NHL News: Panarin’s Future in Doubt, Olympic Roster Snubs, & Scores from Jan 8

The calendar has flipped to 2026, and the NHL season is officially past the midway point. While the 2026 Winter Olympic break looms large in February, the immediate focus in New York and across the league is on the uncertain future of one of the game’s elite playmakers.

Following the Rangers’ intense battle in the Winter Classic against the Panthers last week, rumors are swirling. Artemi Panarin, whose contract expires at the end of this season, has yet to ink an extension. With the Rangers fighting for a playoff spot in the Metro, GM Chris Drury faces a nightmare scenario: keep his MVP for a Playoff run and risk losing him for nothing, or consider the unthinkable—a deadline blockbuster.

But it’s not just New York feeling the heat. With the trade deadline approaching and Olympic rosters being finalized, the pressure cooker is whistling.

NHL Scores & Notes: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Thursday night delivered a packed slate of 10 games. Playoff pictures are solidifying, and the Connor Bedard surge continues.

SEA

2 – 3 FINAL

MIN

Wild Hold Firm Kaprizov with 2 assists as Minnesota edges Seattle. Wallstedt stands tall with 28 saves to secure the win.

VGK

5 – 3 FINAL

CBJ

Stone Cold Mark Stone and Jack Eichel combine for 5 points. Vegas offense overwhelms the Jackets late in the 3rd.

OTT

2 – 8 FINAL

COL

MacKinnon Explosion Nathan MacKinnon erupts for 4 points, reclaiming the NHL scoring lead. Avs extend home win streak to 16.

WPG

3 – 4 FINAL

EDM

Jets Freefall Winnipeg loses their 11th straight game despite a late push. McDavid adds another multi-point night.

NYI

1 – 2 FINAL

NSH

Saros Shines Juuse Saros makes 31 saves in a goaltending duel. O’Reilly nets the game-winner for the Preds.

PHI

1 – 2 OT

TOR

Cowan the Hero Rookie Easton Cowan scores the OT winner. Leafs survive a scare from the Flyers.

FLA

2 – 6 FINAL

MON

Texier Hat Trick Alexandre Texier records a hat trick as Montreal stuns the Panthers. Habs offense clicking at the right time.

VAN

1 – 5 FINAL

DET

Showtime 500 Patrick Kane scores his 500th career goal! Detroit rolls past Vancouver in a historic night at LCA.

CGY

1 – 4 FINAL

BOS

Bruins Bounce Back Pastrnak and Zacha lead the way. Calgary’s offense continues to struggle on the road.

NJD

1 – 4 FINAL

PIT

Pens surging Crosby collects 2 assists as Pittsburgh wins their 6th straight to move into a Wild Card spot.

Stat of the Night: Connor McDavid’s 4-point night puts him on pace for another 140-point campaign.

Olympic Roster Shockers & Trade Rumors

With the NHL pausing in February for the Milan Olympics, national team GMs are making their final calls. The biggest storyline? The snub of Connor Bedard and Sam Bennett from Team Canada, with management favoring veteran two-way reliability over pure youth.

Meanwhile, the trade market is heating up.

• Sellers: The Winnipeg Jets, amidst an 11-game skid, may finally be open for business. Is Kyle Connor untouchable?
• Buyers: The Pittsburgh Penguins are surging at the right time and looking to add depth for one more run with Crosby and Malkin.
• Carolina: Rumors suggest the Canes are shopping Jesperi Kotkaniemi to clear cap space for a deadline splash.

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The post NHL News: Panarin’s Future in Doubt, Olympic Roster Snubs, & Scores from Jan 8 appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.