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.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2026

by | Jan 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2026

Could Igor Shesterkin’s injury force the Rangers to become sellers? What’s the latest on Kiefer Sherwood’s contract talks with the Canucks. What’s going on with the Maple Leafs and Jets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE RANGERS BECOME SELLERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered if Igor Shesterkin’s injury could force the New York Rangers into becoming sellers in the trade market. The 30-year-old goaltender injured his left leg during Monday’s game against the Utah Mammoth.

How long Shesterkin is sidelined has yet to be determined. Mecogliano believes there was already a strong case for the Rangers to take advantage of a seller’s market. A lengthy absence of their starting goalie could force them to face reality at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers moved Shesterkin onto their injured reserve list on Tuesday. They will reportedly continue to evaluate the severity of his injury while he’s on IR.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Rangers general manager Chris Drury won’t waste time shaking up his roster. An NHL source told him that Drury has let it be known that he’s willing to move a big name if he can swing an impact move, preferably a player-for-player swap.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Artemi Panarin’s status as an unrestricted free agent in July has made the 34-year-old winger the subject of interest in the rumor mill. Murphy’s source wondered if the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, or Detroit Red Wings might be interested.

It’s believed Drury has been gauging interest in forwards Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. Zibanejad is in the fourth year of an eight-year contract with a full no-movement clause. Trocheck is in the fourth season of a seven-year deal with a 12-team no-trade list.

Struggling young winger Brennan Othmann is also believed to be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury reportedly attempted to move Zibanejad last season, but he declined to waive his NMC and could do the same again this season. Trocheck’s limited NTC would make him easier to move, while Othmann lacks no-trade protection.

Panarin also has a full NMC. If the Rangers are out of contention heading into March, Drury could approach the playmaking winger about waiving it, but Panarin has complete control of this situation. He might only have one or two acceptable destinations, which would limit the return.

UPDATE ON KIEFER SHERWOOD’S CONTRACT SITUATION

TSN: Chris Johnston wondered what effect Christian Dvorak’s new contract with the Philadelphia Flyers would have on Kiefer Sherwood’s recent discussions with the Vancouver Canucks.

The Flyers signed Dvorak to a five-year extension with an average annual value of $5.15 million. He’s a center while Sherwood is a winger, but they’re around the same age, and the latter has outscored Dvorak this season.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported that the Canucks’ offer to the Sherwood camp is believed to be a four or five-year deal worth an AAV of over $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That rumor offer from the Canucks is a considerable pay raise over Sherwood’s current $1.5 million AAV. Whether that’s sufficient enticement to keep him out of the open market in July remains to be seen.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS AND JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports uncertainty over the injury status of Chris Tanev could push the Toronto Maple Leafs into the trade market for a defenseman. However, that market is thin on blueliners, with most of those available being third-pairing rearguards.

Dreger also reports that Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has acknowledged this club’s position at the bottom of the standings, but he isn’t giving up on this season. He’d like to bolster his offense, but there isn’t much available in the trade market. Dreger said it’s uncertain what Cheveldayoff is willing to part with to add a scorer to his roster.

OLYMPIC BREAK MIGHT NOT AFFECT THE TRADE DEADLINE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports he’s heard that some playoff contenders intend to wait until after the Olympic break in February to make their big moves in the trade market. One reason is that they don’t want to risk acquiring a player who is participating in the Olympics and then gets injured during the tournament. Additionally, most contenders have players who will be attending the Games.

LeBrun believes the moves that could take place before the Olympic break will be smaller to medium moves. However, he acknowledged there could be clubs desperate to save their seasons that could make a big move before then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Olympic break is from Feb. 6 to 24. The annual trade deadline is March 6 at 3 pm ET.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2026

by | Jan 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on Canucks forwards Kiefer Sherwood and Jake DeBrusk, plus an update on the trade rumors swirling about Oilers winger Andrew Mangiapane.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma and Patrick Johnston are skeptical that the Vancouver Canucks will re-sign Kiefer Sherwood.

Both pundits took note of Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report on Saturday about the Canucks making another contract offer to the Sherwood camp. The 30-year-old winger is on pace for a career-best season. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

Kuzma stated the prospect of the Canucks re-signing Sherwood is “highly unlikely,” claiming there’s not much appetite on their part to triple his $1.5 million salary. He also suggested that Sherwood could fetch a good return for the rebuilding Canucks, pointing to the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins as possible suitors.

