NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest speculation on the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin and the Predators’ Ryan O’Reilly, plus the most likely trade candidates for the Maple Leafs.
THE LATEST ON ARTEMI PANARIN
THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported Wednesday on potential trade destinations for Artemi Panarin. The 34-year-old winger has been held out of the New York Rangers lineup for “roster management purposes” as efforts are ongoing to trade him. Reports indicated the UFA-eligible winger wants a contract extension before agreeing to waive his no-movement clause.
New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).
Based on his sources, Mercogliano believes Panarin prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference. The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals have been mentioned as possible destinations.
The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars could be possibilities if Panarin is traded as a rental player. There’s been talk linking him to the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. Mercogliano believes the Ducks would be the better destination, given their position in the standings and Panarin’s ties to head coach Joel Quenneville from their days with the Chicago Blackhawks.
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, has the Rangers’ approval to speak directly with other clubs. The Capitals are believed to be interested in the playmaking winger and could be open to an extension.
The Panarin camp has reached out to all three California teams. However, the Ducks are out right now because an extension doesn’t work for them. The Sharks have had a discussion with the Rangers, but LeBrun isn’t sure how seriously they are taking it. Meanwhile, it doesn’t seem as though the Kings are pushing very hard.
LeBrun indicated that the Carolina Hurricanes have discussed acquiring Panarin, but it’s uncertain whether team owner Tom Dundon will approve spending money on an extension.
The Florida Panthers could be Panarin’s destination of choice, but it would be difficult given their salary-cap constraints.
Darren Dreger believes the Stars could be among the suitors for Panarin, but would only be interested in acquiring him as a playoff rental.
NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker pointed out that Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit is a sticking point in efforts to move him. Even if the Rangers retained the league maximum of 50 percent, salary would have to be moved to make the dollars fit.
The Sharks and Kings have their 2026 first-round picks to offer. The Sharks also have enticing young players and prospects who the Rangers could pursue, especially at center.
ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Stars, Utah Mammoth, Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the New York Islanders have expressed interest in Panarin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lots of speculation thus far, but nothing yet to indicate which of these clubs could be front-runners.
The Sharks have the young assets that would entice the Rangers, but there might have to be some salary retention or some salary heading to New York to make this work cap-wise.
The Ducks have lots of cap space to take on Panarin for this season, but they’ve got some young stars who will need new contracts within the next couple of years. The Hurricanes have lots of cap room, but Panarin’s age and the cost of re-signing him could be concerns.
The Mammoth have the cap space and plenty of draft picks, prospects, and young players to draw on, but they might not be on Panarin’s list of destinations. He also doesn’t seem like a fit within their long-term plans.
It’s well-known that the Kraken are seeking a dynamic offensive star. If Panarin were four years younger, this might make sense. They probably aren’t on his list of landing spots.
The Capitals have the cap room, and they have some tradeable assets. However, they’re also struggling to stay in the wild-card chase. As for the Wild, their preference is for a center.
Any interest from the Leafs may have come before their recent slide sent them tumbling in the standings. They’re sellers now, and even if they were buyers, they can’t afford his cap hit or the Rangers’ asking price.
The Stars and Avalanche are out if Panarin remains insistent on a contract extension. Trading him to the Islanders would be a bold move, but it’s not one the Rangers will likely do.
The Lightning would be an interesting move, but they would have to free up considerable cap space to make it work, and they’re probably unwilling to sign him to an extension.
PREDATORS COULD BE WILLING TO MOVE RYAN O’REILLY
TSN: Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is keeping his trade options open as his club seems poised to miss the playoffs for the third time in four years.
That could include trading Ryan O’Reilly. The 34-year-old center lacks no-trade protection and has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.
Trotz indicated that he’s willing to listen to all trade offers, but he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to discuss it with O’Reilly.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the Predators are treating O’Reilly as though he has a no-trade clause. If Trotz gets an enticing offer, he’ll discuss it with O’Reilly first.
We’ve been down this road before regarding O’Reilly, and nothing’s come of it. We can’t rule out the possibility that he gets traded before March 6, but it’s not a certainty.
