NHL Rumor Mill – November 21, 2025

by | Nov 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 21, 2025

Could Rangers winger Artemi Panarin head to the KHL next season? Are the Canadiens in a hurry to make a trade? Could the Leafs move Brandon Carlo? Are the Jets willing to trade Brad Lambert? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD RANGERS WINGER ARTEMI PANARIN HEAD TO THE KHL NEXT YEAR?

RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov reports former NHL star Alexei Kovalev claims there’s talk that New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin could leave the league and return to Russia next summer. “I don’t know if it’s true, but that’s what people are saying,” Kovalev said.

Panarin, 34, is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. He recently rejected an offer from the Rangers similar to the two-year, $14 million contract that Anze Kopitar has with the Los Angeles Kings.

If Panarin remains unwilling to re-sign, there’s speculation suggesting the Rangers could approach him about a trade if they’re a playoff bubble team by the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but Panarin’s preference is likely to remain in the NHL if he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He won’t get another lucrative long-term contract, but there could be teams willing to pony up $10 million annually on a three-year deal, especially with the salary cap projected to reach $113 million for 2027-28.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the injury-battered Montreal Canadiens continue to search for a second-line center, but they’re also open to a trade for a winger.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

LeBrun doesn’t expect the Canadiens to make a panic move. He pointed out that their management team of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes isn’t known for making rash decisions.

The problem is that there are few sellers. The Calgary Flames aren’t moving Nazem Kadri and aren’t in any hurry to trade Blake Coleman. During the summer, the Canadiens had an interest in St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, but his no-trade clause kicked in on July 1, and he has no intention of waiving it.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault has surfaced in the rumor mill. The 34-year-old has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.5 million, which would scare the Canadiens to some degree.

TVA SPORTS: Speaking of Marchessault, the Predators had two scouts at Thursday’s game between the Canadiens and the Washington Capitals. Neither club will face the Predators in the near future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The current Canadiens management tends to acquire players in their mid-to-late twenties with term remaining on their contracts. They tend not to pursue aging stars with expensive contracts, such as Kadri and Marchessault.

Some pundits suggested Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly to address the Canadiens’ need for a reliable second-line center. His $4.5 million AAV through 2026-27 is affordable, but he’s 34 years old and his best seasons are behind him.

COULD THE LEAFS MOVE BRANDON CARLO?

THE ATHLETIC: Earlier this week, Jonas Siegel examined trade candidates for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they attempt to overcome their current struggles. He suggested center Max Domi and defenseman Brandon Carlo could deliver the type of return “to deliver the splash quality that management would be looking for.”

Of the two, Siegel considered Carlo the easiest to trade. He has struggled this season and is currently sidelined. Still, he’s one of those coveted right-shot defensemen who carries an affordable cap hit ($3.45 million) with a year remaining on his contract after this season.

However, trading Carlo would leave a gaping hole on the right side of their blueline, unless they’re getting another right-shot defenseman in return. The Leafs also gave up a lot (Fraser Minten and a first-round pick) to get Carlo. Trading him now for a questionable return would look awful.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless someone loses their mind and offers up a significant return for Carlo, he will likely remain with the Leafs for at least the remainder of this season.

JETS WILLING TO MOVE LAMBERT

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported Thursday that the Winnipeg Jets have given Brad Lambert and his agent permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade.

The 21-year-old center was chosen 30th overall by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s appeared in four games this season, scoring one goal while averaging just over nine minutes of ice time per game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert was once a highly-touted prospect, but his stock plummeted during his draft year. His performance has been inconsistent, scoring 55 points in 64 games with the Jets’ AHL affiliate in 2023-24, but only 35 points last season.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2025

by | Nov 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2025

Could the Canadiens and Devils target the Predators for help in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports injuries have forced the Montreal Canadiens into the trade market, joining several other clubs that are searching for forwards.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes would like to add a second-line center. However, Dreger believes he’s also willing to add a winger.

Dreger said the problem is that there are so few sellers and the prices are high. That leaves the Canadiens and other clubs looking for answers internally.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont referenced Jeff Marek’s recent appearance on the Sekeres & Price Show, saying the Canadiens were among the teams that contacted the Nashville Predators to inquire about Steven Stamkos.

