NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2026

by | Jan 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2026

A record-setting night for the Red Wings’ Patrick Kane, the Sabres’ Alex Tuch and Alex Lyon, the Hurricanes’ Brandon Bussi, and the Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Patrick Kane collected an assist to set the league record for most career regular-season points by a U.S.-born player (1,375), but his Detroit Red Wings dropped a 4-3 decision to the Washington Capitals on a shootout goal by Nic Dowd. Jacob Chychrun had three assists and Dylan Strome a goal and an assist for the Capitals (26-22-7), who blew a 3-1 lead as Alex DeBrincat tallied twice to force overtime and the shootout for the 32-17-6 Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane surpassed Hall of Famer Mike Modano, who gave a videotaped tribute to the Red Wings stars that was aired after the record was broken. The next milestone for Kane is to become the first American-born player to reach the 1,400-point milestone.

The Capitals were without starting goaltender Logan Thompson for this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Backup Charlie Lindgren suffered a lower-body injury near the end of overtime, but toughed it out and remained in goal for the shootout rounds. Lindgren was helped off the ice by his teammates following Dowd’s winning goal.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch tallied a hat trick in a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Alex Lyon made 37 saves, and Jack Quinn collected three assists for the 31-17-5 Sabres, extending their win streak to five games. Adrian Kempe replied for the Kings (22-17-13) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch’s hat trick set a new NHL record for the most in one calendar month (30). Meanwhile, Lyon set a franchise record with his 10th consecutive win.

Third-period goals by Andrei Svechnikov, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Jordan Staal rallied the Carolina Hurricanes from a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Utah Mammoth 5-4. Svechnikov and Gostisbehere finished the game with two goals and an assist each as the Hurricanes (33-15-5) hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 71 points. Kailer Yamamoto had two goals and an assist for the 28-22-4 Mammoth as their win streak ended at four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi set an NHL record as the fastest goaltender to earn 20 career regular-season wins, accomplishing the feat in 24 games.

New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored what proved to be the winning goal as his club held off the New York Rangers 2-1. Former Ranger Carson Soucy also scored for the Islanders (30-19-5) as they collected their third straight win. Mika Zibanejad replied for the 22-27-6 Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer has four game-winning goals, breaking Hall of Famer Denis Potvin’s franchise record for the most in a season by a rookie defenseman. He now has 14 goals this season, moving past the legendary Bobby Orr for the second-most by an 18-year-old NHL rookie blueliner. Hall of Famer Phil Housley holds the record with 17 goals.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki had two goals and an assist in a 7-3 upset over the Colorado Avalanche. Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, Oliver Kapanen, and Zach Bolduc each collected two points for the Canadiens (30-17-7). Brock Nelson, Joel Kiviranta, and Ross Colton scored for the 35-8-9 Avalanche, who lead the league with 79 points but are 2-4-2 in their last eight contests.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a goal and two assists each from Darren Raddysh and Yanni Gourde to down the Winnipeg Jets 4-1. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the 34-14-4 Lightning, who’ve won 16 of their last 18 games and hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 72 points. Kyle Connor scored for the Jets (21-25-7).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh returned to action after missing 15 games with a lower-body injury.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson’s shootout goal lifted his club to a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Mavrik Bourque scored twice for the 31-14-9 Stars, who had a 4-1 lead until the Golden Knights (24-14-14) rallied on third-period goals from Reilly Smith, Ivan Barbashev, and Mitch Marner to tie the game. The Stars have won three straight, while the Golden Knights hold first place in the Pacific (64 points) but are 1-3-2 in their last six contests.

The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 3-0 deficit to nip the San Jose Sharks 4-3 on an overtime goal by Zach Hyman. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard each had a goal and two assists, and Connor McDavid netted a goal and an assist for the 28-19-8 Oilers, who have won three straight games. Collin Graf, Adam Gaudette, and Michael Misa scored for the Sharks (27-21-4).

Boston Bruins forwards Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten each had a goal and two assists to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3. Jeremy Swayman kicked out 33 shots for the Bruins (32-20-3), who are 10-1-1 in their last 12 games. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the 24-20-9 Flyers, who have dropped three straight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston center Pavel Zacha left this game midway through the second period with an upper-body injury. The Bruins were already shorthanded as Elias Lindholm missed this contest with an upper-body injury. Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson left the game with an apparent injury to his right leg.

An overtime goal by Nico Hischier gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Jacob Markstrom turned aside 27 shots while Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt also scored for the 28-24-2 Devils. Michael McCarron and Filip Forsberg replied for the Predators (24-23-6) as their losing skid extended to three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils center Jack Hughes left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. It’s not considered serious, but he will be reevaluated on Friday.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha had a goal and two assists as his club beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2. Connor Dewar tallied twice for the Penguins (27-14-11) as they collected their fifth straight victory. Connor Murphy and Connor Bedard scored for the 21-24-9 Blackhawks, who are 0-2-2 in their last four games.

