NHL Rumor Mill – December 19, 2025

by | Dec 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 19, 2025

The annual holiday roster freeze goes into effect at 11:59 PM ET on Dec. 19. Check out the latest rumors leading up to the freeze in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

RYAN O’REILLY IS NOT READY YET TO CONTEMPLATE A TRADE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports that some teams with an interest in Ryan O’Reilly were informed that the 34-year-old Nashville Predators center isn’t ready to consider a trade yet.

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

O’Reilly likes living and playing in Nashville and doesn’t want to bail on the Predators, preferring to be part of the solution. LeBrun suggested that doesn’t mean a trade won’t happen by the March 6 trade deadline, but he’s skeptical that it’ll happen at all.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he does. If he doesn’t want to move, it appears they will respect his wishes.

MULTIPLE TEAMS INTERESTED IN KINGS CENTER PHILLIP DANAULT

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that sources say the Los Angeles Kings are receiving numerous calls about Phillip Danault.

The 32-year-old two-way center has been struggling this season and has had his playing time reduced. His agent, Allan Walsh, recently denied a report claiming his client had requested a trade.

Nevertheless, LeBrun said the Montreal Canadiens (Danault’s former team), New Jersey Devils, and the Utah Mammoth were among “a long list of teams” that have expressed an interest. One reason is that there aren’t many centers available in the trade market.

LeBrun noted that Danault is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. He also indicated that the Kings currently aren’t sellers because they’re a perennial playoff team that intends to reach the postseason again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings aren’t in any hurry to trade Danault, partly because good centers are difficult to find. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not willing to listen to offers. Most speculation suggests they would want a good player back in return instead of draft picks and prospects.

OILERS LINKED TO SABRES GOALTENDER ALEX LYON

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported several sources claim the Oilers had an interest in Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon, or were interested in him before they acquired Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins last Friday.

With Jarry injured during Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins, Staples doubted that the Oilers have enough time to land Lyon or another goalie before the holiday roster freeze takes effect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was no immediate update on Jarry’s status following last night’s game. If it’s serious, the Oilers could be stuck with backup Calvin Pickard and whoever they call up from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield until the freeze is lifted at 12:01 am ET on Dec. 28.

Lyon carries a $1.5 million cap hit, but the Oilers can’t afford it. Even if the Sabres agreed to retain up to half of it, the Oilers would have to move out some salary to take him on.

KRAKEN WINGER MASON MARCHMENT GARNERING INTEREST IN THE TRADE MARKET.

SPORTS ON PRIME: NHL insider Frank Seravalli said Seattle Kraken winger Mason Marchment has “generated real traction” in the trade market. He said teams are calling the Kraken, trying to get something done. Seravalli isn’t ruling out the possibility of the Kraken moving the 30-year-old Marchment before the holiday freeze kicks in.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the best start in franchise history, the Kraken have been in free fall in the standings with just one win in their last 11 games. Sitting seven points out of a playoff berth, they could be going into sell mode if they don’t reverse their fortunes soon.

If the Kraken are selling, it would make sense that they would peddle Marchment. A big, physical middle-six winger who tallied 22 goals in each of the last two seasons, he carries a $4.5 million cap hit and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Marchment also has plenty of recent postseason experience with the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 14, 2025

by | Dec 14, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 14, 2025

The ongoing fallout from the Quinn Hughes trade in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said it was around the time of the American Thanksgiving weekend last month that Quinn Hughes informed the Vancouver Canucks that he wouldn’t sign a contract extension next summer.

Friedman claimed that several teams were deterred or concerned that Hughes wouldn’t commit to a long-term extension at this time. However, the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils weren’t bothered by it.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

The Devils felt they were in a better position because Hughes’ brothers, Jack and Luke, were on their roster. However, they couldn’t free up sufficient salary-cap space to make the deal happen.

Friedman believes the Wild’s offer (Center Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium, winger Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick) was the best one, adding there was no way the Canucks would’ve received a better deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers were among six clubs confirmed to have made legitimate offers for Hughes. The Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes also showed some interest.

The Philadelphia Flyers also considered Hughes, but didn’t want to part with the assets the Canucks were seeking. LeBrun also believes the Washington Capitals weren’t that involved because they didn’t want to move the kind of pieces it would’ve taken to get the deal done.

Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, said he and his client weren’t able to guarantee to any of the interested clubs whether he would sign with them or not. At some point, Hughes will decide if he likes Minnesota enough to sign an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One thing that works to the Wild’s advantage is they’re the only club that can offer him an eight-year, front-loaded extension. However, Hughes will have to decide before Sept. 15, 2026. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players is reduced to seven years as per the updated collective bargaining agreement.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe admitted his players struggled to tune out the Quinn Hughes trade speculation swirling around their team.

Ever since Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported last weekend that the Devils contacted the Canucks about Hughes, multiple names surfaced as trade candidates. Defenseman Simon Nemec and center Dawson Mercer were mentioned as potential trade chips that could have gone to Vancouver as part of a package offer.

Nichols believes those players can rest easy for now, but noted that Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald continues to work the phones in search of a trade to help his struggling team.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes the Devils’ biggest area of need is forward. He claimed Fitzgerald has inquired about Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly. However, struggling clubs like the Predators are setting high asking prices. Fitzgerald faces overpaying to keep the team afloat, or try to ride this out and hope the prices drop.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The injury-battered Devils will get some help as their sidelined players return to action. Whether they will get back in time to prevent the club from sliding further out of contention remains to be seen.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reported the Canucks liked Washington prospect Cole Hutson when the two sides were discussing a potential trade package for Hughes. However, the Capitals didn’t want to part with their top defensive prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutson, 19, is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson. Chosen in the second round (43rd overall) by the Capitals, he’s in his second season with Boston University.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch wonders if the Quinn Hughes trade, and the goalie swap that saw the Edmonton Oilers ship Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry, will shake the trade market loose.

The St. Louis Blues are reportedly open for business, and the Canucks still intend to entertain offers for their UFA-eligible players. The Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Nashville Predators are also prepared to make moves.

Garrioch pointed out that the upcoming holiday roster freeze begins at 11:59 pm ET on Dec. 19 and will remain in place until 12:01 am ET on Dec. 28.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2025

by | Dec 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2025

The latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, plus updates on Kings center Phillip Danault, Ducks center Ryan Strome, Maple Leafs winger Matias Maccelli, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

QUINN HUGHES TRADE RUMORS HEATING UP

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that trade talks involving Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes have started. The club has set a very high asking price for the 26-year-old superstar defenseman.

Friedman believes a “young, impactful center” is very important to the Canucks. He believes a deal isn’t impossible without one, “but it will require something special to offset that desire.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Multiple sources said that there was no truth to rumors that Hughes informed Canucks management last summer that he wouldn’t sign a contract extension. Friedman believes the Canucks could wait until the draft next June to move Hughes if they can’t find a suitable deal before the March trade deadline.

Hughes lacks no-trade protection, and the Canucks have indicated they would be prepared to move him to any team. It’s believed Hughes would prefer playing in the East, but they could ship him to a Western club for the right price. Friedman thinks the Capitals would be open to taking on Hughes for the remainder of his contract, depending on the price.

Friedman also pointed out that nothing’s stopping the Canucks from attempting to re-sign Hughes next July to an eight-year extension. He believes that would mean Hughes would be invested for a few more seasons, with the understanding that he could be traded if he doesn’t like what he sees from the Canucks by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talks being underway could mean teams are calling the Canucks about what it would cost to acquire Hughes, and the Canucks are obliging them by seeking what one executive told Friedman was an “outrageous” return. They may not be at the stage yet where they’re swapping offers. Nevertheless, there’s a growing sense that this season could be Hughes’ last in Vancouver.

Trading a big star during the season isn’t impossible. Winger Mikko Rantanen was moved by the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes within six weeks before last season’s deadline.

However, Hughes is a Norris Trophy defenseman in his prime. The Canucks want a much bigger return than what the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes received for Rantanen.

Draft picks and prospects will be part of the deal, but the Canucks will also want a good young NHL player or two. Some teams could risk weakening their roster depth to get Hughes. Others could be leery about gutting their prospect pools.

Salary cap space is another significant factor. Hughes’ $7.85 million cap hit through 2026-27 is a bargain for a player of his caliber, but it’s still not easy for some teams to absorb. If they plan on signing him to an extension, it could eat up at least $18 million annually.

Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and Washington Capitals could be among the suitors. He doesn’t see a trade match with the New York Rangers. The Philadelphia Flyers lack a center, but Friedman wondered what else they might come up with. He claimed sources dismissed the notion of the Pittsburgh Penguins getting involved. The Utah Mammoth have plenty of draft picks and prospects to make a competitive offer. Friedman doesn’t rule out the Carolina Hurricanes looking into this.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman reported last Saturday that the Devils had asked the Canucks about Hughes. The Red Wings are being mentioned partly because Hughes played his formative hockey years in Michigan, plus they have the cap space and plentiful trade assets to pull this off if they want to.

