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.










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.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 25, 2026

by | Jan 25, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 25, 2026

Updates on Artemi Panarin, Dougie Hamilton, Robert Thomas, and Alexis Lafreniere in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New York Rangers would like to receive a return for Artemi Panarin comparable to what the New York Islanders received last season from the Colorado Avalanche for Brock Nelson.

The Islanders received defenseman Oliver Kylington, prospect forward Calum Ritchie, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and a conditional third-rounder in 2028.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Other factors include Panarin’s no-movement clause and whether he’d be willing to sign a contract extension if he agrees to be traded.

Friedman mentioned the Anaheim Ducks, citing Panarin’s history with Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville during their days with the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings have some decisions to make about their overall situation, where they are right now, and what an extension for Panarin would look like. He also thinks the Washington Capitals would be interested in an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks, Kings, and Capitals are among several teams that Friedman believes could be interested in Panarin. However, the winger reportedly hasn’t given the Rangers a list of preferred trade destinations.

For now, those teams are conducting due diligence for when Panarin decides where he’d like to go. Whether any of them will be on his list remains to be determined.

UPDATE ON DOUGIE HAMILTON

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that a recent injury to defenseman Luke Hughes has complicated the New Jersey Devils’ efforts to trade Dougie Hamilton.

Friedman hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Hamilton getting traded if a club made an offer the Devils can’t refuse. However, with Hughes sidelined and hoping to avoid surgery, they need Hamilton on their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After being scratched from the lineup for a Jan. 11 game against the Winnipeg Jets, Hamilton’s agent recently said his client is willing to be flexible with his trade list to facilitate a fair deal for both sides. The 32-year-old defenseman has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $9 million and a 10-team trade list.

LATEST ON THE BLUES AND FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Ron MacLean mentioned that St. Louis Blues forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou and defenseman Justin Faulk have surfaced in the rumor mill.

Friedman noted that the Blues have had trade talks, but the asking prices are huge for those players. He believes they seek a return for Faulk comparable to what the Flames got in the Andersson deal (defenseman Zach Whitecloud, defense prospect Abram Wiebe, and two draft picks).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman also talked about Thomas on Friday, saying the Blues would want a “stud top-six forward who is slightly younger” than the 26-year-old Thomas, preferably between 22 and 24 years old.

Any club carrying that type of forward probably isn’t willing to part with them for Thomas. They might offer up a youngster with that potential, but not one already established in that role.

Thomas is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $8.125 million and a full no-trade clause until 2029-30.

Friedman said there’s speculation over what the Calgary Flames’ next move will be after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights last week. He thinks things have quieted down for now, though not out of lack of interest from other clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Center Nazem Kadri and winger Blake Coleman are the two players considered the most likely to be moved next by the Flames.

COULD THE CANADIENS BE INTERESTED IN ALEXIS LAFRENIERE?

SPORTSNET: Ron MacLean brought up Alexis Lafreniere and cited his connection to Montreal Canadiens executive Jeff Gorton, noting that the latter drafted Lafreniere in 2020 when he was the general manager of the Rangers.

Elliotte Friedman thinks the Rangers might talk about moving Lafreniere, but it could be challenging to do so. The 24-year-old winger has struggled to meet expectations as a scoring winger, but he’s still someone who was a first-overall pick not too long ago, and the Rangers would still move him with that designation.

On Friday, Michael Amato included Lafreniere on his list of four under-the-radar trade targets that clubs might pursue. He felt there could be some decent value in the winger if a club could get him at a reasonable price.

Amato acknowledged the Rangers could hang onto Lafreniere. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt to call them to find out what their asking price might be.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere isn’t a fit with the Canadiens as a top-six winger. They already have Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky on the left side, with Ivan Demidov on the right and promising Alexander Zharovsky in their prospect pipeline.

The argument could be made that the Canadiens need a right wing on their first line, but the Habs are currently pressed for cap space, and Lafreniere’s $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32 is too expensive. The Rangers could retain part of it, but it’s doubtful they’ll want to carry dead cap space for the next six years.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 24, 2026

by | Jan 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 24, 2026

The Golden Knights win as Mitch Marner returns to Toronto, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini achieves a notable scoring milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone extended his franchise-record points streak to 14 games with two goals and an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights (25-13-12), who lead the Pacific Division with 62 points. Matthew Knies collected two assists for the 24-18-9 Maple Leafs, who are 1-3-2 in their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first game in Toronto for former Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner since he joined the Golden Knights last summer. He received a mix of boos and cheers from Leafs fans, but they also gave him a standing ovation following the Leafs’ video tribute honoring his nine seasons in Toronto.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini tallied twice to lead his club over the New York Rangers 3-1. Will Smith and Collin Graf each picked up two assists for the Sharks (26-21-3). Sam Carrick replied for the 21-25-6 Rangers, who have dropped three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini became the second-youngest active player (19 years, 224 days) to reach 50 career NHL regular-season goals. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is the youngest at 19 years, 120 days. The young Sharks center is the fastest player in franchise history to reach 50 goals, doing so in 120 games.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett had a hat trick and picked up an assist in a 7-3 drubbing of the Colorado Avalanche. Matvei Michkov scored twice and collected an assist, and Samuel Ersson stopped 32 shots for the Flyers, who improved to 24-17-9. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas each had two assists for the league-leading Avalanche (34-6-9, 77 points), who are 3-4-2 in their last nine games.

