NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2025

by | Dec 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2025

Are the Devils interested in Predators forward Steven Stamkos? Could the Stars pursue Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood or Flames forward Blake Coleman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

STEVEN STAMKOS LINKED TO THE DEVILS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils are believed to have internally discussed Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos, among several other trade targets.

Stamkos, 35, is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-movement clause. LeBrun doubts that he’s going anywhere this season, but indicated that the Predators “would definitely listen to calls on him.”

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

The Devils were among the suitors for Stamkos when he was an unrestricted free agent in 2024. LeBrun suggests this is something to keep an eye on as we get closer to the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Stamkos’ production since 2023-24 likely means the Devils won’t have to put together a significant offer to pry him away from the Predators, assuming he’ll waive his NMC.

Cap space will be a sticking point. The Devils have a projected $3.6 million in trade deadline cap room. Even if they convince the Predators to retain salary (which will raise their asking price), they still must free up more cap space to acquire Stamkos.

HOW WILL THE STARS REPLACE TYLER SEGUIN?

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the recent injury to Tyler Seguin could turn the Dallas Stars into more aggressive buyers by the trade deadline.

Seguin suffered what could be a season-ending knee injury earlier this week. The Stars currently have just over $3 million in cap space, but that’s with sidelined forwards Matt Duchene and Adam Erne and defenseman Nils Lundkvist on long-term injury reserve (LTIR)

If Seguin is out for the season (including the playoffs), he’ll go on season-ending long-term injury reserve (SELTIR). That would enable the Stars to spend up to the entirety of his $9.85 million cap hit to exceed the cap to another player.

On the other hand, if Seguin is expected to return later in the regular season or during the playoffs, the LTIR benefit is limited to last season’s average league salary, which was just over $3.8 million.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos goes into greater detail regarding the changes to the LTIR policy and how it would affect the Stars’ efforts to replace Seguin.

If Seguin’s gone for the season, she speculates the Stars could trade for a forward with an expensive cap hit to replace him on the roster. If he is to return later this season, the Stars will have to be more conservative in their efforts to add to their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston noted that the Stars were reportedly among the clubs interested in Vancouver Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood. His $1.5 million cap hit would make him a very affordable trade option.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs are showing a strong interest in Blake Coleman. The 32-year-old Calgary Flames winger is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.9 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Murphy claimed the Utah Mammoth, Minnesota Wild, and Carolina Hurricanes have also been linked to Coleman. He believes the Flames winger could be a cost-effective option who could move earlier than more expensive teammates such as Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Seguin goes on SELTIR, the Stars will be in a better position to pursue Coleman than the cap-strapped Leafs. The Mammoth, Hurricanes, and Wild would be in an even better cap position and could have more tradeable assets to work with.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 4, 2025

by | Dec 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 4, 2025

The latest speculation regarding Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, plus the latest on the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHERE COULD QUINN HUGHES GO IF HE LEAVES THE CANUCKS?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma noted the uncertainty over Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks has led to a growing line of suitors for the 26-year-old superstar defenseman.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes has a year remaining on his contract and will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1, 2027. If an extension isn’t in the works, Kuzma believes the Canucks could move him for a multiplayer return to get younger and eventually better.

Kuzma thinks any team acquiring Hughes will want assurances he’ll be more than a one-year rental player. He thinks ties to certain teams could determine where the former Norris Trophy winner could land.

The Detroit Red Wings could be an option, given that Hughes spent his formative years in Michigan with the US National Team Development Program and the NCAA Wolverines. Kuzma speculated the Canucks could push for winger Lucas Raymond, rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, rookie center Nate Danielson, and a 2026 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To which Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman will reply, “Well, thanks for the call, and the best of luck in your future endeavors”. Giving up Raymond would blow a big hole in their forward lines. It’s also unlikely he’d give up both Sandin-Pellikka and Danielson.

Kuzma also noted the obvious tug for Hughes to head to New Jersey, where his brothers (Jack and Luke) play for the Devils. There’s also the Philadelphia Flyers, who are coached by former Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The asking price for the Devils would be defenseman Simon Nemec and a first-round pick in 2026 for sure. Center Dawson Mercer and rookie winger Arseny Gritsyuk would also likely be part of it.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reported a Flyers source claimed the team hasn’t had any conversations with the Canucks about Hughes, but they are interested in him.

