Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 2) – March 1, 2026

by | Mar 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 2) – March 1, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Red Wings, Golden Knights, Sabres, and Blackhawks in Part 2 of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR RANGERS’ ADAM FOX & BRENNAN OTHMANN

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported Friday that Adam Fox offered up a noncommittal comment about his future with the Rangers following the club’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (NHL Images).

When asked if he wanted to stay with the Rangers as they retool their roster, Fox said he was just trying to focus on this season. “That’s really all I can do right now…That’s a conversation for when we’re done playing.”

Walker believes it’s been difficult for Fox and his teammates to deal with the Rangers’ decision in January to retool, which included trading superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings last month. She indicated there is uncertainty about what the team will look like in the foreseeable future and how long it’ll take to return to contender status.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury met with the Rangers’ leadership group (including Fox) and those locked into long-term contracts. At the time, it seems all of them were willing to see it through, which was contrary to Fox’s comments on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox’s remarks have already rippled around the league. No one is suggesting that he’s available at the trade deadline or that he wants out of New York, but his comments leave the door open for speculation about his future with the Rangers. It could be something to monitor during the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes it’s time to accept the reality of Brennan Othmann’s situation with the Rangers. The 23-year-old has bounced between the Blueshirts and their AHL affiliate since 2024. He has one goal in 17 games this season, and his play away from the puck has drawn criticism from head coach Mike Sullivan.

Baugh reports the Rangers are open to trading Othmann. They have a logjam of bottom-six forwards, and it would be best for everyone if he were moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Baugh pointed out that Othmann is the latest in a long list of recent developmental letdowns for the Rangers, a problem that predates the current management. Of the nine first-rounders they selected from 2017 to 2021, only Alexis Lafreniere and Braden Schneider are still with the team, and both of them are considered trade candidates.

PROPOSED DEFENSE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE RED WINGS

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently listed Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Braden Schneider of the Rangers as potential blueline trade targets for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen’s list was published before last Thursday’s news that the Red Wings have an offer on the table for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers.

If Myers declines to accept a trade to Detroit, perhaps the Red Wings will shift their focus to those defensemen listed by Allen.

WHAT COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND SABRES DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster believes the Vegas Golden Knights could attempt to acquire a top-nine forward before the March 6 trade deadline, preferably one who can add scoring among their middle-six.

The Golden Knights can’t do anything unless they place William Karlsson on season-ending long-term injury reserve. Karlsson hasn’t played since Nov. 8, and there are varying reports suggesting he could be done for the season or might return in time for the playoffs.

Putting Karlsson on season-ending LTIR would free up $3.5 million in salary-cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights always seem to surprise us around this time of year with their salary-cap gymnastics to make moves that bolster their roster. They’ll definitely do something if Karlsson hits SLTIR for the season.

THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres on the verge of ending their 14-year playoff drought, Matthew Fairburn recently examined what would be an ideal trade deadline for the club.

Retaining Alex Tuch tops that list. The 29-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s still unsigned, but Fairburn believes it would be a mistake to trade such an important core player. Both sides have plenty of time before July 1 to negotiate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch’s not going anywhere at the trade deadline. While they would risk losing him to free agency on July 1, moving him now could jeopardize their chances of ending their long playoff drought. It would send the wrong message to his teammates, and to the club’s long-suffering fans.

Fairburn also believes the Sabres must add another defenseman and a forward. Given their limited salary-cap space, he recommends affordable additions such as Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs, or Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a long time since the Sabres were deadline buyers. They won’t go crazy, largely because of their salary-cap limitations, but they could attempt to add an affordable rental or two.

THE LATEST BLACHAWKS SPECULATION

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported the Blackhawks attempted to work out a contract with UFA-eligible forward Ilya Mikheyev. However, they’ve been unsuccessful thus far, and he’s “out there” in the trade market.

Friedman also wondered about promising defenseman Kevin Korchinski. The Blackhawks have a lot of young blueliners. The 21-year-old Korchinski has spent the past two seasons in the minors, and Friedman speculated he could become available for the right price.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?

Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.

Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.

THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN

Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.

Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.

Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.

He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.

