Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 1, 2026

by | Feb 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 1, 2026

Check out the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Blues center Robert Thomas, plus updates on the Maple Leafs and Red Wings in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

UPDATE ON ARTEMI PANARIN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Artemi Panarin still prefers to be traded to a team willing to sign him to a contract extension.

The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger is in the final season of a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $11.64 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over this situation. The Rangers are holding him out of their lineup as they attempt to find a suitable trade partner for Panarin

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Detroit Red Wings could be interested in doing the contract extension. However, he indicated there is some question over how the cap-strapped Panthers might pull this off.

The Carolina Hurricanes are interested in Panarin and are willing to be flexible regarding an extension, but it depends on how much they’re willing to pay him.

Friedman indicated that the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars are trying to convince Panarin to join them as a playoff rental. He believes that as long as the Stars remain committed to re-signing Jason Robertson, they’ll remain interested in Panarin solely as a rental.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals and Sharks have sufficient trade-deadline cap space to acquire the remainder of Panarin’s contract, though they’re likely to move some salary to the Rangers or request that they retain some of his cap hit to make it happen. The Kings, Red Wings, and Hurricanes have more than enough to take him on.

The Panthers have over $2.562 million in cap space, which might not be enough to absorb the remainder of Panarin’s contract without the Rangers retaining salary in the deal.

Complicating things is the possibility of team captain Aleksander Barkov returning to the lineup before the end of the regular season or in the first round of the playoffs. He was supposed to be out for the season with a knee injury, but has been skating recently with his other sidelined teammates. If it appears that Barkov might return later this season, the Panthers might not be able to pull this off.

INJURY TO ROBERT THOMAS MIGHT SLOW TRADE TALKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted that St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas underwent a minor procedure on one of his legs and will be sidelined until after the Olympic break.

That might slow down any trade conversations involving the 26-year-old center. Friedman said there are “a bunch of teams” that believe there aren’t many clubs that could meet what the Blues want to do here.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas is the Blues’ top center. Given the lack of depth of quality centers in this year’s trade market, they’re going to set a high asking price. His contract is also an issue. He carries an average annual value of $8.125 million through 2030-31, and has a full no-trade clause through 2029-30.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs management had a conversation with Auston Matthews’ camp regarding his future. He reiterated that nothing has changed, that the Maple Leafs captain remains committed to the club despite its struggles this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews has two years left on his contract, which understandably has some Maple Leafs followers concerned about whether he’ll remain part of their long-term plans. There’s no certainty as to whether he’ll still be with the Leafs by the time his current deal expires in 2028, but if the club rebounds from this disappointing performance, the odds improve that he could stay.

Friedman reports the Maple Leafs have started conversations around the league to gauge what other teams think of their roster and what they might be interested in. So far, there’s nothing that Friedman could consider “earth-shattering” being discussed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Leafs aren’t shopping their core players such as Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, or Matthews Knies. Players most likely to be discussed include UFA-eligible players such as Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher, and players due to become restricted free agents like Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson.

COULD A DEAL BE BREWING BETWEEN THE JETS AND RED WINGS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: On Friday, Jake Tye noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made mention of a possible trade between the Winnipeg Jets and Detroit Red Wings.

During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Friedman said a source informed him that the Jets and Red Wings could have a match when it comes to a potential trade. He said that he didn’t know what the framework of the deal would be, but it could involve a Jets defenseman such as Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are eight points out of a playoff berth in the Western Conference and struggling to gain ground. They could start selling pending UFA players such as Schenn or Stanley if they’re no longer part of the club’s plans beyond this season.

Tye observed that the Red Wings have lots of cap space and can draw on their significant draft capital and deep prospect pool for trade bait. A lot could depend on whether they get seriously into the bidding for New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2026

by | Feb 1, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2026

Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scores his 40th goal of the season, Predators captain Roman Josi reaches a goal-scoring milestone, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson collects his 700th assist, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon became the first player to reach 40 goals this season as his club blanked the Detroit Red Wings 5-0. MacKinnon scored twice and collected an assist while Mackenzie Blackwood turned in a 28-save shutout for the league-leading Avalanche (36-8-9), becoming the first team to reach 80 points this season (81). Detroit goalie John Gibson allowed four goals on 17 shots before being relieved by Cam Talbot after the second period. The 32-18-6 Red Wings have one win in their last five games (1-2-2).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche winger Martin Necas missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Long-time Red Wings radio analyst Paul Woods confirmed he will be retiring at the end of this season after 40 years behind the mike.

