NHL News: Major Trade Rumors Explode & Scores from Jan 23

0 Sara Smith January 24, 2026

The road to the 2026 NHL trade deadline is officially paved with speculation, and the action on the ice last night only added fuel to the fire. As we wake up on this Saturday, January 24, 2026, the NHL news cycle is dominated by a mix of stunning upsets from Friday night and a fresh batch of juicy trade rumors involving some of the league’s biggest names.

Friday night’s slate of games delivered everything hockey fans crave: high-scoring affairs, shootout drama, and milestones that hint at the bright future of the league. The San Jose Sharks, led by the phenom Macklin Celebrini, continued to play spoiler, while the Vegas Golden Knights spoiled a homecoming in Toronto. But before we dive deep into the trade rumors surrounding Evander Kane and Dougie Hamilton, let’s break down the scores and key takeaways from a wild Friday night.

Final

Vegas

Toronto

Note: Mitch Marner returned to the lineup but the Leafs couldn’t handle the Knights. Mark Stone extended his point streak to 14 games.

Final

Washington

Calgary

Note: The Capitals grind out a road win. Ovi seals it with an empty netter, keeping Washington in the Wild Card hunt.

Final

New Jersey

Vancouver

Note: A heartbreaker for the Canucks at home. The Devils’ offense exploded early, surviving a late Vancouver push.

Final (SO)

Tampa Bay

Chicago

Note: Goaltending duel! Kucherov nets the shootout winner as the Lightning extend their point streak to 15 games.

Final

Dallas

St. Louis

Note: Jason Robertson plays hero with a late goal to sink the Blues in a tight Central Division battle.

Final

Philadelphia

Colorado

Note: Upset of the night! The Flyers offense erupted, stunning the Avs at Ball Arena despite Makar’s efforts.

Final

Anaheim

Seattle

Note: The Ducks extend their win streak to six games. Dostal continues to look like a franchise goalie.

Final

San Jose

NY Rangers

Note: Macklin Celebrini hits the 50-goal career milestone! The Sharks dominate the Rangers in a shocking result.

While the scores tell one story, the front offices are writing another. The rumor mill has kicked into high gear this morning with several significant reports

First up is Evander Kane. Reports out of Vancouver suggest the Canucks are fielding calls on the veteran power forward. With the team struggling to find consistency, Kane has been linked to contenders looking for grit, with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche emerging as potential suitors. Both teams could use his physical edge for a playoff run, though his cap hit remains a hurdle.

Speaking of the Avalanche, their loss to Philadelphia last night highlighted their need for depth. Meanwhile, in the East, the Buffalo Sabres are reportedly looking to be buyers. Yes, you read that right. After years of rebuilding, Buffalo is scouting defensive help, with rumors linking them to Calgary’s Zach Whitecloud. It seems the Sabres are finally ready to push their chips to the center of the table.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumors involves the Boston Bruins and Dougie Hamilton. With Hamilton’s name floating in trade talks out of New Jersey, Boston is reportedly sniffing around for a reunion to bolster their blue line. It would be a blockbuster move that could shift the balance of power in the Atlantic Division.

As we head deeper into January, every game matters—not just for the standings, but for the scouts in the press box deciding who stays and who goes.

Find the latest NHL News, Trade Rumors & Fantasy Predictions

Don’t get left behind as the trade deadline approaches. Whether you are tracking the latest waiver wire pickups for your fantasy league or waiting for your team to make a blockbuster splash, we have you covered. Make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks today and never miss a beat.