Bryson DeChambeau doesn't seem thrilled about LIV Golf's decision to move from 54- to 72-hole eve...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> doesn't seem thrilled about LIV Golf's decision to move from 54- to 72-hole events heading into its fifth season. </p><p>"I've got a contract for this year, and we'll go through it there and see what happens after that," he told <a href="https://www.todays-golfer.com/news-and-events/tour-news/liv-golf-stars-divided-over-72-hole-tournaments/">Ben Parsons and Alex Perry of Today's Golfer</a>. "Look, it's 72 holes, it's changed, but we're still excited to play professionally and play for what we're doing and go across the world. I think it's going to be great for our team. Is it what we ultimately signed up for? No. So I think we're supposed to be different, so I'm a little indifferent to it right now.</p><p>"Hopefully it weighs positively on me over the course of time, but you never know. I'm not sure. We didn't sign up to play for 72." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>LIV announced earlier this offseason it would move to 72 holes in an effort to boost its chances of earning World Ranking points. However, 54-hole events without cuts were one of the breakaway circuit's main selling points when it began luring PGA TOUR players in 2022.</p><p>DeChambeau was offered an opportunity to return to the PGA TOUR this season through the Returning Member Program but chose to honor his LIV Golf contract. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/891" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/891">Cameron Smith</a> did the same, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1461" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Koepka</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1162" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1162">Patrick Reed </a>opted to return to the TOUR.</p><p>LIV Golf begins its season this week at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia. </p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 19: Bryson DeChambeau of United States looks on on the 12th hole during day three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Bryson torn on LIV rule changes: 'We didn't sign up to play' 72-hole events

Barry Trotz is stepping down as Nashville Predators general manager, sources told Sportsnet's Ell...

<p>Barry Trotz is stepping down as Nashville Predators general manager, sources told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/barry-trotz-to-step-down-as-gm-of-predators/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>Trotz will make the announcement Monday but will remain on the job until his replacement is found, Friedman reports. Trotz took over the job in 2023 and made a huge splash in the summer of 2024 by signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a>.</p><p>However, the Predators missed the playoffs last season and are four points out of a spot this year. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Trotz was the second general manager in Predators history. He took over for Hockey Hall of Famer David Poile, who'd overseen the organization since its inception in 1997.</p><p>Trotz coached the Predators from 1998-2014 before stints with the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders. He led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018 and won two Jack Adams Awards after leaving Nashville.</p>

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 28: Incoming Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz is shown during the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held on June 28, 2023, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Report: Trotz to step down as Predators GM

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark had a triumphant return to the crease Saturday night, ma...

<p>Ottawa Senators goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> had a triumphant return to the crease Saturday night, making 26 saves in a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils in his first game since taking a leave of absence in late December.</p><p>"At the end there, also during lineup, it was really hard holding it together," UIlmark said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/ComingInHotSens/status/2017803463707472259?s=20">Coming In Hot</a>. "I didn't want to hold it together, also. It's one of the things I've been working on, is letting the feelings flow a little bit. There's nothing bad about that. I was really happy that we got a win today as well."</p><p>Ullmark was given a standing ovation by Ottawa's home crowd when the starting lineup was announced and again when he was named first star. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your First Star in Ottawa...<br><br>Linus Ullmark 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/zlDuWfjuU8">pic.twitter.com/zlDuWfjuU8</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2017796303137214903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It felt like I came out of retirement ... I felt like I've been gone for so long," Ullmark also said. "There was an excitement, I was nervous, which I haven't been in a long time. And that's positive."</p><p>Ullmark hadn't played since Dec. 27. Earlier this month, he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3460415" href="https://thescore.com/news/3460415">acknowledged</a> the leave of absence was for mental health reasons.</p><p>The 32-year-old entered the contest with an .881 save percentage in 28 games this season. He helped the Senators reach the playoffs in 2024-25, his first season with the club.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 31: Linus Ullmark #35 of the Ottawa Senators announced as the number one star during three stars after a game against the New Jersey Devils on January 31, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Ullmark awarded 1st star in return: 'It was really hard holding it together'

New Jersey Devils star forward Jack Hughes is being evaluated for a lower-body injury suffered in...