Nashville Predators’ captain Roman Josi’s 200th career NHL regular-season goal was the game-winner in a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Josi snapped a 3-3 tie with 1:14 remaining in the third period for the 25-23-6 Predators, who also got two goals from Filip Forsberg. Ilya Sorokin stopped 38 shots, Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist, and rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his 15th goal of the season for the 30-20-5 Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators defenseman Nick Blankenburg missed this game with an illness. Islanders rookie center Calum Ritchie is out until after the Olympic break with a lower-body injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson collected an assist to reach 700 career regular-season assists as his club held off the New York Rangers 6-5. Anthony Mantha and Noel Acciari each had two goals for the 28-14-11 Penguins, who picked up their sixth straight win. Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck each had three points for the Rangers (22-28-6), who have lost six of their last seven games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins held a pregame ceremony honoring their 2015-16 Stanley Cup championship team, moving Penguins captain Sidney Crosby to tears.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang missed this game and will be sidelined for four weeks with a fractured foot. Earlier in the day, the Rangers claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark returned to action with a 26-save performance in a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk had a goal and two assists as his club picked up their third straight win and improved to 26-21-7. Timo Meier replied for the Devils (28-25-2), who are 1-3-0 in their last four contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Ullmark’s first game since taking a leave of absence in late December for mental health reasons. He was mobbed by his teammates at the final horn and named the game’s first star. Teammate Thomas Chabot left this game early for precautionary reasons. Meanwhile, Devils center Jack Hughes missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Justin Sourdif lifted the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 comeback win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals (27-22-7) overcame a 3-0 deficit with Jakob Chychrun and Aliaksei Protas each collecting two points, and call-up goalie Clay Stevenson making 22 saves for his first career NHL win. Frederik Andersen made 38 saves for the 33-15-6 Hurricanes, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Capitals announced forward Connor McMichael is week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren (lower-body) is on injured reserve. Goalie Logan Thompson and defenseman Matt Roy are listed as day-to-day.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored the tying and winning goals in the third period as his club doubled up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. Caufield finished with three points, and goalie Jakub Dobes kicked out 36 shots for the 31-17-7 Canadiens, who extended their win streak to three games. Owen Power and Noah Ostlund replied for the Sabres (31-18-5) as their five-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Before the game, the league announced that former Canadiens forward Chuck Lefley had passed away at the age of 76. Lefley spent nine seasons in the NHL with the Canadiens and St. Louis Blues from 1970-71 to 1980-81. He won two Stanley Cups with the Canadiens and tallied a career-best 43 goals and 42 assists for 85 points with the Blues in 1975-76. In 407 regular-season games, Lefley had 128 goals and 164 assists for 292 points, and 13 points in 29 playoff games.

My condolences to Lefley’s family, friends, and former teammates.

The Seattle Kraken nipped the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. Kaapo Kakko snapped a 2-2 tie early in the third period, Chandler Stephenson collected two assists, and Joey Daccord turned aside 27 shots for the 26-19-9 Kraken, who picked up their fourth straight victory. Jack Eichel assisted on both goals for the Golden Knights (25-15-14), who cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 64 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken forward Berkly Catton will be sidelined until after the upcoming Olympic break with an upper-body injury suffered during Thursday’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

An overtime goal by Quinton Byfield gave the Los Angeles Kings a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Adrian Kempe tallied twice and picked up an assist for the 23-17-13 Kings. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (24-20-10), who are 0-3-1 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings captain Anze Kopitar returned to action after being sidelined since Jan. 5 with a lower-body injury. They placed forward Alex Turcotte (upper body) on injured reserve.

The Calgary Flames snapped a five-game winless skid by defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-2. Morgan Frost had a goal and an assist, and Dustin Wolf stopped 23 shots for the 22-26-6 Flames. Alex Nedeljkovic kicked out 39 shots for the Sharks (27-22-4).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks activated forward Philipp Kurashev and defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin off injured reserve for this game.

