NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2026

by | Mar 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2026

Check out the recent Canucks speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wondered what the future holds for Brock Boeser with the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Boeser is in the first season of a seven-year contract. Meanwhile, questions remain about the Canucks’ current core players. Leading up to the trade deadline, he stated that he is committed to the club and its direction, adding that he hopes to play a leadership role.

The 29-year-old winger was the subject of some speculation leading up to the trade deadline, which he laughingly downplayed. Nevertheless, Parsons noted that there was rumored interest from the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins amid reports he might waive his no-movement clause for the right fit.

Parsons claimed the Canucks weren’t aggressively shopping Boeser, but suggests their interest in keeping the veteran winger long-term isn’t as certain as his. They might consider moving him worthwhile if they get offers that could fetch a solid return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser’s $7.25 million annual average value for the next six seasons isn’t as difficult to move as teammate Elias Pettersson’s $11.6 million over the same period. However, the latter is two years younger than Boeser and has shown elite offensive skill.

Like Pettersson, Boeser’s no-movement clause gives him full control over his situation. There’s always a possibility he could agree to a trade, but it’s a slim one right now.

DONNIE & DHALI: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently wondered why the Canucks didn’t move Teddy Blueger at the March 6 trade deadline.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin claimed he received no offers for the 31-year-old checking-line center. However, Dhaliwal expressed skepticism, noting that they had found a trade partner for David Kampf, who went unclaimed on waivers earlier this season and spent some time in the minors. He doubted that no one was interested in Blueger, who has Stanley Cup experience and is a better center than Kampf.

Dhaliwal believes the Canucks hope to re-sign Blueger, who is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. However, it’s believed he’s interested in staying in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Dhaliwal observed, the Canucks need depth at center. Losing Blueger will only weaken them at that position. He won’t be an expensive re-signing for them.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2026

by | Mar 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2026

The trade deadline is 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest rumors as the deadline approaches

UPDATES ON VINCENT TROCHECK AND ALEXIS LAFRENIERE

NEW YORK POST: A high number of teams in playoff contention has allowed teams like the Rangers to drive up the asking prices for Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider.

THE ATHLETIC: The Minnesota Wild’s interest in Trocheck has faded due to what Rangers general manager Chris Drury wants in return. The Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings could also have an interest in the Rangers center.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

The Wild could shift their focus toward Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. Centers such as Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames are simply too expensive for the Wild

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens have checked in on Trocheck. However, the asking price could be too big a haul for them.

THE ATHLETIC: The Rangers are unlikely to move Alexis Lafreniere, but questions linger about his future amid concerns over how the club has developed its young talent.

WHO COULD THE RED WINGS TARGET?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Defensemen linked to the Red Wings include Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Forwards such as Trocheck, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be on their radar.

JORDAN KYROU COULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou could provide an offensive boost to the New York Islanders, assuming he’d waive his no-trade clause. However, the asking price could cost them a couple of top prospects, such as Kashawn Aitcheson and Victor Eklund, or promising forward Cal Ritchie.

COULD JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT BE THE NEXT PLAYER SHOPPED BY THE PREDATORS?

THE TENNESSEAN: Trade speculation is starting to swirl about Jonathan Marchessault, but he’s not keen to leave the Nashville Predators. He reminded reporters that he has a full no-movement clause but declined to say if he discussed the situation with GM Barry Trotz.

DEVILS STILL LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR SIMON NEMEC

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils continue to entertain offers for Simon Nemec. The 22-year-old defenseman is due to become a restricted free agent this summer. The Devils will only move him if they get a return that improves their top-six forwards.

WILL THE HURRICANES SIT OUT THIS DEADLINE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes made significant moves during the last two trade deadlines. However, the exorbitant asking prices for players such as Robert Thomas and Vincent Trocheck could force them to stand pat or consider making low-cost depth additions.