<p>New Jersey Devils star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> is being evaluated for a lower-body injury suffered in Thursday's win over the Nashville Predators, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/amandacstein/status/2017073729063252069?s=20">team reporter Amanda Stein</a>.</p><p>Although Keefe said he doesn't believe the injury is serious, Hughes' status for Saturday's road contest against the Ottawa Senators is unclear, Stein adds.</p><p>Hughes went to the dressing room during the first period, briefly returned for one shift, but then didn't play the rest of the game. He missed 18 contests earlier this season after undergoing finger surgery due to an injury sustained at a team dinner.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>When healthy, Hughes has notched 36 points in 35 outings this season. He was named to the United States' Olympic roster earlier in January. The men's tournament is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11 in Milan-Cortina.</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 27: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils controls the puck during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Prudential Center on January 27, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Jack Hughes being evaluated for lower-body injury

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer took a shot at New York Rangers fans after his club wo...

<p>New York Islanders rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a> took a shot at New York Rangers fans after his club won 2-1 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday to complete the season sweep of its in-state rival.</p><p>"Our fans are a lot louder than theirs," Schaefer quipped, per <a href="https://x.com/SWhyno/status/2017068397339480261">Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press</a>. </p><p>The Islanders beat the Rangers in their own rink Wednesday in the first leg of a home-and-home. Thursday's win lifted the Isles to 4-0-0 against the Blueshirts this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Schaefer played a key role in the Isles' latest victory, scoring the eventual game-winner and logging 23:25 of ice time.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MATTHEW SCHAEFER 🤩 <br><br>The 18-year-old scores his 14th of the year! <a href="https://t.co/VLCtJ3gyJV">pic.twitter.com/VLCtJ3gyJV</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2017050923336716437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's so fun," Schaefer said Thursday, per <a href="https://x.com/stefen_rosner/status/2017072152189489650">NHL.com's Stefen Rosner</a>. "You want to beat them every time. It's a playoff game from here on out. Especially against the Rangers, you want to get those two points. It's fun when you're beating them."</p><p>Drafted first overall last summer, Schaefer quickly endeared himself to Islanders fans by <a href="https://x.com/stefen_rosner/status/1938750387068248524?s=20">declaring</a> he wanted to beat the Rangers "every time we play them."</p><p>This marks just the third time in franchise history the Islanders have swept the Rangers in the regular season, and the first time each win has come in regulation.</p><p>The Islanders jumped into third spot in the Metropolitan Division after the win. </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2026 in New York City.

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Schaefer jabs Rangers after win at MSG: 'Our fans are a lot louder than theirs'

Brooks Kopeka recorded a 1-over 73 on Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open in a rusty return to...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1461" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Kopeka</a> recorded a 1-over 73 on Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open in a rusty return to the PGA TOUR after being reinstated earlier in January.</p><p>Koepka carded two bogeys but ended his day on a high note with a birdie on the final hole of the South Course at Torrey Pines. Thursday's scoring average was nearly three strokes higher than on the North Course, per <a href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/2017005516581437629">Twenty First Group's Justin Ray</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A difficult up-and-down ends with Brooks' first birdie. <br> <br>It's an opening 73 for Koepka in his return to the PGA TOUR. <a href="https://t.co/xbvaGj7WCT">pic.twitter.com/xbvaGj7WCT</a></p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/2017005936896790582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Koepka's lone birdie moved him to a tie for 102nd on the leaderboard. He acknowledged that nerves were among the emotions he felt as he made his return.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Just because I care," Koepka said, per <a href="https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/pga/2026/01/29/farmers-brooks-koepka-in-love-with-golf/88421912007/?taid=697bf2522840fc000164fad8&amp;utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+New+Content+%28Feed%29&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter">Golfweek's Cameron Jourdan</a>. "I think I've fallen back in love with the game. And honestly, watching my son play a little bit and wanting to be able to see him watch me, or I guess want him to watch me play well and realize how much this game's given me, how fun it is, and how cool it is to just be out here."</p><p>The TOUR established the Returning Member Program to facilitate Koepka's reinstatement after his three-season stint with LIV Golf. As part of his return, Koepka must forfeit his stake in the TOUR's Player Equity Program for five years and make a $5-million charitable donation.</p><p>The parameters of the Returning Member Program <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">allowed <a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111" target="_blank">Jon Rahm</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437" target="_blank">Bryson DeChambeau</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/891" target="_blank">Cameron Smith</a></span> to be reinstated on TOUR as well, but all three opted to honor their LIV contracts for the upcoming season.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1162" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1162">Patrick Reed</a> announced Wednesday that he's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3466210" href="https://thescore.com/news/3466210">leaving</a> LIV and seeking reinstatement to the TOUR for the 2027 season. As a past champion, Reed is eligible to play in select events later this season through exemptions.</p><p>While all eyes were on Koepka on Thursday, it was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a> who raced out to the early lead in California. The Englishman carded a 10-under 62 after missing the cut at The American Express last week. </p>