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

Dumont noted that Stamkos currently plays as a left winger for the Predators, his game has slowed considerably in recent years, and he has two more years on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. He thinks the Canadiens may be conducting due diligence rather than making a serious inquiry.

Instead, Dumont suggested Predators center Ryan O’Reilly as a better fit for the Canadiens. The 34-year-old is a left-hand shot and has put up decent numbers this season. He’s also more affordable, with a $4.5 million AAV through 2026-27. If the Predators shop him, their asking price could be a first-rounder and a top prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos also carries a full no-movement clause, but those factors cited by Dumont are good reasons why he’s not going to land in Montreal.

O’Reilly would be a better option, but Hughes’ trade acquisitions tend to be younger veterans who will fit well within the Canadiens’ long-term plans. He lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has it. It’s unlikely he’ll agree to be moved to a Canadian market after opting not to re-sign with Toronto a few years ago.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols referred to The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta’s recent appearance on “The Sheet With Jeff Marek”, where he told the host that he believes the Devils will be in the market for a “big fish” before the March 6 trade deadline.

Pagnotta didn’t speculate which players the Devils might target. Nichols pointed out they need depth at center, suggesting Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames and Ryan O’Reilly of the Predators. He also considered Nick Schmaltz of the Utah Mammoth as an option if he intends to test the free-agent market next summer.

Nichols also spoke with Marek, who suggested Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault of the Predators as two players who could help the Devils. He also suggested O’Reilly as an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Such a move by the Devils isn’t likely to happen until closer to March. Nichols observed that they’d have to move out a contract to free up cap space for one of those players, assuming they’re available by then.

Moving players like Forsberg, Kadri, O’Reilly, and Marchessault sound like moves that would take place during the offseason, usually around the NHL Draft in late June or during the opening days of free agency in early July.

Forsberg and Marchessault have full no-movement clauses, while Kadri has a 13-team no-trade list. Forsberg and Kadri also carry expensive contracts with several seasons remaining. As Nichols said, the Devils would have to shed salary to make room for those guys.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025

by | Nov 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025

Could the Devils shop for a short-term replacement for sidelined center Jack Hughes? What type of trade do the Maple Leafs want to make? What’s the Rangers’ biggest need? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE DEVILS MAKE A TRADE FOR A SHORT-TERM REPLACEMENT FOR JACK HUGHES?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the New Jersey Devils’ options as they face the next eight weeks without leading scorer Jack Hughes. The 24-year-old center injured a finger in a freak accident during a recent team dinner, requiring surgery to repair the damage.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

One option could be making a trade as a stopgap. However, centers are scarce, and many teams are currently searching for them. Trade targets could include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.

Baugh suggested acquiring a winger if finding a suitable center isn’t feasible. He suggested Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks as trade candidates.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils cannot let their strong start to this season go to waste in Hughes’ absence. He recommends going the trade route, suggesting O’Reilly, Kadri, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders as possible options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him like he does. For now, there’s no indication that he wants out of Nashville or that management is shopping him. Kadri’s been the focus of media trade chatter for weeks, but Flames ownership isn’t keen on moving him.

As for Pageau, it’s unlikely the Islanders will move him this early in the season, especially when they’re currently in a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. If they stay in that position or higher in the standings as the season progresses, Pageau won’t be going anywhere.

MAPLE LEAFS SEEK “ROSTER FOR ROSTER” DEAL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t interested in trading futures or prospects (such as Easton Cowan) for immediate help.

Instead, they want to make a hockey trade, “roster for roster”, in which they’re exploring what’s on their roster that might have value in the trade market. Friedman stressed that the core players wouldn’t be part of that.

Friedman spoke about a recent rumor linking the Maple Leafs to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. He claimed they tried to do it last season, and he doesn’t believe it’s a match for Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs’ prospect pool isn’t that deep. Depleting it further will only hurt them in the long run. As for “roster for roster”, there isn’t much there that would bring in any upgrades. Nick Robertson, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, but it’s doubtful they’d fetch much of an upgrade.

