NHL Trade Talk Christmas Day Special: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Canadiens

Merry Christmas from everyone at NHL Trade Talk. Whether you’re sneaking away from family time, killing a few minutes before or after you open gifts, or scrolling through rumors while the coffee’s still hot, we appreciate you being here.

The NHL doesn’t stop buzzing just because it’s the holidays, and neither do the rumors. A roster freeze is only a freeze because no trades are actually made. Still, front offices are working phones, insiders are connecting dots, and several teams are quietly positioning themselves for major moves once the calendar flips.

With that in mind, here are three of the most compelling trade storylines worth watching as we head into the heart of the season.

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The Flames Are Open for Business — and Everyone Knows It

If there’s one team drawing more calls than anyone else right now, it’s the Calgary Flames.

According to Frank Seravalli and David Pagnotta, Rasmus Andersson, Blake Coleman, and Nazem Kadri are all drawing legitimate league-wide interest. Andersson, in particular, is a name to watch, with Dallas and Vegas emerging as potential suitors and “traditional no-tax contenders” expected to be in the mix. Coleman’s market is even broader — Seravalli has indicated as many as 20 teams have checked in.

Kadri is the wildcard. The Flames appear willing to retain salary if it brings back the right return, which could open doors for contenders that otherwise couldn’t fit his cap hit. The sense around the league is that Calgary isn’t rushing — but they’re listening. And once one piece moves, the rest may follow quickly.

Big Swings Coming — Rangers, Leafs, Kraken, Devils Circling

Several teams aren’t just looking to tinker — they’re looking to make noise.

David Pagnotta has reported that the New York Rangers are operating under a clear directive from ownership: go get a star and get back into the playoff conversation.

And despite confirmation from GM Brad Treliving that Auston Matthews has not asked for a trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain active as well, searching for help in the top six and added mobility on the blue line.

Meanwhile, Elliotte Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils are poised to clear cap space and stay busy.

The Seattle Kraken are another team to watch closely. They nearly made a splash for Jordan Kyrou at the draft and remain interested in a major addition. The common theme? These teams aren’t window shopping — they’re gearing up.

Quiet Moves, Goalie Questions, and One Last Wildcard

Not every rumor is about star forwards.

In Buffalo, the Sabres are expected to end their three-goalie experiment, creating questions around Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s future.

Ottawa continues canvassing the market for offense, with names like Brayden Schenn and Blake Coleman repeatedly surfacing.

And then there’s the holiday wildcard: Marc-André Fleury.

At 39 and technically retired, Fleury’s name has resurfaced in comeback chatter, with Edmonton and Montreal viewed as logical fits if the situation is right. Whether it’s a Cup chase or a storybook ending at home, it’s a reminder that in the NHL, even Christmas surprises aren’t off the table.

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