In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Vancouver Canucks have told Evander Kane to go look for a trade fit, while there are questions and a big decision looming on Thatcher Demko’s season. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres may be closing in on a major contract extension with one of their core forwards, and the Minnesota Wild could have a surprising contingency plan in place if trade talks around their top goaltending prospect intensify.
Canucks Allow Evander Kane’s Agent to Explore Trade Options
The Vancouver Canucks appear to be urging forward trade discussions involving Evander Kane after granting his agent, Dan Milstein, permission to help facilitate a potential move. While no deal is imminent, a couple of teams are in the mix. Kane’s agent talking to interested parties will gauge the market on how in demand the forward is.
Kane, 34, remains a recognizable power forward with playoff experience, but his contract and fit aren’t exactly appealing for everyone. Getting a feel for what’s out there is the best way to judge what kind of return is available, and Kane gets a picture of where he fits on a contender’s roster.
Related: NHL 2025-26 Power Rankings: Week 16
Teams such as the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings have been loosely linked in trade speculation.
Canucks Facing Tough Decision on Thatcher Demko’s Season
Another major storyline in Vancouver revolves around Thatcher Demko’s health. According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, results from recent medical testing are expected soon, with the Canucks set to address Demko’s direction this week.
Demko’s injury pattern has raised serious concerns. He has returned multiple times, looked strong, and then suffered setbacks. With Vancouver sliding in the standings, there’s growing belief the responsible move may be to shut Demko down for the remainder of the season.
The Canucks may need to step in and prioritize a full recovery. When healthy, Demko is an elite netminder. But continuing to push through recurring issues risks both physical setbacks and mental strain.
Sabres Near Major Decision on Alex Tuch Extension
The Buffalo Sabres have been one of the league’s biggest surprises and currently sit comfortably in the Atlantic Division playoff picture. However, one looming question is the future of Alex Tuch, who is entering the final year of his contract.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Sabres 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 the new general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen, will push hard to extend Tuch rather than trade him. Any potential deal is expected to land below Rasmus Dahlin’s $11 million cap hit but could approach the $10–10.5 million range over eight years.
Could Marc-André Fleury Return if the Wild Trade Wallstedt?
The Minnesota Wild may have an unexpected contingency plan if trade talks involving top prospect Jesper Wallstedt escalate. According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, retired veteran Marc-André Fleury could factor into Minnesota’s thinking as a short-term solution.
Michael Russo writes:
“Considering how close he is to the organization, Fleury does provide a pretty convenient and capable fill-in just in case either Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt is injured.”
source – ‘Wild insider: Could we see Marc-André Fleury unretire? Plus trade rumblings, TV tweaks’ – Michael Russo – The Athletic – 01/26/2026
While any return remains speculative, Fleury’s presence during non-Olympian practices later this season could quietly serve as a test run. Is he likely to come out of retirement? No. Is he thinking about how much he misses the game and would the Wild make the most sense? Yes.