Capitals beat writer Sammi Silber of The Hockey News doesn’t doubt the Capitals may have done due diligence, but she doesn’t think there’s a trade to be made here. Silber doesn’t see them parting with any of their top players for Hughes, especially for a short-term tenure. The asking price could cost them rookie forward Ryan Leonard and prospect defenseman Cole Hutson. Meanwhile, they made a long-term investment in Jakob Chychrun, who handles the left-side top-pairing role on their blueline.

As for the Flyers, winger Owen Tippett has come up in trade rumors this season, but he’s not going to offset the Canucks’ desire for a young, impactful center. The Hurricanes could try, but their big swings tend to be for scoring centers, and they’ve got Jaccob Slavin filling the first-pairing left-side defense role.

The Mammoth have the draft picks and prospects, and their recent struggles following their hot start could have them looking to shake things up. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely they’d want Hughes if he’s unwilling to commit beyond 2027.

Meanwhile, RG.Org’s James Murphy also reported the Penguins aren’t expected to be among the bidders for Hughes. He also ruled out the Boston Bruins as a suitor. According to Murphy, the Penguins are sticking to their rebuild timeline, while the Bruins’ focus is on adding a scoring forward.

OTHER RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Friedman said several sources claim the Los Angeles Kings aren’t interested in trading struggling center Phillip Danault without a very good reason, since centers are difficult to find.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed the Montreal Canadiens were among the clubs sniffing around Danault. He believes the 32-year-old center could be moved before the Dec. 20 roster freeze. Despite Danault’s offensive difficulties this season, the Kings aren’t likely to move him while they’re still in the playoff chase.

Teams interested in a center are watching Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks. He had a delayed start to the season and has been in and out of the lineup.

Other forwards struggling for playing time to watch include Maxim Tsyplakov of the New York Islanders and Matias Maccelli of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Several teams were interested in Mason Marchment last summer before he was traded to the Seattle Kraken. Friedman suggested they might want to keep an eye on him, though he doesn’t expect anything to happen until Jaden Schwartz returns from injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 11, 2025

by | Dec 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 11, 2025

Recapping Wednesday’s games, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin talked about his future, injury updates, ongoing concerns about the slow construction of the 2026 Winter Olympics rinks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat scored twice and collected an assist as his club held off the Calgary Flames by a score of 4-3. John Gibson made 34 saves for the Red Wings (17-11-3), extending their win streak to three games as they moved into first place in the Atlantic Division with 37 points. Nazem Kadri had two assists for the Flames (12-16-4) as their three-game win streak ended.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Down 4-0, the Flames got three unanswered goals in the third to make it interesting, but they ultimately came up short. Speaking of Kadri, he donated $50,000.00 to a food bank in his hometown of London, Ontario.

The Chicago Blackhawks got a 21-save shutout from goaltender Spencer Knight to blank the New York Rangers 3-0. Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who improved to 13-11-6. Igor Shesterkin stopped 22 shots for the 15-13-4 Rangers, who have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Rangers placed sidelined center Adam Edstrom (lower body) on injured reserve.

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell scored with 52 seconds remaining in the third period to lift his club to a 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Sam Bennett had two goals and an assist, and Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 27 shots for the Panthers (15-12-2), who picked up their third consecutive win. Dylan Guenther tallied two goals as the Mammoth lost its third straight game, slipping to 14-15-3.

An overtime goal by Vince Dunn capped his three-point performance as the Seattle Kraken nipped the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Matty Beniers scored with 24 seconds left in the game to force overtime for the Kraken (12-10-6) as they snapped a six-game losing skid. Alex Laferriere and Kevin Fiala scored for the 14-8-8 Kings.

HEADLINES

RG.ORG: Alex Ovechkin discussed his future in a recent interview with Andrew Knoll.

The Washington Capitals captain is in the final season of his contract. He isn’t thinking beyond this season, but hasn’t ruled out bringing his career full circle by returning to the KHL’s Dynamo Moscow in a ceremonial or competitive role.

Having surpassed 900 NHL regular-season goals, Ovechkin has shifted from chasing scoring milestones to the Capitals’ resurgence as they jockey for first place in the Eastern Conference for the second straight season.

