The NHL’s trade winds are picking up speed, and with the holiday season just around the corner, front offices across the league are setting the stage for what could be a wild stretch of roster shuffling. From contenders sniffing around for reinforcements to teams already leaning into a seller’s mindset, the rumor mill is buzzing. And while some names are no surprise, others are raising eyebrows.
Let’s break down the key teams and storylines shaping the early trade chatter.
Vancouver Canucks: Cautious Sellers, Not Fire-Sale Mode
The Vancouver Canucks have found themselves at the center of trade buzz lately, but don’t mistake activity for desperation. According to multiple insiders, Vancouver is among the more active teams in the early seller’s market, but they’re not rushing into anything. The approach is measured - think more surgical than sweeping.
Kiefer Sherwood is the name getting the most traction. While there was some early noise that a deal might be close, that talk has cooled.
A trade still feels likely, but the Canucks are content to let the market develop. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins have reportedly shown interest in both Sherwood and Conor Garland.
Garland’s name continues to swirl in rumors, but it’s worth noting his recent absence from the lineup was injury-related, not trade-related.
Vancouver’s front office is reportedly targeting young, NHL-ready players rather than draft picks - a clear sign they’re trying to retool rather than rebuild. They’re listening to all offers, but they’re looking for pieces that can step in and contribute now.
The Canucks are also still in the market for a centerman. Names like Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and Tyler Myers have surfaced as potential players in play. It’s a delicate balancing act: managing short-term competitiveness while keeping one eye on the long-term core.
Nashville Predators: Tension Mounting, Stars Drawing Interest
If there’s a team to keep a close eye on, it’s the Nashville Predators. According to reports, the atmosphere in the organization has turned downright toxic, with frustration bubbling over at multiple levels. That kind of tension tends to lead to big changes - and the rumor mill is already reflecting that.
Teams have started kicking tires on franchise cornerstones Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg. While any potential blockbuster involving those names would likely be a summer conversation, the fact that they’re being discussed at all speaks volumes about the current climate in Nashville.
Veterans like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault - both reportedly enjoying their time in Nashville but open to joining contenders - are also drawing interest. And while nothing’s imminent, the groundwork is clearly being laid.
Behind the bench, head coach Andrew Brunette is feeling the heat. Public backing from GM Barry Trotz has started to sound less than ironclad as the losses pile up. If the Predators don’t stabilize soon, changes could come fast - and not just on the ice.
There’s also a wrinkle with any potential big-name move: Tennessee’s no-state-income-tax status. Asking a player with a no-trade clause to waive it for a team in a high-tax state could amount to a significant pay cut. That’s a real factor in negotiations and could complicate deals involving star-caliber talent.
Edmonton Oilers: Goaltending Carousel Still Spinning
No team has been more connected to goaltending rumors than the Edmonton Oilers. And while Stuart Skinner’s recent shutout may have quieted the noise - at least temporarily - the situation in net remains a hot-button issue in Edmonton.
Skinner hasn’t asked out, according to reports, but the Oilers are doing their due diligence. They’re not looking to make a lateral move; if they go down the trade path, it has to be a clear upgrade.
Names like Tristan Jarry, Jordan Binnington, and Laurent Brossoit have all been linked to Edmonton in some capacity. The Oilers are also reportedly keeping an eye on Buffalo’s goaltending surplus.
Brossoit, in particular, is a name to watch. If talks with Chicago were to progress, salary retention could come into play to make the numbers work.
The bottom line: Edmonton is searching for stability in net, and the pressure is only mounting. Don’t expect the goalie storyline to fade anytime soon.
St. Louis Blues: Open for Business
The St. Louis Blues are another team that could be heading for a significant shakeup. According to league insiders, the Blues are exploring the idea of a “hard reset,” and no name appears to be off the table.
Jordan Binnington, already linked to Edmonton, is one of the key players whose future is being evaluated. But he’s not alone. Justin Faulk is another veteran who could be on the move, and the Blues are reportedly open to discussions that might’ve been non-starters in previous seasons.
This isn’t a full teardown - at least not yet - but it’s clear St. Louis is willing to entertain serious offers. They’re not just testing the market; they’re actively gauging what kind of return they can get for high-profile talent.
Calgary Flames: Clarity at the Top, Flexibility Below
The Calgary Flames may not be as aggressive in the rumor mill just yet, but they’re quietly positioning themselves for flexibility. GM Craig Conroy just signed an extension, and he’s quickly brought some clarity to the team’s direction after earlier mixed signals.
While President of Hockey Ops Don Maloney said the Flames weren’t heading into a sell-off, Conroy has made it clear that Calgary is evaluating all options with an eye on long-term improvement. That doesn’t necessarily mean a full-scale rebuild, but it does mean they’re open to reshaping the roster if the right opportunities arise.
They’re not front-and-center in the trade chatter - yet - but don’t be surprised if Calgary becomes more active as the market takes shape.
Looking Ahead
With December approaching and the standings starting to solidify, the NHL’s trade market is heating up fast. Some teams are already laying the groundwork for major moves, while others are waiting to see how the next few weeks unfold.
Whether it’s Vancouver’s calculated approach, Nashville’s internal turmoil, Edmonton’s goalie conundrum, or St. Louis’s willingness to reset, there’s no shortage of intrigue. And as always, the NHL has a way of throwing a few curveballs just when you think you’ve got the script figured out.
Buckle up - the next few weeks could get wild.