NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2025

by | Nov 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2025

The latest on Predators winger Steven Stamkos and Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SUGGESTED LANDING SPOTS FOR STAMKOS

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon proposed five potential trade destinations for Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Dixon acknowledged the decline in the 35-year-old Stamkos’ production since last season. He doubted that a club would have to make a significant offer to Nashville to get him, especially if they can swing it without asking the Predators to retain part of his $8 million cap hit through 2027-28.

The Montreal Canadiens are atop Dixon’s list of sensible landing spots, followed by the Winnipeg Jets, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What wasn’t mentioned was Stamkos’ full no-movement clause. He’ll have the final say over possible landing spots, and there’s only one on this list that seems the most likely.

Recent reports also claim the Predators haven’t spoken with the aging star about a trade, though some observers believed they could entertain offers for him, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O’Reilly.

The Canadiens were rumored to have inquired about Stamkos, but that may have been due diligence on their part. If Stamkos passed on signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 because of all the attention he would’ve faced in that hockey-mad market, it’s doubtful he’ll be keen to come to Montreal, or any other Canadian market.

The Kraken could use a scoring star, and if Stamkos were five years younger, they’d probably jump on an opportunity to get him if he wanted to go to Seattle. But he’s no longer that scoring star, so he’s not a good fit there, and the same applies to Montreal and Winnipeg.

As for the Red Wings, they could use a boost to their secondary scoring, but defense remains their Achilles heel, and Stamkos can’t help them in that department.

That leaves the Hurricanes as the only sensible spot on this list. They’re in “win-now” mode and might benefit from Stamkos’ Stanley Cup experience. However, their pursuit of Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner last season indicates that they want younger scoring stars in their prime.

COULD THE FLYERS PURSUE QUINN HUGHES?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James noted the recent speculation swirling around Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. The Canucks are in sell mode with some of their veteran players, and while they’re not shopping the 26-year-old defenseman, some observers feel they could peddle him if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension next summer.

James noted the New Jersey Devils are considered the front-runners for Hughes, setting up a reunion with brothers Jack and Luke. However, hockey insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Philadelphia Flyers could be among the suitors if the former Norris Trophy winner becomes available.

According to James, it would take a package offer consisting of top draft picks, a top prospect, an NHL defenseman, and a winger to land Hughes. He doesn’t see the Flyers including winger Matvei Michkov and prospect Porter Martone in that deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports no one has told him that the Flyers would pursue Hughes if the Canucks put him on the trade block, but he thinks they could to land a player who could accelerate their rebuild.

Kurz believes Michkov, Martone, and Tyson Foerster are the only untouchables on the Flyers. He thinks it doesn’t make sense to part with players who seem destined to be part of the solution to upgrade another position. Instead, they could draw on their four first-round picks and their second-rounders over the next three years as trade chips.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It remains to be seen whether Hughes re-signs with the Canucks or gets traded next summer to a club that he’s willing to sign with. It wouldn’t be surprising if they look into the asking price for Hughes, but the Canucks could insist on Michkov or Martone being part of the return. If they’re untouchable, then the Flyers have slimmer odds of landing him.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2025

by | Nov 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2025

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

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

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

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

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

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

Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CANADIENS LINKED TO RYAN O’REILLY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV DENIES ANY INTEREST IN A TRADE

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2025

by | Nov 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2025

Could the Canadiens and Devils target the Predators for help in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports injuries have forced the Montreal Canadiens into the trade market, joining several other clubs that are searching for forwards.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes would like to add a second-line center. However, Dreger believes he’s also willing to add a winger.

Dreger said the problem is that there are so few sellers and the prices are high. That leaves the Canadiens and other clubs looking for answers internally.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont referenced Jeff Marek’s recent appearance on the Sekeres & Price Show, saying the Canadiens were among the teams that contacted the Nashville Predators to inquire about Steven Stamkos.

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

Dumont noted that Stamkos currently plays as a left winger for the Predators, his game has slowed considerably in recent years, and he has two more years on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. He thinks the Canadiens may be conducting due diligence rather than making a serious inquiry.

Instead, Dumont suggested Predators center Ryan O’Reilly as a better fit for the Canadiens. The 34-year-old is a left-hand shot and has put up decent numbers this season. He’s also more affordable, with a $4.5 million AAV through 2026-27. If the Predators shop him, their asking price could be a first-rounder and a top prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos also carries a full no-movement clause, but those factors cited by Dumont are good reasons why he’s not going to land in Montreal.