St. Louis Blues winger Jimmy Snuggerud’s goal with nine seconds left in the third period lifted his team to a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers. Jordan Kyrou had a goal and two assists for the 20-25-9 Blues, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Matthew Tkachuk tallied two goals and picked up an assist for the Panthers 28-22-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Brad Marchand missed the third period with an undisclosed injury. The Blues activated Oskar Sundqvist from injured reserve for this game but placed winger Dylan Holloway (ankle) on IR.

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1. Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves while Kiril Kaprizov had a goal and an assist for the 31-14-10 Wild. Morgan Frost scored for the 21-26-6 Flames, who are winless in their last five (0-3-2).

Vancouver Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo turned in a 32-save shutout to blank the Anaheim Ducks 2-0. Drew O’Connor and Teddy Blueger scored for the Canucks (18-31-5) as they ended a three-game losing skid. Lukas Dostal turned aside 24 shots for the 28-23-3 Ducks, who have dropped two straight games.

Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright scored twice in a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jared McCann and Brandon Montour each had a goal and an assist for the 25-19-9 Kraken as they collected their third straight win. Nick Robertson and Morgan Rielly replied for the Maple Leafs (24-21-9), who are 0-5-1 in their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken forward Berkly Catton exited this game midway through the first period with an undisclosed injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2026

by | Jan 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2026

Are the Wild looking at Rangers center Vincent Trocheck? What’s the latest on Canucks winger Evander Kane and Sharks winger Jeff Skinner? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD SHOPPING FOR A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin is aggressively shopping for a center. He could draw on his draft picks and prospects as trade bait to address that need.

Guerin could be interested in New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. League sources claim the Wild aren’t on the 32-year-old Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list, but nothing is imminent.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Russo and Smith think Guerin will also check into the availability of other NHL centers who might be available. Possibilities include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Trocheck’s teammate J.T. Miller, Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blues, and Shane Pinto and Claude Giroux of the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck seems the most likely to be moved and could be the top target on Guerin’s radar. The Blues are willing to entertain offers for Thomas, but the asking price is high. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes they want a stud top-six center who is a little younger than the 26-year-old Thomas. The Wild can’t meet that price.

The Devils could be sellers, but I don’t see Hischier being moved. The Rangers acquired Miller last season and made him their captain, so it’s doubtful he’s available. Ditto Pinto and Giroux. O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but he reportedly wants to stay in Nashville, and the Predators aren’t in a hurry to move him.

The Wild lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. Russo and Smith wonder if Guerin might offer up prospect defenseman David Jiricek to the Nashville Predators for their first-rounder, pointing out the Predators reportedly offered up two first-round picks to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jiricek last season before the Wild landed him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was before Jiricek’s stock plummeted. The Predators won’t part with a first-rounder for him now.

Speaking of Wild trade bait, Russo and Smith engaged in some conjecture about the Wild possibly using goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in their quest to add a center. That seems unlikely because they’d be up a creek if they moved out Wallstedt and starter Filip Gustavsson suffered an injury afterward.

Russo and Smith floated the notion of them bringing back Marc-Andre Fleury, but they also pointed out he’s unlikely to come out of retirement.

CANUCKS PERMIT EVANDER KANE’S AGENT TO SEEK A TRADE

THE SCORE: According to CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, the Vancouver Canucks have permitted Evander Kane’s agent to find a suitable trade partner for the 34-year-old winger.

Kane is in the final season of his contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His cap hit this season is $5.125 million, and he has a 16-team trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are well into sell mode after shipping out Quinn Hughes to Minnesota last month and Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks earlier this month.

This move indicates Kane is open to a trade to a suitable destination, but the Canucks management had difficulty finding any takers. His agent might have better luck.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO TRADE JEFF SKINNER?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Josh Frojelin reports Jeff Skinner appears to be the odd man out among the Sharks’ forwards. The 33-year-old left winger has been a healthy scratch for the past couple of weeks.

Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Sharks last summer. He has six goals and 13 points in 32 games this season.

The Sharks have a logjam of wingers, with Philipp Kurashev and Kiefer Sherwood set to return from injuries soon. They recently sat out Adam Gaudette and Ryan Reaves, and sent promising Igor Chernyshov to their AHL affiliate.

Skinner has a full no-trade clause through Jan. 30, and an eight-team no-trade list after that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks added Skinner to bring more experienced depth to their forward lines. However, the impressive play of sophomore wingers Will Smith and Colin Graf, and the addition of youngsters like Chernyshov, means they don’t need Skinner unless injuries decimate their lineup in the coming days. He could end up moving to another team between Jan. 31 and March 6.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2026

by | Jan 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on the Canucks’ Evander Kane and the Sharks’ Kiefer Sherwood, plus the Sabres could become buyers at the trade deadline.

