NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2025

by | Dec 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Jets in the final NHL Rumor Mill for 2025.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reported earlier this week that he’d heard “from a good source” that teams are still calling the Vancouver Canucks about Elias Pettersson. However, another source says what those other teams were really going to offer for the 27-year-old Canucks center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. He had 23 points in 31 games.

A better question would be, “Why would they acquire a center who is struggling to meet the expectations that come with his expensive contract?”

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Sharks may have some interest in Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re not the only team reportedly interested in Sherwood. It’s believed the Canucks seek a good young NHL player for the 30-year-old winger. They might have to settle for a draft pick and a prospect.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal reports the Canucks have a logjam of young forwards who deserve playing time, and not enough lineup spots to go around. He suggests they should consider moving a pending unrestricted free agent, such as Sherwood or Evander Kane, preferably earlier rather than closer to the NHL Trade Deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could retain Sherwood and Kane for as long as possible in the hope of driving up their value in the trade market. However, Jim Rutherford (the Canucks’ president of hockey operations) has a well-established reputation for making trades well before the trade deadline. He could do it again with Sherwood or Kane.

WILL THE JETS BECOME BUYERS OR SELLERS?

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen believes Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff must do something soon to reverse the Jets’ sagging fortunes.

A lack of secondary scoring has been their undoing this season. Friesen believes Cheveldayoff must address this issue quickly. He dismissed the notion that it’s too late in the season to do so, pointing out that the St. Louis Blues did so around the same time last season, leading to their surge from “near-worst to a playoff spot.”

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes Cheveldayoff will seek draft picks for pending UFAs like Jonathan Toews, Gustav Nyquist, Tanner Pearson, and more if the Jets become sellers by the trade deadline.

Ates doubts that Cheveldayoff will sell early to try and finish last to improve the odds of winning the 2026 draft lottery. He thinks the Jets GM will remain committed to this roster until the February Olympic break before selling if the club is still near the bottom of the standings by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets’ lack of scoring depth beyond forwards Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi, and defenseman Josh Morrissey has hurt them this season. Ates noted that calling up their top offensive prospects isn’t much of a solution, pointing out that they “are scoring less at the AHL level than most Jets whose jobs they’d be taking at the NHL level.”

Finding that scoring punch won’t be easy. There has been more movement in the trade market of late, but Ates observed that the Jets have traded away too much draft capital to put toward landing a top-six forward.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 31, 2025

by | Oct 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 31, 2025

The Penguins’ strong start continues, Trevor Zegras is settling in well with the Flyers, the Avalanche re-signs Martin Necas, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins’ surprisingly strong start to this season continued with a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild, pushing the Penguins into first place in the overall standings with 18 points (8-2-2). Bryan Rust and Ryan Shea each had a goal and an assist, and Tristan Jarry made 26 saves for the win. Kirill Kaprizov scored for the Wild, who dropped to 3-6-3 in their first 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Projected to finish near the bottom of the standings, the Penguins have defied expectations thus far. Penguins center Evgeni Malkin has 17 points, sitting second to Gordie Howe for the most points by a 39-or-older player through his first 12 games. Howe had 20 points in his first dozen games of the 1968-69 season.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras had two goals and an assist to lead his club over the Nashville Predators 4-1. It was Zegras’ second three-point game in his last three contests. Dan Vladar stopped 32 shots for the Flyers (6-3-1) as they extended their home win streak to five games. Rookie Matthew Wood tallied his first NHL goal as his Predators (4-6-2) have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers center Sean Couturier left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. Earlier in the day, the Flyers placed goaltender Sam Ersson (lower body) on injured reserve.