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: Brooks Koepka of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open 2026 at Torrey Pines South Course on January 29, 2026 in La Jolla, California.

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Koepka cards 1-over 73 in return to PGA TOUR, Rose leads 1st round

Patrick Reed will no longer compete in LIV Golf and is seeking reinstatement for the 2027 PGA TOU...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1162" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1162">Patrick Reed</a> will no longer compete in LIV Golf and is seeking reinstatement for the 2027 PGA TOUR season, he announced Wednesday via <a href="https://x.com/GOLF_com/status/2016556267079147615">Golf.com</a>.</p><p>The TOUR <a href="https://x.com/PGATOURComms/status/2016556043745313123?s=20">confirmed</a> Reed is eligible to compete as a non-member beginning this August because of his status as a past champion. Reed can also improve his PGA TOUR status with the DP World Tour.</p><p>If Reed finishes in the top 10 of the DP World Tour rankings this season, he's eligible for a full PGA TOUR season in 2027, according to <a href="https://x.com/GOLF_com/status/2016561117175128124?s=20">Dylan Dethier of Golf.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Reed would be ineligible for the TOUR's Player Equity Program through 2030, similar to the rules of the Returning Member Program, which was established earlier in January to welcome back major winners who left for LIV Golf. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1461" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Koepka</a> is the only player who's utilized the program, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/891" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/891">Cam Smith</a> opted to honor their LIV contracts.</p><p>Reed joined LIV Golf in 2022 after collecting nine PGA TOUR wins, most notably the 2018 Masters. He captured one victory during his LIV tenure and won his first European title this past week at the Dubai Desert Classic. </p><p>"I'm a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA TOUR, which is where my story began with my wife, Justine," Reed's statement said. "I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life we have created. I am moving forward in my career, and I look forward to competing on the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour. I can't wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best places on earth."</p><p>The 35-year-old is well known for his Ryder Cup excellence as a three-time member of Team USA. Reed owns a 7-3-2 record at the biannual event but hasn't been selected for it since 2018. He's also attracted plenty of controversy for multiple rules incidents throughout his career.</p>

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 25: American golfer Patrick Reed in action during the fourth and final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 25, 2026.

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Reed leaving LIV, eligible to compete on TOUR later this season

The New York Rangers traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders for a 2026 third-ro...

<p>The New York Rangers traded defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6381" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6381">Carson Soucy</a> to the New York Islanders for a 2026 third-round pick, the teams announced Monday.</p><p>The Rangers held Soucy out of Monday's game against the Boston Bruins before the deal was announced.</p><p>This marks New York's first trade since general manager Chris Drury <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457295" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457295">announced</a> earlier in January that the club would begin retooling, with the Rangers on track to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soucy carries a $3.25-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Rangers acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks last season for a third-round pick.</p><p>The 31-year-old has eight points in 46 games this season while averaging 17 minutes per contest.</p><p>The Islanders are third in the Metropolitan Division with a 27-19-5 record. After missing the playoffs last campaign, they won the draft lottery and selected star defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a> first overall.</p><p>It's only the fourth trade ever between the Rangers and Islanders.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Carson Soucy #24 of the New York Rangers in action against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on January 08, 2026 in New York City. The Sabres won 5-2.

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Rangers trade Soucy to Islanders for 3rd-round pick

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Friday night in Mitch Marner's h...