Di Marco speculated that winger Tyson Foerster and top prospect Porter Martone could be part of the Canucks’ asking price. He thinks the Flyers would prefer sending a package to Vancouver centered around a defenseman like Jamie Drysdale or Cam York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks would likely hold firm to their projected offer rather than one centered around Drysdale or York. The Flyers probably won’t get into the bidding for Hughes, based on Di Marco’s comment that they don’t want to gut their roster in a trade.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently looked at which members of the Toronto Maple Leafs were most likely to be traded and those who are not.

Of the most likely trade candidates, Dixon listed forwards Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Matias Maccelli as those who might have more value to another team than the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s been a fixture in trade rumors since the summer of 2024. He shows flashes of scoring potential, but he remains unable to establish himself as a reliable top-six forward.

McMann had a promising 20-goal performance last season, but has just six in 26 games thus far this season. The Leafs hoped Maccelli might regain the 57-point form of his 2023-24 season, but he has only nine points in 22 games and was a healthy scratch in three of the Leafs’ last four games.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos suggested the Leafs might be able to draw on their goaltending depth at the trade deadline.

If Anthony Stolarz can establish himself as a 1A or 1B goalie with Joseph Woll once he returns from injury, Kypreos suggested dangling a goalie prospect such as Dennis Hildeby or Artur Akhtyamov as a trade chip. If Hildeby shows he’s ready for a larger role, that could make Stolarz a trade candidate, though they’d have to work around his 16-team no-trade list.

Kypreos believes the Maple Leafs’ biggest need is finding a puck-moving defenseman to take some of the burden off of Morgan Rielly.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 3, 2025

by | Dec 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 3, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, a growing number of clubs are interested in Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood, plus the latest on the rumor linking Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry to the Oilers.

CANUCKS WINGER KIEFER SHERWOOD DRAWING INTEREST IN THE TRADE MARKET

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there is plenty of interest in Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He has a team-leading 12 goals and carries an affordable $1.5 million cap hit.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

LeBrun said the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, and Dallas Stars were among a long list of clubs to express an interest in Sherwood. The Canucks aren’t rushing into this, as they intend to take their time evaluating the trade market. LeBrun wondered if some of those teams might be willing to sign Sherwood to a contract extension, which would increase his trade value for the Canucks.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon looked at what impact Sherwood could have for the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Flyers could seek a short-term replacement for sidelined winger Tyson Foerster, while the Islanders could do the same for winger Kyle Palmieri. The Bruins need more secondary scoring, and the Lightning could use a little more experience with relative unknowns such as Gage Goncalves, Curtis Douglas, and Dominic James scattered throughout their lineup.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen believes the Columbus Blue Jackets have a realistic shot at acquiring Sherwood. They’re in the hunt for the playoffs and could benefit from adding his gritty two-way game to their top-nine forwards. He also suggested Sherwood could make sense for the Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline confirmed that the Blue Jackets were among the teams to contact the Canucks about Sherwood, who is a Columbus native. He also doesn’t rule out the Bruins as a suitor, pointing out that Sherwood and Bruins forward Sean Kuraly are long-time friends.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sherwood is the current standout in a thin trade market thus far. It’s understandable why the Canucks are taking their time as they’re hoping his value will improve. However, there is a danger that his performance (especially his offense) could drop off as the season progresses, as well as the risk of injury.

WOULD THE OILERS BE INTERESTED IN PENGUINS GOALIE TRISTAN JARRY?

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen was asked what level of interest the Edmonton Oilers could have in Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry.

Rosen believes the only way the Oilers make a move for Jarry is if they think he’ll backstop them to the Stanley Cup. He pointed out that they don’t know if he’d be worth the risk over the remaining two years of his contract, while they at least know what they have in current starter Stuart Skinner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry can blow hot and cold like Skinner, but the latter has carried them to two straight Stanley Cup Finals. Jarry also has an injury history that would be a concern for the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 2, 2025

by | Dec 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 2, 2025

The latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, plus updates on the Canucks and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PANARIN NOT RULING OUT RETURNING TO RUSSIA

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker recently reported that Rangers winger Artemi Panarin did not shoot down recent speculation suggesting he might return to Russia after this season.

