NHL Rumors Roundup: Updates on the Sabres, Canucks, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Predators

The NHL’s annual holiday roster freeze is from December 20th to the 27th. It is yet to be seen whether there will be any last-minute moves, but that has not stopped the talk in the rumor mill.

Hockey News’ Adam Proteau noticed Wednesday’s trade activity, which included the struggling New York Rangers sending Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. He wondered if the Buffalo Sabers and Vancouver Canucks could get into the game before the freezing point.

The struggling Buffalo Sabers could attempt a move that will help get their season back on track. Proteau brought up the latest rumors linking the Vancouver Canucks with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov.

Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks left wing Taylor Hall struggled earlier this season under coach Luke Richardson. A healthy scratch for their Nov. 16 game against the Vancouver Canucks, he was briefly the subject trade speculation.

Hall’s performance improved since Anders Sorensen replaced Richardson on Dec. 5 and collected four points in his last six games heading into Thursday’s game against the Kraken. It made it happen New York Post‘s Larry Brooks to propose the 33-year-old could become a popular trade target if he continues to improve before the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

Another reason for Hall’s improvement could be that he has finally returned to game form after missing most of last season due to knee surgery. It can take time for an NHL player, especially one approaching his mid-30s, to return to peak condition. He could attract interest from competitors seeking an experienced top-six playmaker.

Related: Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko: Two other NHL teams that should trade before roster freeze

Regarding the Detroit Red Wings, Brooks noted that Cam Talbot has performed well so far in Motown. The 37-year-old goalie has a 6-6-2 record with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

Talbot has an affordable two-year contract with an average annual value of 2.5 million Brooks believes the Colorado Avalanche or New Jersey Devils could come calling if their current goaltending tandem doesn’t work out as hoped.

Related: NHL Power Rankings: Every team’s ultimate wish on their holiday bucket list as Capitals rise to No. 1

The Nashville Predators’ poor performance has made Barry Trotz the busiest GM on the trade market, netting four deals since 25 Nov. The latest saw Trotz ships defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday for blueliner Justin Barron.

That has some observers wondering if a rival club could investigate if center Steven Stamkos regrets his decision to join the Predators this summer.

Stamkos, 34, signed a four-year deal worth $8 million annually with Nashville on July 1, coming off a 40-goal performance last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is in good form this season with eight goals in 32 games.

Things are not going as well as hoped for Stamkos and the Predators so far. However, RG.org’s Marco D’Amico quoted a league source says there is no indication that either side is thinking about the situation.

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