<p>The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Friday night in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>'s highly anticipated return to his hometown. </p><p>Marner was showered with boos throughout the evening after a messy departure from Toronto this past summer following nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. He was held off the scoresheet in Vegas' triumph. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And there are the boos 👀 <a href="https://t.co/jWu1vkUQMH">pic.twitter.com/jWu1vkUQMH</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2014854409730085048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It was fine," Marner said of the boos, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/2014910606864752678?s=20">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "I knew it was going to come tonight. Yeah, the cheering when I was going off was pretty funny. I didn't see that one coming, in a way. The booing when I had it was what I expected so I just tried to play through it and do my thing."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Marner drew a friendlier reaction from the Scotiabank Arena crowd during a first-period video tribute.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Toronto Maple Leafs pay tribute to Mitch Marner in his return 💙🤍 <a href="https://t.co/K9EE3aa0vQ">pic.twitter.com/K9EE3aa0vQ</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2014858899963191807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Overall, Marner's relieved the hoopla is over with.</p><p>"Yeah, completely. Definitely," Marner <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/2014907822698271123?s=20">said</a>. "Honestly, yeah. I don't have to talk about it anymore. I'm sure those guys (Maple Leafs) are relieved not having to talk about it, too."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> carried the load for Vegas with two goals and an assist, including a key insurance marker late in the third period after the Maple Leafs failed to convert on a power play that could have tied the game. </p><p>The Golden Knights opened up a two-goal lead less than five minutes into the contest. Toronto got within one at two separate points but never equalized. </p><p>The Maple Leafs have lost five of their past six contests, including two defeats to the Golden Knights. </p><p>"For me, the standard's got to be better and higher," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said, according to <a href="https://x.com/davidalter/status/2014898370880340356?s=20">David Alter of The Hockey News</a>. "We're at home here. We're not playing consistently enough with the urgency that is needed."</p>

TORONTO, ON- JANUARY 23 - Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) congratulates Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) after he scores in the second period as the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Vegas Golden Knights at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. January 23, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Golden Knights top Maple Leafs in Marner's return to Toronto

The Edmonton Oilers are targeting top-nine forwards to acquire ahead of the March 6 trade deadlin...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers are targeting top-nine forwards to acquire ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6991915/2026/01/22/nhl-trades-maple-leafs-oilers-rangers-rumblings/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a> reports.</p><p>No deals are imminent, and any potential trade is likely to occur after the Olympic break concludes in late February, LeBrun adds.</p><p>The Oilers' top players have been highly productive this season - captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> leads the NHL with 85 points in 51 games - but depth scoring is a concern for the back-to-back Western Conference champions. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4791" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4791">Andrew Mangiapane</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12722">Isaac Howard</a>, two players brought in over the offseason to provide extra offense, have a combined 17 points on the year. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a>, whom Edmonton acquired before last year's deadline and subsequently signed to an eight-year extension, has only three points in 49 games this season.</p><p>The Oilers currently have just over $270K in cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers">PuckPedia</a>, so they'll need to move money out to facilitate a trade.</p><p>Edmonton sits second in the Pacific Division, two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights with three extra games played.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 17: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on January 17, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Report: Oilers targeting top-9 forwards ahead of deadline

Pittsburgh Penguins icon Evgeni Malkin is willing to take a pay cut on a potential new contract a...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins icon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> is willing to take a pay cut on a potential new contract and isn't interested in playing elsewhere, reports <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6985881/2026/01/20/penguins-jason-robertson-trade-rumors-nhl/">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>.</p><p>Malkin's in the final season of a four-year deal that pays him $6.1 million annually. He's spent his entire 20-year career with the Penguins but was viewed as a possible trade candidate entering the 2025-26 campaign with Pittsburgh rebuilding.</p><p>However, the Penguins have been one of the surprises of the season and enter Wednesday's action holding the third playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division with 57 points. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Malkin's dealt with injuries this year but has managed 35 points in 33 games when healthy. He's third on the Penguins' all-time scoring list with 1,381 points, trailing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and Mario Lemieux.</p><p>His bounce-back campaign may compel Pittsburgh's front office to offer him a new deal, which it wasn't considering after last season, Yohe notes. Malkin collected 50 points in 68 games in 2024-25 as the Penguins missed the playoffs.</p><p>Malkin's representatives plan to meet with Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas during the Olympic break, per Yohe.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 13: Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates during the overtime period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 13, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Report: Malkin willing to take pay cut, only wants to play for Penguins

