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.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2026

by | Jan 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2026

What’s next for the Flames after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Golden Knights? Does Patrik Laine still fit into the Canadiens’ plans? Could the Blackhawks trade Connor Murphy? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE FLAMES TRADE NAZEM KADRI AND BLAKE COLEMAN?

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin wondered what’s next for the Flames after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

He believes that if the Flames can acquire young assets or draft picks and give players like Nazem Kadri or Blake Coleman the chance to join a contender, it might be time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri’s been the subject of trade speculation for two years. The 35-year-old center is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million, and carries a 13-team no-trade list.

Kadri has put up decent numbers this season with the struggling Flames and has a Stanley Cup ring on his resume. However, his age and cap hit could be stumbling blocks in the path toward a trade.

Coleman, 34, is a versatile two-way forward who won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier in this decade. He’s signed through next season with a more affordable AAV than Kadri ($4.9 million), but has a more restrictive 10-team trade list. The Flames reportedly prefer not to move him, but that doesn’t mean they won’t if the right offer comes along.

WHAT WILL THE CANADIENS DO WITH PATRIK LAINE?

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen was recently asked where Patrik Laine fits into the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup upon his return from injury. The 27-year-old right wing has been out since Oct. 16, recovering from core muscle surgery. He has resumed skating with his teammates.

Laine is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $8.7 million. Rosen believes it’s difficult to determine where he’ll fit into their lineup right now, though an injury or a slump by one of their top-nine forwards could open up a spot for him.

Rosen doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Canadiens attempting to move Laine before the March 6 trade deadline. Otherwise, they’ll retain him for the rest of the season as an expensive depth forward.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was also asked about where Laine might fit within the Canadiens’ lineup. He doesn’t see him filling a bottom-six role or moving onto the second line.

Cowan speculates the Canadiens could give him some games at right wing on the top line and on their power-play unit to showcase him for a trade before March 6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Laine’s injury history and his cap hit, the Canadiens might have to retain salary to move him. Their asking price could be a draft pick or a prospect.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS TRADE CONNOR MURPHY?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus wondered if this season could be the end of Connor Murphy’s nine-season tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 32-year-old blueliner is UFA-eligible in July, completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.4 million. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.

Murphy and his family live year-round in Chicago. He loves the city, but Lazerus speculated that the rebuilding Blackhawks could peddle him by the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy won’t fetch a big return for the Blackhawks. Moving him to add another draft pick would seem like a waste. They could consider re-signing him if he wants to stay, but he might not fit into their plans.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2026

by | Jan 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2026

What’s the latest on Artemi Panarin? Will the Flames move Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman? Are the Kings pursuing Canucks winger Evander Kane? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN

TSN: Darren Dreger reports contract talks between the New York Rangers and Artemi Panarin have not progressed. However, it’s unclear if the 34-year-old winger is open to being moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

Panarin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a full no-movement clause in his contract.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Dreger speculated that the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights might be interested in Panarin if he’s willing to waive his clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers reportedly haven’t approached Panarin yet about presenting a list of acceptable trade destinations. They are reportedly willing to wait until the end of January before deciding if they’ll be sellers.

The Panthers might not have sufficient room to add Panarin with Matthew Tkachuk coming off long-term injury reserve before the Olympic break. They must also ensure they have room for team captain Aleksander Barkov’s possible return before the end of the regular season. The Stars and Golden Knights also have limited cap room.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

TSN: Darren Dreger expects the Calgary Flames will likely move Rasmus Andersson before the March trade deadline. There is definite interest in the 29-year-old defenseman from other clubs. Dreger also didn’t rule out the possibility of Nazem Kadri getting traded. The 35-year-old center has frequently been linked to rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is UFA-eligible on July 1, and there’s no sign that he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension. A solid, all-around right-shot defenseman, Andersson should fetch a decent return, especially if there’s a bidding war among several clubs. If he’s willing to sign a contract extension as part of the deal, the Flames could get a bigger return.

Kadri’s full no-movement clause became a 13-team no-trade list last July. His two-way style, which is agitating, makes him an enticing option for clubs seeking experienced depth at center. However, his age and his $7 million average annual value through 2028-29 could be significant sticking points.

Dreger also acknowledged recent trade conjecture about Blake Coleman. However, he believes the Flames prefer to hang onto the versatile 32-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could part with Coleman if someone is willing to overpay for his services. However, he’s signed through next season with a reasonable AAV of $4.9 million, so the Flames don’t have to move him this season.

KINGS ARE RUMORED TO BE INTERESTED IN EVANDER KANE

MAYOR’S MANOR: Two separate sources claim that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland is “kicking tires” on Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane.