The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2026

by | Jan 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2026

A record-setting night for the Red Wings’ Patrick Kane, the Sabres’ Alex Tuch and Alex Lyon, the Hurricanes’ Brandon Bussi, and the Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Patrick Kane collected an assist to set the league record for most career regular-season points by a U.S.-born player (1,375), but his Detroit Red Wings dropped a 4-3 decision to the Washington Capitals on a shootout goal by Nic Dowd. Jacob Chychrun had three assists and Dylan Strome a goal and an assist for the Capitals (26-22-7), who blew a 3-1 lead as Alex DeBrincat tallied twice to force overtime and the shootout for the 32-17-6 Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane surpassed Hall of Famer Mike Modano, who gave a videotaped tribute to the Red Wings stars that was aired after the record was broken. The next milestone for Kane is to become the first American-born player to reach the 1,400-point milestone.

The Capitals were without starting goaltender Logan Thompson for this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Backup Charlie Lindgren suffered a lower-body injury near the end of overtime, but toughed it out and remained in goal for the shootout rounds. Lindgren was helped off the ice by his teammates following Dowd’s winning goal.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch tallied a hat trick in a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Alex Lyon made 37 saves, and Jack Quinn collected three assists for the 31-17-5 Sabres, extending their win streak to five games. Adrian Kempe replied for the Kings (22-17-13) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch’s hat trick set a new NHL record for the most in one calendar month (30). Meanwhile, Lyon set a franchise record with his 10th consecutive win.

Third-period goals by Andrei Svechnikov, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Jordan Staal rallied the Carolina Hurricanes from a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Utah Mammoth 5-4. Svechnikov and Gostisbehere finished the game with two goals and an assist each as the Hurricanes (33-15-5) hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 71 points. Kailer Yamamoto had two goals and an assist for the 28-22-4 Mammoth as their win streak ended at four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi set an NHL record as the fastest goaltender to earn 20 career regular-season wins, accomplishing the feat in 24 games.

New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored what proved to be the winning goal as his club held off the New York Rangers 2-1. Former Ranger Carson Soucy also scored for the Islanders (30-19-5) as they collected their third straight win. Mika Zibanejad replied for the 22-27-6 Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer has four game-winning goals, breaking Hall of Famer Denis Potvin’s franchise record for the most in a season by a rookie defenseman. He now has 14 goals this season, moving past the legendary Bobby Orr for the second-most by an 18-year-old NHL rookie blueliner. Hall of Famer Phil Housley holds the record with 17 goals.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki had two goals and an assist in a 7-3 upset over the Colorado Avalanche. Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, Oliver Kapanen, and Zach Bolduc each collected two points for the Canadiens (30-17-7). Brock Nelson, Joel Kiviranta, and Ross Colton scored for the 35-8-9 Avalanche, who lead the league with 79 points but are 2-4-2 in their last eight contests.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a goal and two assists each from Darren Raddysh and Yanni Gourde to down the Winnipeg Jets 4-1. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the 34-14-4 Lightning, who’ve won 16 of their last 18 games and hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 72 points. Kyle Connor scored for the Jets (21-25-7).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh returned to action after missing 15 games with a lower-body injury.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson’s shootout goal lifted his club to a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Mavrik Bourque scored twice for the 31-14-9 Stars, who had a 4-1 lead until the Golden Knights (24-14-14) rallied on third-period goals from Reilly Smith, Ivan Barbashev, and Mitch Marner to tie the game. The Stars have won three straight, while the Golden Knights hold first place in the Pacific (64 points) but are 1-3-2 in their last six contests.

The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 3-0 deficit to nip the San Jose Sharks 4-3 on an overtime goal by Zach Hyman. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard each had a goal and two assists, and Connor McDavid netted a goal and an assist for the 28-19-8 Oilers, who have won three straight games. Collin Graf, Adam Gaudette, and Michael Misa scored for the Sharks (27-21-4).

Boston Bruins forwards Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten each had a goal and two assists to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3. Jeremy Swayman kicked out 33 shots for the Bruins (32-20-3), who are 10-1-1 in their last 12 games. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the 24-20-9 Flyers, who have dropped three straight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston center Pavel Zacha left this game midway through the second period with an upper-body injury. The Bruins were already shorthanded as Elias Lindholm missed this contest with an upper-body injury. Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson left the game with an apparent injury to his right leg.

An overtime goal by Nico Hischier gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Jacob Markstrom turned aside 27 shots while Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt also scored for the 28-24-2 Devils. Michael McCarron and Filip Forsberg replied for the Predators (24-23-6) as their losing skid extended to three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils center Jack Hughes left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. It’s not considered serious, but he will be reevaluated on Friday.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha had a goal and two assists as his club beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2. Connor Dewar tallied twice for the Penguins (27-14-11) as they collected their fifth straight victory. Connor Murphy and Connor Bedard scored for the 21-24-9 Blackhawks, who are 0-2-2 in their last four games.

