Braden Schneider finds himself in an awfully similar spot to the one K’Andre Miller did last year.

Entering the 2024-25 campaign, Miller and the Rangers had still not agreed to a long-term contract extension, with his future still in flux. 

Selected in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Miller quickly rose up the ranks of Rangers prospects and given his skillsets, playing a physically-minded game, while also having the capabilities of a strong puck-moving defensemen, expectations were high for Miller. 

Those expectations grew even further when Miller recorded 43 points during the 2023-24 season, as it seemed he would only continue to ascend. 

However, it didn’t quite work out that way. Over his final two years with the Blueshirts, Miller’s point totals decreased and his inconsistent defensive game also brought up concerns.

Entering the 2025 offseason, Miller was still without a contract extension, and the red flags shown in Miller’s game made Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury reluctant to give the young defenseman a long-term commitment. 

Ultimately, the Rangers sent Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes in a sign-and-trade deal, and he signed an 8-year $60 million contract with the Hurricanes. 

Now, Schneider could find himself in the same boat, if history were to repeat itself. 

Schneider was also a highly touted prospect, with the Rangers selecting him with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 Draft. 

It didn’t take long for Schneider to make waves in the NHL, playing 43 games for the Rangers during the 2021-22 campaign. 

Through his first three NHL seasons, Schneider showed flashes of potential in a third-pairing role. 

In 2024, Schneider signed a two-year, $4.4 million bridge deal with the Rangers. The hope was that he would eventually blossom into a reliable top-four defenseman for the Blueshirts. 

Similar to Miller, Schneider hasn’t taken that next leap that the organization had anticipated, specifically this year where he’s struggled in a top-four role when the opportunity has been presented, while his defensive woes are becoming more and more prevalent, indicative of his -15 plus/minus rating (the worst of his NHL career). 

In Drury’s recent letter issued outlining the team’s plan to retool the roster, he states that fans may have to say “goodbye to players that have brought us and our fans great moments over the years” and you have to wonder if that includes Schneider. 

The 24-year-old defenseman is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and will likely seek a long-term contract, which the Rangers may be reluctant to succumb to a long-term commitment, given Schneider’s underwhelming year thus far.

Schneider’s age, on top of the heavy style of play that he brings to the table, makes him a valuable trade committee, should opposing teams be enticed to pursue him.

Unlike most of the Rangers’ premier players, Schneider does not hold a no-move or no-trade clause in his current contract, which makes him easier to move. 

Since what many are calling the Letter 2.0 was released, Schneider’s name has been the subject of trade rumors, and that speculation only continues to pick up steam.

“One name I did hear a little bit about today, knowing I was coming on here and calling around, aside from the obvious ones, was Schneider,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said. “I think that for a defenseman who's a bit heavier, there's always interest in that kind of a player, and I think there is some in him, and the Rangers may have a decision to make."

The Rangers do indeed have a decision on their hands regarding Schneider’s future, and that decision could very well be made before the March 6th NHL Trade Deadline.

Zayne Parekh’s conditioning stint with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers has looked every bit like a confidence reset.

In three games with the Wranglers, the 19-year-old defenceman has produced four points — two goals and two assists — while logging heavier minutes and showcasing the offensive instincts that made him a top-ten draft pick. His shot has been noticeable, his puck touches frequent, and the overall body of work suggests a player beginning to settle into the pro game.

With the stint expected to conclude this weekend, Parekh is slated to rejoin the Flames, though questions remain about how — and when — he fits back into the NHL lineup.

While the offensive upside has never been in doubt, concerns surrounding Parekh’s strength, size, and defensive consistency persist. Those questions aren’t rooted in long-term projection — he has plenty of time to develop physically — but rather in durability. Multiple injuries this season stemming from physical contact have limited his ability to find rhythm at the NHL level.

Like most young defencemen, his defensive game remains a work in progress. The offensive flashes, however, have been undeniable during his time with the Wranglers.

After a two-goal performance against Laval on Monday, Parekh spoke candidly about his progress and growing confidence.

“I’m feeling really good about my game, especially with the puck right now,” said Parekh.

IN-ZAYNE!!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OBmRetsbsq

— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) January 27, 2026

The adjustment back to pro hockey following the World Junior Championships has been a key part of that progress.

