NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2026

by | Jan 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on the Canucks’ Evander Kane and the Sharks’ Kiefer Sherwood, plus the Sabres could become buyers at the trade deadline.

EVANDER KANE GARNERING SOME ATTENTION IN THE TRADE MARKET

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports a source confirmed several NHL teams are inquiring about Evander Kane. The 34-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cap hit of $5.125 million with a 16-team trade list.

Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane (NHL Images)

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes suggested the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars could be among the interested parties. While his production is down this season (nine goals and 23 points in 50 games), his physical play could make him a good addition for a playoff club as a third or fourth-line forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested teams might not have to give up much to get Kane. However, it could cost a little more if they want the Canucks to retain part of his salary.

COULD THE SHARKS FLIP KIEFER SHERWOOD AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier didn’t send two second-round picks to the Vancouver Canucks for winger Kiefer Sherwood, only to watch him depart via free agency on July 1.

Sherwood, 30, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. He’s completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.5 million and is expected to seek a significant raise on his next deal. He reportedly rejected a three or four-year offer from the Canucks with a $4 million AAV.

Grier is optimistic he can get Sherwood signed to a contract extension. However, he must also ensure he’ll have enough long-term cap room to re-sign rising stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith in 2027. The Sharks GM didn’t rule out the possibility of listening to offers for Sherwood, but insisted that the winger was a targeted acquisition.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier acquired Sherwood because he likes his physical two-way style. He believes the veteran winger is the type of experienced player who can help the rebuilding Sharks reach the playoffs now and for the next several years.

Nevertheless, if they can’t get an extension done, Grier could be open to offers before the trade deadline, especially if his club struggles to remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.

WILL THE SABRES BECOME BUYERS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the surging Buffalo Sabres could be buyers at this year’s trade deadline. He believes that general manager Jarmo Kekalainen needs to add a depth defenseman to ease some of the workload from the top-four defensemen.

Injuries have frequently sidelined center Josh Norris, who is currently out with sore ribs. Fairburn believes another forward capable of playing among the top six would help to balance out the forward lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kekalainen won’t overpay to address those issues. Nevertheless, he’ll keep his eyes open for any affordable options before March 6.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2026

by | Jan 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2026

Milestone performances by Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews is welcomed back to Chicago, Matthew Tkachuk returns to action, the Canucks trade Kiefer Sherwood to the Sharks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and collected an assist to reach 1,100 career NHL regular-season points in a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Martin Necas and Victor Olofsson each had two points for the 34-5-8 Avalanche, who lead the league with 76 points. Ethen Frank had a goal and an assist for the Capitals (24-20-6), who’ve lost three straight games.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon is the second player in Avalanche/Nordiques history to reach 1,100 points. Joe Sakic is the franchise leader with 1,641 points. Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin suffered minor injuries in a car accident while driving to the game. He was held out for precautionary reasons.

Speaking of the Capitals, they have reportedly opened contract discussions with John Carlsson. The long-time Capitals defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby played his 1,400th career NHL regular-season game as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 6-3. Crosby, Anthony Mantha, and Blake Lizotte each had two assists while Connor Dewar tallied twice for the Penguins (23-14-11). Ben Meyers had a goal and an assist for the struggling Kraken (21-18-9) as they are 1-4-2 in their last seven games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is the 45th player in league history to reach 1,400 games. He remains the Penguins’ leader in that category.

The Chicago Blackhawks blanked the Winnipeg Jets 2-0. Spencer Knight earned the shutout with 32 saves while Jason Dickinson and Connor Bedard scored for the 19-22-7 Blackhawks. Jets center Jonathan Toews received a lengthy standing ovation from Chicago fans as he made his former team for the first time since staging his comeback this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toews spent 15 seasons with the Blackhawks from 2007-08 to 2022-23, spending 14 of those seasons as captain. He was one of the greatest players in franchise history, leading them to three Stanley Cups. That standing ovation during the TV timeout lasted almost five minutes.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 35 shots in a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov each collected two assists for the Sharks, who improved to 25-20-3. Eetu Luostarinen replied for the 25-20-3 Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk was held scoreless in his season debut. He’d been sidelined by surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia on Aug. 22. Meanwhile, the Panthers placed defenseman Seth Jones (upper body) on long-term injury reserve.

