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 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 Rumor Mill – January 27, 2026

by | Jan 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2026

Are the Wild looking at Rangers center Vincent Trocheck? What’s the latest on Canucks winger Evander Kane and Sharks winger Jeff Skinner? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD SHOPPING FOR A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin is aggressively shopping for a center. He could draw on his draft picks and prospects as trade bait to address that need.

Guerin could be interested in New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. League sources claim the Wild aren’t on the 32-year-old Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list, but nothing is imminent.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Russo and Smith think Guerin will also check into the availability of other NHL centers who might be available. Possibilities include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Trocheck’s teammate J.T. Miller, Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blues, and Shane Pinto and Claude Giroux of the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck seems the most likely to be moved and could be the top target on Guerin’s radar. The Blues are willing to entertain offers for Thomas, but the asking price is high. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes they want a stud top-six center who is a little younger than the 26-year-old Thomas. The Wild can’t meet that price.

The Devils could be sellers, but I don’t see Hischier being moved. The Rangers acquired Miller last season and made him their captain, so it’s doubtful he’s available. Ditto Pinto and Giroux. O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but he reportedly wants to stay in Nashville, and the Predators aren’t in a hurry to move him.

The Wild lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. Russo and Smith wonder if Guerin might offer up prospect defenseman David Jiricek to the Nashville Predators for their first-rounder, pointing out the Predators reportedly offered up two first-round picks to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jiricek last season before the Wild landed him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was before Jiricek’s stock plummeted. The Predators won’t part with a first-rounder for him now.

Speaking of Wild trade bait, Russo and Smith engaged in some conjecture about the Wild possibly using goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in their quest to add a center. That seems unlikely because they’d be up a creek if they moved out Wallstedt and starter Filip Gustavsson suffered an injury afterward.

Russo and Smith floated the notion of them bringing back Marc-Andre Fleury, but they also pointed out he’s unlikely to come out of retirement.

CANUCKS PERMIT EVANDER KANE’S AGENT TO SEEK A TRADE

THE SCORE: According to CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, the Vancouver Canucks have permitted Evander Kane’s agent to find a suitable trade partner for the 34-year-old winger.

Kane is in the final season of his contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His cap hit this season is $5.125 million, and he has a 16-team trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are well into sell mode after shipping out Quinn Hughes to Minnesota last month and Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks earlier this month.

This move indicates Kane is open to a trade to a suitable destination, but the Canucks management had difficulty finding any takers. His agent might have better luck.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO TRADE JEFF SKINNER?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Josh Frojelin reports Jeff Skinner appears to be the odd man out among the Sharks’ forwards. The 33-year-old left winger has been a healthy scratch for the past couple of weeks.

Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Sharks last summer. He has six goals and 13 points in 32 games this season.

The Sharks have a logjam of wingers, with Philipp Kurashev and Kiefer Sherwood set to return from injuries soon. They recently sat out Adam Gaudette and Ryan Reaves, and sent promising Igor Chernyshov to their AHL affiliate.

Skinner has a full no-trade clause through Jan. 30, and an eight-team no-trade list after that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks added Skinner to bring more experienced depth to their forward lines. However, the impressive play of sophomore wingers Will Smith and Colin Graf, and the addition of youngsters like Chernyshov, means they don’t need Skinner unless injuries decimate their lineup in the coming days. He could end up moving to another team between Jan. 31 and March 6.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2026

by | Jan 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2026

Are the Wild planning another big trade? What’s the biggest need for the Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin isn’t done making moves following last month’s blockbuster acquisition of Quinn Hughes.

Russo and Smith believe Guerin wouldn’t have given up four huge pieces (Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, 2026 first-round pick) for Hughes if the Wild weren’t trying to win right now.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

They believe Guerin will take another big swing in the trade market, “probably for a center”, drawing on their draft picks and prospects as bait. The Wild also has an estimated $12.9 million in trade-deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild haven’t won a playoff round since 2015. The furthest they ever went in the playoffs was the Western Conference Final in 2003. Their current roster has the potential to become a Stanley Cup contender for the next few years, making this an opportune time to bolster their depth accordingly.

Finding a good center won’t be easy in the current trade market.

Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues, and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators are the most notable centers mentioned in trade rumors this season.

However, the Flames insist they’re not interested in moving Kadri, the decline in Schenn’s performance this season could make him less enticing than he was last season, and O’Reilly’s reported unwillingness to be traded could force Guerin to shop around.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman believes the Detroit Red Wings must bolster their defense before the March 6 trade deadline.

