NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?

Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.

Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.

THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN

Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.

Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.

Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.

He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.

The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

by | Feb 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

​What’s next for the Predators after Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping down as GM? Could the Red Wings pursue Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s Olympic trade freeze began on Feb. 4 and lasts until 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Follow along for the latest.

HOW WILL THE PREDATORS NAVIGATE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Josh Beneteau looked at what’s next for the Nashville Predators after Barry Trotz announced earlier this week that he was stepping down as general manager.

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

Trotz is remaining in the role until a suitable replacement can be found. In the meantime, he must decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. While his club is close to a playoff berth, Trotz still intends to listen to offers.

Beneteau’s colleague Elliotte Friedman has reported that teams are making pitches for forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos. Other trade candidates could include Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has. Trotz recently said he hasn’t received any offers yet that would convince him to approach O’Reilly about a trade.

Stamkos is well ahead of last season’s disappointing offensive numbers, which could improve his value in the trade market. However, he’s got a full no-movement clause, making it unlikely that he’ll be playing for another club anytime soon.

COULD JUSTIN FAULK BE A FIT WITH THE RED WINGS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is for a second-pairing defenseman. He believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could address that issue.

Faulk, 33, has one more season left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Khan pointed out that Faulk no longer fits within the Blues’ long-range plans. A right-shot defenseman, he could replace rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka alongside Ben Chiarot on their second pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to take on Faulk’s remaining contract, and lots of promising young players and prospects to use as trade bait to entice the Blues. However, it could come down to whether Detroit is on his no-trade list, and if so, whether he’d be willing to waive it.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make any trades before the Olympic roster freeze because the players’ mothers were on their recent road trip.

Canucks forwards Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are UFA-eligible and thus considered trade candidates. Management must also decide whether to retain or trade winger Conor Garland, whose new contract begins on July 1. He lacks no-trade protection on his current deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

by | Jan 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

Check out the latest on Evgeni Malkin, Jason Robertson, Artemi Panarin, Jordan Kyrou, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Marchessault, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Joonas Korpisalo, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS INTERESTED IN EVGENI MALKIN

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently reported that some teams would love to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, but he carries a full no-movement clause. Any attempt to move him requires his consent.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

According to Kypreos, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would be among the suitors, wondering if Russian winger Kirill Kaprizov might convince Malkin to join the Wild for a playoff run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos acknowledged that Pittsburgh is in wildcard contention and under new ownership. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said earlier this season that he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss the remainder of this season. If the Penguins remain in the playoff hunt, Malkin will likely stay put.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS PURSUE STARS WINGER JASON ROBERTSON?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have limited assets to attempt a major trade. They used Easton Cowen as a trade chip last season in a failed attempt to acquire Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues. However, Cowen’s performance this season makes it tough to part with him unless it’s for a significant return.

One idea involves the Maple Leafs making a pitch to the Dallas Stars for winger Jason Robertson. He could seek $12 million annually on his next contract, which is too expensive for the Stars. The Leafs could afford it, but the acquisition cost would be steep, involving Cowen, blueline prospect Ben Danford, and more. That could be more of an offseason move than a deadline one.

Kypreos touched on the possibility of moving Cowen and Danford in a package deal for a top-six forward or puck-moving defenseman in his latest Toronto Star column. He also suggested that Leafs forwards Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, Nicolas Roy, Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Troy Stecher could be valuable trade commodities to stock up on futures while retooling the roster for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is tied with Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor as this season’s highest-scoring American player (52 points). The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Robertson could price himself out of Dallas, but the Stars won’t move him this season. They’re all-in for the Stanley Cup, and they need Robertson’s offense.

The Leafs could be hard-pressed to win a bidding war for Robertson this summer, but they have an advantage with his younger brother, Nick, on their roster.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS, RANGERS, FLAMES, BLUES, SABRES, AND JETS

The Nashville Predators are still expected to be sellers despite their recent surge in the standings. Winger Steven Stamkos’ $8 million annual cap hit makes him difficult to move. Winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a more likely trade candidate, but he has a full no-movement clause. He also didn’t rule out the possibility of goaltender Juuse Saros being part of a “bombshell deal”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but the Predators have clawed their way back into wildcard contention. They’re unlikely to sell if they’re still in contention by March 6. Stamkos, Marchessault, and Saros all have full no-movement clauses, and it’s unlikely that they’ll waive them.