Earlier in the day, the Sharks acquired Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks. Details and analysis of the trade are below in the Headlines section.

The Carolina Hurricanes nipped the Buffalo Sabres 2-1. Andrei Svechnikov had a goal and an assist, Sebastian Aho collected two assists, and Seth Jarvis scored the winning goal for the Hurricanes (31-15-4), as they hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 66 points. Rasmus Dahlin had the only goal for the 26-17-5 Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Eric Robinson left this game in the first period with an apparent injury to his left shoulder.

Minnesota Wild winger Marcus Foligno tallied his first career NHL hat trick in a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vladimir Tarasenko had two goals and an assist for the Wild (28-13-9). Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist for the 24-17-8 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua Kloke of The Athletic reports the Maple Leafs have opened contract extension talks with winger Bobby McMann, who is UFA-eligible this summer.

The New York Islanders held off the Vancouver Canucks 4-3. Anthony Duclair tallied two goals, Matthew Schaefer and Bo Horvat each had two assists, and Ilya Sorokin turned aside 29 shots for the Islanders (27-17-5). Kevin Lankinen stopped 28 shots for the Canucks (16-28-5), whose 11-game winless skid equals the franchise mark.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny tallied both of his club’s goals in a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, snapping a six-game winless skid (0-5-1). Samuel Ersson made 24 saves for the 23-17-8 Flyers. Tomas Hertl replied for the Golden Knights (24-12-12), who remain in first place in the Pacific Division with 60 points.

An overtime goal by Simon Nemec lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Calgary Flames 2-1. Dawson Mercer also scored for the Devils (25-22-2). Nazem Kadri scored for the 21-23-5 Flames.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier scored twice on his 22nd birthday in a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers. Lukas Dostal stopped 19 shots for the 25-21-3 Ducks, who picked up their fourth straight win. Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to 10 games for the 21-23-6 Rangers.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson, Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi, and Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka are the league’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 18, 2026.

THE PROVINCE/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Vancouver Canucks traded winger Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks on Monday in exchange for minor league defenseman Cole Clayton, a second-round pick in 2026, and a second-rounder in 2027.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sherwood was a frequent subject of trade speculation since November. The 30-year-old winger could reach a career-best 30 goals and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

It was rumored that the Canucks were seeking a first-round pick as part of the return for Sherwood. However, a pair of second-rounders isn’t bad for a physical middle-six forward whose production could decline after this season. The Canucks can use these picks to bolster their prospect pipeline or as trade chips to acquire more immediate roster help.

The rebuilding Sharks have been sellers in recent years. Led by young superstar Macklin Celebrini, they’ve exceeded expectations this season, jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. Adding a rental player such as Sherwood indicates that management wants to help them clinch a berth. If he fits well within their roster, they could sign him to an extension.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 18, 2026

by | Jan 18, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 18, 2026

Check out the latest on who’s pursuing Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, updates on the Rangers, and the latest on Elias Pettersson, Robert Thomas, and Kiefer Sherwood in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

BRUINS IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins appear to be the front-runners to acquire Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

The Bruins have made a serious offer. Friedman believes they’re the only team that the Flames have permitted to speak with Andersson about a contract extension. He thinks those discussions have been “pretty serious”.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