The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Cole C...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7628" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7628">Kiefer Sherwood</a> to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Cole Clayton and second-round picks in 2026 and 2027, the teams announced Monday.</p><p>Sherwood was believed to be a hot commodity leading up to the trade deadline as a pending unrestricted free agent. He's notched 17 goals this season and owns a modest $1.5-million cap hit. </p><p>The 30-year-old is one of the most physical players in the NHL. He set a league record with 462 hits last season and ranks second this year with 210.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"As an organization, we take a lot of pride in giving him the opportunity to grow and excel as a player," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/canucks-acquire-cole-clayton-and-2nd-round-picks-in-2026-and-2027-from-san-jose">said</a> of Sherwood. "Given where things currently stand and the direction of our rebuild, we felt it was necessary to make a move like this as we continue to build our pipeline."</p><p>Sherwood is currently on injured reserve and is unsure if he'll debut for the Sharks before the league breaks for the Olympics in early February, he told <a href="https://x.com/patersonjeff/status/2013324958793859420?s=20">Rink Wide's Jeff Paterson</a>.</p><p>Clayton, 25, is an undrafted right-shot blue-liner who's spent the past five seasons in the AHL. He managed five points in 33 games with the Sharks' affiliate before the trade. </p><p>San Jose still owns two first-round picks and a second in 2026. The Sharks haven't made the playoffs since 2019 but entered Monday holding the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.</p><p>The Canucks, who now have four picks in the first two rounds of this year's draft, are in the midst of a rebuild after winning the Pacific Division only two seasons ago. Vancouver traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> last campaign, dealt captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> in November, and is reportedly listening to offers on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a>.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Kiefer Sherwood #44 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on December 19, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

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Sharks acquire Sherwood from Canucks

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk made his season debut Monday against the San Jose Sharks....

<p>Florida Panthers winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> made his season debut Monday against the San Jose Sharks.</p><p>Tkachuk has been recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia, injuries he sustained at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off. Although he missed the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season, he returned in the playoffs to help the Panthers capture their second straight Stanley Cup.</p><p>The 28-year-old was instrumental during Florida's championship run, notching 23 points in 23 games. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tkachuk's return comes at an opportune time for the Panthers, as they enter Monday's contest four points back of a wild-card spot.</p><p>"It's not like I can dip my toe," Tkachuk said, per <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/2013267581952516490">team reporter Jameson Olive</a>. "I told them, 'I'm coming back, throw me in the fire.' We need these points, that's why I was only coming back at 100%. Just really excited."</p><p>Florida has gone 25-19-3 without Tkachuk and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>, who was given a seven-to-nine-month recovery timeline after knee surgery in September.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 12: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) looks tot he stands with a smile after scoring his second goal in the first period during game four of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena, FL.

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Panthers' Tkachuk makes season debut vs. Sharks

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson was disappointed in Leevi Merilainen's performance duri...

<p>Ottawa Senators defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> was disappointed in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9225" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9225">Leevi Merilainen</a>'s performance during Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.</p><p>"I think Leevi made some good saves," Sanderson said, per <a href="https://x.com/jkamckenzie/status/2012725221275386130?s=20">The Athletic's Julian McKenzie</a>. "But I think, at the end of the day, you've got to make more than 10 saves to win a game."</p><p>Merilainen allowed six Canadiens goals on 19 shots as the Senators let a two-goal lead slip away in the third period. Head coach Travis Green agreed that goaltending held his team back. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's hard to give him a pass," Green <a href="https://x.com/jkamckenzie/status/2012730714802753892?s=20">said</a> of Merilainen. "I'm sure he'd like to have one or two back. I feel bad for him."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9189" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9189">Tim Stutzle</a>, who collected two points Saturday, said the Senators could have done a better job in front of Merilainen. </p><p>"I don't know why we're talking about this," Stutzle <a href="https://x.com/jkamckenzie/status/2012725920734281738?s=20">said</a>. "Leevi's been playing great. He's been playing a lot of hockey. It's always every time somebody scores, everybody blames the goalie. But we have his back. We've got to play better in front of him and don't give up high-danger scoring chances."</p><p>Merilainen entered the contest with an .860 save percentage in 20 appearances this season. The Senators have used four different netminders in 2025-26 and recently signed veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1195" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1195">James Reimer</a> to a one-year deal.</p><p>Green noted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a>, who hasn't played since Dec. 27 due to personal reasons, will travel to Detroit for Sunday's contest with the Red Wings.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 17: The game winning overtime goal by Cole Caufield #13 of the Montreal Canadiens [NOT PICTURED] in the back of the net as Jake Sanderson #85 of the Ottawa Senators and Leevi Merilainen #1 look on on January 17, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Sanderson: Sens need 'more than 10 saves to win a game'