Kypreos felt the New York Rangers could become sellers if sidelined goaltender Igor Shesterkin is out for a lengthy period. He mentioned pending UFA winger Artemi Panarin as the most likely trade candidate. He also suggested keeping an eye on center Vincent Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mollie Walker of the New York Post listed Panarin and Trocheck as trade candidates if the Rangers are sellers by March 6. She also included struggling young winger Brennan Othmann, defenseman Carson Soucy, and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

Blake Coleman is currently the player most in demand on the Calgary Flames. Teams are wary of center Nazem Kadri’s age and the remaining term of his contract. Kypreos still thinks the Vegas Golden Knights are still circling on defenseman Rasmus Andersson and could attempt to acquire him before the Olympic break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson remains the most likely to be traded because of his UFA eligibility on July 1 and his status as the top defenseman in this summer’s free agent market. Mike Gould of Daily Faceoff recently listed the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and the Golden Knights as potential destinations.

The Flames aren’t facing the same pressure to trade Coleman because he has another year left on his contract, though they could ship him out if they get a good offer.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou has a full no-trade clause. However, Kypreos believes there’s a sense he may be softening on waiving it to go to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou was the frequent subject of trade chatter until last July, when his NTC kicked in and silenced that talk. The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested at that time, but their current limited cap space makes it difficult for them to take on his $8.125 million AAV through 2030-31.

The Buffalo Sabres are aggressively shopping as buyers. They have some good young prospects and depth in their system to use as trade bait. Kypreos also believes they can afford to meet the salary demands of UFA-eligible winger Alex Tuch of around $10 million.

Kypreos doesn’t expect the struggling Winnipeg Jets to make a significant roster shake-up if they become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline. He anticipated they would make minor moves, such as peddling pending UFA defenseman Luke Schenn.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins have been gauging the trade market for Joonas Korpisalo. However, the 31-year-old backup goaltender’s contract is a sticking point. He’s got two more years left on his deal with an AAV of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

Murphy indicated that league sources believe the Bruins would have to attach a draft pick or prospect to unload Korpisalo in a deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently examined potential trade candidates for the Boston Bruins should they become sellers by March 6.

Korpisalo fell into the “Limited Market” category. Winger Viktor Arvidsson, defenseman Mason Lohrei, center Casey Mittelstadt, and defenseman Andrew Peeke were among those in the “Let’s Make A Deal” category.

Shinzawa thinks the biggest decision is whether to move Pavel Zacha. He’s a versatile forward who can play in all situations and carries an affordable $4.75 million AAV through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could be buyers or sellers by the deadline, depending on where they are in the standings. Their performance over the rest of this month could determine which direction they go.

UPDATE ON JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette examined what’s gone wrong for Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The 25-year-old Carolina Hurricanes center has been the subject of recent trade speculation. Lavalette believes he failed to establish an identity to his game. His lack of consistency resulted in head coach Rod Brind’Amour losing confidence in him.

Kotkaniemi still believes he can become a top-six forward. Another club could take him on as a reclamation project. His contract isn’t that bad, with four years remaining at an AAV of $4.82 million. There is also a market for centers right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that there are teams interested in Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes could seek a roster player in return, but they could settle for a return of draft picks, or a pick and a prospect, that they could use as trade bait to add a player by the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 29, 2025

by | Dec 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 29, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we catch up on recent speculation about the Flyers and the Predators.

THE LATEST ON THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reported last week that his sources claimed the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild discussed a trade in which the Wild offered up center Ryan Hartman.

The Flyers are seeking a short-term replacement for Tyson Foerster, who could be out for the remainder of this season following surgery for an upper-body injury. Hartman, 31, is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4 million and a 15-team no-trade list.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Bobby Brink (NHL Images).