Meanwhile, the Flames recalled rookie defenseman Zayne Parekh after his conditioning stint with their AHL affiliate. Though he didn’t play in this game, Parekh said his time in the AHL helped improve his confidence. He also enjoyed his time with Team Canada in the 2026 World Juniors, saying it reignited his love of the game.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander returned to action and scored the winning goal in a 3-2 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Joseph Woll stopped 28 shots for the Maple Leafs (25-21-9), snapping a six-game winless skid (0-5-1). Nikita Tolopilo turned aside 39 shots for the 18-31-6 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly left this game after the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their win streak to five games by defeating the St. Louis Blues 5-3. Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist, and Jet Greaves made 28 saves for the 27-20-7 Blues Jackets. Jimmy Snuggerud and Jonatan Berggren each had a goal and an assist for the Blues (20-26-9), who are 1-5-1 in their last seven games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues center Robert Thomas missed this game as he underwent a minor surgical procedure on one of his legs and is sidelined until after the Olympic break. The Blues activated center Pius Suter off injured reserve after he missed 15 games with an injured ankle.

Third-period goals by Cole Perfetti and Mark Scheifele lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Eric Comrie made 27 saves for the Jets (22-25-7). Eetu Luostarinen replied for the 28-23-3 Panthers, who dropped their third straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Brad Marchand missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. He’s unlikely to return to action before the upcoming Olympic break.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 39 shots as his club downed the Edmonton Oilers 7-3. Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, Mats Zuccarello, and Joel Eriksson Ek each had a goal and an assist for the 32-14-10 Wild, who picked up their third straight win. Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jack Roslovic replied for the Oilers (28-20-8), as their three-game win streak ended.

The Dallas Stars nipped the Utah Mammoth 3-2. Matt Duchene scored to extend his goal streak to four games, and Jamie Benn collected two assists for the 32-14-9 Stars, who have won four straight games. Kailer Yamamoto tallied both goals for the Mammoth (28-23-4).










NHL Rumor Mill – January 31, 2026

by | Jan 31, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 31, 2026

The latest on Artemi Panarin and Evander Kane, plus updates on the Flames, Maple Leafs, and Predators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ARTEMI PANARIN RUMORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing that New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin seeks a contract extension worth $50 million before signing off on a trade.

“He is going to try and hit a contract home run, even though he’s 34 years old,” Friedman said. Panarin is earning an annual average value of $11.6 million on his current deal, which expires on July 1.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Friedman said several teams reportedly have varying degrees of interest in Panarin. The Colorado Avalanche are interested, but not in an extension. Ditto the Dallas Stars unless they pivot away from re-signing RFA-eligible winger Jason Robertson.

The Los Angeles Kings are wondering if this is the right time to give up future assets. Panarin would love to join the Florida Panthers, but Friedman doesn’t know if they’ll move heaven and earth to get the playmaking winger.

The Minnesota Wild made a big splash by acquiring Quinn Hughes and might be willing to make another, but Friedman wondered how much they have left in the bank to do so.

Friedman believes the Washington Capitals are a serious suitor, citing their willingness to sign Panarin to an extension. He also mentioned the Seattle Kraken, who seek a high-end forward and are reportedly willing to move young center Shane Wright.

Other clubs with potential interest include the San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked if the Canadiens should kick tires on Panarin. He believes they should and will, pointing out that Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton signed the winger to his current contract when he was general manager of the Rangers.

Cowan believes Panarin’s age and the Rangers’ asking price would be concerns. Nevertheless, he thinks the playmaking winger could be a good fit on the Canadiens’ top line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin turns 35 in October, the first season of his new contract. It’s doubtful he’d get anything longer than five years, meaning he’d get $10 million annually on that type of deal. Even with the salary cap rising significantly over the next two seasons, spending that much on a winger heading into his late-thirties is not a wise investment of salary-cap dollars. That will likely scare off most of the rumored suitors.

Based on recent reports, the Avalanche, Ducks, and Stars are out unless Panarin is willing to be a rental player. It’s unlikely that the Rangers will trade him to the Islanders. This isn’t the same thing as sending a depth defenseman like Carson Soucy to the Isles.

The Golden Knights recently acquired Rasmus Andersson and want to re-sign him as a replacement for the permanently sidelined Alex Pietrangelo, so it’s unlikely they’ll have sufficient cap space or tradeable assets to land Panarin. The Wild seek a scoring forward, but their preference is a first-line center.

Panarin is the type of player a Stanley Cup contender acquires. The Flyers and Canadiens aren’t there yet. He’s too old and too expensive for those rebuilding teams, and he might not be interested in joining them.

The Capitals might be willing to do it if this season proves to be Alex Ovechkin’s last, but it would still be a risky investment, given his age and the associated expense. Understandably, the Kraken would be interested, but surely they can find young and more affordable options elsewhere.