Friedman reported the Vegas Golden Knights are also involved, but their offer isn’t as strong as the one from the Bruins. He thinks the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs are also floating around in the mix.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the Bruins were among four teams in the mix for Andersson. Two are in the Eastern Conference, and two are from the West. The Vegas Golden Knights are also considered “strong contenders”.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports there is no definitive word on whether the Detroit Red Wings remain in the Andersson sweepstakes. He’s heard they might not be part of it any longer because the 29-year-old defenseman wants to test the free-agent market on July 1. The Flames’ asking price is said to be two first-round picks (or the equivalent) plus another asset.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson played last night and was named the game’s third star, receiving an appreciative ovation from Calgary fans as though it were his final game for the Flames. It’s expected he could be on the move within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Unsubstantiated rumors claimed the Bruins offered up defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick. We should find out soon if he’s heading to Boston or whether another club might swoop in and meet the Flames’ asking price.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reports New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin admitted he was “confused” over the club’s plans to retool its roster, including not offering him a contract extension. However, he claims he’s okay with it and remains focused on giving his best in every game he has left with the Rangers.

Panarin declined to comment on his discussion with Rangers general manager Chris Drury, and whether he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes there will be teams contacting the Rangers to ask if Panarin is willing to talk to them, and whether he’d be a playoff rental or sign an extension.

Mercogliano believes the Rangers intend to listen to offers on just about everyone, including center Vincent Trocheck, who is considered their best trade chip lacking a no-movement clause. Drury doesn’t have to rush because the 32-year-old Trocheck has three years remaining on his contract, but teams are calling about him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rating’s Marco D’Amico reports an NHL source told him that a few teams have already asked the Rangers what they intend to do with Trocheck.

D’Amico noted that Trocheck’s experience, premium center position, and two-way play check a lot of boxes. He pointed out that Trocheck carries a 10-team no-trade list, and the need for centers in this year’s trade market gives the Rangers plenty of leverage.

Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere and defenseman Braden Schneider are also generating some interest in the trade market. Mercogliano claimed the people he’s spoken with wouldn’t be surprised if the Rangers listen to offers for younger players in need of a change of scenery.

Mercogliano also reports that winger Mika Zibanejad has affirmed his commitment to the Rangers. He carries a full no-movement clause and is almost certain not to be moved, at least before the March 6 trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

RATINGS: Marco D’Amico reports center Elias Pettersson and defenseman Filip Hronek have come up in trade rumors. The Canucks are more willing to listen to offers for Pettersson because Hronek has flourished since Quinn Hughes was traded to Minnesota last month.

An NHL source suggested that Pettersson’s $11.6 million annual cap hit is too expensive for a team that is rebuilding its roster. He noted the Carolina Hurricanes were previously interested in Pettersson and could attempt another big move. The Utah Mammoth or Philadelphia Flyers could also make a major splash.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s full cap hit, but they may be focused on other options now. The Mammoth and Flyers can also afford it, but they could balk unless the Canucks retain part of it.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks are working with Kiefer Sherwood’s agent to help them get a trade done. He believes there are teams interested in the 30-year-old winger, but they’re now waiting for one to step forward.

COULD THE BLUES MOVE ROBERT THOMAS?

RATINGS: Marco D’Amico reports the St. Louis Blues have been quietly retooling their roster over the last three years. That has raised speculation that they could consider moving a core player such as Robert Thomas or Jordan Kyrou.

The Blues aren’t shopping Thomas, nor will they give him away, but a well-placed source said they could consider moving him if they received an aggressive offer comparable to what the Canucks received in the Quinn Hughes trade with Minnesota.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas and Kyrou must waive their no-trade clauses first, and there’s no indication they’re willing to do that. If they do, the Blues will only get a limited number of trade partners, so the returns might not be that good.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2026

by | Jan 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2026

More speculation about Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and the latest on the Canucks, Flyers, Senators, and Predators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST DOUGIE HAMILTON CHATTER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported observers were caught by surprise when Dougie Hamilton returned to the New Jersey Devils lineup one day after being a healthy scratch against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, the expectation is that Hamilton will be traded, though there’s no indication that a deal is imminent. LeBrun indicated that the remaining two years on the contract with an average annual value of $9 million is a “complicating factor.”

LeBrun suggested the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential destinations. Hamilton played with the Hurricanes before, but it depends on whether they want to bring him back and what the Devils want in return.