POTENTIAL CANUCKS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE PROVINCE: Forwards Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane, and David Kampf could be among the players the Vancouver Canucks attempt to trade today. Others could include forwards Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

PENGUINS EYEING A REUNION WITH TEDDY BLUEGER

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports league sources claim the Pittsburgh Penguins are considering a deal with the Vancouver Canucks to bring back center Teddy Blueger to help them in the faceoff circle.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2026

by | Feb 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2026

Does the Rangers’ Vladislav Gavrikov want out of New York? What could be the Canucks’ and Penguins’ plans for the trade deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD VLADISLAV GAVRIKOV REQUEST A TRADE?

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL analyst Mike Rupp recently said he’d heard rumors that Vladislav Gavrikov isn’t happy with the direction of the struggling New York Rangers.

Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract last summer with the Rangers. However, Rupp said he’d heard that this isn’t what the 30-year-old defenseman signed up for, especially now that his friend Artemi Panarin has been traded.

New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rupp cautioned that he doesn’t know if there’s any truth to those rumors about Gavrikov. Nevertheless, the club’s decision to stage what they intend to be a quick rebuild has raised speculation about which players they could move. It’s also generated questions about which players are willing to be part of that rebuild.

Teams are probably calling the Rangers to find out which players they’re willing to move. Some of them could be asking about Gavrikov’s availability. However, he has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over his situation, including preferred trade destinations.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS’ AND PENGUINS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance looked at the priority items that the Vancouver Canucks must address at the March 6 trade deadline.

Moving Evander Kane is one of them. The 34-year-old winger is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has struggled this season, and there isn’t much of a market for him currently, although that might change as the trade deadline approaches. His agent has been permitted to speak with other clubs about a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s struggles could also be due to the club he’s playing with this season. He’s proven to be a solid postseason performer, which could make him an affordable depth acquisition for a contender if the Canucks retain half of his $5.125 million cap hit.

Drance also recommended the Canucks get whatever the market will pay for UFA-eligible depth centers Teddy Blueger and David Kampf.

Meanwhile, Drance’s colleague Josh Yohe looked at players and assets likely to be moved by the Pittsburgh Penguins by the trade deadline.

With the Penguins sitting second in the Metropolitan Division, Yohe believes they’ll be buyers at the deadline, but doesn’t expect many roster players to be moved. Struggling veterans Kevin Hayes and Ryan Graves seem the most likely trade candidates.

General manager Kyle Dubas prefers to use draft picks to acquire younger talent. If he makes a move, it’ll likely be for something comparable to his acquisition of Egor Chinahkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe’s article came out before Penguins captain Sidney Crosby suffered a lower-body injury at the Olympics. The severity of that injury could affect Dubas’ plans for the trade deadline.

If Crosby isn’t seriously injured, Dubas could stick to the plan of acquiring young players. He’s got two second-round picks and two third-rounders in each of the next three drafts, and two fifth-round picks in 2028 to draw on for trade chips.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2026

by | Feb 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2026

Could the Kings target Canucks forward Elias Pettersson as a replacement for sidelined forward Kevin Fiala? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS COULD SEEK A REPLACEMENT FOR SIDELINED KEVIN FIALA

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kevin Baxter reports winger Kevin Fiala’s season-ending injury could force Kings general manager Ken Holland to pursue additional deals before the March 6 trade deadline.

Fiala, 29, is the Kings’ third-leading scorer this season with 40 points in 56 games. He suffered a fracture to his lower left leg while playing for Switzerland in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala (NHL Images).

Kings president Luc Robitaille believes his club will have to adjust to Fiala’s absence. He believes general manager Ken Holland is “pounding the phone right now.”

Earlier this month, the Kings acquired superstar winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers to bolster their offence. Losing Fiala could have Holland seeking another scoring forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fiala has a $7.875 million average annual value. The Kings have a projected $15.7 million in trade deadline salary-cap space. They don’t have to put Fiala on long-term injury reserve unless they’re taking on significant salary in a blockbuster, multi-player move.

MORE SPECULATION OVER THE CANUCKS PLANS FOR THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports trade speculation continues to dog the Vancouver Canucks as their players resume practice for the return of NHL action following the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament.

