Buffalo Sabres are nudging toward adding a proven top-six forward, eyeing Eeli Tolvanen as a plausible midseason target if Seattle isn’t in the playoff chase. Tolvanen posted a career-high 23 goals and has one year left on his deal, making him a high-upside rental with potential cost tied to a 20-goal pace and conditional picks or blue-chip prospects such as Isak Rosen, Devon Levi, or Noah Ostlund. If Seattle dangles Tolvanen, Buffalo could pursue a package that includes a first-rounder or a strong prospect, balancing immediate impact with future assets.

The chatter also covers a broader trade-market and draft-pick dynamics around 2026 selections, with Penguins’ Kyle Dubas discussing teams attempting to re-acquire their 2026 picks and the possibility of offer sheets viewed as leverage by teams like Winnipeg and San Jose. The report lists offer-sheet candidates (Sebrango, Kupari, Holtz, Zary, Evangelista, McTavish, Rossi) and notes some teams’ interest in specific names (Zary, Evangelista, McTavish, Rossi). It also notes extension talks for Dustin Wolf, UFA Matt Grzelcyk, and various waiver/rookie-target angles shaping both teams’ in-season contorts. The piece closes with a reminder to subscribe and follow for ongoing rumor-driven discussions across the league.

Nathan MacKinnon led Canada to a dominant 5-1 victory over Austria in the World Championship, scoring two goals and adding an assist. With this win, Canada secured its spot at the top of Group A alongside Sweden, both boasting perfect records of 4-0. Marc-Andre Fleury showcased notable skill, stopping 15 shots, while Travis Konecny and Will Cuylle each contributed a goal and an assist. Canada, displaying resilience, turned the tide after initially falling behind 1-0, thanks to MacKinnon's power-play goal and subsequent efforts to secure the victory.

Finland also made headlines, thrashing Slovenia 9-1, with Eeli Tolvanen netting four goals. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic took down Hungary 6-1, highlighting their offensive prowess led by David Pastrnak. The tournament continues to heat up, as teams vie for supremacy in their respective groups.

Brandon Montour etched his name in NHL history, scoring the fastest goal in overtime just four seconds into the period, leading the Seattle Kraken to a dramatic 5-4 win against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Kraken staged a comeback from a two-goal deficit, thanks to Montour's offensive explosion that included two goals and two assists. Matty Beniers and Jani Nyman also contributed crucial goals, with Nyman scoring on his NHL debut. The Canadiens had initially surged ahead with four consecutive goals, highlighted by Juraj Slafkovsky's impressive two-goal performance.

Eeli Tolvanen led the Seattle Kraken to a decisive 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, scoring twice, including the crucial go-ahead goal with just under seven minutes remaining in the second period. This win marked a significant bounce-back for the Kraken after struggling offensively in recent games. Tolvanen's performance came after Matty Beniers tied the game earlier in the second period. Despite a 2-1 deficit following goals from Pius Suter and Filip Chytil, Seattle rallied to take control with Oliver Bjorkstrand and Tolvanen contributing to a five-goal output.

Brandon Montour also made a notable impact with a goal and an assist, providing a two-goal cushion for the Kraken, which was vital against a Vancouver team that struggles when allowing five or more goals. Joey Daccord stood tall in net with 28 saves, demonstrating resilience against Vancouver's offensive barrage. Vancouver remains in the playoff chase despite this setback, holding on to the second wild-card spot due to Calgary's loss, but they must tighten their defense to improve their odds.

Brandon Montour ignited a scoring spree for the Seattle Kraken, netting two goals in the second period, contributing to a commanding 6-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Chandler Stephenson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jaden Schwartz, and Eeli Tolvanen also found the net for Seattle, while Joey Daccord made 26 saves in goal. Meanwhile, San Jose struggled, with goals from Carl Grundstrom and Tyler Toffoli not enough to turn the tide, marking their sixth loss in seven games.

The Kraken took the lead early, with Stephenson scoring just under four minutes into the game. Although Grundstrom equalized shortly before the first intermission, Seattle dominated the second period, outshooting the Sharks 17-9 and scoring four times. Montour's goals marked a crucial turnaround, breaking a 20-game scoreless streak and positioning the Kraken as a formidable offensive force.