ESPN.COM: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed concern about the delays plaguing the construction of the hockey rinks for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He pointed out that constructions of rinks for previous Winter Games had never stretched on this long, calling the delays “disappointing.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Once the arenas are completed, the league will be sending its experts to determine that the ice surface is safe for its players. There are no alternate venues if the ice isn’t up to the standard expected by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly stated the players won’t participate if the ice surface isn’t suitable.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers’ blue line will soon get a boost when sidelined defensemen Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen return to action. Ristolainen has been recovering from surgery in March to repair a ruptured triceps tendon. York has missed the past five games with a lower-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi is sidelined again with a lower-body injury.

SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans will miss Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins for personal reasons.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Dakota Mermis (lower body) on injured reserve.

DAILY FACEOFF/TSN: The St. Louis Blues announced that center Nick Bjugstad is out for at least five days with an upper-body injury. They also signed forward Robby Fabbri to a one-year, two-way contract, and signed forward Dillon Dube to an AHL professional tryout contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2025

by | Nov 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2025

The latest on Predators winger Steven Stamkos and Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SUGGESTED LANDING SPOTS FOR STAMKOS

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon proposed five potential trade destinations for Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Dixon acknowledged the decline in the 35-year-old Stamkos’ production since last season. He doubted that a club would have to make a significant offer to Nashville to get him, especially if they can swing it without asking the Predators to retain part of his $8 million cap hit through 2027-28.

The Montreal Canadiens are atop Dixon’s list of sensible landing spots, followed by the Winnipeg Jets, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What wasn’t mentioned was Stamkos’ full no-movement clause. He’ll have the final say over possible landing spots, and there’s only one on this list that seems the most likely.

Recent reports also claim the Predators haven’t spoken with the aging star about a trade, though some observers believed they could entertain offers for him, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O’Reilly.

The Canadiens were rumored to have inquired about Stamkos, but that may have been due diligence on their part. If Stamkos passed on signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 because of all the attention he would’ve faced in that hockey-mad market, it’s doubtful he’ll be keen to come to Montreal, or any other Canadian market.

The Kraken could use a scoring star, and if Stamkos were five years younger, they’d probably jump on an opportunity to get him if he wanted to go to Seattle. But he’s no longer that scoring star, so he’s not a good fit there, and the same applies to Montreal and Winnipeg.

As for the Red Wings, they could use a boost to their secondary scoring, but defense remains their Achilles heel, and Stamkos can’t help them in that department.

That leaves the Hurricanes as the only sensible spot on this list. They’re in “win-now” mode and might benefit from Stamkos’ Stanley Cup experience. However, their pursuit of Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner last season indicates that they want younger scoring stars in their prime.

COULD THE FLYERS PURSUE QUINN HUGHES?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James noted the recent speculation swirling around Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. The Canucks are in sell mode with some of their veteran players, and while they’re not shopping the 26-year-old defenseman, some observers feel they could peddle him if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension next summer.

James noted the New Jersey Devils are considered the front-runners for Hughes, setting up a reunion with brothers Jack and Luke. However, hockey insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Philadelphia Flyers could be among the suitors if the former Norris Trophy winner becomes available.

According to James, it would take a package offer consisting of top draft picks, a top prospect, an NHL defenseman, and a winger to land Hughes. He doesn’t see the Flyers including winger Matvei Michkov and prospect Porter Martone in that deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports no one has told him that the Flyers would pursue Hughes if the Canucks put him on the trade block, but he thinks they could to land a player who could accelerate their rebuild.

Kurz believes Michkov, Martone, and Tyson Foerster are the only untouchables on the Flyers. He thinks it doesn’t make sense to part with players who seem destined to be part of the solution to upgrade another position. Instead, they could draw on their four first-round picks and their second-rounders over the next three years as trade chips.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It remains to be seen whether Hughes re-signs with the Canucks or gets traded next summer to a club that he’s willing to sign with. It wouldn’t be surprising if they look into the asking price for Hughes, but the Canucks could insist on Michkov or Martone being part of the return. If they’re untouchable, then the Flyers have slimmer odds of landing him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2025

