NHL Rumors Swirl Around Nylander, Kadri, and Potential East Coast Blockbuster
The NHL rumor mill is churning as the 2025-26 season gets underway, with speculation focusing on William Nylander's injury status in Toronto, Nazem Kadri's potential departure from Calgary, and a possible blockbuster move by an Eastern Conference contender.
Nylander's Injury Concerns in Toronto
Toronto Maple Leafs fans are holding their breath as William Nylander's availability remains uncertain. The star forward sustained a lower-body injury during a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, forcing him to miss Saturday's contest. Head coach Craig Berube is hopeful that Nylander can return to the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Calgary Flames, but his status remains up in the air. Nylander did not fully participate in Monday's practice.
Nylander's absence is a significant blow to the Maple Leafs, who have had an inconsistent start to the season. He currently leads the team in scoring with 14 points in eight games. Nylander has been a consistent and important player for the Leafs, having played in 266 consecutive games before this injury. His absence disrupts the team's offensive flow, and Berube is searching for solutions to fill the void. In Nylander's absence, players like Nicholas Robertson, Easton Cowan, and Matias Maccelli have stepped up.
Kadri's Future in Calgary
Nazem Kadri's future with the Calgary Flames is another hot topic of discussion. The Flames have struggled mightily this season, leading to questions about the future of their veteran players. While the Flames will not trade Kadri before he reaches his 1,000th NHL game, a milestone he is expected to reach around November 5th, the possibility of a trade looms large afterward. This decision is to honor Kadri's achievement in Calgary.
Several teams are expected to express interest in acquiring Kadri, who remains a productive player. Although he has a 13-team no-trade list, his offensive capabilities and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for contending teams. The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly already contacted the Flames to inquire about Kadri's availability. Montreal Canadiens may also be interested in Kadri.
Eastern Conference Contender Looking to Make a Splash
An unnamed Eastern Conference contender is reportedly prepared to make a significant move to bolster their roster. The Carolina Hurricanes, after several years of regular-season success and deep playoff runs, are determined to take the next step and win a Stanley Cup. General Manager Eric Tulsky has stated the organization is not afraid to "take big swings" to improve the team. The Hurricanes have been one of the hottest teams to start the 2025-26 season. They have a history of making bold acquisitions, including trading for Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall last year and acquiring K'Andre Miller this season.