“Just getting used to the speed, obviously it’s not NHL speed but it’s a lot faster than junior hockey so it’s a good jump for me,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction and I’m really enjoying it.”

That comfort level appears to be translating into confidence — something Parekh lacked earlier in the season with the Flames. The conditioning stint has offered him a chance to reset mentally, play through mistakes, and focus on incremental improvement rather than immediate results.

“Just keep getting better, I think that’s been the change in mindset for me over the last couple weeks,” Parekh said. “It’s going to take a little bit for me to get my game in the NHL but as long as I continue to get a little bit better each day…I think I’m going to get there eventually. It’s going to take some time but I’ve just got to trust in the process and have a little belief in myself and that’s starting to come.”

Parekh was loaned to the Wranglers following the 2026 World Junior Championships, where he helped Team Canada capture a bronze medal. He also made history at the tournament, setting a new Canadian record for points by a defenceman with 13 (six goals, seven assists) in seven games.

What happens next remains unclear. Do the Flames keep him out of the lineup until after the Olympic break? Does he get a handful of games beforehand? Calgary’s blue line is crowded, meaning roster movement would be required to create space. Still, it’s clear where Parekh’s long-term development needs to continue — at the NHL level.

The Nobleton, ON native was selected ninth overall by the Flames in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, following a record-shattering junior career with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Parekh posted back-to-back 30-goal seasons, a feat previously achieved only by Hall of Famer Bobby Orr among OHL/OHA defencemen. His 2024 season saw him record 33 goals and 74 assists for 107 points in 61 games, earning both the Max Kaminsky Trophy as OHL Defenceman of the Year and CHL Defenceman of the Year honours.

For now, the focus is simple: continued growth, steady confidence, and trusting that the process will carry him where he ultimately belongs.

Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane is undoubtedly a trade candidate to watch between now and the deadline. It is no secret that the 29-year-old forward has struggled with the Oilers and could benefit from a fresh start.

In a recent article for The Athletic, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun named the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and St. Louis Blues as potential trade fits for Mangiapane. 

"I wonder about teams such as the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators or St. Louis Blues as fits. The fact that Mangiapane has another year on his deal might actually be more appealing to those teams, none of whom are sitting in a playoff spot," LeBrun wrote. 

The Jets stand out as an interesting potential option for the Oilers. When looking at their roster, it is clear that they could use another skilled winger in their top nine. If Mangiapane bounced back in Winnipeg, he would give their forward group a nice and much-needed boost. 

When looking at Ottawa's group, Mangiapane could be a solid replacement for Nick Cousins on their third line. It would also be understandable if the Senators tried to add to their roster ahead of the deadline, as their playoff hopes are not fully gone yet.

The Blues could be a good landing spot for Mangiapane as well. The Central Division club has struggled to produce offense this season and should be open to adding to its forward group because of it. With this, they are in a position to buy low on a former 55-point forward. 

After six long games, injured Philadelphia Flyers goalie Dan Vladar is expected to make his return to the ice and reclaim his place as the club's starter.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Flyers announced that Vladar, 28, was activated from injured reserve, signaling his official return.

In a corresponding transaction, top goalie prospect Aleksei Kolosov was returned to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Vladar hasn't played for the Flyers since a 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 14; the Czech netminder saved four of the six shots he faced before departing with a lower-body injury at the end of the first period.

Kolosov started only one game for the Flyers in Vladar's absence, ceding three goals on three shots in a 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers.

Flyers Activate Big Defender & Send Another To AHLThe Flyers have made some roster moves.

The Belarusian's other appearance with Vladar on the shelf came in relief of Ersson, when Kolosov made 13 saves on 16 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ersson, who retains his hold on the Flyers' backup goalie job with Kolosov failing to impress in limited action, went 2-2-1 over the last six games, allowing 19 goals, making 130 saves on 149 shots, and posting a 3.61 GAA and .872 save percentage.

Those numbers are far from ideal, regardless of how the Flyers performed in front of him, and now Vladar, who is now fully healthy and ready to go, will jump back into the driver's seat with Philadelphia's season on the line.

Ex-Flyers Goalie Dominating for NHL's Hottest TeamStop me if you've heard this one before, but a former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> goalie is dominating for one of the NHL's hottest teams, and it may not be who you expect.

