NHL Trade Rumors: Ottawa Senators linked to Rasmus Andersson while Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers explore changes

| Global Sports Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 7, 2026, 02:45 IST

The general manager of the Ottawa Senators, Steve Staios, is already looking for players who can make the team stronger, since they are fighting for a wild card in the playoffs. One of his main targets is defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but he is also considering the possibility of acquiring players who can add depth in the forward line. Staios talked to the local media about stability and balance, and that the Eastern Conference is a tough competition, and one has to pay attention to the team’s defensive depth first before anything else.

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At the same time, the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are pondering their rosters as well. Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood is still in talks for a new contract, and it seems the sides are quite far apart, according to the reports. Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane has been a scratch for two games out of the last three, which has led to rumors that the Oilers might be open to trade discussions regarding the 29-year-old winger. Such happenings illustrate the whirlwind of actions that have been reshaping the trade and contract scene in the league.

Are Ottawa Senators still pushing for Rasmus Andersson?

As reported by Postmedia, the Senators have not changed their plan to get a right-shot defenseman, all while keeping their top prospects like Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. Other teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings have also displayed interest in Andersson, which makes the situation more competitive.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has informed that Sherwood's contract matter is still open, and there is a little possibility that Vancouver would be able to keep him due to his $1.5-million cap hit and interest from contenders like the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins. For the Edmonton Oilers, the Mangiapane trade talk is getting attention, as the Anaheim Ducks, Winnipeg Jets, and New Jersey Devils are said to be in the mix of possible teams interested in him, according to sources David Staples and Frank Seravalli.

Not just trading and signing players, but also the Senators, Canucks, and Oilers are all very active and making big moves to enhance their teams. The tightening of playoff races and the ongoing changes in player lineups make these transfers very significant for each team in terms of their performance during the second half of the season.