Artemi Panarin is still processing that his tenure with the New York Rangers is likely coming to ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> is still processing that his tenure with the New York Rangers is likely coming to an end soon after the organization <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457167" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457167">reportedly</a> told him that it won't offer a new contract as it embarks on a retool.</p><p>"It's hard to say how I feel," Panarin told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6979529/2026/01/17/artemi-panarin-ny-rangers-retool/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Vincent Z. Mercogliano</a> after Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. "I'm still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I'm OK with that. I'm a Ranger player right now, so I'll play every game 100%."</p><p>The game marked New York's first contest since general manager Chris Drury announced that changes to the roster are imminent. Panarin wasn't interested in diving deeper into the topic.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I actually said everything I want to say about this situation," he said. "Let's talk about hockey."</p><p>Panarin has a full no-move clause, meaning he can pick his destination if the Rangers trade him before the March 6 trade deadline. He carries an $11.642-million cap hit before hitting unrestricted free agency this summer. He collected three points Saturday, bringing his season total to 54 points in 48 appearances.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 21: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers warms up prior to the game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on December 21, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Panarin 'confused' about Rangers' retool, likely trade

A new name shot to the top of every trade deadline board across the hockey world Friday after rep...

<p>A new name shot to the top of every trade deadline board across the hockey world Friday after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457167" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457167">reports</a> surfaced that the New York Rangers won't be offering Artemi Panarin a new contract.</p><p>Panarin is set for unrestricted free agency this summer and owns a full no-movement clause. Considering he carries a $11.642-million cap hit, the Rangers will likely need to retain salary to facilitate a deal.</p><p>But even with salary retention, few contenders have the cap space or draft capital to acquire a player of Panarin's caliber. The 34-year-old has 51 points in 47 games this season, and he's the NHL's fifth-highest scorer since landing on Broadway in 2019-20.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are five teams that could be suitors for Panarin if he's moved before the March 6 deadline.</p><h3>Florida Panthers</h3><p>Money-wise, the Panthers aren't a fit. Asset-wise, they are. Destination-wise, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are as good as it gets. Florida didn't appear to have the capital to acquire Seth Jones or Brad Marchand last year, but the organization still found a way to add both. Marchand later revealed he'd only accept a trade to the Panthers, which helped keep the acquisition cost down.</p><p>Panarin, a longtime friend of Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, could find Florida as an appealing option if chasing a Stanley Cup is his priority. But while Florida presents a tempting opportunity, the Cats could prefer to avoid the salary-cap gymnastics that come with adding Panarin and instead focus on welcoming back Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk as the club gears up for the playoffs. Still, the Panthers didn't earn their reputation as the league's most aggressive team by coincidence.</p><h3>Washington Capitals</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817846/cropped_GettyImages-1308090324.jpg?ts=1768602124" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817846/w220xh124_GettyImages-1308090324.jpg?ts=1768602124 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817846/w320xh180_GettyImages-1308090324.jpg?ts=1768602124 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817846/w640xh360_GettyImages-1308090324.jpg?ts=1768602124 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817846/w768xh432_GettyImages-1308090324.jpg?ts=1768602124 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817846/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1308090324.jpg?ts=1768602124 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>As the Rangers were making headlines Friday, Capitals general manager Chris Patrick <a href="https://x.com/Tarik_ElBashir/status/2012250410858193355?s=20">expressed</a> a desire to pursue a "higher-end skilled winger" leading up to the trade deadline. Talk about convenient timing.</p><p>There won't be a winger on the market more skilled than Panarin, and the Capitals have the money to make it work. Additionally, teaming up with countryman Alex Ovechkin for a Cup run in what may be the all-time goal scorer's final season has to be tantalizing.</p><p>Patrick also <a href="https://x.com/Tarik_ElBashir/status/2012258872866598952?s=20">noted</a> that he wasn't willing to part with top prospect Cole Hutson in a potential Quinn Hughes trade, so it's unclear what Washington might be willing to offer to land Panarin as a rental.</p><h3>Vegas Golden Knights</h3><p>Much like the Panthers, you can never count out the Golden Knights during trade season. Vegas' prospect pipeline is bare due to years of going all-in at this time, but the club could have an extra $5.9 million in cap space if William Karlsson, currently on long-term injured reserve, is ruled out for the playoffs. His stashed cap hit would allow the Golden Knights to add Panarin at 50% salary retention.</p><p>Although Vegas might prefer to pursue a center over a winger, it recently moved Mitch Marner to the middle to address depth issues. If that experiment lasts, there may be a fit for Panarin in a loaded top six that also features Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Pavel Dorofeyev.</p><h3>Los Angeles Kings</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792691/cropped_GettyImages-2214676272.jpg?ts=1751416196" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792691/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214676272.jpg?ts=1751416196 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792691/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214676272.jpg?ts=1751416196 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792691/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214676272.jpg?ts=1751416196 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792691/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214676272.jpg?ts=1751416196 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792691/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214676272.jpg?ts=1751416196 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gary A. Vasquez / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Kings are in the playoff hunt despite ranking 31st in goals for and 27th in power-play proficiency. Adding a game-breaking talent to help spark their offense could transform their attack. Enter Panarin, who would be a huge upgrade over Los Angeles' top-six left wingers: Jeff Malott and Warren Foegele.</p><p>L.A. has the financial flexibility to make a deal work, but it doesn't have a great group of prospects. That said, the Kings own their first-round picks for the next three years and have a pair of second- and third-rounders to help entice Rangers general manager Chris Drury if Panarin wants to play out the end of his season in Hollywood.</p><h3>Carolina Hurricanes</h3><p>The Hurricanes are no strangers to franchise-altering moves at the deadline, having brought in Jake Guentzel in 2024 before acquiring and flipping Mikko Rantanen last year. With ample cap space, four first-round picks over the next three years, and a respectable collection of prospects, Carolina is in a prime position to go for it again this season.</p><p>The Hurricanes are the clear favorite in the Metropolitan Division, and they could be more inspired than ever to go all-in after another disappointing exit in last year's Eastern Conference Final. Adding Panarin could push a Stanley Cup-ready roster over the top.</p>