The Metropolitan Division rival Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Flyers at Nationwide Arena at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

It's clear that if the Los Angeles Kings want to improve, they need an offensive boost, as that is their weakness.

A recent report from David Pagnotta and Dennis Bernstein reveals that GM Ken Holland and the Kings have inquired about Vancouver Canucks left winger Evander Kane.

Kane has spent his last eight seasons in the Pacific Division, playing for the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers and this year with the Canucks.

It's also worth mentioning that Kane missed the entirety of the 2024-25 season as he underwent two surgeries. That includes treating a sports hernia in September 2024 and his knee in January 2025.

In Vancouver, he played 52 games, scoring nine goals and 24 points this year. With that, he's been averaging 16:47 of ice time per game and has recorded a minus-18 rating on a struggling Canucks team that is last in the NHL.

There shouldn't be much shock that Holland would be interested in Kane. After all, they were together in Edmonton between 2022 and 2024. In fact, Holland signed Kane as a free agent in January 2022.

NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest On Vincent Trocheck, Evander Kane And Shane WrightThe Minnesota Wild could be interested in New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Evander Kane appears likely to be the next member of the Vancouver Canucks to be traded, and trade rumors are swirling around Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright.

Kane, 34, is in the final year of the contract he signed with the Oilers. It was a four-year deal, and he earns $5.125 million against the salary cap.

In the past off-season, the Canucks acquired Kane in a trade that would likely be a blueprint as to what Vancouver will be looking for in an effort to move off the veteran. The Oilers shipped him to the Canucks for a 2025 fourth-round pick.

If the Kings were to acquire Kane, it certainly wouldn't cost much in terms of departing assets. However, the aging left winger comes with a $5.125-million price tag.

Los Angeles has $12.875 in current cap space, according to puckpedia.com. How they use that space in the coming weeks is to be seen.

---

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The Winnipeg Jets are expected to make roster moves ahead of the NHL trade deadline, with a pair of pending free agents drawing league-wide interest. Defensemen Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley have emerged as the primary candidates to be dealt, though the exact timing of any moves remains uncertain.

Of the two, Stanley is the player most likely to be shipped out or not return to the team next season. The 27-year-old towering six-foot-seven defenseman has reportedly not yet discussed a contract extension with the Jets, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

Drafted 18th overall in 2016, Winnipeg traded up to select Stanley and he has struggled to live up to expectations early in his career, often serving as a depth defenseman. However, this season has marked a breakout, with Stanley recording eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 51 games. He is on pace to surpass his previous career highs, making him an attractive option for playoff-bound teams seeking a second- or third-pairing defenseman.

The Jets appear to be focused on retooling for next season, meaning Stanley’s trade value could be modest. While exact returns are uncertain, a fourth- or fifth-round pick could be expected. By comparison, defenseman Carson Soucy was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Islanders this season for a third-round pick. Even a mid-round selection for Stanley would exceed the value Winnipeg might have expected at the start of the season.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers activated goaltender Dan Vladar off injured reserve Wednesday, clearing him to return at night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Vladar missed the past two weeks after leaving a game at Buffalo with what the team called a lower-body injury. The Flyers have lost four of six games since.

At 28 now after being mostly a backup since reaching the NHL, Vladar was in the middle of arguably the best season of his career when he got hurt. He is 16-7-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average that ranks ninth in the league and a .905 save percentage that is good for 18th among netminders with at least 20 appearances.

Vladar was one of three goalies chosen to play for the Czech Republic at the upcoming Olympics in Milan. Anaheim's Lukas Dostal is expected to be the Czech starter, with Vladar and Utah's Karel Vejmelka competing to back up.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

The Buffalo Sabres remain the hottest team in the NHL after winning four of five games on their just-completed five-game road swing. The Sabres are 19-3-1 since mid-December, and have climbed into a tie for third place in the Atlantic with Boston and Montreal, and have carried three goalies in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis all season, something that head coach Lindy Ruff is thankful for. 

"We've had good goaltending, and the fact we've had three with the injuries we've had between UPL, Lyon, and Ellis with his concussion, three has been a blessing for us as it has turned out." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the club held a short practice on Wednesday. "(Managing three goalies has) sometimes (been) tough to deal with, but it's turned out to be a strength of ours. It's got us through a lot of games." 