Wild general manager Bill Guerin has some salary cap flexibility after acquiring Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month. Guerin is in no hurry to move Hartman, but could move the veteran forward if he’s looking to make another impact move this season.

Di Marco indicated the Wild have shown interest in Flyers winger (and Minnesota native) Bobby Brink. The 24-year-old Brink is eligible to become a restricted free agent in July and carries a $1.5 million cap hit this season.

According to Di Marco, the Flyers aren’t rushing to move Brink. However, given their depth on the wings, he might not fit into their long-range plans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Di Marco wonders if the Flyers and Wild might revisit their discussions leading up to the trade deadline. Whether the Flyers want Hartman or the Wild remains interested in Brink by that point remains to be seen. That will depend on each club’s needs and their placement in the standings by that point.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, where the latter indicated the Flyers are in contract extension talks with Christian Dvorak.

Dvorak, 29, signed a one-year, $5.4 million contract with the Flyers in July as a free agent. He has 24 points in 36 games, putting him on pace to exceed his career high of 38 points in 2019-20.

Because Dvorak is on a one-year contract, the earliest he can sign an extension is Jan. 1. Friedman said some teams don’t expect Dvorak to be available next summer.

James also mentioned Sunday’s report that Flyers defenseman Yegor Zamula has changed agents and could attempt to terminate his contract to sign with another NHL team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dvorak has fit in well with the Flyers this season. He’s among the reasons why they have exceeded expectations thus far by contending for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He could be inked to a multi-year deal soon after New Year’s Day.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported last week that Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz’s patience with embattled head coach Andrew Brunette has paid off, with the club rising from the bottom of the Western Conference standings to within three points of a wild-card berth.

The heat is off the Predators for now, but his club’s recent improvement won’t force Trotz to deviate from his plan to integrate more youth into his roster. LeBrun believes he’s still open to listening to offers for veteran forwards such as Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault as the March 6 trade deadline approaches.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz won’t be a seller if the Predators are in the playoff chase by March 6. However, a significant offer for Stamkos or Marchessault (provided they waive their no-movement clauses) could prove too tempting to pass up.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 20, 2025

by | Dec 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 20, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s games, the Kings send Phillip Danault back to the Canadiens, the Kraken trade Mason Marchment to the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: A hat trick by Kiefer Sherwood powered the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Thatcher Demko made 22 saves, and Filip Hronek collected two assists for the 14-17-3 Canucks. Anders Lee replied for the 19-13-3 Islanders, who have dropped two straight games.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since trading Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last Friday, the Canucks have won three straight games. Veteran defenseman Tyler Myers played his 1,100th career NHL regular-season game.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored twice and collected an assist to lead his club to an 8-3 thrashing of the Anaheim Ducks. Roope Hintz and Thomas Harley each had a goal and an assist for the Stars (24-7-5), who picked up their third straight win. Anaheim goaltender Petr Mrazek replaced starter Lukas Dostal after the latter gave up four goals on seven shots in the first period. The Ducks (20-13-2) have lost four of their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars activated forward Adam Erne from long-term injured reserve. He’d been out since Nov. 14 with a lower-body injury.

Earlier in the day, they announced forward Tyler Seguin underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn ACL. He has not been ruled out for the season and will be reevaluated following the Olympic break in February.

The Florida Panthers overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on a shootout goal by Evan Rodrigues. Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, and Sam Bennett each had a goal and an assist for the Panthers (19-13-2), who have won seven of their last eight contests. Sebastian Aho scored twice for the 22-9-3 Hurricanes, whose five-game winning streak ended, as did goalie Brandon Bussi’s nine-game win streak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes remain atop the Eastern Conference standings with 47 points, but it proved to be a costly victory as versatile forward Seth Jarvis is expected to miss some time after crashing into the Panthers’ net during overtime. They also played without forward Jordan Martinook, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

A third-period goal by Parker Kelly proved to be the game-winner for the Colorado Avalanche as they held off the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-2. Brent Burns and Martin Necas also scored for the 25-2-7 Avalanche, who remain in first place in the overall standings with 57 points. Morgan Barron and Mark Scheifele replied for the 15-17-2 Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have won four in a row and seven of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the struggling Jets have won only three of their last 15 contests.