St. Louis Blues winger Jimmy Snuggerud’s goal with nine seconds left in the third period lifted his team to a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers. Jordan Kyrou had a goal and two assists for the 20-25-9 Blues, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Matthew Tkachuk tallied two goals and picked up an assist for the Panthers 28-22-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Brad Marchand missed the third period with an undisclosed injury. The Blues activated Oskar Sundqvist from injured reserve for this game but placed winger Dylan Holloway (ankle) on IR.

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1. Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves while Kiril Kaprizov had a goal and an assist for the 31-14-10 Wild. Morgan Frost scored for the 21-26-6 Flames, who are winless in their last five (0-3-2).

Vancouver Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo turned in a 32-save shutout to blank the Anaheim Ducks 2-0. Drew O’Connor and Teddy Blueger scored for the Canucks (18-31-5) as they ended a three-game losing skid. Lukas Dostal turned aside 24 shots for the 28-23-3 Ducks, who have dropped two straight games.

Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright scored twice in a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jared McCann and Brandon Montour each had a goal and an assist for the 25-19-9 Kraken as they collected their third straight win. Nick Robertson and Morgan Rielly replied for the Maple Leafs (24-21-9), who are 0-5-1 in their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken forward Berkly Catton exited this game midway through the first period with an undisclosed injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2025

by | Dec 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2025

The holiday roster freeze is in effect until 12:01 am ET on Dec. 28. However, the NHL Rumor Mill churns on. Check out the latest on the Sabres and Blues.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato looked at the most important issues that Jarmo Kekalainen must resolve as the new general manager of the Buffalo Sabres. Kekalainen took over the role after Kevyn Adams was fired on Monday.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Alex Tuch’s contract situation tops the list. The 29-year-old winger is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July, and the Sabres can’t afford to lose him for nothing if the two sides fail to agree to a contract extension. That means he could become available by the March 6 trade deadline.

It’s rumored that the Tuch camp seeks a long-term contract worth slightly more than the $10.625 million average annual value that winger Adrian Kempe will earn with the Los Angeles Kings starting next season.

SPETOR’S NOTE: Amato speculated that the Sabres might have to overpay to keep Tuch. He believes they afford the optics of moving on from another talented player, especially one who’s a native Western New Yorker.

However, Kempe plays a more valuable role with the Kings as their leading scorer, which is why he got that expensive long-term deal. Tuch doesn’t play the same role with the Sabres.

Amato also believes they must sort out their current three-goalie system. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s stats aren’t as good as they were last season, Alex Lyon is a veteran stopgap who can’t handle a starter’s workload, and Colten Ellis appears to have some upside.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres had to bring in Ellis when Luukkonen was sidelined earlier this season. All three goalies must clear waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate. Given the limited goaltending depth in the trade market, they don’t want to risk losing one of them to waivers.

The Sabres could prefer retaining Ellis, making Luukkonen or Lyon potential trade chips. Amato wondered if the Kings would view Lyon as a short-term replacement for sidelined starter Darcy Kuemper. He also wondered if the Montreal Canadiens would be interested in Luukkonen if young Jacob Fowler can’t solve their goaltending woes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings picked up a 2026 second-round pick when they traded center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday before the holiday roster freeze went into effect. They could use that pick as trade bait for a goalie.

The Canadiens’ addition of Danault suggests that they’re not yet ready to go goalie shopping. However, that might change if starter Sam Montembeault continues to struggle and if Fowler and Jakub Dobes can’t hold the fort.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford and Chris Johnston examined which big-name players on the St. Louis Blues could become trade candidates. Here’s a look at those considered the most likely:

Goaltender Jordan Binnington is one possibility. He’s got a year left on his contract and could be moved if they’re out of contention in the New Year. The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings were mentioned as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington has an annual cap hit of $6 million and a 14-team no-trade list. The Canadiens and Red Wings could be on it. Both teams seem willing to stick with their current goaltenders, though that could change if they struggle in the coming weeks.

Defenseman Justin Faulk’s stock is currently high, making him a likely trade candidate. His $6.5 million cap hit through next season is manageable for contending teams. The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Utah Mammoth might be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Faulk’s cap hit is manageable if you’ve got the cap room. The Panthers and Maple Leafs do not, meaning it would have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario, or freeing up cap space via separate cost-cutting trades.