The Mammoth could be intrigued by Panarin because he’s a superstar who could generate excitement in their new market, but his asking price could be a deal breaker. The same applies to the Sharks, who have some rising young stars that will soon require new contracts.

COULD THE STARS ACQUIRE EVANDER KANE?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos recently cited reports claiming the Stars and Colorado Avalanche have inquired about Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane.

The Stars are seeking a top-six left winger. Kane has a history with Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan. It’s also believed the Canucks could be willing to retain part of Kane’s $5.125 million AAV.

However, Kane’s character could come into question given his off-ice issues in recent years. They also wouldn’t have the cap space to acquire him without salary retention by the Canucks.

Assimakopoulos believes Calgary Flames winger (and Plano, Texas native) Blake Coleman might be a better option for the Stars.

WHO COULD THE FLAMES TRADE NEXT?

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson looked at which Flames players could be next on the trade block after the club recently shipped out Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Wilson believes Nazem Kadri could draw interest despite the recent decline in his production. The 35-year-old center could want to be moved to a contender, though his age and his contract could be sticking points. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $7 million.

Winger Blake Coleman and recently-acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud could be highly coveted. They both have Stanley Cup experience and have term left on their contracts. It could take a strong offer to pry them away from the Flames.

MCMANN, LAUGHTON COULD DRAW INTEREST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Thursday could send the club into sell mode in the trade market. The loss left the Maple Leafs sitting second-last in the Eastern Conference.

Friedman believes talks about Maple Leafs players will intensify, but doesn’t know if there will be any movement before the Olympic trade freeze goes into effect on Feb. 4. Forwards Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton could draw interest in the trade market. Both are UFA-eligible on July 1.

Some observers might wonder about Auston Matthews’ future with the Maple Leafs. He’s eligible for UFA status in 2028. Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs are at the stage yet where Matthews could request a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann and Laughton could bring in draft picks that help the Maple Leafs restock their prospect pool.

THE LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Nashville Predators are open to trading forwards Michael Bunting and Michael McCarron, and defenseman Nick Perbix.

Friedman stated that the New York Islanders attempted to acquire Bunting, but a deal couldn’t be reached. They opted instead for winger Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples wondered if the Oilers might look at acquiring one of those players.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2026

by | Jan 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest speculation on the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin and the Predators’ Ryan O’Reilly, plus the most likely trade candidates for the Maple Leafs.

THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported Wednesday on potential trade destinations for Artemi Panarin. The 34-year-old winger has been held out of the New York Rangers lineup for “roster management purposes” as efforts are ongoing to trade him. Reports indicated the UFA-eligible winger wants a contract extension before agreeing to waive his no-movement clause.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Based on his sources, Mercogliano believes Panarin prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference. The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals have been mentioned as possible destinations.

The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars could be possibilities if Panarin is traded as a rental player. There’s been talk linking him to the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. Mercogliano believes the Ducks would be the better destination, given their position in the standings and Panarin’s ties to head coach Joel Quenneville from their days with the Chicago Blackhawks.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, has the Rangers’ approval to speak directly with other clubs. The Capitals are believed to be interested in the playmaking winger and could be open to an extension.

The Panarin camp has reached out to all three California teams. However, the Ducks are out right now because an extension doesn’t work for them. The Sharks have had a discussion with the Rangers, but LeBrun isn’t sure how seriously they are taking it. Meanwhile, it doesn’t seem as though the Kings are pushing very hard.

LeBrun indicated that the Carolina Hurricanes have discussed acquiring Panarin, but it’s uncertain whether team owner Tom Dundon will approve spending money on an extension.

The Florida Panthers could be Panarin’s destination of choice, but it would be difficult given their salary-cap constraints.

Darren Dreger believes the Stars could be among the suitors for Panarin, but would only be interested in acquiring him as a playoff rental.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker pointed out that Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit is a sticking point in efforts to move him. Even if the Rangers retained the league maximum of 50 percent, salary would have to be moved to make the dollars fit.

The Sharks and Kings have their 2026 first-round picks to offer. The Sharks also have enticing young players and prospects who the Rangers could pursue, especially at center.

ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Stars, Utah Mammoth, Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the New York Islanders have expressed interest in Panarin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lots of speculation thus far, but nothing yet to indicate which of these clubs could be front-runners.

The Sharks have the young assets that would entice the Rangers, but there might have to be some salary retention or some salary heading to New York to make this work cap-wise.

The Ducks have lots of cap space to take on Panarin for this season, but they’ve got some young stars who will need new contracts within the next couple of years. The Hurricanes have lots of cap room, but Panarin’s age and the cost of re-signing him could be concerns.