WHICH MAPLE LEAFS COULD BECOME TRADE CANDIDATES?
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes UFA-eligible winger Bobby McMann would fetch the best return for the Maple Leafs if they become sellers at the March 6 trade deadline. Koshan recently suggested the Leafs re-sign the 29-year-old McMann, but now believes it would be worthwhile moving him if he brings in an asset or two.
Koshan also believes the Leafs should peddle Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher. Like McMann, they’re eligible for UFA status on July 1. He also advocated that they shop defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo. Ekman-Larsson has a 16-team no-trade list, while Carlo has an eight-team no-trade list. Both of them could help replenish the Leafs’ draft cupboard.
In my fantasy world adding both McMann and O’Reilly on the Oilers would be amazing.
But reality is that they have few assets they can move, fewer still that are enticing, and next to no cap.
Panarin is going to be interesting. What are his goals, chase a cup or get an extension with the trade. Go somewhere where is a cog in a larger engine or be the top guys?
In we are talking fantasy world Panarin would be a tremendous fit on the Oilers to play with Leon,
They have $12mill in cap space with almost all the team signed, you could make it a 6 year deal to bring down the cap hit.
What they would give up??? Savoie or Howard, 2027 1st, 2028 2nd??
I think Panarin would be a great fit in Edmonton. But I think Drury is thinking a full time nhl player +. Taking a prospect and a 1st would signal more of a rebuild than a retool.
While I don’t think a rebuild (done the right way) is a terrible idea for NY. Trying to rebuild around a few players like Shesterkin, Miller, Zibanejad and Fox all of which have NMC and big salaries, all of which I don’t see waiving would be hard to accomplish.
If leafs buy at deadline then they should fire management
They need to try and stick cupboard it is bare
I know that sky seems to be falling on the Leafs but it needs to be understood, they are not trading Matthews or Nylander, they don’t have the stones and you will never win those deals. This is a re tool similar to what the Bruins did. Deal McMann and Laughton if they want to resign in the summer- look at it then. Deal OEL – value will never be higher. Deal Stolarz- if there is interest. Deal Nic Roy…
I do believe 1st and 2nds can be acquired but I would rather take AHL or KHL players that are potentially NHL ready…
Rielly is a must go in the summer.
Change the coach and reset.
Dealing 34 and 88 is pie in the sky- this franchise has not made a Franchise altering deal since the Sundin deal…
I am only dealing Carlo is value is good- new coach may be able to re tool this D… I would still entertain Hamilton if cap was retained and you could move a stolarz and or Joshua in the deal..
Friedman mentioned Rob Thomas last night- of any combo of a Cowan Danford and and acquired picks could be moved for Robert thomas i would do that all day
Who on this list is bringing a 1st?
OEL can get you a first – no doubt at all, we cant always dimish the leafs players values bc they are leafs. He is easily a top 3-4 D on may teams – low cap and playing great. He can play LD and RD. Thats a 1st all day for a contender.
Issue is the 1st is back end of a draft and 3 years away…look at some of the prospect pools and choose from there. Detroit it loaded with guys like Genborg, Nygard and Buchelnikov Danielson etc. picks are great but they shouldnt be prime targets. Then instal a coach who isnt hell bent on playing low ceiling vets and see what you have..Thats why Minten never got a shot
In addition to Leafs giving up a 1st (and Minten ) for Carlo and a 1st for Laughton.
The Sharks got a 1st for Jake Walman who they were paid to take from Detroit months earlier
Mikael Granlund and Cody ceci got the sharks a 1st and 4th from Dallas
Yanni Gourde and Bjorjstrand got Seattle 2 first rounders….!
1st are over rated unless you are pick in the top 10-15..
At best I can see a conditional 1st where the team has to make the finals and he has to play so many games. But gms get stupid this time of year so maybe. And the nobody diminishes leafs players values because they are the leafs. That’s grade a bologna.
With Chrisms on the OEL debate. And I think OEL is a very useful player.
