In today’s NHL rumors, the Vancouver Canucks have told Evander Kane to look for a trade deal as questions and a big decision loom over Thatcher Demko’s season. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabers may be nearing a major contract extension with one of their top forwards, and the Minnesota Wild could have a surprise contingency plan as trade talks intensify surrounding their top goaltender.
Canucks allow Evander Kane’s agent to explore trade options
The Vancouver Canucks appear to be pushing for trade talks involving Evander Kane after signing his agent, Dan Milstein permission to help facilitate a possible move. While no deal is in the works, there are a number of teams that are in disarray. Kane’s agent, who is speaking to interested parties, will gauge the market on demand for the forward.
Kane, 34, remains a recognizable power forward with play-off experience, but his contract and fitness may not appeal to everyone. Getting a sense of what’s available is the best way to assess what return is available, and Kane gets an idea of where he fits into a contender’s roster.
Related: NHL 2025-26 Power Rankings: Week 16
Teams like the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings are loosely linked in trade speculation.
Canucks face a tough decision regarding Thatcher Demko’s season
Another major storyline in Vancouver revolves around Thatcher Demko’s health. According to TSN insider Darren Dregerresults of recent medical tests are expected soon, with the Canucks set to tackle Demko’s direction this week.
Demko’s injury pattern raises serious concerns. He has returned several times, looked strong and then suffered setbacks. With Vancouver slipping in the standings, there is growing belief that shutting down Demko for the remainder of the season could be a responsible move.
The Canucks may have to step in and prioritize a full recovery. When Demko is healthy, he is an elite netminder. But if you continue to push through recurring problems, you risk both physical setbacks and mental strain.
Sabers nearing major decision on Alex Tuch extension
The Buffalo Sabers have been one of the biggest surprises in the league and are currently comfortably in the Atlantic Division playoffs. One looming question, however, is the future of Alex Tuch, who is entering the final year of his contract.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnstonthe Sabers are nearing a decision on what it will take to keep Tuch long-term. The 29-year-old winger is a popular player among management, and new general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen will push hard to extend Tuch rather than trade him. Any potential deal is expected to be below Rasmus Dahlin’s $11 million cap hit, but could approach the $10 to 10.5 million range over eight years.
Could Marc-André Fleury return as the Wild Trade Wallstedt?
The Minnesota Wild may have an unexpected contingency plan if trade talks with top prospect Jesper Wallstedt escalate. According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, retired veteran Marc-André Fleury could enter Minnesota’s thinking as a short-term solution.
Michael Russo writes:
“Given how close he is to the organization, Fleury provides a pretty handy and capable fill-in in case Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt gets injured.”
source – ‘Wild insider: Could we see Marc-André Fleury retire? Plus trade rumblings, TV tweaks’ – Michael Russo – The Athletic – 01/26/2026
While any return remains speculative, Fleury’s presence during non-Olympic practices later this season could quietly serve as a test run. Is it likely he will retire? No. Does he think about how much he misses the game and would the Wild make the most sense? Yes.
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