NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025
The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 PM ET on March 7. Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Boeser, Drake Batherson and Brandon Tanev, plus updates on the Devils, Bruins Jets, Lightning, Oilers and Avalanche in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.
WILL THE BLUES MOVE BRAYDEN SCHENN?
THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is “on the fence” about moving team captain Brayden Schenn. The Blues remain in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card berth. The 33-year-old center has a full no-trade clause, giving him full control of this situation.
Armstrong has set a high asking price for his captain. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils could be among the suitors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn also has three more years remaining on his contract, so there’s no pressure on Armstrong to trade him now. Unless someone meets the Blues’ asking price, Schenn finishes this season in St. Louis. The offseason could become interesting as his no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.
ARE CANUCKS FORWARDS BROCK BOSER AND PIUS SUTER AVAILABLE?
THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports the Vancouver Canucks are positioning themselves to be a buyer and a seller at the trade deadline.
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).
They’re open to moving their pending unrestricted free agents if the returns are sufficiently enticing. Contract extension talks between the Canucks and Brock Boeser remain stalemated, but a league source told Drance that interest in the 28-year-old winger was lukewarm. They’re not about to move Boeser at below market value, especially when they’re still in the playoff race.
The Canucks won’t move any impact players with term remaining on their contracts, and that includes struggling center Elias Pettersson. Carson Soucy is the only realistic expectation. They would like to acquire young players in their mid-twenties with term remaining on their contracts.
TSN.CA: Farhan Laji reports it’s very unlikely Boeser will get an extension from the Canucks before the trade deadline. It’s possible they could attempt to sign him after March 7.
Laji also noted Canucks forward Pius Suter surfaced in the rumor mill. However, there is nothing imminent, and Suter will be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks reportedly offered Boeser a five-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. He rejected the offer, preferring a longer-term deal. It appears both sides want to work toward an agreement, but uncertainty persists as the deadline approaches.
DEVILS SHOPPING FOR CENTERS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils were already in the market for a center before Jack Hughes was injured over the weekend. They’re awaiting word on whether he’ll require surgery and how long he could be sidelined.
If Hughes is out for the regular season, it would free up over $8 million in cap space to put toward acquisitions as the trade deadline approaches. LeBrun said they’ve inquired into the availability of New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The update on Hughes’ condition could come as early as today. If he’s out for the rest of the regular season, they won’t waste time stashing him on long-term injury reserve to clear cap room for the trade deadline.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS AFTER THE FREDERIC TRADE?
NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss looks at other possible Bruins trade candidates following their trade of forward Trent Frederic on Tuesday to the Edmonton Oilers. He speculates that move signals they’re getting an early start on selling.
Goss suggested Charlie Coyle as a trade option, citing the interest in centers in this year’s trade market. Coyle has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.25 million.
Forward Morgan Geekie could be another. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. Forward Justin Brazeau is UFA-eligible on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team captain Brad Marchand had popped up recently in the rumor mill, but it seemed a long shot at best that he’d be moved. Sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury, he’s less likely to be moved now.
TEAMS CALLING ABOUT BATHERSON
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports teams are calling the Senators about Drake Batherson. They’re not in a hurry to move the 26-year-old forward, but he’s an attractive option for teams seeking younger, affordable talent. Garrioch said Batherson’s struggles this season have rival clubs thinking he might benefit from a change of scenery.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are buyers, not sellers. They’ll want a return that helps them make the playoffs now and keep them a contender after this season. Teams looking into Batherson are probably offering draft picks and prospects, which won’t help the Senators right now.
UPDATE ON BRANDON TANEV
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Seattle Kraken are willing to retain 50 percent of Brandon Tanev’s $3.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade. There are high-end Stanley Cup contenders and playoff bubble teams interested in the gritty 33-year-old winger. LeBrun believes the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators could be suitors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev is UFA-eligible after this season. His physical, energetic style of game is well-suited for postseason competition.
LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS, JETS, LIGHTNING, OILERS AND AVALANCHE
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports all eyes are on Islanders forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri leading up to the trade deadline. However, they’re not the only potential trade candidates if GM Lou Lamoriello becomes a seller.
Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and winger Anders Lee each have a year remaining on their contracts. They could fetch quality returns, especially if the Isles agree to retain some salary. They could also attempt to flip defensemen Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo. The Isles aren’t interested in moving Noah Dobson unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets are willing to spend to add to their roster by the deadline. “Everything from Brock Nelson to a depth forward up front to a quality, experienced defenseman.” He said there’s a strong appetite to bolster their roster for a run at the Stanley Cup.
Chris Johnston believes it would be a massive mistake to overlook the Tampa Bay Lightning at the deadline. They’ve accrued over $6 million in cap space, so there is plenty of room to acquire a forward. GM Julien BriseBois has a trade record for swinging deadline deals to help his club in the playoffs.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making acquisitions in the trade market following their trade for Trent Frederic yesterday. He thinks they’ll pursue a defenseman next.