He might be getting 2nd pair minutes on a banged up Leaf D that was already not that good, but not on a contender. Just like he didn’t in Florida when he was there. And ya, he played well and contributed.
He ain’t no Walman either, so not a great comparison. Walman can wheel, OEL has slow boots. There is a reason Walman will get $7M/yr and OEL $3.5. He’s better.
Oiler could really use a guy like OEL after the trade of Kulak in a panic move by Bowman to get Jarry. OEL has similar value to Kulak IMO. Kulak skates better when defending & OEL has better offensive instincts.
I would price him at a 2nd RD pick.
But what if the Leafs find themselves in the same situation with Matthews that the Canucks did with Hughes, Sam? A great player who won’t commit to resigning?
The Leafs lost Marner for nothing; I appreciate that Marner’s NMC and the imminent birth of a child complicated the Leafs ability to trade him, but the Leafs are in free fall with few draft choices in the next two years, fewer prospects and what can only be described as a bleak future.
How would trading Matthews for picks or prospects make their situation worse?
I hear you LJ-reality is if Matthews says he wants to go- then go ahead. What i heard from friedman and Chris Johnston was is he has no interest in leaving. You arent trading a 13.25 million a year player at the deadline either way so would be an off season deal if at all.
It would make them worse for sure. They are a year removed from winning the division and then lost one player to free agency- if they were in the west they would be 2 points out of a playoff spot.
They may never sniff a player like Matthews or Nylander for that matter ever again. So why move off them for hope. Reference the Quinn Hughes deal.. Canucks still lost despite getting a haul.
Now if 34 or 88 want to go- then you make the best deal possible but 1 year removed from a 100 point season, I am more in favour of a little reset, change the coach and see where the chips fall.
Chrism- it is absolutely real- every leaf hater will tell you the roster is useless lol…and so will many writers…we agree to disagree
Guess so. Because outside of Toronto the feeling is the opposite. The apple of the nhls eye gets over hyped and valued.
No. The “apple of the NHL’s eye” – at least Bettman’s eye – is Vegas.
No Canada-based team comes even close.
Can’t blame him George. Vegas has proven to be the opposite of bettmans Arizona. Highly successful example of expansion and southern nhl growth.
I’ll jump in on the OEL debate.
He would absolutely garner a 1st round pick.
He won a Cup with Florida.
He’s having a very good year. His salary is low. If the Leafs retained 50% of his salary or took back money in a deal they’d easily get a 1st.
The Leafs are in a great position to be sellers at this deadline. They have three salary retention spots left if they were to retain salary on Laughton and McMann you might even get a first round pick for both of those guys.
Kudos to Sam for mentioning what drives me nuts about the Leafs coaching…playing underperforming vets like Domi and Jarnkrok while a hungry young player from getting a real opportunity.
The Leaf’s OEL is great addition to one’s blueline, whereas the Nuck’s OEL is a real dud. Which one would a buyer get?
Johnny Z
The Canucks are still paying OEL. I think he’s outscoring most of that team.
At his salary, he’s a perfect fit for a team like EDM. He has won a Cup and is having a very good season.
If the Leafs were to package OEL with a forward, say Jarnkrok (50% retained), and took back Mangiapane, I think the Leafs could get a 1st, 2nd, and a B prospect for that deal
Look at what defencemen have fetched at previous TDL.
Not sure Ducks would be out due to young guys needing new deals in a few years. How long of an extension does anyone think Panarin will get? Hes 35 at start of next season. Ducks also have plenty of other older guys who will be ufa this offseason and next.
Still don’t understand why Penguins aren’t mentioned. EC is wide open and their 7th best winning percentage. 6 points behind Carolina. Haven’t seen any indication they’re sellers. What’s their plan in Crosbys final years? Adding Panarin to their core would give them 2-3 shots at being contenders.
Panarin is a tricky add but I think he will ask for 3 x 10 at a min. For a team with cap room – might be worth risk- especially if he wont waive as a rental.. that price will really go down. As a homer leaf fan I would take him at that price if the trade chips were minimal…
Rumor out today is he wants a 50 million deal. Does not care of term. But 50 mil is what agent supposedly stated That really shortens teams who may have been interested
MrBruin, I heard the same thing.