The Winnipeg Jets improved to 8-3-0 and moved into first place in the Western Conference with 16 points with a 6-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks. Jets center Jonathan Toews had an assist in his first game against his former team, Gabriel Vilardi scored twice and collected an assist, and Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor each had three points for the Jets. Connor Bedard and Connor Murphy each had two assists for the 5-4-2 Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets winger Gustav Nyquist left this game with an undisclosed injury.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood scored an NHL hat trick, and Jake DeBrusk scored the game-winner in a shootout to nip the St. Louis Blues 4-3. Kevin Lankinen kicked out 36 shots for the 6-6-0 Canucks. Pius Suter had a goal and an assist for the 3-6-2 Blues, who are winless in their last six (0-4-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks winger Brock Boeser left this game early in the first period after being struck by a puck in the “midsection”, which is a polite way of saying he took a shot in the balls.

The Carolina Hurricanes downed the New York Islanders 6-2. Andrei Svechnikov and Logan Stankoven each had a goal and an assist as the Hurricanes improved their record to 7-3-0. Matthew Schaefer and Simon Holmstrom replied for the Islanders, who are winless in their last three (0-2-1) as their record dropped to 4-5-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis left the game in the third period after blocking a shot with his left foot. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said it “doesn’t look great”, and added that Jarvis will be reevaluated on Friday. Meanwhile, Islanders forward Mathew Barzal was a healthy scratch after he was late arriving at the rink.

An overtime goal by Marat Khusnutdinov lifted the Boston Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Joonas Korpisalo turned aside 37 shots, David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist, and Morgan Geekie extended his goal streak to six games for the 6-7-0 Bruins. Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres (4-4-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins center Elias Lindholm left this game in the second period with an injured left leg following an accidental knee-on-knee collision with Sabres forward Jordan Greenway. Earlier in the day, the Bruins announced that defenseman Jordan Harris underwent surgery on Monday for a right ankle fracture and will be sidelined for the next two months.

The San Jose Sharks scored three straight goals to open the first period as they upset the New Jersey Devils 5-2. Alexander Wennberg and Philipp Kurashev each had a goal and an assist for the 3-6-2 Sharks. Dawson Mercer scored both goals for the 8-3-0 Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Sharks placed forward Adam Gaudette (upper body) on injured reserve.

A shootout goal by Lucas Raymond gave the Detroit Red Wings a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Marco Kasper tallied two goals as the Red Wings took a 3-1 lead, but the Kings rallied to tie it on two goals by Corey Perry. The Red Wings moved into first place in the Atlantic Division with 16 points (8-3-0), while the Kings dropped to 5-3-4.

Shootout goals by Drake Batherson and Tim Stutzle lifted the Ottawa Senators over the Calgary Flames 4-3. Jake Sanderson scored the tying goal late in the third period, and Lars Eller had a goal and an assist for the 6-5-1 Senators. Devin Cooley stopped 35 shots for the 2-8-2 Flames.

An overtime goal by Anthony Cirelli gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. Brandon Hagel also scored for the Lightning, who have won four straight and improved to 5-4-2. Jake Oettinger made 30 saves for the 6-3-2 Stars as they extended their points streak to five games (3-0-2).

New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller scored in overtime to lead his team over the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Igor Shesterkin made 33 saves for the 5-5-2 Rangers. Darnell Nurse scored twice for the 5-4-3 Oilers.

IN OTHER NEWS…

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Martin Necas agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the Avalanche on Thursday. The 26-year-old winger was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He will earn an average annual value of $11.5 million starting in 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having acquired Necas from the Hurricanes in January’s Mikko Rantanen trade, the Avalanche couldn’t risk losing him to free agency next summer. Fortunately for them, he’s proven to be a good fit alongside superstar center Nathan MacKinnon on the Avalanche’s top line with seven goals and 13 points in his first 11 games of this season.

After ponying up $11.5 million annually for Necas, some observers wonder why the Avalanche let Rantanen go in the first place, pointing to the former Avs winger signing with the Dallas Stars for $12 million annually. That’s because he was reportedly seeking a deal comparable to what Leon Draisaitl got from the Edmonton Oilers (eight years, $14 million AAV), which prompted Avalanche management to trade him.

RG.ORG: Sergey Pryahkin examines the cost of winning the Stanley Cup, revealing that frugal clubs rarely end up hoisting hockey’s holy grail.

