It's been two weeks since the NHL's full regular-season schedule began on Oct. 8. While there hasn't been any trade activity over that time, the rumor mill has been churning away on possible trade candidates.

Some of the talk concerns individual players like Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras. He was the frequent subject of trade speculation in 2023-24 and the offseason which has carried over into the start of this season.

Meanwhile, there are rumors concerning teams looking to address early roster weaknesses. One of them is the Colorado Avalanche, as their inconsistent goaltending has them off to one of the worst starts in franchise history.

How much stock should we put in this latest NHL conjecture? Follow along as we examine which rumors are worth buying or selling.

Do you agree with our take on these rumors? Feel free to let us know in the app comments below.

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Timothy Liljegren?

Earlier this month, we noted some speculation suggesting Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren could become a trade candidate this season after slipping down their blue-line depth chart. We dismissed that conjecture, noting it was too early in the season to peddle him given the concerns over the health and depth of the Leafs' blue line.

Since then, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Oct. 9 that Leafs management was trying to find a destination for Liljegren. Five days later, Friedman reported hearing they'd permitted the 25-year-old rearguard to speak with other teams. However, he said the Leafs denied this, claiming it wasn't true.

Liljegren was a healthy scratch through four of the Leafs' first five games this season, fueling rumors he could be traded soon. However, they're not helping his trade value by keeping him in the press box.

Friedman's colleague Luke Fox observed Liljegren signed a two-year contract on June 30 with an average annual value of $3 million. That could make it difficult to move him in the trade market.

Buy or Sell: Buy

The Leafs will likely try to move Liljegren at some point this season, perhaps when players like Calle Järnkrok, Connor Dewar, and Jani Hakanpää are due to come off the long-term injury reserve list. If Liljegren keeps seeing sporadic action, they might have to retain some of his cap hit to entice other clubs.

Could the Calgary Flames Become Big Sellers Again?

The Calgary Flames were considered a rebuilding team entering this season. They'd traded away several notable veterans in 2023-24, including starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, and center Elias Lindholm.

Some observers wondered if the Flames' 4-0-1 record in their first five games of this season might affect attempts to continue trading away veterans for younger talent. However, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Oct. 15 that general manager Craig Conroy was surprised by the assumption he was a seller this season.

Conroy told LeBrun he doesn't intend to stage another fire sale of talent. He wants to keep his veterans around to help build a winning culture for his promising young players.

The Hockey News' Adam Proteau understands why Conroy prefers retaining players like center Nazem Kadri, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, and forward Blake Coleman. However, he thinks Conroy shouldn't rule out trading them for pieces that would help their future if the right offers are made.

Buy or Sell: Sell

Most of the players Conroy traded last season had expiring contracts. Kadri and Weegar have several years left on their deals making them harder to move. The Flames GM appears to be a buyer as Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli told Sportsnet on Oct. 17 that Conroy is calling around the league for a middle-six center.

Will the Colorado Avalanche Shop For a Goaltender?

The Colorado Avalanche lurched to their worst start since 1998-99 with a record of no wins, four losses, and no overtime losses. They finally picked up their first wins over the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.

Goaltending was among the factors behind that poor start. Netminders Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen combined for the league's worst goals-against per game of 4.83.

On Oct. 17, The Athletic's Eric Stephens and Jesse Granger discussed whether the Avalanche should attempt to acquire John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. The 31-year-old netminder is recovering from an emergency appendectomy but might benefit from a change of scenery after several seasons with the rebuilding Ducks.

The following day, Colorado Hockey Now's Aarif Dean cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman who also speculated whether the Avalanche should pursue Gibson. Friedman also mentioned they previously had an interest in Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.

Buy or Sell: Sell...for now

The Avalanche have limited cap space and captain Gabriel Landeskog could soon come off long-term injury reserve. They could give recently acquired Kaapo Kahkonen an opportunity to help them right the ship. If he fails and Georgiev hasn't improved, the Avs could test the trade market once their cap situation is sorted out.

Could the Pittsburgh Penguins Move on from Tristan Jarry?

Inconsistency has plagued Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry for much of his NHL career. It cost him his job as their starter down the stretch last season, as backup Alex Nedeljkovic saw most of the action in their final games in their failed attempt to clinch a playoff berth.

Jarry's struggles have carried over into this season. He was in goal during their 6-0 season-opening loss to the New York Rangers and rebounded with a solid effort two games later with a 6-3 win over the Montréal Canadiens, but he got the hook after giving up three goals on five shots in the next game against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Athletic's Josh Yohe reported on Oct. 14 that there was an open competition for the starter's job between Jarry, Nedeljkovic, and promising netminder Joel Blomqvist. Three days later, he called Jarry's performance in the Sabres' game "unprofessional".

Yohe followed up on Oct. 18 calling for the Penguins to part ways with Jarry but acknowledged his contract is difficult to trade. He's earned $5.4 million annually through 2027-28 and has a 12-team no-trade list. Yohe suggested burying him in the minors and buying him out next June.

Buy or Sell: Buy

Jarry was a healthy scratch from the Penguins' 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. His struggles in goal mean they won't find many takers unless they retain some salary or take back an equally bad contract. Nevertheless, this situation seems to be coming to a head. Demotion and buyout could be in Jarry's future unless his performance improves soon.

Does Trevor Zegras Have a Future with the Anaheim Ducks?

Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras has been the topic of trade speculation since last January. It persisted during the offseason, earning the 23-year-old a spot on our September NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Zegras endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Contract negotiations dragged throughout training camp before signing a three-year deal. Injuries limited him to 15 points in 31 games.

On Oct. 11, Andrew Knoll of The Orange County Register wondered if Zegras remained part of the Ducks' nucleus. He pointed out the Ducks have youngsters Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson centering their top two lines, relegating Zegras to the wing. Knoll noted the Ducks coaches are pressing him to improve his overall game.

Zegras is in the second season of his contract, earning an average annual value of $5.3 million. Nevertheless, Knoll believes this season will be crucial in determining whether he still fits into the Ducks' long-term plans.

Buy or Sell: Buy

Until last season, Zegras was considered among the Ducks' young foundation players. His performance this season will decide if that's still the case or whether he becomes a trade chip to bolster other areas of the roster.

Stats via NHL.com, salary info via PuckPedia.