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5 potential landing spots if Rangers trade Panarin

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury issued a letter to fans Friday announcing the club's...

<p>New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury issued a letter to fans Friday announcing the club's intentions to retool as the trade deadline approaches.</p><p>"With our position in the standings and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation," Drury wrote. "We are not going to stand pat - a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool around our core players and prospects. We will target players, draft picks, and cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward. That may mean saying goodbye to players that have brought us and our fans great moments over the years."</p><p>The Rangers, who have won two of their past 10 games, are on a five-game slide after losing star netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> to injury. Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a> is also sidelined as New York sits last in the Eastern Conference, eight points out of a wild-card spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Drury didn't indicate which players the Rangers will build around going forward, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457167" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457167">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reported later Friday that New York won't offer leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> a contract extension, putting him in play for a potential trade.</p><p>Fox, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a>, and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, whom the Rangers acquired last season from the Vancouver Canucks, have full no-move clauses.</p><p>The Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy in 2024 but last spring became only the fourth team in NHL history to miss the playoffs the year after being the league's top regular-season club.</p><p>New York hired Mike Sullivan as head coach in an effort to right the ship, but the Rangers' first season under the two-time Stanley Cup winner hasn't gone to plan.</p><p>"No one in the organization is happy with what has transpired - from management to coaches to players," Drury added. "Over the last few years, we've had some successes and moments to cherish, but ultimately it was not the end goal."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Chris Drury of the New York Rangers attends the NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Drury pens letter to Rangers fans announcing 'smart and opportunistic' retool

The Boston Bruins retired Zdeno Chara's No. 33 at TD Garden on Thursday prior to their clash with...