The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their points streak to 15 games (14-0-1) by nipping the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1. Nikita Kucherov scored in regulation, and Dominic James netted the winning goal during the shootout for the 32-13-4 Lightning, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 68 points. Arvid Soderblom made 30 saves in regulation and overtime while Ryan Greene scored for the 21-22-8 Blackhawks.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored with one minute remaining in the third period for a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Wyatt Johnston had a goal and an assist for the 29-14-9 Stars, who picked up their second win in their last six games (2-4-0). Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and an assist for the 19-24-8 Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin left this game with a lower-body injury. Blues winger Dylan Holloway missed this game as he returned to St. Louis for an X-ray on his injured ankle. Meanwhile, Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist (ankle) was placed on injured reserve.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier and defenseman Pavel Mintyukov each had a goal and an assist to double up the Seattle Kraken 4-2. Lukas Dostal made 20 saves for the 27-21-3 Ducks, who extended their win streak to six games. Jared McCann and Jaden Schwartz replied for the Kraken (22-19-9), who are 1-4-1 in their last six games.

Third-period goals by Aliaksei Protas and Alex Ovechkin lifted the Washington Capitals over the Calgary Flames 3-1. Martin Fehervary collected two assists for the Capitals (25-21-6) as they snapped a four-game losing skid. Devin Cooley kicked out 35 shots, and Morgan Frost scored for the 21-25-5 Flames.

The New Jersey Devils held off the Vancouver Canucks 5-4. Cody Glass scored twice and collected an assist while rookie winger Lenni Hameenaho picked up his first NHL goal and assist for the 27-22-2 Devils, who have won three straight games. Linus Karlsson had a goal and an assist for the 17-29-5 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks center Filip Chytil was held scoreless as he returned to action after missing 44 games with an upper-body injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2026

by | Jan 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2026

What’s the latest on Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad? Could the Wild make another bold move before the March 6 trade deadline? What are the Capitals seeking in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary recently listed five potential landing spots for Artemi Panarin.

The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1, and was informed by Rangers management that they wouldn’t be offering him a contract extension. He has a full no-movement clause this season, giving him full control over possible destinations before the March 6 trade deadline.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

O’Leary suggested the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, acknowledging their limited cap space but also noting they have the assets to tempt the Rangers. The Washington Capitals could use another skilled scoring winger, but they won’t part with top prospect Cole Hutson.

The Vegas Golden Knights were O’Leary’s third choice, but he made that pick before they acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. The Los Angeles Kings have the cap space, but lack sufficient trade assets.

O’Leary suggested Panarin could be what the Carolina Hurricanes need to put them over the top as a Stanley Cup champion. They possess more cap space than the other clubs on this list, and the trade capital to make it work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers general manager Bill Zito has made bold moves to bolster his roster. He’ll have the cap space if sidelined team captain Aleksander Barkov remains out for the entire season, including the playoffs.

The Golden Knights are always sniffing around for the best available talent and usually get it, but their acquisition of Andersson may have taken up what little trade bait they had left. As for the Kings, they could have their eye on more affordable trade options, if a recent rumor linking them to Vancouver’s Evander Kane is anything to go by.

That leaves the Hurricanes as the most likely option, provided they’re interested and if Panarin is willing to join them.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers winger Mika Zibanejad said he hasn’t been approached by management about waiving his no-movement clause. He maintained that he remains committed to the club, though Walker felt he left his intentions somewhat open-ended, saying he couldn’t say for certain what would happen in the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful that Zibanejad gets moved by the March 6 trade deadline. Their focus is on moving Panarin. Given he’s signed for four more years with an AAV of $8.5 million, trading him might be an offseason move if he’s open to the possibility.

THE WILD MIGHT NOT BE DONE IN THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith still believe that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin isn’t done in the trade market after acquiring Quinn Hughes last month.

They believe the Wild are “a scoring winger or first-line center away from true contender status.” Guerin is in “win-now” mode and could make another big swing by dealing draft picks and prospects for a center.

Russo and Smith raised the possibility of Guerin using promising goaltender Jesper Wallstedt as trade bait. They pointed out that netminder Filip Gustavsson is under contract until 2031, reminding us that young defenseman Zeev Buium was considered untouchable before he was shipped off to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return in the Hughes deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Wallstedt would certainly be a bold choice by Guerin. It’ll depend on which first-line center or scoring winger becomes available.

That player would have to be someone who could truly turn them into Cup contenders. It’s unlikely he’d move Wallstedt for a rental player, so it’ll have to be someone with at least another year left on their contract, or a pending UFA willing to sign an extension.

CAPITALS SHOPPING FOR HELP UP FRONT

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently reported that Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick is closely watching the trade market.

Patrick said he’s “definitely actively pursuing an addition” that will likely be for his forward lines. He believes the Capitals’ biggest need is for a “higher-end skilled winger”, acknowledging that those types of players usually aren’t available by the trade deadline.

The Capitals GM prefers finding a winger who can be a good short-term addition with the potential to stick around beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cue the “Artemi Panarin to the Capitals” speculation. A more affordable option could be Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, provided they’re on his list of preferred trade destinations.