The Los Angeles Kings are expected to scour the trade market in search of a replacement for the sidelined Kevin Fiala. Kuzma believes their recent acquisition of Panarin and long-time center Anze Kopitar’s looming retirement have them in “go-for-it” mode.

They could have an interest in Elias Pettersson. They have the cap space to absorb his $11.6 million contract. The 27-year-old center would be reunited with former Canucks linemate Andrei Kuzmenko.

Pettersson carries a full no-movement clause. However, Kuzma thinks a move to Los Angeles might pique his interest, especially since his wife lived there for 13 years. However, the Canucks would want a center in return, and the Kings aren’t parting with Quinton Byfield.

Kuzma noted that the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Chicago Blackhawks could use a No. 2 center. However, the best returns they could offer are prospects and draft picks, which won’t provide an immediate solution for the Canucks at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Pettersson could be a move that occurs in the offseason if teams are willing to part with a promising young center.

Kuzma also suggested that forwards Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland could be moved by the trade deadline. They seem more likely to go than Pettersson at this stage.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance recently suggested some distressed trade targets for the Canucks. Those would be underperforming players on rival clubs that might respond well to a change of scenery.

Dayal and Drance suggested Los Angeles Kings forward Warren Foegele, Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome, and Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton as potential candidates. They also included wingers Andrew Mangiapane of the Edmonton Oilers and Oliver Bjorkstrand of the Tampa Bay Lightning on their list.

They also examined some prospects from rival clubs that could help accelerate the Canucks rebuild. Options could include Conor Geekie of the Lightning, Jiri Kulich of the Buffalo Sabres, and Ivan Miroshnichenko of the Washington Capitals.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

by | Feb 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

​What’s next for the Predators after Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping down as GM? Could the Red Wings pursue Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s Olympic trade freeze began on Feb. 4 and lasts until 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Follow along for the latest.

HOW WILL THE PREDATORS NAVIGATE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Josh Beneteau looked at what’s next for the Nashville Predators after Barry Trotz announced earlier this week that he was stepping down as general manager.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

Trotz is remaining in the role until a suitable replacement can be found. In the meantime, he must decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. While his club is close to a playoff berth, Trotz still intends to listen to offers.

Beneteau’s colleague Elliotte Friedman has reported that teams are making pitches for forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos. Other trade candidates could include Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has. Trotz recently said he hasn’t received any offers yet that would convince him to approach O’Reilly about a trade.

Stamkos is well ahead of last season’s disappointing offensive numbers, which could improve his value in the trade market. However, he’s got a full no-movement clause, making it unlikely that he’ll be playing for another club anytime soon.

COULD JUSTIN FAULK BE A FIT WITH THE RED WINGS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is for a second-pairing defenseman. He believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could address that issue.

Faulk, 33, has one more season left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Khan pointed out that Faulk no longer fits within the Blues’ long-range plans. A right-shot defenseman, he could replace rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka alongside Ben Chiarot on their second pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to take on Faulk’s remaining contract, and lots of promising young players and prospects to use as trade bait to entice the Blues. However, it could come down to whether Detroit is on his no-trade list, and if so, whether he’d be willing to waive it.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make any trades before the Olympic roster freeze because the players’ mothers were on their recent road trip.

Canucks forwards Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are UFA-eligible and thus considered trade candidates. Management must also decide whether to retain or trade winger Conor Garland, whose new contract begins on July 1. He lacks no-trade protection on his current deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2025

by | Nov 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2025

More trade speculation about the Canucks, the Canadiens are linked to Predators center Ryan O’Reilly, and the latest on Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Jim Rutherford, the Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations, confirmed his club had to get younger. He indicated that his team is willing to listen to trade offers for their unrestricted free agents, seeking younger players, prospects, and draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This comes a day after Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news that the Canucks had informed teams around the league that they were willing to entertain trade offers for pending UFAs or those with a year or two remaining on their contracts.