The Devils are also interested in moving winger Ondrej Palat in a separate cost-cutting deal. However, his $6 million cap hit makes it a difficult proposition.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes Hamilton could fetch the Devils a top-six forward or a third-line center. Nevertheless, management’s handling of this situation has cast the club in a bad light.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s contract is a stumbling block, even though the salary cap will rise significantly over the next two seasons. His 10-team trade list is another, though he’s reportedly willing to be flexible. Hamilton’s injury history is also another concern.

The Hurricanes have the cap space and the depth in tradeable assets to reacquire Hamilton, but they could be uninterested in a reunion. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are pressed for cap space and are thin in draft picks and prospects to draw on for trade bait. They’d need the Devils to retain up to half of Hamilton’s cap hit, and even that might not be enough to squeeze him into their cap payroll unless they include a player in the deal.

Some Devils fans are calling for general manager Tom Fitzgerald to be fired. However, Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.COM reports Fitzgerald’s job remains safe until at least the end of the regular season.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks could be open to entertaining offers for just about everyone on their roster, including Elias Pettersson.

The 27-year-old center had been the subject of trade speculation during last season and the offseason. However, there hasn’t been any communication between Pettersson’s agent and Canucks management about waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Johnston of The Province recently reported that there are teams still interested in Pettersson, despite the decline in his offense and his expensive contract running through 2031-32.

If the Canucks are willing to listen to offers for Pettersson, they’ll want at least a good young NHL center in return. They could be reluctant to retain part of his $11.6 million average annual value.

FLYERS SEEKING GOALIE OPTIONS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports a Philadelphia Flyers source claimed the club is considering alternative options to replace struggling goaltender Samuel Ersson.

There aren’t many options available in the trade market. Di Marco asked about Colten Ellis and Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres. His source was open to the prospect of acquiring Lyon at the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The immediate options to replace Ersson might have to come from within the Flyers’ system, given the lack of quality options in the trade market. The Sabres have been carrying three goalies this season, but their recent surge in the standings means they’re not moving anyone right now unless it’s for a return that will help them reach the playoffs this season.

WILL THE SENATORS BE BUYERS OR SELLERS?

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the next seven to 10 games will determine if the struggling Ottawa Senators become buyers or sellers in the trade market. He noted that general manager Steve Staios was in Montreal on Monday scouting the Vancouver Canucks, but felt that was Staios doing pre-scouting before his club’s match against the Canucks on Tuesday.

Dreger believes Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood could be a good fit with the Senators, but they must start climbing up the standings before Staios gets that aggressive.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch also reported on Staios’ scouting trip to Montreal on Monday. His sources indicated that the Senators GM continues to scour the trade market for a right-shot defenseman and a top-six forward.

Garrioch speculated the Senators would likely be interested in Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek and forwards such as Sherwood, Conor Garland, and Jake DeBrusk. However, Hronek has a full no-movement clause, and the Canucks could prefer to retain him. Tyler Myers has been mentioned as a possibility, but they aren’t moving him.

The Senators have also kicked tires on Calgary Flames blueliner Rasmus Andersson. However, he’d have to be willing to sign an extension before Ottawa would make that move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ most pressing need is goaltending, given Linus Ullmark’s struggles, his recent absence, and the lack of backup depth. However, the market is thin on reliable goaltending options.

Staios will become a seller by the end of this month if the Senators remain on their current path.

PREDATORS NOT IN SELL MODE

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports the anticipated player sell-off by the Nashville Predators isn’t likely to happen this season, if at all. After a poor start, they surged into wildcard contention in the Western Conference.

They’re also not going to be buyers. General manager Barry Trotz could hold onto assets as “own rentals” if a suitable deal cannot be found.