Championship teams allocate over 93 percent of their salary-cap payroll, with some teams exceeding this amount. The age sweet spot for Cup-winning teams is between 26 and 30, with Cup rosters dedicating one-third of their cap payroll to three players and half toward five players, with elite centers being the most valuable asset.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for a more detailed breakdown of Pryahkin’s findings.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2025

by | Jul 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2025

Connor Bedard’s contract extension talks are underway, Brock Boeser explains why he returned to the Canucks, the Stars introduce Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BEDARD’S CONTRACT TALKS, BOESER’S RETURN TO CANUCKS, STARS HIRE GULUTZAN

TSN: Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson confirmed his club has opened contract extension talks with Connor Bedard.

Davidson declined to go into detail, but said the 19-year-old center remains committed to the Blackhawks and wants to be in Chicago long-term.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images).

The rebuilding Blackhawks’ struggles during Bedard’s first two NHL seasons saw him at times admit his frustration over the club’s performance. That sparked rumors that he wanted out of Chicago, which he denied several times last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard is in the final season of his entry-level contract and is the foundation for the Blackhawks’ rebuild. They’ll open the vault to keep him and will undoubtedly try to lock him up for the maximum term.

Bedard isn’t the only notable Blackhawk eligible to sign a contract extension this summer. Forward Frank Nazar and goaltender Spencer Knight are also due to become restricted free agents (RFA) next summer. Like Bedard, Nazar is in the final season of his entry-level contract and will lack arbitration rights. Knight is in the final season of his second NHL contract and will be arbitration-eligible next July.

THE SCORE: Brock Boeser told NHL.com that he was prepared to sign with a new team when free agency began on July 1. However, a last-minute call from the Vancouver Canucks led to his return on a seven-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.25 million.

Boeser said the phone call from the Canucks came as a shock, but it convinced him to instruct his agent to get a deal done. “I think my heart was still in Vancouver,” said the nine-year Canucks veteran.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser’s love of Vancouver must run deep. He seemed certain to depart, especially after they attempted to move him at the March trade deadline.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars introduced Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach. It’s the second time he held the job, having served in that role 12 years ago.

Gulutzan addressed the concerns among some Stars fans about his return. He said GM Jim Nill was right to fire him back then, adding that he’s improved as a bench boss after eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nill didn’t win the GM of the Year award three straight times by making rash decisions. He’s put a considerable amount of thought into this hiring.

THE LATEST NOTABLE CONTRACT SIGNINGS

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed defenseman Brent Burns to a one-year contract with a $1 million base salary and $2 million in bonus clauses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Burns is 40 and well removed from his peak years with the San Jose Sharks. Nevertheless, he’s the NHL’s active Ironman (925 consecutive games played) and netted 29 points last season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He’ll provide experienced depth on the right side of the Avs’ blueline.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed forward Gustav Nyquist for a one-year, $3.25 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This move suggests that forward Nikolaj Ehlers won’t be returning with the Jets. The 29-year-old wing remains the top player available in the UFA market. He could decide on his next destination by today.

STLTODAY.COM: The Blues inked center Pius Suter to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.125 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues were seeking additional depth at center. The 29-year-old Suter is coming off a career-best 25-goal performance with the Canucks.

The Blues also placed defenseman Nick Leddy on waivers.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed RFA center Morgan Frost to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.375 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Jan. 30, the Flames acquired the 26-year-old Frost and forward Joel Farabee from the Philadelphia Flyers. He put up 37 points in 81 games last season, split between Philadelphia and Calgary. The Flames hope he’ll find a more consistent offensive form that has eluded him thus far in his six-season NHL career.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights signed defenseman Kaeden Korczak to a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.25 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Ottawa Senators signed forward Arthur Kaliyev to a one-year, two-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A once-promising forward with the Los Angeles Kings, the 23-year-old winger struggled with injuries and consistency. He was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers, putting up four points in 14 games with the Blueshirts.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders signed coveted Russian free-agent forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year, entry-level contract. He had 23 goals and 67 points in 65 KHL games last season.