RANGERS NEED A PUCK-MOVING DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes the need for a puck-moving defenseman has become a priority for the New York Rangers. Adam Fox is off to a strong start this season, but there’s no one else on their blueline who ranks above average in the skills department.

Baugh wouldn’t quibble with anyone suggesting the Rangers also need a top-six winger. However, he’s withholding judgment until he sees what top prospect Gabe Perreault can do.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 10, 2025

by | Nov 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 10, 2025

The latest Nazem Kadri speculation and an update on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Adam Vingan recently examined why Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri is such a hot commodity in the trade market right now.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Kadri leads the struggling Flames with 11 points in 17 games. Vingan also cited his solid analytics, including his controlled entries, cycling scoring chances, successful offensive zone passes, offensive zone possession time, and his total time on ice.

Vingan cited a recent report by colleague Nick Kypreos suggesting the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens as potential trade destinations, pointing out that neither club is on his 13-team no-trade list. Kypreos also suggested the Carolina Hurricanes, but claimed they’re on Kadri’s no-trade list.

According to Vingan’s colleague Elliotte Friedman, the Canadiens would be very interested if Kadri becomes available, suggesting they have tradeable assets that would interest the Flames. Vingan also suggested the Detroit Red Wings as a destination, noting that they have received underwhelming results thus far from 21-year-old center Marco Kasper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reported last Thursday that Flames ownership doesn’t want to part with Kadri, who loves Calgary and wants to help the team win. Nevertheless, the more the Flames keep struggling, the more frequently we’ll continue seeing Kadri’s name surface in the rumor mill.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was recently asked where Oliver Kapanen might fall in the Canadiens’ lineup if they acquire a second-line center. He believes they’re in no rush to make that move, given how well Kapanen and Kirby Dach are playing thus far.

Another reader asked Cowan if it was time for the Canadiens to move on from winger Josh Anderson, who is off to a slow start this season. He doesn’t see them doing so because he still has a year left on his contract, and his heavy game is tailor-made for the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ solid start to this season means that management can take its time and fully evaluate the second-line center position before deciding to part with valuable assets to address that position. If Kapanen and Dach keep playing well leading up to the trade deadline, management could shift its focus toward other roster issues that may arise by that point.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2025

by | Nov 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: we have updates on Flames center Nazem Kadri and Predators forward Steven Stamkos, plus the latest on the Mammoth and Devils.

THE FLAMES AREN’T INTERESTED IN MOVING NAZEM KADRI

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames ownership is telling people that they’re not interested in trading Nazem Kadri.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

The 35-year-old center has been the focus of trade speculation since the summer. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million. Multiple teams are seeking a second-line center who covets Kadri’s experience. However, he loves living in Calgary and wants to help the Flames win.

Dreger admits that things could change between now and the March 6 trade deadline. For now, the position of ownership is that Kadri is unavailable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The struggling Flames aren’t giving up on the season. Ownership’s unwillingness to move Kadri could put a damper on the media speculation for now. However, he’ll continue to be a trade target if the Flames remain mired near the bottom of the standings, especially if they’re still in that position when the calendar flips to January.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun considers the recent trade chatter swirling around Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos to be premature. He indicated that there haven’t been any conversations between management and the player, or the Predators, with other teams, about a trade.

However, LeBrun thinks the Predators could field calls about Stamkos if they’re out of the playoff hunt by the March trade deadline. However, the 35-year-old forward has a full no-movement clause. He would have a short list of acceptable destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’s age, movement clause, declining production, and his $8 million annual cap hit through 2027-28 will make him difficult to move during the season. This could be a deal that takes place during the offseason.

THE MAMMOTH COULD BE AGGRESSIVE BUYERS

TSN: Chris Johnston thinks the Utah Mammoth will be “extremely aggressive” as buyers by the March trade deadline. They’ve made no secret of their intent to reach the playoffs this season. Johnston points out they have plenty of trade capital in draft picks, prospects, and in salary-cap space if they wish to pursue high-ticket players, such as a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The patient rebuilding strategy of Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong is paying dividends this season. Even if they have a firm grip on a postseason berth by March, Armstrong could use his cap space and trade capital to bolster his roster for a deep playoff run.