Lyon missed three weeks earlier this month with a lower-body injury, while Ellis missed a couple of weeks last month with a concussion. Luukkonen suffered a lower-body injury during summer workouts, missing time during training camp, and re-aggravated it after one period during the preseason, missing the first three weeks of the regular season.  

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Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

In Tuesday’s 7-4 victory over Toronto on Tuesday, Luukkonen left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury and was replaced by Ellis. Lyon, who was with the team but not suited up, headed to the Sabres locker room and was got into his equipment. With the possibility of Luukkonen being out longer than a few days, the burden will fall on the 33-year-old, who has tied a club-record with nine consecutive victories.   

"When you have a goalie room with guys that are competitive and care about winning, I think that those types of things kind of build on themselves," Lyon said. So when (UPL) and I are going back and forth here this last little bit, you always feel a little competitive with each other and you don't want to let the other guy down at the same time. That's really healthy. Colton is of the same mindset as the both of us. So I think our goalie room is in a good spot right now." 

Ruff did not have an update on Luukkonen’s status, and Lyon patrolled the Sabres home net at practice in preparation for their game against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime was fined $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct for poking Seattle’s Jacob Melanson while on the bench.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the supplemental discipline Wednesday. The department, led by retired enforcer George Parros, recently took over control of all the league's in-arena disciplinary decisions, some of which were previously handled by hockey operations.

Duhaime made contact with Melanson while the Kraken player was skating by with just over seven minutes left in the second period of the teams’ game Tuesday night. Melanson reached for his right arm and left the ice immediately but remained in the game, and no penalty was called on the play.

Duhaime started a fight with Melanson with just over a minute left in the Capitals’ 5-1 loss and got an extra minor penalty for roughing. Duhaime, 28, is a pending unrestricted free agent and could be dealt ahead of the March 6 deadline if Washington opts to sell.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

ST. PAUL, Minn. - During last week, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov tore up the scoresheet.

Kaprizov, 28, recorded multiple points in all four of his contests to top the NHL with 3 goals, six assists and nine points in four games for the Wild.

He collected a pair of assists in both a 6-3 win versus the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 19 and a 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 20.

Kaprizov then posted two goals and an assist, including his 13th career overtime goal, in a 4-3 victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 22.

He added a goal and an assists for his fifth straight multi-point performance dating to Jan. 17 against the Florida Panthers to end the week.

The 5-foot-11 forward is fourth in the NHL in goals with 28 and ranks seventh in points with 64 in 54 games this season.

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Recent Wild Stories

Hynes: Consistency The Next Step For Wild's David JiricekHynes believes David Jiricek is progressing, but solidifying puck decisions and positioning will unlock his NHL potential and drive consistency.

- Quinn Hughes Breaks Franchise Record In 18th Game.

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- 'You Want To Get Out Of Your Zone': Why Quinn Hughes Changes The Game For The Wild.

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The first-place Colorado Avalanche roll into the Canadian Tire Centre to face the Ottawa Senators tonight, and the Sens need to string wins together in a hurry to punch a postseason ticket.

As a result of Colorado's high-powered offense, my Avalanche vs. Senators predictions expect Ottawa netminder James Reimer to stay busy between the pipes.

Read more in my NHL picks for Wednesday, January 28.

Avalanche vs Senators prediction

Avalanche vs Senators best bet: James Reimer Over 25.5 saves (-105)

Ottawa Senators goaltender James Reimer is set for a high-volume evening on home ice. 

The Colorado Avalanche lead the league in shots per game (34.9) and rank second in Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, so I’m anticipating Reimer seeing plenty of action tonight. 

Reimer posted a .895 save percentage across 92 games over the previous three years, and replicating that number tonight positions him to cash this Over. 

After all, the Avs have recorded at least 30 shots in nine consecutive games.

Avalanche vs Senators same-game parlay

The Senators have allowed the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five on home ice, so they should hang around tonight. Colorado has also dropped four of its last six games and is dealing with multiple injuries, while the Sens are icing a healthy lineup.

In addition to the Avalanche allowing the fewest goals per game (2.34), Colorado has also hit the Under in 15 of its past 25 road games.

Avalanche vs Senators SGP

• Senators +1.5
• Under 6.5
• James Reimer Over 25.5 saves

Avalanche vs Senators odds

• Moneyline: Avalanche -155 | Senators +130
• Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+160) | Senators +1.5 (-190)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)

Avalanche vs Senators trend

Colorado is 23-27 to the O/U this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Senators.