Agent is seeking $50M over either 4 years or 5 years.
That’s a raise for a guy who will be 35 when that contract begins.
That’s too much $ at this point.
Friedman is the one that broke that 50 million news. He also followed it up by saying
“ Friedman revealed he has been hearing conflicting reports from various sources about specific contract demands, to the point where he wondered if teams were being fed different information intentionally.”
So what his demands are? Not exactly crystal clear. But his camp has been in contact with multiple teams. And the only ones to have supposedly slammed the door shut is Washington and Minnesota.
I don’t 100% believe Panarin isn’t open to a rental deal and testing the market.
The market is paper thin this year in UFA’s The only other available Lw is Ovechkin. Who is 5 years older and less likely to move. Or Robertson via trade or offer sheet.
If Panarin hits the open market and is healthy, he will have no shortage of deals in the 50 million range. Someone will pay him.
Panarin gets 7 x $7.143M, like the Marchand model. He rides the last 3 years on LTIR if he no longer wishes to play.
Disagree 100% on Trouba Captain. He plays over 22 minutes a night, so that tells you exactly how the coach feels. $6M is a bargain for a #2 guy on a winning team. Lacombe gets 24 and change. Next up are the 2 young guys at 17 and change. That will go up for both, as they mature and they are both already solid NHL D.
I got their expected cap hits off Capwages, didn’t dream them up. They look at the data and give it a prediction. Go on the ANA team, hover over the RFA designation beside the player, # comes up. If they sign a bridge you save 40-50% over next 2 years.
Had this debate with Chrisms yesterday about SJ chasing him. I argued they aren’t good enough yet, and have a bunch of young guys coming and they needed to learn first. ANA is further along, but signing a 35 yr old winger for $10-$11M for multiple years makes no sense to me. Plus give up quality assets?
No way would I do that if I am ANA. Make the playoffs, let your young guys deal with it. If they have some success, and if Panarin is a UFA and they want to, at least it doesn’t cost you any assets.
What makes sense to me is a contending team trading for him as a rental, like a Carolina or Dallas. Panarin hits the UFA market.
Again. Pens arnt mentioned cause they are threading the needle between retool and contending. Would they like panarin? Sure! Will they give up top prospects and 1st rounders for him? Almost certainly not. So unless rangers accept 2nd rounders and b prospects he isn’t a match for the pens.
Slick, 100% agree on the Ducks.
Carlson , Gautier and Mintyukov are their only RFAs that need to be re-signed this year.
Sennecke still has 2.5 years left of his elc.
Lacolmbe and Mctavish are locked in .
Trouba and Gudas come off the books this year.
Kreider , Strome and Killorn come off the following year.
This offseason they have 40 million in cap space. The following year the cap projected to be 113.5 million.
I honestly can’t think of a team in a better position to do it pretty much whatever they want. They have a ton of young talent to build around and an awful lot of cap space to play with in the next two years.
Giving Panarin a 3 year 10 per deal wouldn’t hurt this team at all.
I can see most of that $40M being spent locking up their RFA’s long term and their UFA’s in ANA.
Say $16M for Gauthier ($6.6) and Carlsson ($9.4), they’ll try and lock these guys up with term.
Mintyukov ($5.5) and Zellweger ($5.7) is another $11M. Want to keep both those guys around long term.
Trouba is $6M or so, and he plays over 22 minutes a night, so why wouldn’t they keep him around even if minutes go down.
Gudas is their Captain, so say a couple million as he’s older.
That’s $35M of the $40M they have to spend and some other depth guys. 2 F and a D minimum.
Can’t see Panarin signing for $3M. Might be able to save a few million with bridge deals on the D, but that will cost you more long term.
I agree with they pass on Panarin.
Ray Bark. As mentioned above there’s a few more guys who will be ufa the following season. The Ducks can try and trade one or more. Killorn is one and they can save over 4mil buying out his final year if necessary. Have to figure one of those young rfa’s would go to NY in trade. Mintyukov was rumored to be available not long ago. Would be a fit for Rangers.