EVANDER KANE GARNERING SOME ATTENTION IN THE TRADE MARKET

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports a source confirmed several NHL teams are inquiring about Evander Kane. The 34-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cap hit of $5.125 million with a 16-team trade list.

Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane (NHL Images)

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes suggested the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars could be among the interested parties. While his production is down this season (nine goals and 23 points in 50 games), his physical play could make him a good addition for a playoff club as a third or fourth-line forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested teams might not have to give up much to get Kane. However, it could cost a little more if they want the Canucks to retain part of his salary.

COULD THE SHARKS FLIP KIEFER SHERWOOD AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier didn’t send two second-round picks to the Vancouver Canucks for winger Kiefer Sherwood, only to watch him depart via free agency on July 1.

Sherwood, 30, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. He’s completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.5 million and is expected to seek a significant raise on his next deal. He reportedly rejected a three or four-year offer from the Canucks with a $4 million AAV.

Grier is optimistic he can get Sherwood signed to a contract extension. However, he must also ensure he’ll have enough long-term cap room to re-sign rising stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith in 2027. The Sharks GM didn’t rule out the possibility of listening to offers for Sherwood, but insisted that the winger was a targeted acquisition.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier acquired Sherwood because he likes his physical two-way style. He believes the veteran winger is the type of experienced player who can help the rebuilding Sharks reach the playoffs now and for the next several years.

Nevertheless, if they can’t get an extension done, Grier could be open to offers before the trade deadline, especially if his club struggles to remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.

WILL THE SABRES BECOME BUYERS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the surging Buffalo Sabres could be buyers at this year’s trade deadline. He believes that general manager Jarmo Kekalainen needs to add a depth defenseman to ease some of the workload from the top-four defensemen.

Injuries have frequently sidelined center Josh Norris, who is currently out with sore ribs. Fairburn believes another forward capable of playing among the top six would help to balance out the forward lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kekalainen won’t overpay to address those issues. Nevertheless, he’ll keep his eyes open for any affordable options before March 6.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2026

by | Jan 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2026

Check out the latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, Kraken center Shane Wright, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ELIAS PETTERSSON SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz shot down online rumors linking the Philadelphia Flyers to Elias Pettersson.

The 27-year-old Vancouver Canucks center played for Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet when the latter coached the Canucks. However, Kurz claims that the Flyers are not interested, saying that the possibility was “strongly denied” by multiple team sources.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Kurz also reported that the Flyers aren’t actively shopping defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, and it’s expected he’ll remain with the club for the rest of this season.

THE PROVINCE: Pettersson’s agent, JP Barry, downplayed the trade rumors about his client during an appearance on The Donnie and Dhali Show on CHEK-TV. “For us, we know it’s not real unless the GM is calling and saying that there’s an actual team or a deal and ‘would you consider it’”, Barry said. “Nine out of 10 times, it’s just a rumor.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks beat writer Thomas Drance of The Athletic doesn’t rule out the possibility of a Pettersson trade if they receive a credible offer. However, he indicated that the Canucks aren’t aggressively shopping Pettersson, and he might be unwilling to waive his no-movement clause during the regular season.

UPDATES ON ARTEMI PANARIN, ALEXIS LAFRENIERE, AND BRADEN SCHNEIDER

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports Artemi Panarin has not disclosed any potential trade destinations. The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger has a full no-movement clause.

Baugh believes it’s worth monitoring whether Panarin will agree to a contract extension with a new team in conjunction with a trade. That would take him off this summer’s free-agent market and could result in a better return for the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers have informed Panarin that they won’t be offering him a contract extension and are willing to help him find a suitable trade destination. There’s been plenty of conjecture over where he might go, but he hasn’t tipped his hand about his intentions.

Meanwhile, Alexis Lafrenière is in the first season of his seven-year contract, which has an average annual value of $7.45 million. However, that doesn’t make the 24-year-old winger safe from a potential trade. He lacks no-trade protection until the 2027-28 season.

If the Rangers deal Lafreniere, they’d likely want a young player in return. They could also opt to retain him because his trade value is currently at the lowest of his career. The young winger said Rangers general manager Chris Drury has not spoken with him individually about his future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere surfaced as a trade candidate soon after the Rangers announced their intention to commence a quick roster rebuild. Given his contract, they can afford to wait for a good offer, but his inconsistent play hurts his value.