O’Reilly would be a better option, but Hughes’ trade acquisitions tend to be younger veterans who will fit well within the Canadiens’ long-term plans. He lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has it. It’s unlikely he’ll agree to be moved to a Canadian market after opting not to re-sign with Toronto a few years ago.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols referred to The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta’s recent appearance on “The Sheet With Jeff Marek”, where he told the host that he believes the Devils will be in the market for a “big fish” before the March 6 trade deadline.

Pagnotta didn’t speculate which players the Devils might target. Nichols pointed out they need depth at center, suggesting Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames and Ryan O’Reilly of the Predators. He also considered Nick Schmaltz of the Utah Mammoth as an option if he intends to test the free-agent market next summer.

Nichols also spoke with Marek, who suggested Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault of the Predators as two players who could help the Devils. He also suggested O’Reilly as an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Such a move by the Devils isn’t likely to happen until closer to March. Nichols observed that they’d have to move out a contract to free up cap space for one of those players, assuming they’re available by then.

Moving players like Forsberg, Kadri, O’Reilly, and Marchessault sound like moves that would take place during the offseason, usually around the NHL Draft in late June or during the opening days of free agency in early July.

Forsberg and Marchessault have full no-movement clauses, while Kadri has a 13-team no-trade list. Forsberg and Kadri also carry expensive contracts with several seasons remaining. As Nichols said, the Devils would have to shed salary to make room for those guys.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2025

by | Nov 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2025

Are changes coming for the struggling Predators? Could the Canadiens go shopping for a center? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty wondered if changes are coming for the fading Nashville Predators. They have a record of 6-10-4, sitting eighth in the Central Division. He pointed out that they were 6-11-3 after 20 games last year, going on to finish that season with the third-worst record in the league.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Daugherty believes there are only so many changes that general manager Barry Trotz can make. Most of his big contracts, including Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, have no-movement clauses. He frequently supported head coach Andrew Brunette.

Minor changes, such as trading players on expiring contracts (Erik Haula, Michael Bunting), would exacerbate the situation, even if they’re necessary in the long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daugherty doesn’t expect to see any improvement from the Predators with their current roster this season.

Stamkos and Marchessault have surfaced in the rumor mill. Still, even if they agree to waive their movement clauses, the decline in their production combined with the remaining term of their contracts could make them difficult to move and won’t fetch significant returns.

Ryan O’Reilly has also been mentioned recently as a trade target. The 34-year-old center is second among Predators scorers with 13 points and is still well-regarded for his two-way play. He also carries an affordable $4.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27 and lacks no-trade protection.

O’Reilly might draw more interest. However, like Stamkos and Marchessault, he won’t have the same value in the trade market that he might have had a couple of years ago.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is scouring the trade market for a center. Canadiens center Kirby Dach and versatile forward Alex Newhook are both sidelined by injuries.

Friedman indicated that Hughes was among the suitors for former Toronto Maple Leafs center David Kampf before the latter signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman didn’t mention any other potential targets for Hughes. One option could be John Beecher of the Boston Bruins, who was placed on waivers on Monday.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2025

by | Nov 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup, there’s a list of potential trade chips for the Predators. Meanwhile, Flames winger Blake Coleman is garnering some interest, and we look at a list of possible destinations for former Leafs center David Kampf.

THE LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty suggested some options for the Nashville Predators if general manager Barry Trotz becomes a seller by the March 6 trade deadline.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

He considers Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Nick Perbix, and Matthew Wood as untouchable. He believes center Ryan O’Reilly is their best trade chip, suggesting he might fetch a high pick and a good prospect.

Jonathan Marchessault is among those in Daugherty’s “only if the price is right” category. Forward Steven Stamkos and goaltender Juuse Saros have been oft-mentioned in early-season media trade speculation. Still, Daugherty believes it would be complicated getting them to waive their no-movement clauses.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Trotz would consider moving Stamkos and Marchessault if the Predators are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline.

Stamkos might be open to a change later in the season. However, it’s more than that he stays put.

It’s LeBrun’s understanding that a few teams have been poking around regarding Marchessault, who carries a more affordable cap hit ($5.5 million) than Stamkos’ $8 million average annual value. However, his contract is a year longer (running through 2028-29), and also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection. He’s signed through next season with an affordable AAV of $4.5 million. There was some interest in him last season, but the Predators treated O’Reilly as though he had a no-trade clause, leaving the final decision up to him. If that’s still the case, he might not be going anywhere.