TSN: The NHL, NHL Players’ Association, IOC and IIHF finalized an agreement allowing NHL players to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics next February.










NHL Trades – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Trades – March 1, 2025

Panthers Acquire Seth Jones From The Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight, a conditional first-round pick in 2026 and Chicago’s fourth-round pick in 2026.

Chicago Blackhawks traded defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers(NHL Images).

The Blackhawks retain 26 percent of Jones’ $9.5 million average annual value through 2029-30 ($2.5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whenever we think an expensive contract is too difficult to move, two general managers find a creative way to make it work.

Jones spoke with Blackhawks management over a week ago about the possibility of a trade. The 30-year-old defenseman forced the issue earlier this week by criticizing the club’s play during a 2-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. He waived his no-movement clause to facilitate this move.

The Panthers had to improve their blueline depth if they intend to successfully defend the Stanley Cup this spring. Jones should address that issue. He is a big-minute, puck-moving defenseman with a right-hand shot who will line up alongside Niko Mikkola on their second defense pairing. He could also become an insurance policy for the Panthers if Aaron Ekblad departs via free agency on July 1.

Sending Knight to Chicago freed up his $4.5 million cap hit from the Panthers’ books, making it possible (with the Blackhawks retaining some salary) to acquire Jones. The deal leaves them with just over $629K in projected trade deadline cap space. Chris Dreidger will replace Knight as their backup goaltender.

Trading Jones to Florida leaves a gaping hole on the Blackhawks’ blueline while gaining another goaltender. They were using Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom as their goalie tandem with Laurent Brossoit sidelined by knee surgery for the season.

Knight has another season remaining on his contract. They could demote Soderblom to their AHL affiliate, but he’s not waiver-exempt. Perhaps one of them (other than Brossoit) will be dealt to another club by the March 7 deadline.

Rangers Trade Lindgren to Avalanche In Multiplayer Deal

The New York Rangers traded defenseman Ryan Lindgren, forward Jimmy Vesey and prospect defenseman Hank Kampf to the Colorado Avalanche for center Juuso Parssinen, defenseman Calvin de Haan, a conditional 2025 second-round pick and a conditional 2025 fourth-rounder.

The Rangers retained 50 percent of Lindgren’s $4.5 million cap hit.

New York Rangers trade  defenseman Ryan Lindgren to the Colorado Avalanche (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth major trade made by the Rangers since Dec.6. The previous three deals saw Jacob Trouba shipped to Anaheim, Kaapo Kakko dealt to Seattle, and Filip Chytil sent to Vancouver.

As of March 1, the Rangers are four points out of the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. However, this move suggests that general manager Chris Drury is looking ahead to next season. Lindgren and Vesey are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

This is the second time the 23-year-old Parssinen has been traded this season. The Avalanche acquired him in December from the Nashville Predators. He has 11 points in 37 games split between those two clubs seeking checking-line duty and is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old de Haan is UFA-eligible this summer. He had seven points in 44 games.

The Avalanche made this move to shore up their roster for the playoffs. Lindgren is a defensive-minded blueliner who will likely slot in on their third defense pairing. Vesey could play left wing on their third or fourth line.

Nyquist to the Wild

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators held forward Gustav Nyquist out of the lineup for Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders. They’re discussing a trade with the Minnesota Wild, but the deal has yet to go through.

**UPDATE** The Wild acquired Nyquist from the Predators in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. The Predators retained 50 percent of the 35-year-old forward’s $3.185 million cap hit. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild sought affordable scoring depth ahead of the trade deadline. Nyquist has 21 points in 57 games this season with the Predators but tallied 75 points in 2023-24. Perhaps the change of scenery will boost his production.

The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus believes they need more than a third-line forward, but they’re running out of tradeable assets to add someone else. This is likely the only significant move the Wild can afford to make before March 7.