The New Jersey Devils nipped the Utah Mammoth 2-1. Stefan Noesen broke a 1-1 tie in the third period, and Nico Hischier had two assists for the 20-14-1 Devils. Daniil But scored his first career NHL goal for the 17-17-3 Mammoth.

HEADLINES

LOS ANGELES TIMES/MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Kings traded center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Danault is returning to the club where he spent five seasons (2016 to 2021) before signing with the Kings as a free agent. The 32-year-old two-way forward is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. His addition pushed the Canadiens over the salary cap by $1.4 million, but they could demote Owen Beck and Jared Davidson to become cap-compliant. They could also place Alex Newhook on LTIR.

Danault has struggled offensively this season with five points in 30 games. However, he’s a left-shot center whose defensive skills will take pressure off top center Nick Suzuki and help to improve the Canadiens’ defensive game, especially on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle. He could skate on the third line between Josh Anderson and Alexandre Texier, or he could be reunited with former linemate Brendan Gallagher on their fourth line.

The Kings were reportedly seeking a player in return, and it was rumored their asking price from the Canadiens was Jake Evans. They instead settled for a second-round pick that the Canadiens received from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Patrik Laine trade in August 2024. The Kings could use that pick as a trade chip to pursue another player.

THE SEATTLE TIMES/THE ATHLETIC: The Kraken traded winger Mason Marchment to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-rounder in 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken acquired Marchment from the Dallas Stars in June, giving up a third-rounder and a fourth-round pick. The gritty 30-year-old winger was used in a top-six role, but he wasn’t a good fit with the Kraken, making him the subject of recent trade speculation. He’s in the final season of a four-year contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.

Marchment heads to a Blue Jackets club struggling to regain the form that had them challenging for a playoff berth last season. They’re hoping he can regain his 22-goal form and provide a much-needed jolt of physical energy to their lineup.

Both trades occurred before the annual holiday roster freeze went into effect at 11:59 pm ET on Friday, Dec. 19. The freeze is in place until 12:01 am ET on Sunday, Dec. 28.

LAS VEGAS SUN: Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and defenseman Shea Theodore will not be joining their teammates during their weekend Canadian road trip. Eichel was suffering from an illness, but he’s now day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Theodore was listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, but is now considered week-to-week.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers placed goaltender Tristan Jarry on injured reserve and called up Connor Ingram from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. They also placed winger Jack Roslovic on LTIR.

DAILY FACEOFF: Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault is out day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: On Friday, the Penguins officially announced that the sale of the franchise to the Hoffman Family of Companies had been completed. It was reported earlier this week that the sale would soon be made official. Fenway Sports Group owned the Penguins for the past four years.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Former forward John MacLean will become the fourth member of the Devils’ Ring of Honor. He will be inducted during a pregame ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, when the club hosts the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacLean spent 14 of his 18 NHL seasons with New Jersey from 1983-84 to 1997-98. During his tenure with the Devils, he scored 347 goals and 701 points in 934 regular-season games, and 75 points in 88 playoff contests. He won a Stanley Cup with them in 1995 as a player and another in 2003 as an assistant coach.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2025

by | Nov 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2025

More trade speculation about the Canucks, the Canadiens are linked to Predators center Ryan O’Reilly, and the latest on Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Jim Rutherford, the Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations, confirmed his club had to get younger. He indicated that his team is willing to listen to trade offers for their unrestricted free agents, seeking younger players, prospects, and draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This comes a day after Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news that the Canucks had informed teams around the league that they were willing to entertain trade offers for pending UFAs or those with a year or two remaining on their contracts.