Baugh suggested that depth forwards Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski, and Taylor Raddysh could be trade candidates by the March 6 deadline.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the San Jose Sharks are believed to have an interest in Braden Schneider. The 24-year-old Rangers defenseman has a cap hit of $2.2 million and is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks have a crowded blueline, but they’ve got five defensemen (John Klingberg, Mario Ferraro, Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, and Nick Leddy) who are UFA-eligible this summer, with Leddy recently demoted to the minors. They could attempt to get younger on their defense by acquiring Schneider, but that might mean the Rangers taking one of those veteran blueliners (Leddy?) as part of the return.

ARE THE KRAKEN SHOPPING SHANE WRIGHT?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Seattle Kraken are seeking a top-three winger or a top-six winger and could draw on their depth at center as trade bait.

Dreger claimed that teams are saying Kraken GM Jason Botterill is listening on Shane Wright, who they chose fourth overall in 2022. However, Botterill is in no rush to move the 22-year-old center, and Dreger indicated the asking price is “incredibly high.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright is in the second season of his three-year entry-level contract. He had a promising 44-point campaign last season. However, his production and his playing time have been reduced this season, with 17 points in 49 games.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS, OILERS, AND PANTHERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have been exploring the trade market for defensemen for several weeks before recent injuries to Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo.

LeBrun indicates that Winnipeg Jets defenseman (and former Leaf) Luke Schenn has been mentioned as one option. Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils could be another. LeBrun stated that the Leafs are believed to be on his 10-team trade list, but his contract is a complicating factor.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are believed to be in the market for a top-nine forward, while the Florida Panthers are open to anything that will upgrade their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary cap space is an issue for all three clubs. They could be forced to seek out bargains rather than more significant acquisitions.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 22, 2026

by | Jan 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 22, 2026

Recapping Wednesday’s action, the Sabres re-sign Josh Doan, the Bruins re-up Alex Steeves, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller scored the tying and overtime goals in a 5-4 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Keller finished with three points while Dylan Guenther and Nick Schmaltz each had two assists as the Mammoth (26-20-4) overcame a 4-2 deficit. Chris Dvorak had two goals and an assist for the 23-17-9 Flyers.

Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers forward Rodrigo Abols missed this game and is expected to be sidelined for two months with a fractured ankle.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal kicked out 40 shots as his club nipped the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Cutter Gauthier scored the winner in the shootout for the 26-21-3 Ducks, who picked up their fifth straight win. Scott Wedgewood turned aside 16 of 17 shots in regulation and overtime for the league-leading Avalanche (34-5-9), who are 1-1-2 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the 1,000th regular-season NHL game for Ducks winger Alex Killorn. Ducks center Mason McTavish missed this game with an upper-body injury. Defenseman Jackson Lacombe was named to the United States Olympic men’s hockey team as a replacement for sidelined Florida Panthers blueliner Seth Jones.

An overtime goal by Dylan Larkin gave the Detroit Red Wings a 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Larkin also assisted on Simon Edvinsson’s game-tying goal while John Gibson stopped 30 shots for the Red Wings (31-16-4), who have won seven of their last eight games. Joseph Woll made 39 saves, and Scott Laughton scored for the 24-17-9 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury midway through the first period and did not return to action. He will be reevaluated on Thursday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1. Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak each had a goal and an assist for the 24-14-11 Penguins, who are 3-0-2 in their last five contests. Yegor Sharangovich replied for the Flames, who dropped to 21-24-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser had a goal and an assist as his club ended an 11-game winless skid with a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals. Kevin Lankinen made 29 saves for the Canucks (17-28-5). Dylan Strome tallied twice and collected an assist for the slumping Capitals (24-21-6), who have dropped four straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals winger Tom Wilson collected an assist in his return to action after missing eight games with a lower-body injury. Capitals defenseman John Carlson collected two assists to reach 600 for his NHL career.

The Seattle Kraken beat the New York Islanders 4-1. Vince Dunn had a goal and an assist for the 22-18-9 Kraken, ending a four-game winless skid (0-3-1). Anthony Duclair scored for the Islanders (27-18-5).

IN OTHER NEWS…

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres signed forward Josh Dean to a seven-year, $48.75 million contract extension, with an average annual value of $6.95 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquired from the Mammoth in the JJ Peterka trade last June, the 23-year-old Doan has become a valuable young forward for the Sabres. He’s moved up in their lineup into a first-line role, and sits fourth among their scorers with 35 points in 49 games.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed forward Alex Steeves to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.625 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Steeves, 26, has become a versatile player for the Bruins this season, earning praise from head coach Marco Sturm for his ability to play any forward position and move easily throughout the lineup as required.

TSN: The New Jersey Devils placed defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) on long-term injury reserve.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning have officially extended their lease at the Benchmark International Arena for six more years through 2043.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2026

by | Jan 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2026

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

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

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

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

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KRAKEN RUMORED TO BE SHOPPING JAMIE OLEKSIAK

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

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

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