Meanwhile, this move gives the Predators an extra second-rounder in next year’s draft to retain for themselves or use as a trade chip to add an established player. 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2025

by | Feb 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2025

Could there be some trade activity during the 4 Nations Face-Off? What’s the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Nelson, Brad Marchand, Jeff Skinner and Jared McCann? Who are the Senators’ trade targets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THERE BE SOME TRADES DURING THE 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman isn’t ruling out the possibility of some trade activity during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The league has paused its schedule from Feb. 10-21 to accommodate the tournament.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Friedman said he believes some players have been told by their teams or their agents that they think there could be some action. The players don’t return to practice until Feb. 18, and there’s a feeling that “some guys will not return to where they are.”

Friedman cited the lack of a roster freeze during this period. He also pointed out that Linus Ullmark was traded last year on the same day as Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. He doesn’t believe there’s been any direction from the league against making trades, but they might prefer that those moves be kept away from game days during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chris Johnston of The Athletic recently reported a sense around the league that no one wanted to take the spotlight off the tournament by making trades. We’ll find out soon enough.

BRAYDEN SCHENN LINKED TO THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman earlier this week suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Brayden Schenn.

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong isn’t happy with his club’s performance and is unafraid to make big moves. He noted there would be a lot of interest in the 33-year-old Schenn but the Blues would set a big asking price for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $6.5 million and has a full no-trade clause for this season. Assuming he’d accept a trade to Vegas, the Golden Knights lack sufficient cap space to acquire him.

That hasn’t stopped Golden Knights management from making bold moves in the past. However, their salary cap constraints and limited trade capital could make it difficult to win a bidding war for Schenn.

BROCK NELSON UNDECIDED ABOUT CONTRACT EXTENSION

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Brock Nelson’s comments about a potential contract extension with the Islanders will do little to dampen trade speculation swirling around him. The 33-year-old center is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Nelson is interested in an extension but said there are many factors to consider, such as what’s best for him, his family, and the team. He praised Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, adding his agent has a great relationship with him.

Sears cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported Nelson’s agent will continue contract discussions with Lamoriello during the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, there’s a risk Nelson will depart as a free agent on July 1 if there isn’t an extension in place by the March 7 trade deadline.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias suggested several contract-extension scenarios for Nelson. One is a two-year, $14 million offer, another is three years at $21 million and four years at $24 million. There’s also a seven-year, $35 million paying him $5 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson sits atop most pundits’ trade boards as the player most likely to be moved by March 7. Lamoriello declined to discuss his plans for the trade deadline with the media, saying his focus was on his team’s efforts to make the playoffs.

A lot will depend on the Isles’ performance in the two weeks between the resumption of the regular-season schedule on Feb. 22 and the deadline on March 7.

The long-term option suggested by Macias would provide the Isles with the most salary-cap flexibility while providing Nelson with the most security. However, it will become a cap headache in the final years when his performance inevitably declines.

MARCHAND DISMISSES TRADE RUMORS

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas reports Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand isn’t worried about his name popping up in recent trade rumors. “That’s just fans having fun with it all,” he said during an appearance on the “What Chaos!” podcast.

Marchand acknowledged his pending UFA status and the Bruins’ struggles this season have stoked speculation about his future in Boston. He said he tries not to pay attention to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The conjecture will increase if Marchand remains unsigned when the calendar flips to March.

OILERS NOT SHOPPING JEFF SKINNER

THE ATHLETIC: Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman told Daniel Nugent-Bowman that he doesn’t intend to trade Jeff Skinner. The 32-year-old winger signed a one-year, $3 million contract last summer with the Oilers.

Skinner has struggled at times this season with 10 goals and 20 points in 49 games. Bowman cited the winger’s positive attitude and willingness to work through his difficulties, adding that he’s shown improvement in recent games.

KRAKEN COULD MAKE MCCANN AVAILABLE

SPORTSNET: Jacob Stoller reported hearing the Seattle Kraken could make Jared McCann available at the trade deadline. He noted the 28-year-old is a versatile scoring forward who can also play center and kill penalties.

