NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025
Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Scott Laughton, Seth Jones, and Erik Karlsson, plus updates on the Oilers, Utah HC, Blue Jackets, Flames and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS
TSN: Darren Dreger believes St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn would be a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another would be Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.
Dreger thinks the Leafs have the assets to acquire Schenn, citing prospects such as Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. The asking price for Laughton is a little less, with the Flyers seeking a first-round pick or an equal prospect, unless they have to retain part of Laughton’s salary in the deal, then it’s a first-rounder and more.
Pierre LeBrun mentioned Yanni Gourde is expected to return to action by March 4 after recovering from sports hernia surgery on Jan. 31. LeBrun suggested the Seattle Kraken center as another fit for the Leafs as they attempt to boost their depth at center.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re also great options for other clubs who might have more cap space or tradeable assets to win any bidding war for their services. Schenn has a full no-trade clause and hasn’t been asked yet by Blues management to waive it.
COULD SETH JONES BE A FIT WITH THE STARS?
TSN: Chris Johnston suggested the Stars as a trade destination for Seth Jones. The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman spent part of his childhood in Dallas and would love to play there. The Stars attempted to acquire him in 2021 but weren’t going to give him the contract that he signed with Chicago. It would depend on how much of Jones’ AAV the Blackhawks would be willing to retain.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reported earlier this week that the Blackhawks don’t want to retain part of Jones’ salary to facilitate a trade. That would rule out a trade to Dallas unless the Stars can shed some salary in the deal or a separate cost-cutting trade.
THE LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that a Pittsburgh Penguins source told him GM Kyle Dubas would trade Erik Karlsson in a heartbeat if he could. An Eastern Conference executive said the 34-year-old defenseman’s name is out there in the trade market, but the Penguins would have to retain salary.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)
Karlsson’s contract is a significant obstacle. The Penguins are carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV through 2026-27. His former club, the San Jose Sharks, carries the remaining $1.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.
Yohe cited an NHL executive suggesting that a Karlsson trade seems more likely in the offseason when the salary cap rises significantly. That could make teams more willing to take on the majority of his bulky contract.
THE SCORE: Josh Wegman suggested the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings as possible trade destinations for Karlsson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Stars aren’t willing to take on Seth Jones’ $9.5 million, they won’t be interested in acquiring the full amount of the Penguins’ share of Karlsson’s AAV. The same goes for the Panthers, who have just over $2.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space.
The Red Wings have the cap room and the depth in tradeable assets like draft picks and prospects to make an enticing offer. Whether general manager Steve Yzerman is willing to make that move is another matter. Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff believes the priority has shifted to adding a center as Andrew Copp is out for the season following pectoral tendon surgery.
THE OILERS ARE NOT LOOKING TO ADD A GOALTENDER
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers do not consider adding a goaltender to be a priority. They’ve been linked to John Gibson because the Anaheim Ducks netminder listed the Oilers as one of his preferred trade destinations. However, they don’t consider him to be an upgrade over starter Stuart Skinner. Gibson’s contract ($6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27) is also an issue.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also said the Oilers don’t see anyone available who can be considered better than Skinner. Until that changes, they’re not pursuing a netminder.
UPDATES ON THE UTAH HC AND THE BLUE JACKETS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Utah Hockey Club is reluctant to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They’re already loaded with draft picks, plus they’re trying to make a splash in their new market by playing meaningful games late in the season.
GM Bill Armstrong could be open to packaging some of his draft picks with a player or two in return for something more dynamic in a real hockey deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, a player who can help Utah now and in the future, not a rental veteran whose best seasons are behind him.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and pending free-agent defenseman Ivan Provorov remain apart in their contract negotiations. The next few games leading up to the deadline will determine whether they trade Provorov or hang onto him as an “own rental” for a playoff push.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have two first-rounders in this year’s draft, a roster filled with rising young talent, and a deep prospect pool. They don’t need to add more futures.
Replacing Provorov with a good young defenseman would be a better option. They could attempt to move him for a blueliner with term remaining on his contract.
LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND SENATORS
CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy isn’t looking for rental players at the trade deadline. He’s not interested in sacrificing draft picks and prospects for a quick fix.
Conroy hasn’t ruled out adding young players with term remaining on their contracts, such as recent acquisitions Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. He’s also reportedly told other teams that he’s not a seller this year.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the clock is ticking on Senators GM Steve Staios as the March 7 deadline approaches. He’s been scouring the trade market for a forward but his limited salary cap space and reluctance to move a first-round pick hampers those efforts.
Staios is believed to be interested in Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev and Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato. Garrioch cited two sources claiming Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker is available, and they’re seeking a prospect in return. It’s believed the Nashville Predators could have some interest.
