As the trade market begins to take shape, a handful of intriguing rumors are circulating today, and with the New Improved Rumor Chart Launching at 3pm New Year’s Day there is suddenly a lot to discuss… None of these moves are imminent, but all three are worth watching as front offices position themselves ahead of the deadline.
Morgan Rielly to Washington(e3) A Bold Idea With Logic Behind It
The idea of Morgan Rielly being moved by the Toronto Maple Leafs would have sounded unthinkable not long ago. But with Toronto constantly juggling cap constraints, blue-line balance, and playoff urgency, even long-tenured core players can’t be viewed as untouchable.
Enter the Washington Capitals, a team walking the line between contending and retooling around Alex Ovechkin’s final elite years. Washington has long sought a true top-pair puck-moving defenseman—someone who can drive transition, quarterback a power play, and log heavy minutes against top competition. Rielly checks every one of those boxes.
For Toronto, such a deal would be less about moving Rielly specifically and more about reshaping the roster—potentially recouping assets, cap flexibility, or NHL-ready depth. For Washington, it would be a clear statement: maximize what’s left of the Ovechkin era and worry about the rest later.
Jaden Schwartz to the Islanders (e3)
The New York Islanders are perennially in search of reliable, playoff-tested scoring, and Jaden Schwartz fits the mold almost too perfectly. The veteran winger remains a respected two-way presence in Seattle—smart, responsible, and capable of elevating his play in high-leverage moments.
Seattle, meanwhile, continues to evaluate its long-term trajectory. With younger forwards pushing for bigger roles and the Kraken balancing competitiveness with asset management, moving Schwartz could be a pragmatic decision if the return helps shape the next phase of the roster.
For the Islanders, this would be a very on-brand move: a trusted veteran, Stanley Cup pedigree, and a player who doesn’t disrupt structure. Schwartz wouldn’t fix all of New York’s scoring issues, but he could stabilize a lineup that often struggles to generate offense when it matters most.
Alex Tuch to Philadelphia (e3) A Power Move for a Rising Flyers Team?
The most intriguing rumor of the bunch may involve Alex Tuch and the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia has been one of the league’s more compelling teams this season…They are suddenly looking structured, competitive, and ahead of schedule in its rebuild. The next logical step? Adding a legitimate top-six power forward.
Tuch brings size, speed, forechecking pressure, and scoring ability…all traits the Flyers covet as they build an identity under their current regime. He’s not just a rental-type winger; he’s the kind of player who can help round out a lineup.
From Buffalo’s perspective, this would be a bold move. The Sabres remain asset-rich but impatient for progress. If they believe a reallocation of resources…perhaps toward defense or future flexibility—serves them better, Tuch could become a high-value trade chip rather than a cornerstone.