Daugherty noted that four of the Predators’ trade-worthy assets (Ryan O’Reilly, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, and Michael Bunting) have contributed to the club’s recent improvement. He also noted that all but O’Reilly would likely fetch mid-round picks, which the Predators already have plenty of in the next two drafts.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 12, 2026

by | Jan 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 12, 2026

The latest Canucks speculation, plus updates on Bruins forward Pavel Zacha and Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston suggested it wasn’t impossible for the Vancouver Canucks to trade Elias Pettersson. Teams are reportedly interested in him, and while he’s not scoring like he used to, he remains a solid defensive player.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The Carolina Hurricanes were interested in Pettersson before, and they’re trying to find a new home for struggling center Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Johnston thinks a team that needs a top-notch center, one close to elite but not an out-and-out No. 1 guy, could use Pettersson. He suggested the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, who have young superstars as their first-line centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Pettersson’s production is an issue, but it wouldn’t be so bad if he weren’t being paid like a first-line center. That $11.6 million AAV through 2032 is too much for a second-line center. He also carries a full no-trade clause, which further limits where the Canucks could send him if they decide it’s time to part company.

Vancouver was in trade talks with Carolina about Pettersson two years ago before re-signing him to his current contract. While the Hurricanes aren’t afraid of bold moves, they could be targeting other options now.

Even if the Canucks agreed to retain up to half of Pettersson’s cap hit, he might not be a fit with the Blackhawks and Sharks. The Blackhawks have promising Frank Nazar as their second-line center. Meanwhile, the Sharks recently re-signed second-line center Alexander Wennberg to a three-year extension, and they’ve got promising Michael Misa in their lineup.

Winger Jake DeBrusk has surfaced in the rumor mill. However, the 29-year-old winger recently told Johnston that he’s not going anywhere, saying he wants to be part of the solution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is in the second season of his seven-year contract. He also has a full no-movement clause, which explains his confidence about staying in Vancouver.

A source told Johnston that things “are heating up” regarding trade talks between the Canucks and teams interested in Kiefer Sherwood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks reportedly revisited contract talks with Sherwood, but the feeling out of Vancouver is he’ll be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline, if not sooner.

Johnston noted that CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal last week said that the Canucks looked into sending Evander Kane back to the Edmonton Oilers, but they weren’t interested. He also believes defenseman Tyler Myers isn’t going anywhere, citing his no-movement clause and that he and his family are settled in Vancouver.

Depth forwards such as Teddy Blueger and David Kampf won’t fetch much in the trade market, but they could draw interest from playoff contenders.

BRUINS UNLIKELY TO MOVE PAVEL ZACHA

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa considers it unlikely that the Boston Bruins will trade Pavel Zacha. The 28-year-old center has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

Shinzawa pointed out that Zacha has become a dependable long-term member of the Bruins’ secondary tier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha was a fixture in the rumor mill throughout last summer and earlier in this season. However, the Bruins have been more competitive than expected after last season’s disappointing performance, and remain in playoff contention.

Shinzawa expects rival clubs will continue to inquire about Zacha’s availability unless the Bruins climb higher in the standings. However, it’s unlikely they’ll trade him even if they were to tumble in the standings. He’s become a valuable part of their roster core, and they will probably attempt to sign him to a contract extension this summer.

MERZLIKINS’ FUTURE WITH THE BLUE JACKETS REMAINS UNCERTAIN

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger wondered what the future holds for Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.

The 31-year-old Merzlikins is in the fourth year of his five-year contract with an AAV of $5.4 million. He’s no longer the Blue Jackets starter, having been relegated to backup duty behind Jet Greaves, and has made only sporadic appearances in goal.

Hedger believes that’s a problem for the Blue Jackets, who opted not to trade or buy out the struggling netminder last summer. His trade value is lower now, and the contract buyout window is six months away. Sending him to the minors would require waivers plus Merzlikins’ willingness to report.

The Blue Jackets can only ride Greaves for so long. Hedger wondered if the Blue Jackets might consider terminating Merzlikin’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins’ approval would be required for a mutual termination. Otherwise, the Blue Jackets would have to provide grounds to terminate his contract. If they can’t find a trade partner, they’ll have to wait to buy out the final season of his contract in June.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2026

by | Jan 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2026

The Rangers are linked to Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood, the Flyers might be willing to move defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and the latest on the Flames and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RANGERS INTERESTED IN SHERWOOD

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reports a league source claims the New York Rangers have been pushing hard to acquire winger Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks. The asking price for the 30-year-old winger is believed to be a first-round pick and maybe more.