Panarin, 34, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He’s in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

“I mean, you never know,” Panarin said when asked about the RG.Org report. “Hard to say right now. It’s a very hard question, to be honest. I can’t comment on the side of life, you never know what’s happening.”

Walker noted that Panarin’s age means the Rangers won’t want to commit to a long-term deal, and Panarin won’t accept a significant pay cut on what would become his last contract. She believes a significant portion of this decision will depend on how the rest of this season unfolds for the Rangers.

If they’re out of a playoff spot by the March 6 trade deadline, general manager Chris Drury could look at Panarin’s value in the trade market. If they remain in contention, Drury will likely retain the playmaking winger for the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s status will remain a topic of interest in this season’s rumor mill. There’s also no certainty that he’ll return to Russia if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Rangers.

Panarin could become the top player in next summer’s UFA market. He could end up on a short-term deal for roughly the same AAV as his current contract with another club.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Boston Bruins have reportedly shown an interest in Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland and superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. They’re also among at least eight teams that have kicked tires on UFA-eligible winger Kiefer Sherwood.

Kuzma believes the Philadelphia Flyers could also look into Garland’s availability, citing the latter’s closeness with Flyers coach (and former Canucks bench boss) Rick Tocchet.

Garland’s six-year contract extension begins on July 1, when his AAV will rise to $6 million and he’ll have a full no-movement clause. However, Kuzma believes the biggest hurdle would be the Canucks’ asking price. They want younger, established NHL players in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks were fielding offers for UFA-eligible players and those with less than two years remaining on their contracts. That would rule out Garland, but we can’t dismiss the possibility that he’ll be moved before next July if someone is willing to make a significant offer.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT CANADIENS DEFENSEMAN KAIDEN GUHLE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports teams have contacted the Montreal Canadiens about Kaiden Guhle. The oft-injured 23-year-old defenseman is in the first season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million, and lacks no-trade protection until 2029-30.

Despite his injury history, Guhle has drawn interest from rival clubs in multiple offseasons. However, the Canadiens aren’t parting with him because of his physicality, mobility, and defensive value.

The Canadiens could move a defenseman for a high-end top-six forward. D’Amico believes Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and Adam Engstrom could become trade candidates as their blueline depth grows, pointing out that those three have drawn interest from different clubs. Alexandre Carrier could also become a trade chip once David Reinbacher is ready to move up into the Canadiens’ lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico noted that the Canadiens aren’t in a rush to move out any of those defensemen. Nevertheless, he didn’t rule out the possibility of one of them getting traded if they get an offer of a top-six forward.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 1, 2025

by | Dec 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 1, 2025

Check out the latest on the Islanders and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ISLANDERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears recently listed several factors that could play into the Islanders’ approach to the March 6 trade deadline.

Their current record suggests they’re more of a playoff contender than originally thought when the season began. They could also have over $12 million in usable salary-cap dollars if or when Alexander Romanov and Semyon Varlamov join Pierre Engvall on long-term injury reserve.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, veteran forwards Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau are on expiring contracts, which could make them valuable trade chips if the Isles become sellers. However, it’s difficult to imagine general manager Mathieu Darche trading either player if his club continues playing the way it has.

Improving their defense corps should be the Islanders’ priority. They miss the sidelined Romanov on the left side, and they never fully replaced the departed Noah Dobson on the right. Sears considered Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames as an obvious fit. Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks could be another, but he’s reportedly not among the players the Canucks would consider moving.

The Isles could use another scorer and some physicality among their bottom-six forwards.