They have a strong first pairing with Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. Meanwhile, Ben Chiarot has played well this season on the second pairing along with rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka.

However, Sandin-Pellikka has been playing somewhat sheltered minutes. He might not be up to the task of being a second-pairing defenseman in postseason action when the play becomes more physical.

Bultman suggested adding an experienced No. 4 or 5 defenseman before the deadline. Possibilities could include Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Brett Kulak of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rasmus Anderson of the Calgary Flames is the biggest name for defensemen in the trade market. However, the Red Wings aren’t likely to get into a bidding war for an expensive postseason rental player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are currently flying high in the standings, sitting first in the Eastern Conference. GM Steve Yzerman isn’t under any pressure right now to make a move, but he could go shopping for a blueliner by the deadline.

Yzerman caught flak from Detroit fans, pundits, and Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin for his inactivity at last season’s trade deadline. It’s doubtful he’ll sit on his hands this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2025

by | Dec 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2025

Check out the latest speculation on the Avalanche, Islanders, and Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the first-overall Colorado Avalanche will “almost certainly” add another defenseman before the March 6 trade deadline. However, adding a third-line center is a more pressing need.

The Avalanche could stick with Ross Colton in that role. Bednar recently praised Colton’s efforts in his first game in that role. They could stick with him if the cost of finding other options proves expensive.

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

Masisak suggested former Colorado centers such as Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames as possibilities. However, the cost for both makes them unlikely trade targets for the Avalanche.

Other options include Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks, Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks, and former Av Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly reportedly isn’t considering a trade at this time. Kadri’s contract and the Flames’ asking price are too expensive. The Sharks won’t part with Wennberg if they remain in playoff contention.

Dickinson and Coyle could be more affordable if the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets go into sell mode. However, the Avs could be forced to overpay if other clubs get into the bidding, and they’ve already sacrificed future assets in recent years.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the Islanders have a steady, left-shot defenseman and a top-six winger near the top of their Christmas wish list to replace sidelined blueliner Alexander Romanov and winger Kyle Palmieri.

If the Islanders become buyers, they could get salary-cap relief by placing Romanov and Palmieri on long-term injury reserve. San Jose Jose Sharks defensemen Mario Ferraro and former Islander Nick Leddy could be blueline targets, while Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks or Matias Maccelli of the Toronto Maple Leafs might make sense as a replacement for Palmieri.

Sears doesn’t see general manager Mathieu Darche parting with a first-round pick to get any of those players.

For now, it’s too early to tell which path Darche might choose. Sears noted that a couple of bad weeks could knock them out of playoff contention in the tightly packed Eastern Conference.

If Darche buys early, he could be parting with future assets that he’ll need to recoup if things go sideways. If he waits too long, he’ll end up in sell mode with UFA-eligible forwards Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche will remain patient for now, especially given how few sellers there are in the trade market. The Isles’ performance in January will likely determine which path he takes, especially if more teams become sellers.

The Sharks aren’t likely to part with Ferraro and Leddy if they remain in playoff contention. Sherwood is available, but the Canucks’ asking price could be too high for Darche. Maccelli should be an affordable addition, but his struggles this season don’t make him an enticing trade target.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes the Los Angeles Kings have more work to do after trading center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. He noted they didn’t get a roster player back in the deal, and the club continues to struggle offensively.

Stephens pointed out that the draft pick they got in the Danault deal would look good if the Kings were rebuilding. However, the club is built to win right now, and they still believe they can reach the playoffs and make some noise.

That second-round pick will only be valuable if it can be turned into a player (like Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators or Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues) who makes the Kings better.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings GM Ken Holland probably isn’t done making moves. Stephens pointed out that they shed Danault’s $5.5 million cap hit for this season and next, giving the Kings $9.2 million in current cap space, and a projected deadline cap space of $26 million.

As mentioned earlier, O’Reilly isn’t prepared to consider a trade right now. Meanwhile, the Blues intend to seek full value for any player they trade, meaning they’ll want a young NHL player for Schenn instead of draft picks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 19, 2025

by | Dec 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 19, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

MULTIPLE TEAMS INTERESTED IN KINGS CENTER PHILLIP DANAULT

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

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

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

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

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

OILERS LINKED TO SABRES GOALTENDER ALEX LYON

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

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

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

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

KRAKEN WINGER MASON MARCHMENT GARNERING INTEREST IN THE TRADE MARKET.

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

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

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