Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 4, 2026

by | Jan 4, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 4, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood and Oilers winger Andrew Mangiapane, plus a suggestion for the Hurricanes to upgrade their goaltending.

CANUCKS MAKE A NEW CONTRACT OFFER TO KIEFER SHERWOOD

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks made a new contract offer to Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and he’s having a career year.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

Friedman believes “a sizable gap” remains between the two sides. He offered no timetable for a trade if they couldn’t agree to a new contract.

Iain MacIntyre mentioned Friedman’s report and noted that Sherwood remains committed to the Canucks this season despite the lack of progress in his contract negotiations. However, MacIntyre believes Sherwood’s age, his strong case to earn between $4 million and $5 million annually on his next contract, and the Canucks’ long-term commitments to winger Brock Boeser and Conor Garland make him a difficult fit for the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides could hammer out an agreement, but it sounds more likely that Sherwood will be shipped to the highest bidder before the March 6 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON ANDREW MANGIAPANE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman observed that the Edmonton Oilers made Andrew Mangiapane a healthy scratch for the second time in three games.

The 29-year-old winger is in the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million. He also has a full no-trade clause this season.

Friedman believes there is interest in Mangiapane, saying he’s heard the Anaheim Ducks had been poking around. Some clubs are concerned about the second year of his contract, while others don’t consider it an issue. Friedman thinks the Oilers will find a trade partner for Mangiapane at some point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have plenty of cap space and trade capital to bolster their roster as they push to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Last month, Friedman suggested Ducks forward Ryan Strome could be worth watching, pointing out that his playing time has been reduced, including being a healthy scratch several times. His $5 million cap hit would be pricey for the cap-strapped Oilers.

If the Ducks were to retain part of Strome’s cap hit, a swap for Mangiapane is possible. Whether that would happen is another matter.

WILL THE HURRICANES SHOP FOR A GOALTENDER?

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Justin Pelletier believes the Carolina Hurricanes should prioritize adding a goaltender after losing Pyotr Kochetkov to season-ending surgery.

Frederik Andersen remains healthy, but his injury history is a concern, and he has struggled in recent weeks. Call-up Brandon Bussi has played well, but it’s questionable if he can continue to handle the heavy workload.

The Hurricanes have the cap space to acquire a goaltender, but finding a suitable one will be challenging because there aren’t many available in the trade market. Pelletier suggested they target struggling clubs in the Western Conference. Potential targets include Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, or Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pelletier acknowledged Binnington’s poor numbers this season wouldn’t make him much of an upgrade. Demko’s three-year contract extension begins in July, and it’s doubtful the Canucks will move him unless he requests a trade. Cooley isn’t going anywhere after signing a two-year extension last week.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2025

by | Dec 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2025

Recapping Tuesday’s games, Sharks sophomore Macklin Celebrini could make Canada’s Men’s Olympic hockey team, Flames re-sign Devin Cooley, and more in the final NHL Morning Coffee Headlines for 2025.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The injury-depleted Toronto Maple Leafs got a 33-save shutout from Joseph Woll to blank the New Jersey Devils 4-0. Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, who extended their points streak to four games (3-0-1) and improved their record to 18-15-6. Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom allowed three goals on 29 shots for the slumping Devils (20-17-2), who are winless in their last four contests (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs played without Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Chris Tanev, and Dakota Joshua, who are currently sidelined by injuries. Following the game, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe called out his players’ “lack of balls” after team captain Nico Hischier lost a lopsided scrap to Leafs power forward Matthew Knies in the third period.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (NHL Images).

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored the tying and winning goals to lead his club to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers. Cole Caufield also scored for the Canadiens (21-12-6), who overcame a 2-0 deficit to extend their points streak to six games (4-0-2). Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart tallied for the 21-15-3 Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers honored Marchand for his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game in a pregame ceremony. He also took a roughing penalty in overtime that led to Suzuki’s game-winning goal.

