Around the NHL: Trade Talks Heat Up, Ullmark Returns, and Contenders Make Their Moves
As the Olympic roster freeze looms, NHL front offices are buzzing. General managers across the league are working the phones, trying to finalize deals before the window closes. With the trade deadline inching closer and the Olympic break creating a natural pause, this is the time when contenders start making real moves-and pretenders start making tough decisions.
Let’s take a spin around the league and break down the biggest storylines heading into the final week of January.
Red Wings, Ducks Surging as January Winds Down
Let’s start with the standings, where a few surprises are shaking things up.
The Detroit Red Wings are having themselves a season. At 32-16-5, they’re not just leading the Atlantic Division-they’re tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the entire Eastern Conference. This is a team that’s found its identity and is playing with confidence, structure, and a little bit of swagger.
Out west, the Colorado Avalanche continue to pace the conference, but don’t sleep on the Anaheim Ducks. Winners of seven straight, Anaheim has gone from rebuilding to reloading in a hurry. Their recent form has them firmly on the radar as a team that could be active at the deadline-and maybe even dangerous in the postseason.
St. Louis Blues Set High Price Tags for Core Players
The St. Louis Blues are open for business-but they’re not having a fire sale. GM Doug Armstrong is reportedly listening on some of his veteran core, including Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, and Justin Faulk, but he’s not budging unless the offers are significant.
Faulk, a right-handed two-way defenseman, is drawing comparisons to the recent Rasmus Andersson trade, which saw Vegas give up a hefty package that may include two first-rounders and a young blueliner. That’s the kind of return Armstrong is eyeing, and he’s not afraid to wait it out.
Schenn, meanwhile, has been linked to Vegas as well-his ties to the organization and its leadership run deep. Other potential suitors include the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Minnesota Wild, all of whom could use a playoff-tested center with grit and leadership.
Thomas is the wildcard. He’s currently injured, carries a hefty $8.1 million cap hit through 2031, and has full trade protection.
That makes a deal tricky, but not impossible. For now, Schenn looks like the most likely to move, with Faulk not far behind.
Thomas? He’s a longer shot.
Linus Ullmark Returns, Lifts Spirits in Ottawa
One of the most uplifting stories of the week comes from Ottawa, where goaltender Linus Ullmark returned to the team after a personal leave of absence. He suited up as the backup in a dominant 7-1 win over the Golden Knights, and while he didn’t see the ice, his presence was felt throughout the locker room.
Ullmark hasn’t played since December 27, stepping away to focus on his mental health. At 32, he’s been open about his struggles, and his willingness to speak publicly about them has resonated across the league. His return is more than just a roster update-it’s a reminder that the game is bigger than goals and saves.
Statistically, Ullmark has been solid this season with a 14-8-5 record and a 2.95 goals-against average. But it’s his leadership and vulnerability that are making the biggest impact right now.
Quick Hits from Around the League
- **Rangers Shopping Panarin? ** Artemi Panarin has surfaced in trade talks, with New York Rangers GM Chris Drury reportedly asking for a first-round pick, a top prospect, and another asset. That’s a steep price, but Panarin’s offensive production makes it justified.
The Ducks and Red Wings are worth watching here-both have connections to Panarin through Patrick Kane and Joel Quenneville.
- Malkin Isn’t Done Yet Evgeni Malkin is still producing at over a point-per-game pace and has confirmed he’ll be back for another season. The Penguins legend isn’t ready to hang up the skates just yet.
- Devils’ Blue Line Banged Up Injuries on the back end have slowed down trade talks involving Dougie Hamilton. The Devils are likely holding off until they get a clearer picture of their defensive depth.
- **Lafrenière for Wright? ** There’s chatter around Alexis Lafrenière potentially being moved, and with Shane Wright available in Seattle, a former No. 1 pick swap isn’t out of the question. That’s the kind of blockbuster that could shake up two franchises.
- **Pettersson on the Move? ** The Vancouver Canucks are in the middle of trade talks involving some big names, and Elias Pettersson is at the center of it. The Hurricanes have emerged as a potential landing spot, and if this deal goes down, it could be one of the biggest of the season.
- Mid-Tier Centers Drawing Interest Teams looking for center depth have a few names to choose from.
Ryan Hartman (Wild) and Boone Jenner (Blue Jackets) are on the radar. Meanwhile, any talk of Ryan O’Reilly or Steven Stamkos being moved out of Nashville seems far-fetched at this point.
- Jets Looking to Re-Tool The Winnipeg Jets are fielding calls on several pieces, including prospect Brad Lambert and defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn.
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is walking the line between staying competitive and planning for the future. And yes, there’s some buzz about Jonathan Toews potentially joining a contender-maybe even reuniting with Patrick Kane in Detroit?
- **Olympic Watch: Who Replaces Brayden Point? ** With Brayden Point still recovering from injury, Team Canada may need to find a replacement. The shortlist includes Sam Bennett, Mark Scheifele, Wyatt Johnston, and Connor Bedard.
Each brings something different to the table, but the debate is heating up.
Final Thoughts
As the Olympic freeze approaches, the trade market is starting to simmer-and in some places, it’s already boiling. Contenders are trying to fine-tune their rosters, while others are looking ahead to the future. Whether it’s a blockbuster involving a star forward or a savvy depth move, the next couple of weeks are going to be critical in shaping the playoff picture.
Stay locked in. The NHL trade season is officially underway.