In today’s NHL rumors, the Edmonton Oilers are linked to a familiar name behind the bench, Sidney Crosby wonders if the 2026 Olympics will be his last, and Evgeni Malkin makes his intentions clear regarding his future in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Artemi Panarin’s situation in New York has taken an unexpected turn as rumors swirl about a possible return to Russia.
Paul Coffey reconnected with Oilers – but the rumors quickly stopped
As the Oilers continue to search for answers during an inconsistent stretch, a surprising rumor briefly gained attention: a possible return of Paul Coffey behind the bench. Elliotte Friedman revealed in his last 32 Thoughts column he checked into the conversation and was told the rumor was false.
While Coffey previously worked as an assistant on a blueline that played some of the best hockey under him, he has since returned to his advisory role to team owner Darryl Katz.
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But while the Oilers are struggling, Coffey is the low-hanging fruit. He is close; he clearly has a way of getting this group going, and fans are wondering what Katz and Coffey discuss during rough patches. Paul Almeida summed it up perfectlynoting that he would “love to be a fly on the wall” as the Hall of Famer serves as the owner’s eyes and ears. For now, though, Edmonton is staying the course with the current staff as head coach Kris Knoblauch tries to take this group to another level.
Crosby opens his doors to the Olympic future, but leaves the door wide open
Sidney Crosby sat down to discuss the 2026 Olympics, and questions naturally arose as to whether this could be his final international appearance. Crosby admitted he hopes Milan 2026 won’t be his last, but he’s prepared to make the most of the opportunity if it is. “I want to play as long as I can,” he said, leaving the window wide open for future participation.
That will obviously lead to questions about his NHL future. If he plays in more Olympics, he’ll sign a new NHL contract, and the question becomes: where?
At 38 years old, Crosby is still producing at an elite level, with 21 points in 19 games to start the season. He continues to defy age curves. With two years left on his $8.7 million AAV extension, there’s no indication the Penguins captain is slowing down. In any case, he shows again why betting against him is never wise.
Malkin makes it clear: no interest in playing anywhere other than Pittsburgh
Another Penguins player was also in the news this week when Evgeni Malkin squashed one rumor: he’s not going anywhere. Pierre LeBrun reported that the Penguins star has no interest in playing for another team and would end up alone in Pittsburgh this season.
LeBrun writes:
“For a player like Malkin and what he means to the Penguins, the trade deadline has no bearing on the decisions at hand. Unless he wants out during the season, which everyone seems to think is very doubtful, he will finish the season in Pittsburgh.”
source – ‘NHL rumblings: Canadiens trade targets, Olympic venue update, Evgeni Malkin’s future’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 11/19/2025
It is still unclear whether he will return next season.
RGMedia also quoted a quote from Malkin. “I don’t see myself in any other shirt,” he told Russian media. “I want to end here. But there are always details.” What is certain is that a trade is off the table unless he personally requests it – something no one expects.
Panarin rumors heat up: Could he leave the NHL?
The New York Rangers’ up-and-down season has created uncertainty for several players, and now a surprising rumor has surfaced: Artemi Panarin might be considering leaving the NHL altogether. Former Ranger Alexei Kovalev claims there are ‘talks’ that Panarin wants to return to Russia. Although not yet confirmed, the comment has sparked major speculation across the league.
Panarin is in the final season of the seven-year, $81.5 million deal he signed in 2019, and his long-term future in New York already looked shaky. After a slow start, he is climbing again with 19 points in 21 games, but insiders believe he is leaning towards a move away from Rangers this summer.
If Panarin hits free agency, NHL teams would be lining up for him. At the same time, the KHL becomes an interesting option if he doesn’t get the kind of money he’s looking for.
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