It will be interesting to see how many teams would consider acquiring Stamkos and Marchessault. The respective performances of those aging stars will determine their value in the trade market, provided they’re willing to waive their no-movement clauses. 

FLAMES FORWARD BLAKE COLEMAN COULD BECOME A TRADE CANDIDATE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun noted the early-season trade speculation swirling around Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri and defenseman Rasmus Andersson. However, he wouldn’t be surprised if Blake Coleman was drawing more interest from rival clubs.

LeBrun said the Flames aren’t shopping the versatile 33-year-old winger. Nevertheless, he claimed that some teams have told general manager Craig Conroy that they would be interested in Coleman if he became available by the March 6 trade deadline.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period saying he believes that the Devils have also expressed interest in Coleman, who began his NHL career in New Jersey before getting traded to Tampa Bay during the 2019-20 season.

Nichols noted the Flames and Devils have a trade history, with Tyler Toffoli and Jacob Markstrom moving from Calgary to New Jersey in recent years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun indicated that Coleman has a modified no-trade clause (10-team approved trade list), giving him some control over the situation. He’s also signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.9 million.

LATEST ON DAVID KAMPF

TSN: Darren Dreger observed that the Toronto Maple Leafs will terminate the contract of David Kampf. The 30-year-old center will become a free agent on Friday once he clears unconditional waivers.

Dreger anticipates that there will be a long list of suitors for Kampf among teams in the market for centers. He said the Pittsburgh Penguins seem to have some interest. The Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks could also be among them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas brought Kampf to Toronto as a free agent in 2021 while GM of the Maple Leafs.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2025

by | Nov 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: we have updates on Flames center Nazem Kadri and Predators forward Steven Stamkos, plus the latest on the Mammoth and Devils.

THE FLAMES AREN’T INTERESTED IN MOVING NAZEM KADRI

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames ownership is telling people that they’re not interested in trading Nazem Kadri.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

The 35-year-old center has been the focus of trade speculation since the summer. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million. Multiple teams are seeking a second-line center who covets Kadri’s experience. However, he loves living in Calgary and wants to help the Flames win.

Dreger admits that things could change between now and the March 6 trade deadline. For now, the position of ownership is that Kadri is unavailable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The struggling Flames aren’t giving up on the season. Ownership’s unwillingness to move Kadri could put a damper on the media speculation for now. However, he’ll continue to be a trade target if the Flames remain mired near the bottom of the standings, especially if they’re still in that position when the calendar flips to January.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun considers the recent trade chatter swirling around Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos to be premature. He indicated that there haven’t been any conversations between management and the player, or the Predators, with other teams, about a trade.

However, LeBrun thinks the Predators could field calls about Stamkos if they’re out of the playoff hunt by the March trade deadline. However, the 35-year-old forward has a full no-movement clause. He would have a short list of acceptable destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’s age, movement clause, declining production, and his $8 million annual cap hit through 2027-28 will make him difficult to move during the season. This could be a deal that takes place during the offseason.

THE MAMMOTH COULD BE AGGRESSIVE BUYERS

TSN: Chris Johnston thinks the Utah Mammoth will be “extremely aggressive” as buyers by the March trade deadline. They’ve made no secret of their intent to reach the playoffs this season. Johnston points out they have plenty of trade capital in draft picks, prospects, and in salary-cap space if they wish to pursue high-ticket players, such as a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The patient rebuilding strategy of Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong is paying dividends this season. Even if they have a firm grip on a postseason berth by March, Armstrong could use his cap space and trade capital to bolster his roster for a deep playoff run.

COULD THE DEVILS PURSUE A DEFENSEMAN?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently expressed concern over the blueline depth of the Devils. He speculated that an early-season trade might be necessary if things don’t improve soon.

The Devils are missing sidelined defenseman Brett Pesce, who was recently placed on injured reserve. They’re also waiting for Johnathan Kovacevic to return from offseason knee surgery. Simon Nemec has been inconsistent, and Jonas Siegenthaler hasn’t had a strong start to this season.

Nichols believes that the Devils need another defensive-minded blueliner. He suggested Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, Vincent Desharnais of the San Jose Sharks, and Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins are potential trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils also lost Dougie Hamilton in their 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. That might prompt management to seek help if he’s out for a long time.

If Hamilton isn’t out for a lengthy period, the Devils might be willing to remain patient and wait for their sidelined blueliners to return. They’re currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, so there is no urgency to address their defense issues right now. However, that could change if those absences start adversely affecting their performance.