LeBrun also expects the Colorado Avalanche will add a forward. The “home-run swing” would be Brock Nelson, but they can’t afford it. LeBrun expects they’ll go after a depth forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the Avs will be among the suitors for Brandon Tanev.
We keep hearing Alex Tuch’s name come up in trade rumors. That just does not seem possible, being that he is a local kid that has stated he wants to stay long term. But you never know…
You have to think with 32 teams and about half aren’t going anywhere, there’s a lot more choices than the regularly mentioned names that are possibly available since they are either on expiring contracts, and/or teams need to get younger or multiple assets to help the team rebuild by either being gained cap space or future roster players.
It would be interesting to hear who you want your team to snag often mentioned or not. Like for example McCann would be a nice add as a center/winger on teams looking for an upgrade. And that’s another thing, some teams need to fill holes in their rosters while others need quality upgrades.
Sabres aren’t looking for futures. They want a player now, so any trade for a Sabre would have to include a player than can step in now. A second pairing, right shot stay at home defensemen is needed.
Ron, in the East just 6 pts separate the 1st WC team (Columbus) and 4 pts separate the 2nd WC team (NYR) from0 15th place Philadelphia, with anywhere up to 21 games left to play. No one is tossing the towel in yet, except for Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Out West it’s a bit different with the 1st WC team (Colorado) sitting comfortably with74 pts, but Calgary, currently holding down the 2nd WC spot with 67 pts, just 2 ahead of Vancouver, 3 ahead of St. Louis and 4 up on Utah. So, only Seattle, Nashville, Chicago and San Jose are definitely out of it.
In total that’s just 6 teams not in the playoff picture as we draw close to Friday. A far cry from “about half (or 16) not going anywhere.”
TorontostPats,in regards to Buffalos needs,how about Zacha,Carlo and a draft pick for Cozens and one of the Buffalo D men other than Clifton!
SR – start with a new GM! Idiot just gave Greenway $4M a year. Unbelievable
One thing to remember George is that even though you can say it seems like only about 6 teams are clearly not playoff bound, I doubt many GMs are drinking the cool aide the fans do.
I think most GMs have a better insight to see their team’s progress or future and will act based on that as well as which partners they can dance with or even *putting on my tinfoil hat* what deals they can get in on bidding raising the price for their competitors…sort of like bluffing and making raises in poker.
Oh, I don’t doubt that for a second in a few instances … but 10 of them? (that’s how many it would take to use your approach in order to get to about half the league).
I would think at least half of those also feel they owe their owners and fans at least a chance by getting in.Much like st. Louis did a few seasons back when they rose from dead last in the league on New Year’s day to win the cup. As you yourself has observed … just get in … after that anything can happen.
Vancouver should be an active conversation with Buffalo , IMO
Both teams need a shakeup..
As long as it does not include Petterson going to BUF.
Would yop do a Pettersson for Cozens swap? Now I think Pettersson will rebound so is worth more, just wondering.
My trade would be Cozens+ Byram for Pettersson and Willander who is Vancouvers top prospect an RD
No Petterson under any circumstances. Having said that, idiots in Sabres’ management will probably make the deal and toss under a first round pick.
Lol
Coyle has a full NMC. And his cap hit is not 4.1 but 5.25. He will not be getting traded
Mrbruin4: Thanks for the correction on Coyle’s AAV. However, his NMC only applied to waivers. He has an eight-team no-trade list.
Coyle has an NMC with an 8 team no-trade list. He can be traded to 24 teams, but he cannot be waived or moved to an expansion club. A weird clause for sure!
Yes weird indeed. So bruins should see if they can get some decent assets he is kind of player that can put contender over top. Built for playoff games
Probably right!! But he should be traded. He is dead weight on the Bruins now.
Jets should have been in on Frederic. He will be a consequential player if Edmonton meets Winnipeg in playoffs. Jets need to add some toughness if their offensive players are going to have a chance to play their game in the playoffs.
If Oilers and Panthers make it to a rematch, that Frederic addition could be a huge difference.
no Rantanen rumblings today?
My rumbling would be Rantenen for
Hayes, Accari, Grzylcyck
Can you make that happen for us?
Thanks
ha! but i see gryz+hayes to NJD
but Hayes cant really keep that pace
ds
Done!
We accept a 7th rounder (‘26) in return
If Sens would move Batherson for an asset that helps them now and in future; what is the ask (what position)
Just to make George’s day:
Karllsson (@ $5 M cap hit) and Hayes and Accari
For Batherson and dumping us Perron
Did I brighten your day George?
