NHL Weekend Rumors: Hughes Uncertainty, Predators’ Sell-Off, and Trade Buzz

In our NHL rumors weekend report, injuries continue to be a storyline around the league, while trade speculation is kicking up. The Vancouver Canucks are one of the more talked-about teams given the uncertainty around their roster, while the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues may be selling.

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Hughes’ Future and Reichel on the Market

Vancouver continues to dominate the rumor mill, and not for small reasons. Rick Dhaliwal dropped the biggest nugget of the week on Canucks Talk, saying the Canucks could consider moving Quinn Hughes if—and it’s a massive IF—he doesn’t want to commit long-term. Vancouver isn’t shopping him, but internally, the possibility isn’t dismissed should negotiations ever stall. Add to that Pierre LeBrun’s update that the Canucks remain laser-focused on acquiring a center, though the market “just isn’t there right now.”

There’s also the situation surrounding Lukas Reichel, who Dhaliwal confirmed is available after only 13 games in Vancouver. Darren Dreger says Kiefer Sherwood could become a legitimate Canucks trade target closer to the deadline.

Predators, Flames, and Sharks Could Spark Major Trade Movement

Multiple insiders believe the Predators may be the first true seller this season. Chris Johnston thinks Nashville could “drop the first shoe,” while David Pagnotta went further, saying the Preds are willing to listen on “almost anybody.” That includes potential names like Filip Forsberg, who Jeff Marek openly wonders about if Nashville’s situation continues deteriorating. Meanwhile, forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos (via Montreal and Vancouver speculation) remain hot topics. Johnston even believes there’s more interest right now in Marchessault than Stamkos due to cost and term.

In Calgary, the disconnect between ownership and management remains a storyline. Kadri’s name continues coming up, though LeBrun reports Flames ownership doesn’t want him traded, even as Montreal keeps showing interest.

And over in San Jose, Mario Ferraro remains a name to watch, with teams calling since the start of the season.

Stars, Panthers, Sabres, and Leafs: Pressure Builds

The Dallas Stars are ready to talk extension with Jason Robertson the moment he and his agent return to the table, according to Pierre LeBrun. Meanwhile, in Florida, the Panthers aren’t planning to replace Aleksander Barkov’s $10 million cap hit because they believe he’ll be back for the playoffs—unless that changes, they’ll remain quiet buyers.

Buffalo’s situation in net is worth monitoring. Friedman believes Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could become frustrated if the Sabres’ crowded crease affects his Olympic aspirations. For Montreal’s goalie hunt, Friedman doesn’t believe the Red Wings would split up their strong tandem, leaving UPL as the most interesting potential option.

In Toronto, James Mirtle says pressure is dialed up to the max with a reshaped ownership group evaluating everything. A “brutal season” could trigger sweeping changes, and the Leafs continue to search for a puck-moving defenseman and scoring help. Their market is active—money is the problem.

Blues’ Fire Sale Nearing

The St. Louis Blues continue trying to shake things up, but Frank Seravalli says they haven’t found many willing trade partners. David Pagnotta reports players like Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, Jordan Kyrou, and Pavel Buchnevich have value, but St. Louis is waiting for opportunities.

The Blues haven’t gotten to the point where they’re prepared to pull the trigger on massive trades, but GM Doug Armstrong is making and taking calls.

Next: Oilers’ 2015 Trade Still Stands as the Biggest Blunder of McDavid Era