Early Trade Talk: Matthews and More as NHL Teams Flip to 2026

With the calendar officially turned to 2026, NHL front offices are already eyeing their respective rosters and, inevitably, the NHL trade deadline. January always flips the switch from speculation to strategy, and a handful of recognizable names are quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) surfacing in the rumor mill.

Some moves feel obvious, maybe even imminent. Others could shake up the league. Here are the early trade rumors that are making the most noise to start the year.

---

Rasmus Andersson Is Still Calgary’s Biggest Decision

If the Calgary Flames decide to sell, Rasmus Andersson remains the obvious starting point. A right-shot defenseman who can log big minutes and play in all situations will always have value, especially for teams gearing up for a playoff run.

Calgary hasn’t committed to a complete teardown, but Andersson’s contract status and the potentially significant return make him a prime candidate. If GM Craig Conroy decides to cash in, the return could be worth giving up on any attempts to re-sign him—particularly from contenders desperate to stabilize their blue line.

Auston Matthews And A Rare Moment Of Toronto Unease

This is the one nobody in Toronto wants to talk about—but everyone is watching closely.

There’s growing league chatter that Auston Matthews isn’t entirely comfortable with how this season has unfolded. Perhaps he’s growing tired of the pressure that comes with playing in Toronto. Nothing has been said publicly, and there’s no official trade request. Still, when a superstar looks frustrated, the noise follows.

Injuries, relentless pressure, and the post-Marner adjustment have all been floated as possible factors. Whether fair or not, the speculation has opened the door to something unthinkable even a year ago: could the Leafs at least listen if things don’t improve?

Teams like San Jose and Detroit have been loosely connected—not because a deal is likely, but because they’re among the few with assets and flexibility even to imagine such a conversation. Toronto may ultimately shut this down entirely, but 2026 feels like a year where the Leafs may choose to get proactive rather than dismissive.

Andrew Mangiapane’s Time In Edmonton Looks Short

Things have unraveled quickly for Andrew Mangiapane in Edmonton.

The Oilers hoped a bump up the lineup might spark something, but that experiment fizzled almost immediately. His ice time evaporated, his role shrank, and it became clear the coaching staff had moved on. He says he’s happy in Edmonton, but with under eight minutes per game and following reports, he’s open to waiving his no-trade clause, the writing is on the wall.

This isn’t just about performance. Edmonton needs flexibility. Moving Mangiapane’s contract clears valuable cap space—money the Oilers will need if they’re serious about fixing their depth scoring. Bob Stauffer has already hinted the team is hunting for forward help, particularly to revive a third line that hasn’t delivered.

At this point, Mangiapane feels less like a “maybe” and more like a matter of timing.

Morgan Rielly And The Leafs’ Blue-Line Crossroads

While Matthews headlines the noise, Morgan Rielly’s name often pops up.

Toronto’s blue line issues, particularly with key injuries becoming a factor, have created a need to re-evaluate. If the Maple Leafs decide to reshuffle rather than tweak, Rielly could become a serious trade chip. He’s proven, experienced, and capable of playing heavy minutes—but also represents one of the few ways Toronto could meaningfully change its roster without touching the core forwards.

If the Leafs stumble again, expect Rielly’s name to circulate more aggressively. He holds a a full no-move clause in his deal, so ultimately, it’s up to him whether he stays or goes.

The Goalie Market Could Get Weird

It wouldn’t be an NHL deadline without goaltending drama.

Stuart Skinner has surfaced in speculative conversations, not because Pittsburgh is already eager to move him, but because the goalie market always tightens as contenders look for insurance. The Pens have a surplus of netminders and will need to choose two, three at most. A deadline change of scenery is likely if he picks up his play ahead of the postseason. Skinner’s situation is worth monitoring as the Penguins remain among the most aggressive teams in the NHL.

Marc-Andre Fleury is still floating around at on-ice sessions and could come out of retirement. Sellers could start to consider making moves, and the Montreal Canadiens are trying to evaluate the strength of their two goaltenders.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 trade talk doesn’t feel quiet—it feels uncertain. Plenty of storylines could go in several directions. Big names are being discussed earlier than usual, cap space is once again a weapon, and teams aren’t as patient as they once were.

Whether it’s a surprising superstar conversation in Toronto, a necessary cap dump in Edmonton, or a steady defenseman finally on the move in Calgary, this year has all the ingredients for chaos. And January is just the beginning.

Next: Why Connor Bedard Isn’t “Good Enough” for Team Canada