Batherson (maybe +)
to the Canucks
For
Pius Suter
2nd Round pick
Ottawa’s 4th Round pick back
Just tell me what you want (not named Crosby, Malkin, Letang) from Pens’ late 29’s plus players
Players late 20’s and older
8787 There is zero chance of Ottawa trading away a player who has 47 points in 60 games on an insane friendly contract that pays him 4.9 Mill a season.
That in no way makes Ottawa a better team.
Perron, Forsberg, Amadio, Gregor, Ostapchuk, JBD, Hamonic and picks are they only thing youre getting from Ottawa. Anything else is a regression and not an addition.
Scott. We are in complete agreement. But those players you mentioned are a pile of crap. And a lot of them (Perron included) were brought in for the playoffs. I absolutely don’t want to trade Batherson but he’s streaky as F.
Hamonic has a full no move. Perron has a modified one. JBD should be playing with Klevin and Hamonic in the press box but this coach…found DJ. Smith’s playbook in the desk when he moved in, so that’s not happening.
Hi Scott
I’d have thought the same; but from today’s (Garioch) : “Batherson’s struggles this season have rival clubs thinking he might benefit from a change of scenery.”
So I was just going with that thread of thought
We’d love to have Batherson
So would at least 16 other teams whose dregs are probably had and shoulders above anything Pittsburgh could (or would) offer.
Would this makes sense for leafs and flyers. The hope is Forester will eventually be 2nd line centre and this year play wing in the top 6. Ristolanin shores up the top 4.
Foerster
Ristolanin (50% retained)
Laughton
For
2026 1st round (top 10 protected)
Cowan
Robertson
Timmons
Absolutely makes sense for Leafs
But no way Briere is that stupid to take that deal.
Even Dubas on his worst day wouldn’t take that deal
A great deal more has to come over in the deal
In addition, that deal is not Flyers/Leafs
Its Flyers/Leafs/Canes
8787
Seriously?
A lot more would have to go to Philly for a 3C and a #4D
A 1st round pick, the reigning OHL MVP, and a #6D isn’t enough for Laughton and Ristoleinen?
I read an even worse trade proposal on another site for Laughton and Ristoleinen
Dubas wouldn`t make that trade????? You`re talking about a guy who traded Marchment for Malgin, Verhaeghe for nothing. Never underestimate Dubas`s ability to trade talent for nothing especially if it`s for a player under 5′ 10″. Deep down you really do love Dubas
Hi Daryl
I brain farted
Read ” Ristolainen” as Rantenen
Oops
Oops
Sorry read your post too quickly
Somehow my brain read Rantenen and not Ristolanin
With that brain fart fixed
The deal is close but would still need a slight boost from Leafs
Sorry
At home ill today with fever
Obviously a contributing factor in reading Ristolainen ad Rantenen
As a way of apoligizing
I offer Leafs back, Accairi. Free of charge!
It’s mind boggling what Leafs are actually up to ..
My insight , slight tweak to the lineup, nothing out of the ordinary
Vanilla , Vanilla , Vanilla
What are the Leafs up to? Treliving hasn`t said a word, so how and where did you find out. All I`ve heard is that the leafs are looking for a centre and a puck moving defenceman preferable both right handed. The media has linked them to every player in the NHL, but they have no clue really. Everybody seems to know first hand what the GM`s are thinking/needs, but 90% of the trades come as complete shock to them when they happen. I follow the Leafs dailey and I have no clue exactly what they will actually trying to do
Imagine Verhaeghe and Marchment in Leafs lineup today
It’s very Sad actually !
Kadri, another
@Yogi
I have no clue either , other than a recent interview with Treliving
Media blurbs , Minten and Cowan aren’t available !!
Than the Vancouver speal …
Pius Suter and Soucy
We OttawaSenators
And
Buffalo Sabres
Ottawa
Need to add the second pearling strong defence-man
And A Tough guy so
Brady Thachuk
He does NOT need to fights All the time and can focus on scoring goals and doing what we should be doing on the first line.
Buffalo Sabres
They need to get 23 yr old LD-man resign Bowen Bryan
They do have four left de-men so they need to trade one of there 4 probably big $8.3.MOwen Power for a right de-man for there
Like Anderson from Calgary
For there First or second Paring and then pick up something as a UFA ❓❓
I think the Sabres keep Byrum unless the offer is way too good to pass up.
I get a good chuckle out of the way fans come up with these trades to poach players from the Sabres for a bag of used pucks. As been stated ad nauseam many times over, the Sabres are only making a hockey trade for ready players. No draft picks or prospects unless packaged for NHL players. Over paid players who passed there expiration date need not apply. Which means no Pettersson amongst others.
Gary I get a chuckle out of the Buffalo fans who seem to think that their 29th place team, who haven`t made the playoffs in years, are a team of superstars and worth multiple 1st round picks each or another teams star player for theirs. Time to face reality the Buffalo players aren`t worth as much as you think. Tough to convince others when you`re not winning to pay what you think their worth