Could the Senators shop for a goaltender or claim Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers? Should the Leafs trade prospect Easton Cowan? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION
OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators should be scouring the trade market for a goaltender with starter Linus Ullmark sidelined indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
Ullmark departed during the Senators’ 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22. There is no timetable for his return. The Senators are currently using backup Anton Forsberg and call-up Leevi Merilainen.
Garrioch cited sources claiming the market for goaltenders isn’t great. Those who could be available include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Cayden Primeau of the Montreal Canadiens, and James Reimer of the Buffalo Sabres.
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. If the Ducks were willing to retain part of his salary he might not accept a trade to Ottawa. It’s rumored the seven Canadian teams are on his no-trade list.
Primeau passed unclaimed through waivers last week. The Sabres claimed Reimer off waivers from the Ducks in November and will likely hang onto him for insurance.
A source told Garrioch the Detroit Red Wings would be willing to move Ville Husso. However, he carries a $4.75 million cap hit and the Wings aren’t willing to retain salary.
Garrioch also wondered if the Senators might claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. He pointed out that general manager Steve Staios has a long history with the 23-year-old winger as they won the 2018 OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out after the noon ET deadline on Monday. Kaliyev had a promising rookie season with the Kings in 2021-22 but struggled afterward to maintain a regular roster spot. He fractured his clavicle on Oct. 6 and only recently came off injured reserve.
SHOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE EASTON COWAN?
YARDBARKER: Nick Matthews of Maple Leafs Daily cited former Sportsnet personality Sid Seixeiro suggesting the Leafs should trade top prospect Easton Cowan following his disappointing performance for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors.
“Contrary to what a lot of folks are saying, (Cowan) still has a lot of value. But Toronto might have to cash that chip sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs should give up on Cowan because of a couple of bad weeks at the WJC.
“I see people saying, oh, they should trade him. Number one, his value will never be lower than it is now. “Number two, I think it’s bananas to give up on someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Friedman. The Leafs are already near the bottom third with their prospect pipeline. Cowan is among the few prospects they have with the skills to become an NHL player. They’re in win-now mode but must maintain an eye on the future.
