffs next season is not out of the question.

If Staios decides to sell by the March 6 deadline, Garrioch believes pending UFAs such as Claude Giroux, David Perron, Lars Eller, and Nick Cousins could have some value in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a disappointing season for the Senators after snapping a seven-year playoff drought last year. Injuries and shaky goaltending were the main culprits. A healthier lineup with more reliable goalies next season could result in a strong bounce-back effort on their part.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 1, 2026

by | Feb 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 1, 2026

Check out the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Blues center Robert Thomas, plus updates on the Maple Leafs and Red Wings in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

UPDATE ON ARTEMI PANARIN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Artemi Panarin still prefers to be traded to a team willing to sign him to a contract extension.

The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger is in the final season of a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $11.64 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over this situation. The Rangers are holding him out of their lineup as they attempt to find a suitable trade partner for Panarin

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Detroit Red Wings could be interested in doing the contract extension. However, he indicated there is some question over how the cap-strapped Panthers might pull this off.

The Carolina Hurricanes are interested in Panarin and are willing to be flexible regarding an extension, but it depends on how much they’re willing to pay him.

Friedman indicated that the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars are trying to convince Panarin to join them as a playoff rental. He believes that as long as the Stars remain committed to re-signing Jason Robertson, they’ll remain interested in Panarin solely as a rental.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals and Sharks have sufficient trade-deadline cap space to acquire the remainder of Panarin’s contract, though they’re likely to move some salary to the Rangers or request that they retain some of his cap hit to make it happen. The Kings, Red Wings, and Hurricanes have more than enough to take him on.

The Panthers have over $2.562 million in cap space, which might not be enough to absorb the remainder of Panarin’s contract without the Rangers retaining salary in the deal.

Complicating things is the possibility of team captain Aleksander Barkov returning to the lineup before the end of the regular season or in the first round of the playoffs. He was supposed to be out for the season with a knee injury, but has been skating recently with his other sidelined teammates. If it appears that Barkov might return later this season, the Panthers might not be able to pull this off.

INJURY TO ROBERT THOMAS MIGHT SLOW TRADE TALKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted that St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas underwent a minor procedure on one of his legs and will be sidelined until after the Olympic break.

That might slow down any trade conversations involving the 26-year-old center. Friedman said there are “a bunch of teams” that believe there aren’t many clubs that could meet what the Blues want to do here.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas is the Blues’ top center. Given the lack of depth of quality centers in this year’s trade market, they’re going to set a high asking price. His contract is also an issue. He carries an average annual value of $8.125 million through 2030-31, and has a full no-trade clause through 2029-30.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs management had a conversation with Auston Matthews’ camp regarding his future. He reiterated that nothing has changed, that the Maple Leafs captain remains committed to the club despite its struggles this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews has two years left on his contract, which understandably has some Maple Leafs followers concerned about whether he’ll remain part of their long-term plans. There’s no certainty as to whether he’ll still be with the Leafs by the time his current deal expires in 2028, but if the club rebounds from this disappointing performance, the odds improve that he could stay.

Friedman reports the Maple Leafs have started conversations around the league to gauge what other teams think of their roster and what they might be interested in. So far, there’s nothing that Friedman could consider “earth-shattering” being discussed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Leafs aren’t shopping their core players such as Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, or Matthews Knies. Players most likely to be discussed include UFA-eligible players such as Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher, and players due to become restricted free agents like Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson.

COULD A DEAL BE BREWING BETWEEN THE JETS AND RED WINGS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: On Friday, Jake Tye noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made mention of a possible trade between the Winnipeg Jets and Detroit Red Wings.

During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Friedman said a source informed him that the Jets and Red Wings could have a match when it comes to a potential trade. He said that he didn’t know what the framework of the deal would be, but it could involve a Jets defenseman such as Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are eight points out of a playoff berth in the Western Conference and struggling to gain ground. They could start selling pending UFA players such as Schenn or Stanley if they’re no longer part of the club’s plans beyond this season.

Tye observed that the Red Wings have lots of cap space and can draw on their significant draft capital and deep prospect pool for trade bait. A lot could depend on whether they get seriously into the bidding for New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 31, 2026

by | Jan 31, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 31, 2026

The latest on Artemi Panarin and Evander Kane, plus updates on the Flames, Maple Leafs, and Predators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ARTEMI PANARIN RUMORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing that New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin seeks a contract extension worth $50 million before signing off on a trade.

“He is going to try and hit a contract home run, even though he’s 34 years old,” Friedman said. Panarin is earning an annual average value of $11.6 million on his current deal, which expires on July 1.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Friedman said several teams reportedly have varying degrees of interest in Panarin. The Colorado Avalanche are interested, but not in an extension. Ditto the Dallas Stars unless they pivot away from re-signing RFA-eligible winger Jason Robertson.