McCann is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5 million. Stoller believes he’d make a lot of sense for the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann has 42 points in 57 games this season, leading the Kraken in scoring as he’s done in their three previous seasons. Shopping him would be a big move by GM Ron Francis, signaling he’s starting a major roster overhaul. He would draw plenty of interest around the league, increasing the likelihood of fetching a significant return for the Kraken.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are believed to be interested in Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Kraken forward Brandon Tanev. Another trade option could be Gustav Nyquist of the Nashville Predators.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2025

by | Jan 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Stars and Canadiens plus the latest on Ryan O’Reilly, Rasmus Andersson and John Klingberg in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports there’s a sense that the situation between Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller is holding up the trade market.

As the Canucks work through their options, sources tell Johnston there’s a sense league-wide that Miller is the most likely to be moved. The 31-year-old center has a no-movement clause and none of this has been his idea. Nevertheless, there’s a belief that he’s more likely to move on if it’s the right situation.

It could take some time for this to occur, meaning there might not be much action in the trade market until it does.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could eventually decide they’re keeping both players. That will also end the delay in activity in the trade market. It’s simply a matter of how long this plays out.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

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

102.5 THE GAME’s Nick Keiser reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz expects teams to call him to express an interest in Ryan O’Reilly. Trotz indicated he’ll speak with the 33-year-old center before making a deal. “If we do anything we have to do it with respect,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly has two years remaining on his contract and lacks no-trade protection. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the Predators intend to treat him like he has a no-movement clause.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty believes the struggling Nashville Predators have no hope of reaching the playoffs this season. He thinks Trotz should be a seller at the trade deadline, suggesting Gustav Nyquist, Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon as trade candidates.

Nyquist is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He could fetch a third or fourth-round pick. Sissons has an affordable $2.8 million average annual value through next season and could bring in a prospect and a second-round pick.

Lauzon is currently sidelined but would be a solid addition to a playoff contender’s defense corps once he’s healthy. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an affordable AAV of $2 million and might bring in a first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nyquist is the most likely of this trio to be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline because of his UFA status. Sissons and Lauzon could also move if Trotz can get the type of returns suggested by Daugherty.

FLAMES AREN’T PEDDLING RASMUS ANDERSSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames aren’t shopping Rasmus Andersson. They’re confused as to why teams are calling about the 28-year-old defenseman. He been telling them that Andersson isn’t available.

The Flames are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Andersson isn’t on an expiring contract and they hope to sign him to an extension starting this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I noted yesterday that Andersson recently told the Calgary media that he loves living and playing in the Stampede City and doesn’t want to be traded. It seems he’s going to get his wish.

MORE ANTICIPATION THAT THE STARS WILL BE MAJOR DEADLINE BUYERS

TSN: LeBrun believes the Dallas Stars will attempt to add a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman by the March 7 trade deadline. They’re trying to be patient because certain needs could develop that they haven’t identified yet based on injuries.

Tyler Seguin remains sidelined but they haven’t put him on long-term injury reserve yet. They’re trying to accrue cap space and then put his $9.85 million on LTIR, which gives them more cap flexibility to make additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Dallas suggest Seguin could be sidelined for five to six months. It’s only a matter of time until they put him on LTIR and use the savings to stock up in the trade market.

TEAMS ARE INTERESTED IN KLINGBERG

TSN: Darren Dreger reported NHL defenseman John Klingberg is attempting to resume his NHL career. He’s been sidelined for 14 months following hip resurfacing in 2023 but has ramped up his training lately and feels good.

Dreger claims there are five to seven teams that Klingberg must decide on. He lists the Toronto Maple Leafs as the front-runners, with the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg must sign by the March 7 trade deadline to be eligible to play in the postseason.

CANADIENS NOT SEEKING RENTAL PLAYERS

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes isn’t going to sacrifice his club’s future for immediate help to make the playoffs this season. He’s not interested in acquiring pending UFA players.

Hughes isn’t ruling out making trades but suggests he’d prefer to acquire players with term remaining on their contracts, pointing to his recent acquisition of defenseman Alexandre Carrier as an example.