No offense to Scott Laughton, but he’ll garner a 1st rounder in return? Seriously? Who makes this crap up? (the stupidity astounds me)
No one is stupid enough to trade anything for Karlsson.
Ducks have tried to move Gibson for years. No one wants him at his price.
Karlsson is a train wreck defensively but he is still one of the top 5 puck movers and offense creators from the blue line! If paired with a defensively responsible d-man, he could really help a club in the playoffs. To say no one “would trade anything for him” is going way too far!
Re A Trade, Calgary & Buffalo🤔
Buffalo swap LD man Owen Power For
who will be 23 years old at the start of the season and A prospect and Or A 2nd round pick….❓
for
RD man Calgarys 28 yr old Rasmus Andersson,
this could not hapen till July 1st when the UFA period opens up….
Hi Sjpp
No one takes him at $10 M cap hit
More than one team takes him at $5 M Cap hit
Dubas, do it.
You really should read up before you spout off Brayden Schenn has 33 points in 58 games Scott Lawton has 27 in 55 The big difference Scott Lawton plays in all situations Last minute of the game. And is just a big locker room presence as the captain of the blues not to mention he’s a whole lot cheaper Laughton over Schenn on a playoff run any day.
Probably doesn’t even know who Laughton is. Good ol Oshawa Generals boy. Warrior
Im not sure how I feel about paying Schenn 6.5 for next three years… different player than JT for sure he isnt much younger?
The Blues and Wings have often been trade partners–I could see Faksa being a quick fix to replace Copp. A mid round draft pick would be enough.
The Blues have been better in recent games and a Schenn trade would be risky for the locker room. BUT I think long-term if the Blues could get a 1st in 2026, Minton, and maybe Benoit, I’d listen.
rather have Thomas 😏
The only way EK is moved is when his contract is close to its end and there is a significant jump in the salary cap OR Pittsburgh needs to retain a lot of salary/cap.
Or when it approaches feasibility, it will be time for a buyout and then EK can sign wherever. That was one of the worst contracts ever signed… I am actually boggled at how many much less talented D-men are ALSO getting paid way too much.
Hi the Saint
There will be takers at $5M Cap hit
Dubas MUST do this
8787 Karlsson is not going to bring back a significant return, even at 50% retention. Over the past 5 seasons, he has been on the ice for more Goals Against, then any other defender in the NHL. He is awful in his own end.
Yes his offense has been very good.
With 50% retention, I see a deal similar to what Carolina gave up for Burns several years ago.
You look at the trade to acquire EK, and Pitt overpaid as they had to move out 12+ million of contracts that didnt work out.
Chicago eats half of Jones’ salary and a third team eats half of the remainder….Pens eat half of Karlsson’s and a third team eats half of that remaining salary….and the Stars give Chicago Dumba and Antonio Stranges. Third team gets the Stars 5th rounder….Pens get Cody Cici and Matej Blumel and a third team gets the Stars 6th rounder….and the Stars get both, Karlsson and Jones and give up nothing…Nill is a genius!!!
SEE WHAT I DID THERE LEAF FANS?
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reported earlier this week that the Blackhawks don’t want to retain part of Jones’ salary to facilitate a trade.
Yeah you showed us that you`re a bigger dreamer than all of the leaf fans combined. A salary dump and a b prospect wouldn`t get you Jones let alone get Chicago to eat half of his salary for 5 years to boot. A 5th rounder to a team to eat 5 years worth of salary, what kind of drugs you on. Ceci and a b prospect might get you Karlsson, we`re talking Dubas here, doubtful Pittsburg eats any salary at that price and there`s no 3rd team when comes to Karlsson, San Jose already retained salary on Karlsson. Supertramp has a song just for you, it`s called dreamer, give it a listen. Pengy would be proud of you
Yogi, if I had to guess Starsfan’s post was an attempt at satire.
Your response treating it seriously made it funnier.
Or at least that is how I read it.
Don`t think it was Ray he took the time to check the prospects so he definitely put some thought into it
Injuries to Copp and Ek,perfect replacement, Charlie Coyle!
CHARLIE HAS A FULL NMC and Boston is his home.
try again
Schenn is the “dream” acquisition for Toronto and no doubt plays into the idea of also getting Luke Schenn back on the blueline through a trade.
The salary issue is a big deterrent, unless there is a potential bargain in new contracts for Knies (RFA), Tavares (UFA), and Marner (UFA).
I don’t think Treliving will move Minten or Cowan for anybody over age 30 unless he is getting a huge bargain and stats leader.