Johnson didn’t rule out the possibility of the Canucks re-signing Sherwood. However, he doesn’t consider it likely after checking with his sources. Like Kuzma, he believes Sherwood will have more value to the Canucks as a trade chip.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks set in motion their rebuilding plans when they traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last month. That made it all but certain that Sherwood will be moved before the March 6 trade deadline.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato believes a playoff contender should attempt to acquire Jake DeBrusk from the Canucks.

DeBrusk is struggling in his second season in Vancouver, but the 29-year-old winger’s playoff experience would make him a good middle-six option for a contender seeking scoring depth. He also carries a reasonable annual average value of $5.5 million over the next five seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk has a full no-movement clause until 2027, but he might waive it for an opportunity to go to a contender. He hasn’t surfaced in the rumor mill yet, but the Canucks might be willing to listen to offers, especially if it involves young NHL players or high draft picks.

NO DEAL YET FOR ANDREW MANGIAPANE

EDMONTON JOURNAL: NHL insider Frank Seravalli told Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer that he felt the Oilers aren’t close to getting a trade done for Andrew Mangiapane.

Seravalli believes the Oilers have been in contact with a couple of teams. He thinks the second year of Mangiapane’s contract is a detriment, but they’re trying to work through that.

Mangiapane carries an AAV of $3.6 million on a two-year contract. He also has a full no-trade clause this season, but is reportedly willing to waive it to join a club where he’ll get more playing time.

Seravalli felt the Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils are two clubs that need scoring depth. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said Saturday that the Anaheim Ducks had been poking around a bit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Journal’s David Staples believes it could take several weeks to get a trade worked out for Mangiapane. He wondered if there could be a swap with the Ducks for center Ryan Strome if the Ducks were willing to retain half of his $5 million cap hit through 2026-27.

I proposed the same thing last week, but that was spitballing on my part. If it were that simple, it would’ve been done by now.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 4, 2026

by | Jan 4, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 4, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood and Oilers winger Andrew Mangiapane, plus a suggestion for the Hurricanes to upgrade their goaltending.

CANUCKS MAKE A NEW CONTRACT OFFER TO KIEFER SHERWOOD

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks made a new contract offer to Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and he’s having a career year.

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

Friedman believes “a sizable gap” remains between the two sides. He offered no timetable for a trade if they couldn’t agree to a new contract.

Iain MacIntyre mentioned Friedman’s report and noted that Sherwood remains committed to the Canucks this season despite the lack of progress in his contract negotiations. However, MacIntyre believes Sherwood’s age, his strong case to earn between $4 million and $5 million annually on his next contract, and the Canucks’ long-term commitments to winger Brock Boeser and Conor Garland make him a difficult fit for the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides could hammer out an agreement, but it sounds more likely that Sherwood will be shipped to the highest bidder before the March 6 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON ANDREW MANGIAPANE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman observed that the Edmonton Oilers made Andrew Mangiapane a healthy scratch for the second time in three games.

The 29-year-old winger is in the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million. He also has a full no-trade clause this season.

Friedman believes there is interest in Mangiapane, saying he’s heard the Anaheim Ducks had been poking around. Some clubs are concerned about the second year of his contract, while others don’t consider it an issue. Friedman thinks the Oilers will find a trade partner for Mangiapane at some point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have plenty of cap space and trade capital to bolster their roster as they push to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Last month, Friedman suggested Ducks forward Ryan Strome could be worth watching, pointing out that his playing time has been reduced, including being a healthy scratch several times. His $5 million cap hit would be pricey for the cap-strapped Oilers.

If the Ducks were to retain part of Strome’s cap hit, a swap for Mangiapane is possible. Whether that would happen is another matter.

WILL THE HURRICANES SHOP FOR A GOALTENDER?

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Justin Pelletier believes the Carolina Hurricanes should prioritize adding a goaltender after losing Pyotr Kochetkov to season-ending surgery.

Frederik Andersen remains healthy, but his injury history is a concern, and he has struggled in recent weeks. Call-up Brandon Bussi has played well, but it’s questionable if he can continue to handle the heavy workload.

The Hurricanes have the cap space to acquire a goaltender, but finding a suitable one will be challenging because there aren’t many available in the trade market. Pelletier suggested they target struggling clubs in the Western Conference. Potential targets include Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, or Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pelletier acknowledged Binnington’s poor numbers this season wouldn’t make him much of an upgrade. Demko’s three-year contract extension begins in July, and it’s doubtful the Canucks will move him unless he requests a trade. Cooley isn’t going anywhere after signing a two-year extension last week.










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.