The Los Angeles Kings are wondering if this is the right time to give up future assets. Panarin would love to join the Florida Panthers, but Friedman doesn’t know if they’ll move heaven and earth to get the playmaking winger.

The Minnesota Wild made a big splash by acquiring Quinn Hughes and might be willing to make another, but Friedman wondered how much they have left in the bank to do so.

Friedman believes the Washington Capitals are a serious suitor, citing their willingness to sign Panarin to an extension. He also mentioned the Seattle Kraken, who seek a high-end forward and are reportedly willing to move young center Shane Wright.

Other clubs with potential interest include the San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked if the Canadiens should kick tires on Panarin. He believes they should and will, pointing out that Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton signed the winger to his current contract when he was general manager of the Rangers.

Cowan believes Panarin’s age and the Rangers’ asking price would be concerns. Nevertheless, he thinks the playmaking winger could be a good fit on the Canadiens’ top line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin turns 35 in October, the first season of his new contract. It’s doubtful he’d get anything longer than five years, meaning he’d get $10 million annually on that type of deal. Even with the salary cap rising significantly over the next two seasons, spending that much on a winger heading into his late-thirties is not a wise investment of salary-cap dollars. That will likely scare off most of the rumored suitors.

Based on recent reports, the Avalanche, Ducks, and Stars are out unless Panarin is willing to be a rental player. It’s unlikely that the Rangers will trade him to the Islanders. This isn’t the same thing as sending a depth defenseman like Carson Soucy to the Isles.

The Golden Knights recently acquired Rasmus Andersson and want to re-sign him as a replacement for the permanently sidelined Alex Pietrangelo, so it’s unlikely they’ll have sufficient cap space or tradeable assets to land Panarin. The Wild seek a scoring forward, but their preference is a first-line center.

Panarin is the type of player a Stanley Cup contender acquires. The Flyers and Canadiens aren’t there yet. He’s too old and too expensive for those rebuilding teams, and he might not be interested in joining them.

The Capitals might be willing to do it if this season proves to be Alex Ovechkin’s last, but it would still be a risky investment, given his age and the associated expense. Understandably, the Kraken would be interested, but surely they can find young and more affordable options elsewhere.

The Mammoth could be intrigued by Panarin because he’s a superstar who could generate excitement in their new market, but his asking price could be a deal breaker. The same applies to the Sharks, who have some rising young stars that will soon require new contracts.

COULD THE STARS ACQUIRE EVANDER KANE?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos recently cited reports claiming the Stars and Colorado Avalanche have inquired about Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane.

The Stars are seeking a top-six left winger. Kane has a history with Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan. It’s also believed the Canucks could be willing to retain part of Kane’s $5.125 million AAV.

However, Kane’s character could come into question given his off-ice issues in recent years. They also wouldn’t have the cap space to acquire him without salary retention by the Canucks.

Assimakopoulos believes Calgary Flames winger (and Plano, Texas native) Blake Coleman might be a better option for the Stars.

WHO COULD THE FLAMES TRADE NEXT?

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson looked at which Flames players could be next on the trade block after the club recently shipped out Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Wilson believes Nazem Kadri could draw interest despite the recent decline in his production. The 35-year-old center could want to be moved to a contender, though his age and his contract could be sticking points. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $7 million.

Winger Blake Coleman and recently-acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud could be highly coveted. They both have Stanley Cup experience and have term left on their contracts. It could take a strong offer to pry them away from the Flames.

MCMANN, LAUGHTON COULD DRAW INTEREST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Thursday could send the club into sell mode in the trade market. The loss left the Maple Leafs sitting second-last in the Eastern Conference.

Friedman believes talks about Maple Leafs players will intensify, but doesn’t know if there will be any movement before the Olympic trade freeze goes into effect on Feb. 4. Forwards Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton could draw interest in the trade market. Both are UFA-eligible on July 1.

Some observers might wonder about Auston Matthews’ future with the Maple Leafs. He’s eligible for UFA status in 2028. Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs are at the stage yet where Matthews could request a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann and Laughton could bring in draft picks that help the Maple Leafs restock their prospect pool.

THE LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Nashville Predators are open to trading forwards Michael Bunting and Michael McCarron, and defenseman Nick Perbix.

Friedman stated that the New York Islanders attempted to acquire Bunting, but a deal couldn’t be reached. They opted instead for winger Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples wondered if the Oilers might look at acquiring one of those players.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2026

by | Jan 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest speculation on the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin and the Predators’ Ryan O’Reilly, plus the most likely trade candidates for the Maple Leafs.

THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported Wednesday on potential trade destinations for Artemi Panarin. The 34-year-old winger has been held out of the New York Rangers lineup for “roster management purposes” as efforts are ongoing to trade him. Reports indicated the UFA-eligible winger wants a contract extension before agreeing to waive his no-movement clause.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Based on his sources, Mercogliano believes Panarin prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference. The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals have been mentioned as possible destinations.

The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars could be possibilities if Panarin is traded as a rental player. There’s been talk linking him to the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. Mercogliano believes the Ducks would be the better destination, given their position in the standings and Panarin’s ties to head coach Joel Quenneville from their days with the Chicago Blackhawks.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, has the Rangers’ approval to speak directly with other clubs. The Capitals are believed to be interested in the playmaking winger and could be open to an extension.

The Panarin camp has reached out to all three California teams. However, the Ducks are out right now because an extension doesn’t work for them. The Sharks have had a discussion with the Rangers, but LeBrun isn’t sure how seriously they are taking it. Meanwhile, it doesn’t seem as though the Kings are pushing very hard.

LeBrun indicated that the Carolina Hurricanes have discussed acquiring Panarin, but it’s uncertain whether team owner Tom Dundon will approve spending money on an extension.

The Florida Panthers could be Panarin’s destination of choice, but it would be difficult given their salary-cap constraints.

Darren Dreger believes the Stars could be among the suitors for Panarin, but would only be interested in acquiring him as a playoff rental.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker pointed out that Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit is a sticking point in efforts to move him. Even if the Rangers retained the league maximum of 50 percent, salary would have to be moved to make the dollars fit.

The Sharks and Kings have their 2026 first-round picks to offer. The Sharks also have enticing young players and prospects who the Rangers could pursue, especially at center.

ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Stars, Utah Mammoth, Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the New York Islanders have expressed interest in Panarin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lots of speculation thus far, but nothing yet to indicate which of these clubs could be front-runners.

The Sharks have the young assets that would entice the Rangers, but there might have to be some salary retention or some salary heading to New York to make this work cap-wise.

The Ducks have lots of cap space to take on Panarin for this season, but they’ve got some young stars who will need new contracts within the next couple of years. The Hurricanes have lots of cap room, but Panarin’s age and the cost of re-signing him could be concerns.

The Mammoth have the cap space and plenty of draft picks, prospects, and young players to draw on, but they might not be on Panarin’s list of destinations. He also doesn’t seem like a fit within their long-term plans.

It’s well-known that the Kraken are seeking a dynamic offensive star. If Panarin were four years younger, this might make sense. They probably aren’t on his list of landing spots.

The Capitals have the cap room, and they have some tradeable assets. However, they’re also struggling to stay in the wild-card chase. As for the Wild, their preference is for a center.

Any interest from the Leafs may have come before their recent slide sent them tumbling in the standings. They’re sellers now, and even if they were buyers, they can’t afford his cap hit or the Rangers’ asking price.

The Stars and Avalanche are out if Panarin remains insistent on a contract extension. Trading him to the Islanders would be a bold move, but it’s not one the Rangers will likely do.

The Lightning would be an interesting move, but they would have to free up considerable cap space to make it work, and they’re probably unwilling to sign him to an extension.

PREDATORS COULD BE WILLING TO MOVE RYAN O’REILLY

TSN: Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is keeping his trade options open as his club seems poised to miss the playoffs for the third time in four years.

That could include trading Ryan O’Reilly. The 34-year-old center lacks no-trade protection and has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.

Trotz indicated that he’s willing to listen to all trade offers, but he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to discuss it with O’Reilly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the Predators are treating O’Reilly as though he has a no-trade clause. If Trotz gets an enticing offer, he’ll discuss it with O’Reilly first.

We’ve been down this road before regarding O’Reilly, and nothing’s come of it. We can’t rule out the possibility that he gets traded before March 6, but it’s not a certainty.

WHICH MAPLE LEAFS COULD BECOME TRADE CANDIDATES?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes UFA-eligible winger Bobby McMann would fetch the best return for the Maple Leafs if they become sellers at the March 6 trade deadline. Koshan recently suggested the Leafs re-sign the 29-year-old McMann, but now believes it would be worthwhile moving him if he brings in an asset or two.

Koshan also believes the Leafs should peddle Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher. Like McMann, they’re eligible for UFA status on July 1. He also advocated that they shop defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo. Ekman-Larsson has a 16-team no-trade list, while Carlo has an eight-team no-trade list. Both of them could help replenish the Leafs’ draft cupboard.