The Mammoth have the cap space and plenty of draft picks, prospects, and young players to draw on, but they might not be on Panarin’s list of destinations. He also doesn’t seem like a fit within their long-term plans.

It’s well-known that the Kraken are seeking a dynamic offensive star. If Panarin were four years younger, this might make sense. They probably aren’t on his list of landing spots.

The Capitals have the cap room, and they have some tradeable assets. However, they’re also struggling to stay in the wild-card chase. As for the Wild, their preference is for a center.

Any interest from the Leafs may have come before their recent slide sent them tumbling in the standings. They’re sellers now, and even if they were buyers, they can’t afford his cap hit or the Rangers’ asking price.

The Stars and Avalanche are out if Panarin remains insistent on a contract extension. Trading him to the Islanders would be a bold move, but it’s not one the Rangers will likely do.

The Lightning would be an interesting move, but they would have to free up considerable cap space to make it work, and they’re probably unwilling to sign him to an extension.

PREDATORS COULD BE WILLING TO MOVE RYAN O’REILLY

TSN: Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is keeping his trade options open as his club seems poised to miss the playoffs for the third time in four years.

That could include trading Ryan O’Reilly. The 34-year-old center lacks no-trade protection and has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.

Trotz indicated that he’s willing to listen to all trade offers, but he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to discuss it with O’Reilly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the Predators are treating O’Reilly as though he has a no-trade clause. If Trotz gets an enticing offer, he’ll discuss it with O’Reilly first.

We’ve been down this road before regarding O’Reilly, and nothing’s come of it. We can’t rule out the possibility that he gets traded before March 6, but it’s not a certainty.

WHICH MAPLE LEAFS COULD BECOME TRADE CANDIDATES?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes UFA-eligible winger Bobby McMann would fetch the best return for the Maple Leafs if they become sellers at the March 6 trade deadline. Koshan recently suggested the Leafs re-sign the 29-year-old McMann, but now believes it would be worthwhile moving him if he brings in an asset or two.

Koshan also believes the Leafs should peddle Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher. Like McMann, they’re eligible for UFA status on July 1. He also advocated that they shop defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo. Ekman-Larsson has a 16-team no-trade list, while Carlo has an eight-team no-trade list. Both of them could help replenish the Leafs’ draft cupboard.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 29, 2026

by | Jan 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 29, 2026

A record-tying hat trick performance by Flyers winger Travis Konecny, Ondrej Palat has a multipoint effort in his first game with the Islanders, Rangers star Artemi Panarin will be held for roster management purposes, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny tallied a record-tying hat trick in a 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sean Monahan snapped a 3-3 tie while Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier each had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who picked up their third straight win and improved to 25-20-7. Flyers goalie Dan Vladar stopped 26 shots as the Flyers (24-19-9) dropped their second straight contest.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Konecny’s hat trick is the 29th since January 1, tying the league record set in December 1985 for the most in a calendar month. Meanwhile, Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

Ondrej Palat had a goal and an assist in his first game with the New York Islanders in a 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Simon Holmstrom had a goal and two assists, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also had a goal and an assist for the Islanders (29-19-5), who acquired Palat from the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 27. Mika Zibanejad and Taylor Raddysh replied for the fading Rangers (22-26-6), who have three wins in their last 15 games (3-10-2).

The Ottawa Senators upset the Colorado Avalanche 5-2. Tim Stutzle had a goal and an assist while James Reimer turned aside 16 shots for the Senators, who have won two straight games and improved to 25-21-7. Valeri Nichushkin and Parker Kelly replied for the Avalanche (35-7-9), who hold first place in the overall standings with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators did a fine job neutralizing high-scoring Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas. Meanwhile, the Avs are slumping a bit after dominating the league for most of this season, sporting a record of 2-3-2 in their last seven contests.

HEADLINES

TSN: Artemi Panarin has played his final game with the New York Rangers. The club held the 34-year-old winger out of Wednesday’s game against the New York Islanders for “roster management purposes”. He is not expected to play again before the upcoming Olympic break (Feb. 4-22).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That means Panarin has given the Rangers a list of acceptable trade destinations and could be moved soon. He has a full no-movement, giving him full control over where he goes. TSN’s Chris Johnston reports the playmaking winger seeks a contract extension before signing off on a deal.