Kane would be the third former Edmonton Oilers player brought in by Holland, who was GM of the Oilers from 2019 to 2024. Holland brought Kane, Warren Foegele, and Corey Perry to Edmonton during his tenure with the Oilers. Foegele and Perry now play for the Kings.

Kane, 34, is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a 16-team no-trade list. His physical style of game is well-suited for the grind of playoff competition.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Holland is interested in adding Kane, it’s unlikely the latter will block the opportunity to play for the Kings.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2026

by | Jan 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2026

The latest on Flames forward Nazem Kadri, the Canadiens could be interested in Flames winger Blake Coleman, the Hurricanes are entertaining offers for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and the latest on the Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NAZEM KADRI COULD BE OPEN TO A TRADE

TSN: Darren Dreger believes Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri would be willing to listen if an opportunity to be traded to a contender came along.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Kadri, 35, is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trade rumors were buzzing about Kadri earlier this season, but Flames ownership said they had no intention of moving him. However, it appears to be a different story if he wants to be moved, or if a contender comes calling with a good offer, whether those offers come before the March 6 trade deadline remains to be seen.

CANADIENS INTERESTED IN FLAMES WINGER BLAKE COLEMAN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun thinks Flames winger Blake Coleman is high on the Montreal Canadiens’ list of trade targets. The 34-year-old is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and would bring a measure of physicality, veteran leadership, and versatility to the Canadiens’ roster.

Coleman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.9 million. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.

LeBrun said nothing is imminent with the Canadiens. They intend to wait until the Olympic break in February to gauge the health of their roster and their position in the standings before pursuing that type of deal.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont appreciates Coleman’s skills, but he’s skeptical that the Canadiens will pursue him.

Dumont pointed out that Alexandre Texier’s play negates some of what Coleman would bring to the lineup. He also expressed concern that Coleman’s shooting percentage might collapse, turning him into an expensive bottom-six forward. There is currently no pressing need to make that move.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico indicated that the Canadiens are ahead of schedule with their rebuild and will soon be getting their sidelined players back in the lineup. They’re open to adding physical, middle-six scoring forwards, but they’re not under pressure to do so.

The Canadiens are dealing from a position of strength. They can afford to be patient and wait for value rather than overpaying to keep pace. Management is still prioritizing long-term impact over short-term optics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coleman wouldn’t be a rental player for the Canadiens, provided they’re not on his no-trade list. However, General Manager Kent Hughes’ trade history suggests he won’t overpay to acquire him. LeBrun also stressed that Coleman is among several players on the Canadiens’ trade targets list.

HURRICANES LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports several sources claim the Carolina Hurricanes are considering trade offers for Jesperi Kotkaniemi. They want something in return that can help them now or something they can use to acquire something that can provide immediate help.

The Hurricanes successfully signed away Kotkaniemi from the Canadiens with an offer sheet in 2021, and later signed him to an eight-year deal with an AAV of $4.82 million.

Friedman said the Hurricanes have used the 25-year-old Kotkaniemi in recent trade discussions when they attempted to acquire Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings and Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Danault was traded to the Canadiens, and Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kotkaniemi struggled to establish himself as a reliable middle-six center with the Hurricanes. Given the lack of centers in the trade market, Friedman believes he’s drawing legitimate interest from other clubs.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is trying to shake up his struggling roster. He’s aggressively searching for a top-six forward, but things are quiet in the trade market right now.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils must make some changes to their roster if they’re not going to shake things up in the front office or behind the bench.

He noted the Devils attempted to move defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat earlier this season. Those moves seem more likely in the offseason when things are more flexible.

Nichols suggested it may be time to consider moving a core player. He felt that management should speak with Jack and Luke Hughes to determine how committed they are to the organization after the Devils’ failed attempt to acquire brother Quinn Hughes. Otherwise, it may be time to look at Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and team captain Nico Hischier

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils supporters are roasting Fitzgerald on social media, but it doesn’t sound as though he’s on the hot seat with ownership. Dreger said he speaks to ownership every week, and they know what direction he wants to take this team.

Barring a strong second-half turnaround, the Devils might face some difficult questions regarding the core of their roster. They’ve struggled to regain their once-promising 2022-23 form, when they finished with the best record in franchise history.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2026

by | Jan 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2026

Are the Wild planning another big trade? What’s the biggest need for the Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin isn’t done making moves following last month’s blockbuster acquisition of Quinn Hughes.

Russo and Smith believe Guerin wouldn’t have given up four huge pieces (Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, 2026 first-round pick) for Hughes if the Wild weren’t trying to win right now.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

They believe Guerin will take another big swing in the trade market, “probably for a center”, drawing on their draft picks and prospects as bait. The Wild also has an estimated $12.9 million in trade-deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild haven’t won a playoff round since 2015. The furthest they ever went in the playoffs was the Western Conference Final in 2003. Their current roster has the potential to become a Stanley Cup contender for the next few years, making this an opportune time to bolster their depth accordingly.