<p>The Boston Bruins retired Zdeno Chara's No. 33 at TD Garden on Thursday prior to their clash with the Seattle Kraken. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Congratulations, Zdeno Chara 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/NJxzveG49Q">pic.twitter.com/NJxzveG49Q</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2011956007123984553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Since day one, I knew we had the best fans," Chara <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/2011954586785825159?s=20">said</a> during his speech. "Not to disrespect any other cities around the world, but in my mind, there is no other place like TD Garden when it gets loud." </p><p>Chara is the 13th member of the organization to have his jersey raised to the rafters in Beantown. He captained the Bruins for all 14 of his seasons in Boston, leading them to a Stanley Cup in 2011 and two more finals in 2013 and 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The towering blue-liner won the Norris Trophy in 2009 and ranks third in Bruins history in games played (1,023) and points (481) by a defenseman. In November, Chara was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.</p><p>Several Bruins icons, including fellow Hall of Fame defensemen Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque, were on the ice for the ceremony.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcoming our ceremony participants to the ice...<br><br>And honoring those that cannot be with us tonight 💛🖤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigZ33?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigZ33</a> <a href="https://t.co/XyemyGgyqe">pic.twitter.com/XyemyGgyqe</a></p>— NESN (@NESN) <a href="https://twitter.com/NESN/status/2011944871540502832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 15: Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins waves to fans on the golden carpet for his number retirement ceremony before the game against the Seattle Kraken at the TD Garden on January 15, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bruins retire Chara's No. 33 jersey

The Vancouver Canucks are listening to league-wide interest in Elias Pettersson as they trend clo...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks are listening to league-wide interest in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> as they trend closer to a full rebuild, <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/canucks-management-using-rebuild-word-open-to-moving-pettersson/">TSN's Darren Dreger</a> reported on "Insider Trading."</p><p>Pettersson has a full no-move clause through 2032, and his agent hasn't been contacted by the Canucks about a potential deal, Dreger noted.</p><p>"It's our duty to take calls on everyone," Canucks president Jim Rutherford told <a href="https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-jim-rutherford-will-consider-trading-all-players">The Province's Patrick Johnston</a> in response to the Pettersson report.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canucks previously indicated to teams that they're only open to trading non-core players, but poor results of late may shift the organization's outlook.</p><p>"The intent at the start was to not get into any core player," Rutherford said. "It may very well end up staying that way. But it certainly would not make any sense for (general manager) Patrik (Allvin) to not listen to anybody."</p><p>Pettersson is set to earn $11.6 million annually for the next six seasons after signing an eight-year extension with Vancouver in 2024. He signed the contract during his most productive stretch in the NHL but has slowed down considerably since his deal kicked in.</p><p>The 27-year-old collected 102- and 89-point outputs as an All-Star in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively, but managed only 45 points in 64 games last season and is on a 60-point pace for the current campaign.</p><p>The 2017 fifth overall pick was heavily involved in trade rumors last season amid a feud with former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>. Vancouver ultimately dealt Miller to the New York Rangers prior to the 2025 trade deadline. </p><p>The Canucks, who have lost eight consecutive games, have fallen to last place in the Western Conference. They're 5-8-2 since trading former captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> to the Minnesota Wild in December.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 2: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during their NHL game against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena on January 2, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Report: Canucks listening to offers on Pettersson

The Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Dean Evason and named Rick Bowness as his replacement,...

<p>The Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Dean Evason and named Rick Bowness as his replacement, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Columbus also relieved assistant coach Steve McCarthy of his duties.</p><p>Evason was in his second season behind the bench for the Blue Jackets, who sit last in the Eastern Conference at 19-19-7.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This season has been a frustrating one for all of us, and the bottom line is we are not performing at a level that meets our expectations," general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "We all share in that responsibility, me included, and while this was not a decision that was made lightly, it is one that needed to be made at this time."</p><p>The Blue Jackets missed the playoffs by two points in 2024-25 and are trending toward missing the postseason for a sixth consecutive year following an underwhelming first half.</p><p>Bowness most recently coached the Winnipeg Jets between 2022 and 2024, announcing his retirement after the club was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 70-year-old has 2,726 games of experience as an NHL head coach or assistant, the most in league history.</p><p>The Blue Jackets signed Bowness for the remainder of the season, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2011086914556751895">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. Everything will be re-visited afterward.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 11: Head Coach Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts following a play in the second period of a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center on January 11, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Blue Jackets fire Evason, hire Bowness as head coach

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