Rutherford said they weren’t trading everybody, pointing out that there are “a number of veterans who are playing very well.” Instead, he stated that it was about “accelerating the obvious (moves) that could be made two months down the road.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those who aren’t available are defensemen Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. It’s unlikely that they’re peddling players on long-term contracts, such as winger Brock Boeser, center Elias Pettersson, winger Jake DeBrusk, defenseman Marcus Pettersson, and goaltenders Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen. However, they could be willing to listen if someone makes a substantial pitch for any of those players.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

Rutherford confirmed that his club is pursuing a retooling of the roster instead of a full-scale rebuild. He also indicated that Hughes and his agent were aware of the direction the club is taking.

Johnston’s colleague, Ben Kuzma, believes Kiefer Sherwood will command plenty of interest because his feisty, productive style is built for playoff hockey. He leads the Canucks with 12 goals and is on pace for 40. The 29-year-old winger is among those eligible for UFA status next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sherwood’s hot start could cool down as the season progresses, but it’s not a stretch to suggest he could reach 25 goals, which would be a career high. Nevertheless, as Kuzma pointed out, it’s his pugnacious style that will be enticing to playoff contenders.

Kuzma believes Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf are all but certain to be traded. Like Sherwood, they’re UFA-eligible next July. He also thinks gritty winger Conor Garland could be moved. He starts a new six-year contract next season with an average annual value of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland would draw interest if available, though his salary and lengthy cap hit could scare off some suitors. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Canucks hang onto him.

TSN: Darren Dreger said the Canucks are willing to listen to offers on a “very specific group” of players, that being those eligible for UFA status in July. They include Sherwood, Kane, and Blueger.

Dreger indicated that Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin has sought a center for months. If there’s a younger player available now, it would make sense to do it now instead of during the chaos of the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford and Allvin have a history of swinging major moves well before the trade deadline. The most recent occurred last January, when they shipped J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and acquired Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As for Hughes, Dreger speculated that all bets could be off if the Canucks haven’t improved by the trade deadline. That could lead to them examining Hughes’ future by the deadline or during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if they don’t get an offer to their liking for Hughes by March 6, they’ll wait until the offseason, when teams will have more cap room and a greater willingness to make big trades.

Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre believes any changes management makes that weaken the Canucks in the short term could increase the chances of Hughes’ departure next summer or sooner if the season unravels. The next three months could determine his fate.

CANADIENS LINKED TO RYAN O’REILLY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the struggling Nashville Predators will continue to incorporate more younger players into their lineup, which means they will be listening to trade offers for their veteran players.

LeBrun mentioned that forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault have surfaced in the rumor mill. They have full no-movement clauses, but the Predators will be open to listening to offers for them.

Ryan O’Reilly has drawn the most interest in the trade market. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.5 million. The 34-year-old is very appealing to teams seeking a center with Stanley Cup experience.

LeBrun said the Montreal Canadiens were among the suitors. When the Predators are ready to move O’Reilly, LeBrun claims their asking price will likely be a first-round pick and “an A-level prospect”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: RG.Org’s Marco D’Amico reports that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is still working the phones in search of a top-six forward or center. They can afford to part with a first-round pick and an “A-level” prospect for a return that addresses their needs now and over the long term.

Hughes usually adds players in their mid-to-late twenties who will fit into their young roster. Adding O’Reilly would be a departure from that template. He would be the oldest player on the Canadiens, and he lacks the speed that is a core part of their game.

O’Reilly lacks a no-trade clause, but the Predators are treating him as though he has that protection. Whether he’d want to come to Montreal remains to be seen.

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV DENIES ANY INTEREST IN A TRADE

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Chip Alexander reports Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov shrugged off a recent report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming he was unhappy with his playing time earlier this season and would’ve welcomed a trade if they wanted to move him.

Svechnikov said he didn’t hear about it, but his family members did. He said the report had no validity. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said he detected no unhappiness from the winger earlier in the season, adding that his improved play has put the issue to bed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Svechnikov was scoreless in his first eight games, and his ice time declined as a result. In Friedman’s defense, he said the situation has since cooled down, pointing out that the winger has 12 points in his last 14 games and has returned to the Hurricanes’ top line.