Rutherford said they weren’t trading everybody, pointing out that there are “a number of veterans who are playing very well.” Instead, he stated that it was about “accelerating the obvious (moves) that could be made two months down the road.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those who aren’t available are defensemen Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. It’s unlikely that they’re peddling players on long-term contracts, such as winger Brock Boeser, center Elias Pettersson, winger Jake DeBrusk, defenseman Marcus Pettersson, and goaltenders Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen. However, they could be willing to listen if someone makes a substantial pitch for any of those players.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

Rutherford confirmed that his club is pursuing a retooling of the roster instead of a full-scale rebuild. He also indicated that Hughes and his agent were aware of the direction the club is taking.

Johnston’s colleague, Ben Kuzma, believes Kiefer Sherwood will command plenty of interest because his feisty, productive style is built for playoff hockey. He leads the Canucks with 12 goals and is on pace for 40. The 29-year-old winger is among those eligible for UFA status next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sherwood’s hot start could cool down as the season progresses, but it’s not a stretch to suggest he could reach 25 goals, which would be a career high. Nevertheless, as Kuzma pointed out, it’s his pugnacious style that will be enticing to playoff contenders.

Kuzma believes Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf are all but certain to be traded. Like Sherwood, they’re UFA-eligible next July. He also thinks gritty winger Conor Garland could be moved. He starts a new six-year contract next season with an average annual value of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland would draw interest if available, though his salary and lengthy cap hit could scare off some suitors. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Canucks hang onto him.

TSN: Darren Dreger said the Canucks are willing to listen to offers on a “very specific group” of players, that being those eligible for UFA status in July. They include Sherwood, Kane, and Blueger.

Dreger indicated that Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin has sought a center for months. If there’s a younger player available now, it would make sense to do it now instead of during the chaos of the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford and Allvin have a history of swinging major moves well before the trade deadline. The most recent occurred last January, when they shipped J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and acquired Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As for Hughes, Dreger speculated that all bets could be off if the Canucks haven’t improved by the trade deadline. That could lead to them examining Hughes’ future by the deadline or during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if they don’t get an offer to their liking for Hughes by March 6, they’ll wait until the offseason, when teams will have more cap room and a greater willingness to make big trades.

Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre believes any changes management makes that weaken the Canucks in the short term could increase the chances of Hughes’ departure next summer or sooner if the season unravels. The next three months could determine his fate.

CANADIENS LINKED TO RYAN O’REILLY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the struggling Nashville Predators will continue to incorporate more younger players into their lineup, which means they will be listening to trade offers for their veteran players.

LeBrun mentioned that forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault have surfaced in the rumor mill. They have full no-movement clauses, but the Predators will be open to listening to offers for them.

Ryan O’Reilly has drawn the most interest in the trade market. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.5 million. The 34-year-old is very appealing to teams seeking a center with Stanley Cup experience.

LeBrun said the Montreal Canadiens were among the suitors. When the Predators are ready to move O’Reilly, LeBrun claims their asking price will likely be a first-round pick and “an A-level prospect”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: RG.Org’s Marco D’Amico reports that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is still working the phones in search of a top-six forward or center. They can afford to part with a first-round pick and an “A-level” prospect for a return that addresses their needs now and over the long term.

Hughes usually adds players in their mid-to-late twenties who will fit into their young roster. Adding O’Reilly would be a departure from that template. He would be the oldest player on the Canadiens, and he lacks the speed that is a core part of their game.

O’Reilly lacks a no-trade clause, but the Predators are treating him as though he has that protection. Whether he’d want to come to Montreal remains to be seen.

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV DENIES ANY INTEREST IN A TRADE

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Chip Alexander reports Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov shrugged off a recent report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming he was unhappy with his playing time earlier this season and would’ve welcomed a trade if they wanted to move him.

Svechnikov said he didn’t hear about it, but his family members did. He said the report had no validity. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said he detected no unhappiness from the winger earlier in the season, adding that his improved play has put the issue to bed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Svechnikov was scoreless in his first eight games, and his ice time declined as a result. In Friedman’s defense, he said the situation has since cooled down, pointing out that the winger has 12 points in his last 14 games and has returned to the Hurricanes’ top line.