A shootout goal by Bo Horvat lifted the New York Islanders over the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 3-2. Horvat also scored in regulation, and rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer collected an assist for the 22-14-4 Islanders. Oliver Moore collected two assists for the Blackhawks, who slipped to 14-18-7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shaefer’s assist made him the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 25 career regular-season points.

Goalie Stuart Skinner made 27 saves for his first win with the Pittsburgh Penguins as his club downed the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Anthony Mantha tallied two goals while Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Justin Brazeau each had two points for the Penguins (17-12-9). Mark Jankowski netted the only goal for the Hurricanes (24-12-3), who remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two-point performances from Noah Cates, Bobby Brink, Trevor Zegras, and Travis Konecny in a 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. David Kampf and Drew O’Connor each had a goal and an assist for the Canucks, who dropped to 16-20-3. The Flyers (20-11-7) have won three of their last four games.

HEADLINES

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: According to a report by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Sharks sophomore center Macklin Celebrini had made Canada’s Men’s Olympic hockey team. The formal announcement of Canada’s roster will be made on Dec. 31.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be a well-deserved honor for Celebrini. The 19-year-old Sharks center is having an outstanding season, sitting third among NHL scorers with 60 points in 39 games. He’s on pace to eclipse Joe Thornton’s single-season franchise record of 114 points in 2006-07.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that sidelined Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson will not be available for Sweden’s Men’s Olympic hockey team. He has been absent since Nov. 8 with a lower-body injury.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed goaltender Devin Cooley to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.35 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley’s been a solid backup for Dustin Wolf in the Flames’ crease this season. He has a record of 4-4-2 with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers could get Adam Fox back in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old defenseman has been sidelined since Nov. 29 with a shoulder injury.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights center Jack Eichel could return to action against the Nashville Predators on Dec. 31. He’s missed six games with an illness and a lower-body injury.

SPORTSNET: The Los Angeles Kings activated goaltender Darcy Kuemper from injured reserve.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres goalie Alex Lyon is being evaluated for a lower-body injury suffered on Monday against the St. Louis Blues.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2025

by | Oct 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2025

Could the Canucks or Oilers pursue Sabres forward Alex Tuch? Will the Canadiens trade Brendan Gallagher or Jayden Struble? Are the Flames considering adding a backup goaltender? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS OR OILERS PURSUE ALEX TUCH?

SEKERES & PRICE PODCAST: Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek believes the Buffalo Sabres could be an early seller if they have another poor start. He wondered how many players could be asking out by American Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Marek noted that Alex Tuch hasn’t signed a contract extension. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He pointed out that Tuch’s wife is from British Columbia and mused about a possible fit with the Vancouver Canucks, even though he wouldn’t address that club’s need for a second-line center.

The Edmonton Oilers might be another possibility given their cap space after Connor McDavid agreed to accept a discount on a two-year extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has a five-team no-trade list, and one or both teams may be on it. Assuming they’re not, the Canucks and Oilers don’t have a lot of tradeable assets to give up for Tuch. If the Sabres become sellers, they could find better offers from other clubs.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked if the Canadiens would let Brendan Gallagher finish his contract in Montreal, when it is at the detriment of younger players who deserve to be on the roster.

Cowan doesn’t see Gallagher going anywhere. He pointed out the value the gritty 33-year-old winger continues to have for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher also brings a measure of veteran leadership and gritty two-way play to the up-and-coming Canadiens. His contract expires in 2027, so there’s no need to push him out the door or move him out for cap relief.

Cowan was also asked if Jayden Struble might be a trade chip to address the Canadiens’ roster needs.

While it’s a possibility, they have already traded away three young defensemen. There’s also the big question mark about David Reinbacher after suffering another injury, and the uncertainty over Mike Matheson’s contract situation. He doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a hurry to peddle Struble.

COULD THE FLAMES SEEK ANOTHER BACKUP GOALIE?

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Calgary Flames were talking to other teams about a backup goaltender.