COULD THE DEVILS PURSUE A DEFENSEMAN?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently expressed concern over the blueline depth of the Devils. He speculated that an early-season trade might be necessary if things don’t improve soon.

The Devils are missing sidelined defenseman Brett Pesce, who was recently placed on injured reserve. They’re also waiting for Johnathan Kovacevic to return from offseason knee surgery. Simon Nemec has been inconsistent, and Jonas Siegenthaler hasn’t had a strong start to this season.

Nichols believes that the Devils need another defensive-minded blueliner. He suggested Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, Vincent Desharnais of the San Jose Sharks, and Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins are potential trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils also lost Dougie Hamilton in their 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. That might prompt management to seek help if he’s out for a long time.

If Hamilton isn’t out for a lengthy period, the Devils might be willing to remain patient and wait for their sidelined blueliners to return. They’re currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, so there is no urgency to address their defense issues right now. However, that could change if those absences start adversely affecting their performance.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 6, 2025

by | Nov 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 6, 2025

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin reaches 900 goals, Flames center Nazem Kadri plays his 1,000th game, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini moves up in the scoring race, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 900th career NHL regular-season goal in a 6-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Ovechkin is the first player to reach that milestone. Tom Wilson and Anthony Beauvillier tallied twice, and Jakob Chychrun collected three assists for the 7-5-1 Capitals, ending a four-game losing skid. Alexey Toropchenko replied for the Blues (4-8-2), who’ve lost eight of their last nine contests.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin entered this season needing only three goals to reach the 900-goal plateau. It’s an impressive achievement, but it seems anticlimactic after he surpassed Wayne Gretzky last season as the all-time goal-scoring leader.

Regardless, it will be a long time before anyone comes close to Ovechkin’s record of 900 goals and counting. The active player closest to him is 38-year-old Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, sitting 16th among the all-time scorers with 634. Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has the best chance, with 409 goals in 643 games, but he’s battled injuries that have hampered his production.

Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington attempted to steal the historic puck for himself by tucking it down the back of his goalie pants for some reason. Official Michael Cormier convinced Binnington to turn over the puck.

Earlier in the day, the Capitals activated defenseman Rasmus Sandin off injured reserve for this game. Sandin missed the previous five games with an upper-body injury.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri scored in his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game as his club defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1. Dustin Wolf kicked out 42 shots for the 4-9-2 Flames as they picked up their second straight win. Columbus forward Kirill Marchenko scored to extend his points streak to five games as his club dropped to 7-6-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was among the few highlights in what’s been a disappointing start to this season for the Flames. Kadri has become the subject of frequent trade speculation, but the club isn’t giving up on the season, and he hasn’t requested a trade. It’ll be interesting to see if the Flames can overcome this poor start and climb back into the playoff chase.

The San Jose Sharks got a goal and two assists from Macklin Celebrini in a 6-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. Yaroslav Askarov made 28 saves as Tyler Toffoli, Will Smith, and John Klingberg each had a goal and an assist for the 5-6-3 Sharks, who’ve won three of their last four contests. Ryan Winterton scored his first NHL goal as the 6-3-4 Kraken have dropped three of their last four.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini has 21 points, tying him with Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid for the scoring lead. The 19-year-old is the first teenager in NHL history to lead the league in scoring (tied or outright) at this stage of his career (217 games played).

Celebrini is also the second-fastest player in Sharks history to reach 20 points in a season (14 games played), behind Joe Thornton (13 games played) in 2005-06.

A hat trick by winger Tyler Bertuzzi lifted the Chicago Blackhawks over the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 5-2. Spencer Knight stopped 43 shots for the Blackhawks, who snapped a three-game losing skid and improved to 6-5-3. Aatu Raty and Evander Kane scored for the Canucks, who dropped to 7-8-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks winger Conor Garland returned to the lineup after missing the previous three games with an upper-body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares netted his 501st career regular-season goal as his club downed the Utah Mammoth 5-3, handing the latter their third loss in their last four games. Tavares, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and Matias Maccelli each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs (8-5-1), who picked up their third straight victory. Michael Carcone, Mikhail Sergachev, and Dylan Guenther scored for the Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Maple Leafs sent forward Easton Cowan to their AHL affiliate.