More likely, younger guys with bit potential will need to be in an offer.
Robertson could be a part of a trade, if he keeps showing consistently, the sort of play he has offered recently. Though all of that will depend on Nick. He may still want a trade, or he may prefer a playoff run, to raise his value for his next contract.
in a rebuild, STL is going to want high picks, top prospects, big effective defensemen and potential snipers and leaders,
You don’t trade your captain away unless you get a potential future one in return.
The Leafs may have to include their first in 2026, Ben Danford, Noah Chadwick, or Grebyenkin, or Robertson in a deal. Timmins may be of interest too, though his game is still too small to consider as much more than a salary to balance things.
Something could be worked out, but I have to think that unless Schenn wants to go to Toronto, his “No Trade ” control stays in place.
St. Louis is one of the most popular US cities to live in, and many former players settle there long-term. So a player with 3 years remaining at $6.5M , a captaincy, a NTC, and a young family is NOT likely to go someplace unless it offers an awful lot in return ( Cup chance, a coach he trusts, a city he loves, and maybe his brother of good friends on the same team.
Odds are against a deal right now, unless there is genuine interest from Scgenn.
@iowa prince
Leafs aren’t giving up a 1st and Minton for a 36 year old Schenn
Include Parayko
U can have Benoit , Hildeby , Robertson – who is coming on strong , Domi -salary dump , Krampf , St.Louis retain half on Parayko or Schenn
Toronto receives Parayko and Schenn
Toronto may have to give up a second as well
Just to be clear …
1st , Minton or Cowan , Hildeby, Benoit, Robertson, Domi , Kampf
Goes to St. Louis
Parayko and Schenn to Toronto
St. Louis retains half – salary of 1 of their players
St. Louis is motivated !
I think this is do able ?!?!?!
I think Binnington is going to be moved somewhere , Hildeby can be groomed in St. Louis
If Im St Louis I am not motivated to make this deal at all . Im a leafs fan and have to admit Cowan and Minten arent top prospects. Benoit Domi and Kampt are favors to take off our rosters. Robertson is a flier , Hildeby who knows and the 1st is a late 1st rounder. Blues get more quality for parayko alone than this
1st , Minton or Cowan , Hildeby, Benoit, Robertson, Domi , Kampf
WOW! St Louis takes a pile of absolute garbage and retains salary to boot? YIKES.
You want Schenn price is Cowan and 1st in 2026, you want CP and Schenn, Knies is being added to that deal. However CP has been very clear he would lift his NTC to go to ONE team and that is Edmonton. CP is pretty tight with Steen, and I am sure Steen has told him all about playing in Toronto……
Why in the world would the Blues do the Leafs a favour? Taking all of your excess guys (including a salary dump in Domi) AND retain on Parayko or Schenn? HAHAHA
The Blues will find other teams that will offer a decent deal for Schenn. For them to give up Parayko, it will take quite a bit more than your dregs.
Schenn 6.5 million x3, 33 years old, 34 in Aug. Stats show he`s definitely in decline and on a good team he`s a 3rd line centre. You have to be a big time fan to say he`s worth the cap space anymore. Not a salary dump by the Blues, but getting close to it. Any team giving up much to get him might be regretting it by this time next year. Shenn and Parayko would have more value if they were rentals
With cap ceiling going up, so will floor. Columbus has no extensions kicking in next year and no big contracts to hand out besides Provorov. Unless he don’t want to stay there, no reason to not extend him. He just turned 28. Jones was traded to Chicago cause he had no intentions of signing with CBJ. Would he go back now? Again, tons of cap space.
Rangers D took hit last night. K’Andre hurt (sounds short term) and Fox hurt, which could be longer term.
It’s probably time to sell and reset for next year.
UFAs Smith and Vessey should go for anything the Rangers can get, even if it’s a very low draft pick, it at least frees up roster space.
Lindgren is UFA and if he wants big raise on his $4.5M salary he might need to go too.
Let some youngsters (Othmann, Berard, Zac Jones) get some real run in the NHL to see how they fit in for next year.
If they can get Perreault to turn pro after BC season is over, I’d love to see him get 9 games at year end too and run out some lines like:
Panarin-JT-Laf
Cuyle-Troch-Perreault
Berard-Zib-Othmann
Rempe-Carrick-Kreider
Karlsson…..6 goals 34 assists +/- (-22). I would say his best years are way behind him. $10 million per year. Wow !!
For Karlsson, Pitt takes a 4th round pick and retains 50% (5 million) (they still gain 5 million of cap space)
Team A gets team B to eat 50% of the remaining (5 million)(2.5 million) for a third rounder (maybe a second)