The Mammoth are a more likely option, provided they’re not on Faulk’s 15-team no-trade list. They currently have over $8 million in cap space and a projected $23 million at the trade deadline.

Center Brayden Schenn has frequently come up in trade rumors since last season. His full no-trade clause changed to a 15-team no-trade list this season, but it’s expected the Blues would treat their captain with the respect he deserves. The lack of quality centers in the trade market makes him a tempting target, but there might not be as much interest as there was a year ago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this week, Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he would want full value if he trades his notable players. Instead of draft picks, he wants a young NHL player who can contribute immediately.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2025

by | Dec 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup, we have the latest on Sabres winger Alex Tuch, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and winger Ondrej Palat, plus updates on the Blues and Oilers.

ALEX TUCH SEEKS A CONTRACT LARGER THAN ADRIAN KEMPE’S DEAL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal referenced a report claiming that former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams revealed that Alex Tuch seeks a contract bigger than that of winger Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings.

Kempe, 29, signed an eight-year extension with the Kings in November that was worth an average annual value of $10.625 million.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

During TSN’s Overdrive show, insider Darren Dreger said that the 29-year-old Tuch “is looking for money just beyond Adrian Kempe.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Tuch is actually seeking more than Kempe, he is overrating his value.

Since Kempe’s breakout performance in 2021-22, he’s been the Kings’ leader with 150 goals and 297 points in 351 games. He’s also their leader in shorthanded goals (10) and game-winning goals (26).

Over the same period, Tuch is second among Sabres scorers with 117 goals and third in points with 271 in 312 games. He also has a team-leading 10 shorthanded goals and 21 game-winning goals.

Kempe has played more games than Tuch, but he’s far more important to the offensively starved Kings than Tuch is to the Sabres. 

That said, Tuch can make a case for $10 million annually, but the Sabres were reportedly unwilling to go that high. If that remains the case after their management change, he’ll be playing elsewhere before the March 6 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON AND ONDREJ PALAT

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat addressed recent rumors claiming the club was trying to move them in cost-cutting trades.

Hamilton repeated what he said during training camp when asked about rumors that surfaced during the summer, saying he signed with the Devils because he believes he can help them win the Stanley Cup. He brushed off a question about whether he’d waive his no-trade clause, saying it’s not something he thinks about.

Palat was more direct when he was asked about the rumors. He said that general manager Tom Fitzgerald hasn’t approached him about a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those rumors about Hamilton and Palat surfaced in the aftermath of the Vancouver Canucks trading Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last Friday. The Devils were among the clubs that made a legitimate offer, but they had to clear cap space to absorb Hughes’ $7.85 million cap hit. When they couldn’t, the Canucks jumped at the offer from the Wild.

Having lost out on the Hughes sweepstakes, it’ll be interesting to see what Fitzgerald does to bolster his roster and whether Hamilton or Palat would be part of it in one way or another.

BLUES READY TO CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is willing to consider all his options regarding his roster, including the possibility of trades.

Armstrong remains hopeful that his struggling team will go on a run to secure a playoff position. However, he’s realistic about his club’s current situation, saying he’s starting to field calls from other clubs that he wouldn’t entertain otherwise, admitting teams are kicking tires.

The Blues GM isn’t ruling out a December trade, but he’s most likely to be preparing for moves later in the season, either before the Olympic roster freeze in February or the March 6 trade deadline.

Some of the Blues mentioned in trade rumors (goaltender Jordan Binnington, center Brayden Schenn, defenseman Justin Faulk) are players Armstrong could have an incentive to move because they’re in their thirties with term left on their contracts.

Armstrong is open to offers for those players, each of whom has some form of no-trade protection. However, he stressed that he’ll want full value in any trade, hoping to add to his younger core of players rather than adding draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong could start peddling players by mid-January if the Blues haven’t reversed their fortunes by then. Binnington has a 14-team no-trade list, while Schenn and Faulk have 15-team no-trade lists.

Teams could also be interested in some of the Blues’ younger players. Jordan Kyrou has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill since June. However, he now has a full no-trade clause, and Armstrong would likely prefer hanging onto him.

THE OILERS MIGHT NOT BE DONE ADDING TO THEIR ROSTER

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reports Oilers insider Bob Stauffer believes the Oilers aren’t done making moves after trading goalie Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for netminder Tristan Jarry.

Stauffer thinks the Oilers could pursue a top-nine forward. He felt they could consider adding a player comparable to Vasily Podkolzin, who wasn’t initially considered a “sexy” addition but has since become a valuable role player.

