The NHL rumor mill is churning with several notable players potentially on the move or facing uncertain futures as of October 26, 2025. Here's a breakdown of the latest buzz surrounding Pavel Zacha, Nazem Kadri, Artemi Panarin, and others:
Pavel Zacha Drawing Interest from Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly keen on acquiring Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks' interest in Zacha dates back to the summer, and they've been actively working the phones to find a target. Rick Dhaliwal reported the Canucks contacted the Bruins about Zacha. Friedman believes that the Canucks aren't on Zacha's no-trade list. Zacha is currently in the third year of his four-year, $19 million contract with a $4.75 million AAV. Friedman notes that the Bruins don't have to trade Zacha, as he has another year left on his contract and teams are looking for centers. Other teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and Philadelphia Flyers, have reportedly been searching for a second-line center.
Nazem Kadri Trade Talk Heats Up
Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri is another name surfacing in trade rumors. The Flames' poor start to the season has led to speculation about potential trades involving Kadri and other players. Kadri no longer has a no-movement clause, but instead has a 13-team no-trade list. Elliotte Friedman mentioned there is "zero chance" Kadri would be moved before playing his 1,000th career game. He is currently at 994 games. Kadri has three years remaining on his contract with a $7 million cap hit. The New Jersey Devils could be a potential fit for Kadri, as they are looking to acquire a third-line center.
Artemi Panarin's Future in New York Uncertain
Artemi Panarin's future with the New York Rangers is also a topic of discussion. The Rangers are reportedly assessing their team before making any decisions on Panarin. He is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.49 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026. Frank Seravalli believes the Rangers could consider moving Panarin as early as late February. If Panarin wants to remain with the Rangers, he will need to have an excellent season. The Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks have also been mentioned as potential destinations for Panarin.
Other Rumblings
- Patrik Laine: Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine faces an uncertain future with the team. He is currently sidelined after surgery to repair a core muscle injury and is expected to miss three to four months. Laine is in the final season of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
- Rasmus Andersson: Trade talk continues around Calgary's Rasmus Andersson, with his preferred destinations reportedly being Vegas or Dallas.
- Yegor Chinakhov: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has a new agent, Rick Komarow, who has permission to speak directly with teams about a trade.
- Oilers eyeing Tuch and Kempe: The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres and Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings.
- Flyers seeking defenseman: The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly looking to add a young defenseman to their roster.
- Jacob Markstrom Extension: Jacob Markstrom's camp requested a four- to five-year deal with the New Jersey Devils.