How to watch Avalanche vs Senators

Avalanche vs Senators latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

There are just three games on the ice this Wednesday, January 28, and I’ve got NHL player props for each.

My NHL picks are headlined by Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett in a favorable matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Best NHL player prop bets today

Get a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL.
(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Wednesday, January 28

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Owen Tippett Over 2.5 shots on goal

-115 at BET99

The Columbus Blue Jackets allow the second-most shots per game (30.7) and fifth-most attempts per 60 minutes, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett has recorded three or more shots in 11 of 15 games out of the holiday break for 48 total on 95 attempts.

Tippett’s 11.75 shots and 23.26 attempts per 60 minutes also rank ninth and seventh, respectively, in the NHL during the stretch. He’s also the primary shooter with the man advantage and sports a team-high 56.3 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 across the past 15 games.

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: TNT

Prop #2: Vladislav Gavrikov Over 1.5 shots on goal

-105 at BET99

New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov has averaged 25:05 of ice time with 3:00 on the power-play while recording two or more shots in seven of his past 10 games. 

This matchup isn’t horrible, either.

The New York Islanders have surrendered the 10th-most shot attempts per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 while ranking 26th in Corsi For percentage across 15 games out of the holiday break.

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: MSGSN, MSG2

Prop #3: Victor Olofsson Over 0.5 points

-125 at BET99

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has bumped Victor Olofsson up to the top line, and the winger has logged 55:37 of ice time with superstar Nathan MacKinnon over the past three games. The Avs have an unsustainably low 5.7 team shooting percentage with the duo on the ice, too.

With Olofsson also skating on the No. 1 power-play unit, and the Ottawa Senators ranking 30th in penalty-kill percentage, this is a ripe opportunity for statistical correction to kick in.

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: ALT, SN

These props are available now at BET99, one of our best betting sites.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Bo Horvat is having another productive campaign, but hasn’t hit the scoresheet since returning from injury.

My Rangers vs. Islanders predictions expect Horvat to get back on track against a struggling defensive side now that he’s had time to get his feet back under him.

Let’s break down my NHL picks for Wednesday, January 28.

Rangers vs Islanders prediction

Rangers vs Islanders best bet: Bo Horvat Over 0.5 points (-140)

The New York Rangers continue to struggle without stars Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin in the lineup. They are bleeding goals like no other team, allowing 45 over the last nine games (5.0 per) and at least three in every single one of them.

It’s not like they’ve faced a murderer’s row of opponents, and a bunch of the league’s best teams made things look worse than they are. The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres are the only sides sitting in the Top 15 in the standings that the Rangers have faced during this miserable stretch.

The New York Islanders should feel very good about their chances of producing, with Bo Horvat perhaps most likely to lead the charge.

He missed 14 games due to injury, yet he still leads the team with 21 goals. Nobody else on the roster has even cracked 15.

Excluding the Flyers, who are a top-tier shot suppression team, Horvat has produced nine points over eight games against Bottom-10 opponents in goals against.

The Rangers counted for two of those contests, both of which featured Shesterkin between the pipes. Horvat still scored a pair of goals while combining for 15 shot attempts.

With the Rangers playing their worst hockey of the season, Horvat is poised to do damage again this time around.

Rangers vs Islanders same-game parlay

Emil Heineman is having a nice season, quietly ranking 2nd on the Islanders in goals. He is skating with Horvat on the top line and the same power play unit, increasing his chances of hitting the scoresheet if Horvat does.

Vladislav Gavrikov has played a larger offensive role without Fox in the lineup. This has led to increased shot volume, with Gavrikov averaging 4.7 attempts per game over his last 10 while recording multiple shots on target in seven of them.

Rangers vs Islanders SGP

• Bo Horvat Over 0.5 points
• Emil Heineman Over 0.5 points
• Vladislav Gavrikov Over 1.5 shots

Rangers vs Islanders odds

• Moneyline: Rangers +120 | Islanders -140
• Puck Line: Rangers +1.5 (-200) | Islanders -1.5 (+165)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Rangers vs Islanders trend

Bo Horvat has 13 points through 13 home games following a day off. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Islanders.

How to watch Rangers vs Islanders

Rangers vs Islanders latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here