Staples pointed out that the Oilers are in desperate need of offense from their third line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with the swap of Skinner for Jarry, salary-cap space will be an issue for the Oilers. It’ll have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move, or a separate cost-cutting deal to free up room for that third-line forward.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2025

by | Dec 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2025

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is drawing more interest, the latest on the Maple Leafs, an update on Alex Tuch’s contract situation following the Sabres’ change in management, the Flyers seek a center, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

GROWING INTEREST IN FLAMES DEFENSEMAN RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: In the wake of the Vancouver Canucks trading defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last Friday, Kent Wilson recently examined the implications of that deal for the Flames.

With Hughes off the trade block, the Flames’ Rasmus Andersson becomes the best defenseman available. He’s not on the same skill level as Hughes and won’t fetch a comparable return. The Wild shipped three promising young players (Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, and Liam Ohgren) and a 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

The Hughes trade could also raise interest in Flames forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman. Potential suitors include the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames received an increase in calls about Andersson after the Quinn Hughes trade.

Andersson, 29, is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July. LeBrun wonders if the Flames will move him as a rental player or attempt a sign-and-trade scenario in order to get a better return.

The Toronto Maple Leafs attempted to acquire Andersson at last season’s trade deadline. LeBrun said they’ve circled back on him. They are believed to be among the teams that Andersson would consider with, if a trade can be worked out between the two clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson’s rumored willingness to sign with Toronto is likely tied to his relationship with Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, who was GM of the Flames for most of Andersson’s tenure in Calgary.

LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving would like to add one or two top-six forwards. However, the Leafs’ lack of depth in their prospect pool could hamper those efforts.

Dreger later said that the Maple Leafs have continued interest in Rasmus Andersson or another top-four defenseman in the trade market. He also mentioned that they could use a top-line winger to skate alongside center Auston Matthews.

NESN: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Boston Bruins attempted to acquire Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth last summer before he was traded to the Maple Leafs.

Maccelli hasn’t been a fit with the Maple Leafs, who would be open to moving him. Friedman isn’t sure if the Bruins would still be interested in the struggling winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with Andersson, any attempt by the Leafs to land one of the bigger names in the trade market will be hindered by their limited number of tradable assets on their roster and within their prospect pipeline.

Treliving will wait and see if the asking prices go down or if more players become available as more teams drop out of the playoff race. However, that might not come soon enough to bring in the help the Leafs need.

UPDATE ON ALEX TUCH’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE SABRES

TSN: Contract extension discussions with Alex Tuch’s representatives are among the issues facing Jarmo Kekalainen, who replaced Kevyn Adams on Monday as the Buffalo Sabres new general manager.

Kekalainen told reporters on Tuesday that he intends to take charge of the situation. He said the teams appreciate and like Tuch, and want to get him signed. The 29-year-old winger is UFA-eligible next summer. He’s completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

Pierre LeBrun reports Kekalainen had a pretty good feel for what his predecessor discussed with the Tuch camp. According to LeBrun, the previous negotiations fizzled because the Sabres weren’t willing to go double digits on the AAV (over $10 million annually).

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek believes the Dallas Stars could be a good destination for Alex Tuch. He thinks the Stars are going for it again this season and believes Tuch would fit in well with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch will depart via free agency next July unless Kekalainen can somehow talk him down from $10 million annually. If so, expect the veteran winger to become available leading up to the March 6 trade deadline.

FLYERS SEEK A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers are seeking another center, specifically for their fourth line. It might also make sense for them to add a middle-six center, given Noah Cates’ struggles in the faceoff circle.

If UFA-eligible centre Christian Dvorak opts to head to market next summer, Kurz wondered if the Flyers might get more aggressive and pursue a higher-end option like Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues or Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators.

Kurz doesn’t see the Flyers dangling their high-end young players or top prospects as trade bait. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to part with some of their future assets for a player who could help them make a playoff push.

KINGS CENTER PHILLIP DANAULT REPORTEDLY REQUESTS A TRADE

RG.ORG’s Marco D’Amico reports sources indicating that center Phillip Danault has requested a trade. His camp hopes to secure a deal sooner rather than later, perhaps before the upcoming NHL holiday roster freeze (Dec. 20-27).

D’Amico said the Kings are willing to wait it out because they seek a player-for-player trade. The Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams reportedly interested in Danault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Kings aren’t inclined to move Danault without a good reason because good centers are hard to come by in this season’s trade market. A trade request could be the inclination they need.