They intend to give Devin Cooley a shot at securing the backup role to starter Dustin Wolf. If they do add another netminder, they would have four on one-way contracts. Friedman said the teams the Flames are talking to want an enticement to take on one of those extra goalies in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley is expected to get the start for Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. It’ll be a big test for the 28-year-old netminder, who has six games of NHL experience.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 3, 2025

by | Oct 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 3, 2025

Devils defenseman Luke Hughes joins his teammates after signing his new contract, the Ducks re-sign Jackson LaCombe, the Panthers re-up Niko Mikkola, the Flames re-sign coach Ryan Huska, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Luke Hughes joined his Devils teammates in practice after signing a seven-year deal. The 22-year-old defenseman missed most of training camp and preseason as a result of those contract talks.

Hughes said he appreciated the advice of his older brother Quinn Hughes (captain of the Vancouver Canucks) during his negotiations with the Devils.

“He said just stay patient, even keel, and get what you want,” Luke said. “As a family, we decided the deal, and we’re really happy with the outcome and really excited to be here for the next seven years.”

Like his brother and teammate Jack, Luke said that he’d like to play with Quinn one day, but added that his older brother loves living and playing in Vancouver. He also stated that his offseason shoulder surgery was successful and that he’s prepared for the upcoming season. “My body feels great, my shoulders are strong, and I’m ready to go.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes’ new contract ties him with veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton with the highest average annual value ($9 million) among his teammates. He will be under pressure to meet the expectations that come with his expensive new contract. Hughes could feel the effects of missing training camp and preseason play heading into the regular season. How long it takes him to adjust could be a factor for the Devils.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Jackson LaCombe to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension. The AAV is $9 million commencing in 2026-27, and is the most lucrative contract in franchise history.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (NHL Images)

LaCombe, 24, is in the second season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $925K. He had a breakout performance with the Ducks last season, tallying 11 goals and 43 points in 75 games.

The AAV is the same as what Jack Hughes recently received from the Devils. However, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said it was coincidental, claiming Hughes’ contract had no bearing on LaCombe’s contract talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The significant pay raise received by LaCombe shows how much confidence the Ducks’ front office has in his development and the role he’ll play on their blueline as they emerge from their rebuilding process.

Unlike Mason McTavish, LaCombe got this contract without a long negotiation period. That’s because he had arbitration rights next summer.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers and defenseman Niko Mikkola agreed to an eight-year, $40 million contract extension. Mikkola, 29, was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The AAV on his new deal is $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have locked up another core player to a long-term contract that might not age well in its final seasons. However, they’re willing to deal with that down the road if Mikkola can help them win more Stanley Cups.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed head coach Ryan Huska to a two-year contract extension. He has proven to be popular with his players, implementing a relentless forechecking style that maximizes the potential of a roster currently short on offensive talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have performed well under Huska’s coaching, narrowly missing the playoffs last season.

The Flames also placed goaltender Ivan Prosvetov on waivers, meaning Devin Cooley will be the backup for starting netminder Dustin Wolf.

TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed goalie Pheonix Copley off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is an insurance move by the Lightning. Starter Andrei Vasilevskiy missed most of training camp with an undisclosed injury, and it’s uncertain if he’ll play in their final preseason game on Saturday.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Bryan Rust will be sidelined for the next two weeks with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Jack St. Ivany (lower body) will be out for six weeks.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers winger Artemi Panarin participated in the club’s morning skate on Thursday but was not in the lineup for their 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils. He remains day-to-day for precautionary reasons with a lower-body injury.

Meanwhile, Islanders prospect Cal Ritchie suffered a lower-body injury in his club’s 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The 20-year-old center is day-to-day.

RG.ORG: Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin was surprised by the value of his new three-year, $2.9 million contract extension. “I thought the number would be lower,” Podkolzin said, praising his agents for securing the deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: 22 players were placed on waivers Thursday. They included Utah Mammoth defenseman Scott Perunovich, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Danton Heinen, and Vancouver Canucks forward Vitali Kravtsov.

THE PROVINCE: A woman has filed a lawsuit against former NHL defenseman Willie Mitchell, claiming he sexually assaulted her at his Tofino, BC, home in 2022.