I’ll have more on this in today’s Rumors update.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings signed defenseman Ben Chiarot to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.85 million. That represents a $1 million pay cut for the 34-year-old blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chiarot was willing to take the reduction in pay to stay in Motown. After nine long years of rebuilding, the Wings have finally broken through as a playoff contender, jockeying for first place in the Eastern Conference. Chiarot served as a mentor to Moritz Seider and is now in the same role with rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka.

CALGARY SUN: Flames winger Blake Coleman has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Jan. 8. He’s not expected to return to the lineup until after the upcoming Olympic break next month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: St. Louis Blues forwards Jordan Kyrou (upper body) and Jake Neighbours (lower body) are listed as day-to-day.

PUCKPEDIA: The Toronto Maple Leafs have moved sidelined forward Dakota Joshua and defenseman Chris Tanev to long-term injury reserve.

TSN: Washington Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime was fined $2,500 by the league for unsportsmanlike conduct during Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens fired goaltending coach Eric Raymond, promoting Marco Marciano from their AHL affiliate in Laval into that role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens goalie tandem of Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes struggled at times this season, especially Montembeault. However, his performance improved for several games following a conditioning stint in Laval with Marciano, who also tutored Dobes during his tenure with Laval last season. Marciano has also done good work with promising Habs goalie prospect Jacob Fowler.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2026

by | Jan 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2026

The Senators could be pursuing Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, plus the latest on the Oilers, Red Wings, Jets, Canadiens, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE SENATORS PURSUE MACKENZIE WEEGAR?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported league executives claim the Senators and Calgary Flames may have had discussions about Flames right-shot defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.

Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.

The Senators have been shopping for a right-side defenseman. Garrioch noted the 32-year-old Weegar is an Ottawa native. He carries an AAV of $6.25 million through 2030-31.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman have frequently popped up in recent media trade chatter, but this is the first time Weegar has been mentioned.

Flames GM Craig Conroy is reportedly examining all of his options, but he’s not tearing everything down to the studs. He has been retooling his roster since 2023-24 and would prefer to retain some of his veterans to help the development of the Flames’ promising youngsters.

Weegar carries a full no-trade clause through 2026-27. He has full control over whether he’ll accept being traded and the potential destinations.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

YARDBARKER: Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed possible moves by the Oilers. Both of them suggested Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann might be a great fit in Edmonton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication that the struggling Maple Leafs are ready to sell, but their recent tumble in the standings is putting them closer to becoming sellers. McMann, 29, is UFA-eligible this summer and could draw attention in the trade market if the Leafs make him available.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers continue to have trade discussions with teams regarding Andrew Mangiapane. They’re being open-minded about the return for the 29-year-old winger, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.

So far, the Oilers haven’t found a fit. Nevertheless, LeBrun wondered if the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, or St. Louis Blues might be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also indicated that the extra year on Mangiapane’s contract has complicated the Oilers’ efforts to move him. However, the biggest sticking point likely remains the decline in his performance over the past couple of years.

RED WINGS SEEKING A CENTER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Detroit Red Wings are buyers as they jockey for first place in the Eastern Conference. He indicated that GM Steve Yzerman seeks a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman. He would prefer if both players had terms remaining on their contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of projected trade deadline salary-cap space and tradeable assets to address at least one of those areas by March 6.

LATEST ON THE JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger addressed speculation suggesting the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken were discussing a deal involving Kraken center Shane Wright. He claimed, “There’s been no conversation between these two clubs about the potential availability of Shane Wright.”

If the Jets become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline, Dreger believes defenseman Logan Stanley could become a player of interest. The 27-year-old Stanley is UFA-eligible this summer, and there have been no contract extension talks between the two sides.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright has recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid speculation the Kraken could seek a “dynamic scoring forward”. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he had 44 points last season, but his production and playing time have decreased this season.

NO BIG DEADLINE DEALS FOR THE CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has no plans of sacrificing assets for quick fixes before the March trade deadline. In a recent podcast, Hughes said he intends to be prudent in the trade market.

LeBrun believes the Canadiens still want to make hockey trades. He cited their creativity in the trade market, and will be on the lookout for a deal that could improve their top-six forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could also be in the market for an experienced penalty killer. The Canadiens are 27th in that department.

BLUE JACKETS STILL DETERMINING IF THEY’RE BUYERS OR SELLERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have improved under new head coach Rick Bowness, but they’re still six points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Jackets could decide by the upcoming Olympic break in February if they’ll be buyers or sellers. If they sell, pending UFAs such as Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Erik Gudbranson would draw interest.