Sherwood carries an affordable $1.5 million cap hit. He’s in the final season of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

However, recent injuries to starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox could dampen the Rangers’ interest in Sherwood. Their focus could shift from buyer to seller, depending on how long Shesterkin and Fox are sidelined.

The Rangers could peddle multiple players if they become sellers, including UFA-eligible winger Artemi Panarin. Contract extension talks with the 34-year-old Panarin haven’t gotten far, and he could be willing to waive his no-movement clause if this season slips out of reach for the Blueshirts.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston confirmed the Rangers’ interest in Sherwood. The Canucks have renewed contract talks with the winger’s camp, but they’re no closer to reaching an agreement.

Johnston believes Canucks management shouldn’t dally or be fooled by the club’s four-game win streak following the Quinn Hughes trade last month. He thinks they should move Sherwood for the best possible return to continue the rebuild that began with the Hughes trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks might be interested in keeping Sherwood, or at least willing to gauge his interest in staying in Vancouver. They’ve received plenty of calls about him, and could be waiting to see if his value rises further before pulling the trigger.

FLYERS COULD ENTERTAIN OFFERS FOR RISTOLAINEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports a Philadelphia Flyers source told him that Rasmus Ristolainen remains a trade candidate. The 31-year-old defenseman returned from injury last month and has two assists in nine games.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (NHL Images).

The Flyers aren’t actively shopping Ristolainen, but Di Marco indicated that they’re open to the possibility for the right price. A source suggested a return comparable to what the Montreal Canadiens received from the Florida Panthers in the Ben Chiarot trade four years ago would be along the lines of what they’re looking for. The Canadiens got a first-round pick, a fourth-rounder, and a prospect.

A right-shot, all-around defenseman, Ristolainen is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.1 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen won’t be going anywhere if the Flyers remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race by the trade deadline, especially if he continues to boost their blueline. It could be a different story if they tumble down the standings between now and March 6.

THE LATEST FLAMES AND OILERS SPECULATION

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson believes it’s time for Flames general manager Craig Conroy to decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller in the trade market. Their last significant trade was on Jan. 30, 2025, when they acquired Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee from the Flyers.

Wilson acknowledged the Flames’ improvement through December, but pointed out that they remain in a transitional phase with a roster that isn’t close to being a Stanley Cup contender.

If Conroy decides to sell, he has two quality trade chips in defenseman Rasmus Andersson and two-way winger Blake Coleman. Andersson is UFA-eligible in July, while Coleman is signed through next season. Wilson noted that the Flames and Andersson have had months to hammer out a contract extension, suggesting that it’s unlikely they’ll get one done by the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy could be waiting to give his players enough time to see if they can play their way into a playoff berth. Had their early-season struggles carried over into December, he might’ve pulled the trigger by now.

Their performance in January could determine which lane Conroy takes. Based on their recent games, he could be leaning toward selling.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Gerry Moddejonge believes forwards Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic could be reaching the end of their tenures with the Oilers.

Both players haven’t met expectations this summer, and were both healthy scratches during the Oilers’ 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Moddejonge observed that Mangiapane has been the subject of recent trade rumors. As for Frederic, he thinks his story in Edmonton could end with a contract buyout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mangiapane is signed through next season with an average annual cap hit of $3.6 million and a full no-trade clause for this season. Frederic is in the first season of an eight-year deal with an annual cap hit of $3.85 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Oilers are reportedly working with Mangiapane’s agent to find a suitable trade destination. Given Frederic’s dreadful performance this season, it’s doubtful anyone will be interested in his contract.

Buying out Frederic’s contract when the buyout window opens in June will cost the Oilers over $2 million annually through the first seven years of the buyout, dropping to over $800k annually for the remaining seven years. It won’t be an expensive dent in their salary cap payroll during that time, but it’s still a long time to be carrying dead cap space.