by | Nov 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2025

The Flyers set a franchise record against the Devils, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby reached a points milestone, Lightning winger Brandon Hagel had a four-point performance, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Philadelphia Flyers scored four first-period goals, including three in 26 seconds, in a 6-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Tyson Foerster tallied twice in 17 seconds, and Noah Cates had a goal and two assists for the 11-6-3 Flyers. Nico Hischier scored two goals and set up another as the Devils (13-7-1) dropped their third straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers set a franchise record for the fastest three goals in one period.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist for his 500th career multipoint game in a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Brandon Montour scored in overtime, and Mason Marchment had a goal and an assist as the Kraken improved to 11-5-5. Evgeni Malkin scored for the Penguins (10-6-5), who have one win in their last six games (1-2-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is sixth on the all-time multipoint games list. Wayne Gretzky leads with 824 games, followed by Jaromir Jagr (540), Marcel Dionne and Mark Messier (513), and Gordie Howe (511).

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel scored two goals and collected two assists in a 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists as the Lightning (12-7-2) extended their winning streak to three games. Jakob Chychrun had a goal and an assist for the 11-9-2 Capitals as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov and teammate Brayden Point left this game with undisclosed injuries. There was no postgame update regarding their statuses. Meanwhile, Capitals forward Nic Dowd missed this game with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood made 35 saves to shut out the Nashville Predators 3-0. Nathan MacKinnon scored to extend his points streak to 12 games as the league-leading Avalanche (15-1-5, 35 points) extended its win streak to eight games. Juuse Saros stopped 23 of 24 shots as the Predators (6-11-4) have lost seven of their last eight contests (1-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators captain Roman Josi returned to action after being sidelined since late October with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the Avalanche announced that forward Gavin Brindley is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Detroit Red Wings got an overtime goal from Alex DeBrincat as they overcame a 3-1 deficit to nip the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Cam Talbot stopped 31 shots, and defensemen Moritz Seider and Ben Chiarot each had a goal and an assist for the Detroit Red Wings, who improved to 13-8-1 and hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 27 points. Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets (11-8-3).

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made 30 saves as his club held off the New York Islanders by a score of 2-1. Brayden Schenn and Pius Suter scored for the 7-9-6 Blues, who ended a four-game winless skid (0-1-3). Anders Lee replied for the Islanders (12-8-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues placed forward Alexandre Texier on unconditional waivers for contract termination. The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators are believed to be the front-runners, with the Canadiens considered the favorites to sign him. The 26-year-old winger is in his seventh NHL season. He’s a speedy two-way checking-line forward whose best season was a 30-point performance with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023-24.

Speaking of the Canadiens, they picked up their first win in two weeks with a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Noah Dobson and Josh Anderson each tallied twice for the Canadiens, who improved to 11-7-3 after dropping seven of their previous eight games (1-4-3). William Nylander had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, who dropped to 9-10-3 and have lost seven of their last eight contests (1-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Edmonton Oilers got two goals from Jack Roslovic to defeat the Florida Panthers 6-3 in their first game since facing each other in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Stuart Skinner kicked out 35 shots, and blueliners Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm each had three points for the 10-9-5 Oilers, ending their three-game losing skid. Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich each had a goal and an assist as the Panthers dropped to 11-9-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad missed this game with an upper-body injury. He’s expected to travel with the team on Sunday and play in Monday’s game against the Nashville Predators.

Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle snapped a 2-2 tie to give his club a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. He also collected an assist to finish the game with two points as the Senators (11-6-4) picked up their third win in four games. John Klingberg and Barclay Goodrow replied for the 10-9-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot returned to action after missing three games with an upper-body injury. However, he left this contest in the third period after reinjuring himself.

The Utah Mammoth nipped the New York Rangers 3-2 on a third-period goal by Nick DeSimone. JJ Peterka and Clayton Keller also scored for the 11-8-3 Mammoth, ending a four-game winless skid (0-1-3). Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who’ve lost four straight games and dropped to 10-11-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers captain J.T. Miller missed this game with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier scored in overtime in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Gauthier, Troy Terry, and Jackson LaCombe each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks improved to 14-7-1, sitting in first place in the Pacific Division with 29 points. Jack Eichel had two assists for the Golden Knights (10-4-7).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitch Marner was the goat of this game as his turnover in front of his own net led to Gauthier’s game-winner.

The Calgary Flames upset the Dallas Stars 3-2 on a shootout goal by Nazem Kadri. Matt Coronato scored to extend his goal streak to four games for the 7-13-3 Flames. Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist for the 13-5-4 Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars winger Mikko Rantanen received his second game misconduct in three games for boarding Coronato.