Finding a good center won’t be easy in the current trade market.

Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues, and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators are the most notable centers mentioned in trade rumors this season.

However, the Flames insist they’re not interested in moving Kadri, the decline in Schenn’s performance this season could make him less enticing than he was last season, and O’Reilly’s reported unwillingness to be traded could force Guerin to shop around.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman believes the Detroit Red Wings must bolster their defense before the March 6 trade deadline.

They have a strong first pairing with Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. Meanwhile, Ben Chiarot has played well this season on the second pairing along with rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka.

However, Sandin-Pellikka has been playing somewhat sheltered minutes. He might not be up to the task of being a second-pairing defenseman in postseason action when the play becomes more physical.

Bultman suggested adding an experienced No. 4 or 5 defenseman before the deadline. Possibilities could include Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Brett Kulak of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rasmus Anderson of the Calgary Flames is the biggest name for defensemen in the trade market. However, the Red Wings aren’t likely to get into a bidding war for an expensive postseason rental player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are currently flying high in the standings, sitting first in the Eastern Conference. GM Steve Yzerman isn’t under any pressure right now to make a move, but he could go shopping for a blueliner by the deadline.

Yzerman caught flak from Detroit fans, pundits, and Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin for his inactivity at last season’s trade deadline. It’s doubtful he’ll sit on his hands this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2025

by | Dec 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2025

Check out the latest speculation on the Avalanche, Islanders, and Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the first-overall Colorado Avalanche will “almost certainly” add another defenseman before the March 6 trade deadline. However, adding a third-line center is a more pressing need.

The Avalanche could stick with Ross Colton in that role. Bednar recently praised Colton’s efforts in his first game in that role. They could stick with him if the cost of finding other options proves expensive.

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

Masisak suggested former Colorado centers such as Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames as possibilities. However, the cost for both makes them unlikely trade targets for the Avalanche.

Other options include Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks, Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks, and former Av Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly reportedly isn’t considering a trade at this time. Kadri’s contract and the Flames’ asking price are too expensive. The Sharks won’t part with Wennberg if they remain in playoff contention.

Dickinson and Coyle could be more affordable if the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets go into sell mode. However, the Avs could be forced to overpay if other clubs get into the bidding, and they’ve already sacrificed future assets in recent years.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the Islanders have a steady, left-shot defenseman and a top-six winger near the top of their Christmas wish list to replace sidelined blueliner Alexander Romanov and winger Kyle Palmieri.

If the Islanders become buyers, they could get salary-cap relief by placing Romanov and Palmieri on long-term injury reserve. San Jose Jose Sharks defensemen Mario Ferraro and former Islander Nick Leddy could be blueline targets, while Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks or Matias Maccelli of the Toronto Maple Leafs might make sense as a replacement for Palmieri.

Sears doesn’t see general manager Mathieu Darche parting with a first-round pick to get any of those players.

For now, it’s too early to tell which path Darche might choose. Sears noted that a couple of bad weeks could knock them out of playoff contention in the tightly packed Eastern Conference.

If Darche buys early, he could be parting with future assets that he’ll need to recoup if things go sideways. If he waits too long, he’ll end up in sell mode with UFA-eligible forwards Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche will remain patient for now, especially given how few sellers there are in the trade market. The Isles’ performance in January will likely determine which path he takes, especially if more teams become sellers.

The Sharks aren’t likely to part with Ferraro and Leddy if they remain in playoff contention. Sherwood is available, but the Canucks’ asking price could be too high for Darche. Maccelli should be an affordable addition, but his struggles this season don’t make him an enticing trade target.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes the Los Angeles Kings have more work to do after trading center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. He noted they didn’t get a roster player back in the deal, and the club continues to struggle offensively.

Stephens pointed out that the draft pick they got in the Danault deal would look good if the Kings were rebuilding. However, the club is built to win right now, and they still believe they can reach the playoffs and make some noise.

That second-round pick will only be valuable if it can be turned into a player (like Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators or Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues) who makes the Kings better.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings GM Ken Holland probably isn’t done making moves. Stephens pointed out that they shed Danault’s $5.5 million cap hit for this season and next, giving the Kings $9.2 million in current cap space, and a projected deadline cap space of $26 million.

As mentioned earlier, O’Reilly isn’t prepared to consider a trade right now. Meanwhile, the Blues intend to seek full value for any player they trade, meaning they’ll want a young NHL player for Schenn instead of draft picks.