Following Kyle Palmieri’s season-ending knee injury, Sears suggested Darche shouldn’t make any hasty decisions that might sacrifice future first-round picks or top prospects to replace the sidelined winger or bolster their defense.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Palmieri’s injury has put the Islanders among the rumored suitors for Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old winger is enjoying a career-best performance thus far. Canucks management is wary that he’ll regress, but is also buoyed by the possibility that he’ll return a first-round pick, and possibly more, in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzma observed that the Islanders may not wish to mortgage their future in pursuit of Sherwood, but he believes they’d have to at least part with a first-rounder to land the feisty winger. That would also apply to any other significant player (Andersson, Hronek) that they could be monitoring in the trade market.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

THE ATHLETIC’s Julian McKenzie cited a report by TSN’s Darren Dreger on Friday in which Dreger claimed that Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios would like to add a forward or a defenseman to his roster. However, he doesn’t think that Staios is going to be “a big game hunter” in the trade market.

Dreger also dismissed the possibility of promising defenseman Carter Yakemchuk becoming a trade chip. “Not going to happen.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios wants to improve his roster, but not at the expense of his top prospect. Yakemchuk is projected to fill the role of a top-pairing, right-shot defenseman.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league sources told him that there is “virtually no chance” that the Senators will find a trade partner for Alex Formenton’s rights. The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent, and the deadline for him to sign a new NHL contract is 5 pm ET on Dec. 1.

The Senators have tried to trade Formenton’s rights for months, seeking a draft pick in return. If he’s not traded and signed by Monday’s deadline, he’ll be ineligible to play in the NHL this season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 30, 2025

by | Nov 30, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 30, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Oilers, Maple Leafs, and Blackhawks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

RUMORS FROM SPORTSNET’S SATURDAY NHL HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman felt there might be a quick trade involving Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old Vancouver Canucks forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Friedman noted he’s “a really good player,” carrying an affordable salary ($1.5 million). However, there’s nothing imminent, and it may not happen fast.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

Winger Conor Garland didn’t play in last night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. However, that is injury-related and not because he’s being held out of the lineup for trade purposes.

Friedman believes teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Philadelphia Flyers could be interested in some of the Canucks’ veterans who are on expiring contracts. Nevertheless, the Canucks aren’t in a hurry and are willing to take their time and see what the trade market looks like.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a NHL source close to the situation said the Boston Bruins had contacted the Canucks about Sherwood and Garland. They’re in the market for more scoring depth. Murphy also indicated that the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings have expressed an interest in Sherwood.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if Canucks blueliner Filip Hronek might be in play. The 28-year-old has five seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.25 million and a full no-movement clause.

Rosner believes Hronek could be a good fit alongside rookie star Matthew Schaefer, which in turn could help the Islanders become a Stanley Cup contender. He wondered if a package offer of the 2026 first-round pick that originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche, a conditional third-round pick, and a depth player would be enough to get the job done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The current Canucks management has a reputation for making moves well ahead of the annual trade deadline. However, that doesn’t mean they’re going to pull the trigger in late November or early December, especially when teams aren’t as willing to meet their asking prices at this time of year.

The earliest they’ll make those moves will likely be January, which was when they shipped J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers last season.

As for Hronek, Friedman stated last week that he’s unlikely to be available. The Canucks are only looking to move pending UFAs or those with less than two years on their contracts, with superstar Quinn Hughes excluded from that list. Any club wanting Hronek must offer up more than draft picks and a depth player, assuming he’ll waive his no-movement clause.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports struggling goaltender Stuart Skinner has not sought a trade from the Edmonton Oilers. He also said the Oilers won’t make a trade just for the sake of doing so or to make a lateral move. They’d rather not make a move than a bad or a panic move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s because there are slim pickings for goalies in the trade market. Friedman indicated there are teams with spare goalies (Columbus, Pittsburgh, Buffalo) but the Oilers don’t consider what’s available to be an improvement over their current tandem of Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

Friedman indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been looking around in the trade market. However, he doesn’t believe there are any major organizational changes on the horizon.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit is on a conditioning stint with the club’s AHL affiliate as he continues to work his way back from knee and hip surgeries that have sidelined him since last April.

The Blackhawks no longer have room for Brossoit. Friedman said they have permitted teams to speak with the 32-year-old netminder. He carries a $3.3 million cap hit, which not many clubs can currently afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: David Staples of the Edmonton Journal pointed out that Friedman recently speculated about the Oilers being one of those teams. However, his comments on Saturday about their unwillingness to make a lateral move with their goaltending suggest Brossoit might not be of interest to them.