Zellweger is a 3rd pairing guy behind Lacolmbe and Mintyukov. I can’t see Anaheim paying him 5.7 (more than Mintyukov ?) straight out of his elc. He doesn’t see pp or pk time.
Doubt they bring back both of Trouba and Gudas. Possibly neither.
The “c” aside. Your projecting Anaheim pays their 3rd pairing about 8 million. Can’t see that either.
They just finished playing hardball with Mctavish.
I can’t see Verbeek just handing out blank checks to his rfas with little to no leverage.
Panarin wanting $50M will seriously limit the offers before the TDL. He may have to wait for summer for that deal.
Good article by yohe in the athletic about the pens deadline. All 4 lines have chemistry and upsetting that chemistry probably doesn’t make sense. Unless the stars feel they need to move Robertson now. I’d offer them rakell a 1st brunicke and mcgroarty. See if they bite. But he points out that’s more of an offseason move for Dallas if they trade him. Personally I’d maybe look at bleuger from the nucks. Cheaper acquisition good depth. Keep mantha as an own rental.
Defense he said shoring up rd would be beneficial and I agree. Tanger or Erik go down im not liking Clifton as a top 4. Anybody got a decent middle pair rd up for rental? Pens are set in goal. Skinner is playing excellent and silovs is playing decent. I’d say good… but you have to stop at least some shootout goals. Guess that won’t be an issue in the playoffs though.
I can see how that deal works for the Pens, but can’t see why Dallas would do it.
Dallas is in win now mode. They’re not dealing Robertson for an aging Rackell and two prospects hovering around mid grade.
So you feel by the above comments Rackell has more value than Panarin?
Not sure where the comparison is… did you mean I feel Robertson has more value than panarin? If so then hell yes. As far as Dallas deal it only happens if they have to move him cause his salary demands are incompatible with their cap. In that case getting a replacement too six winger (not even close to a replacement for Robertson but a very cost effective player who can help now). The futures assets could be saved or moved for rentals now. But even without Robertson Dallas is up near that cap. Brunicke looks like he could be nhl ready next year. Mcgroarty may cap out as a third liner but another cheap player if they kept him. Dallas would get offers from half the league for Robertson but how many teams would be able to toss together a top 6 winger and futures? Not a ton.
If you did mean I was comparing panarin to rakell which I never did.. value wouldn’t be too far off. Give the nod to panarin but his contract demands vs the cost control of rakell for two more years makes it closer that it would appear.
I was talking about the compensation you said Pittsburgh would be willingly to offer NY for Panarin.
And yes, I take Robertson over Panarin, and definitely over Rakell. Agree there.
But a couple of things are certain. Robertson isn’t being had for a package starting with Rakell. It’s a gross downgrade. Even throwing in two prospects (mid grade) it doesn’t help Dallas today. Dallas , while not as old as Pittsburgh, are still very much in win now mode. Pittsburgh average age 29.43 Dallas average age 28.48.
Panarin is the top scoring LW in the last 5 years, top 6 scoring player in the league. The only reason I’d chose Robertson over Panarin is his age. But a 2nd rounder and mid prospect isn’t sniffing him.
But salary aside, Rakell isn’t close to either player.He won’t be the main piece in a return for Roberson, who is only under Panarin over the last 5 years in scoring for left wingers.
I’d be curious who you think will be able to offer Dallas a cost controlled top 6 winger ++ for Robertson? Yes it’s a downgrade but you seem to be ignoring the part where I said this only happens (Robertson getting moved) if they can’t afford him. How many teams will be able to offer win now pieces plus additional assets? Most competitive teams won’t move a young cost controlled top 6 replacement winger and most older top 6 wingers are too expensive? The offer I postulated is a competitive offer. Sure it could be beaten. I’d like to see your ideas from teams that would be in the market for Robertson.
And it’s very clearly stated in my repeated posts that I don’t think the pens would get panarin for peanuts. He is worth more than that. The point is that the pens are not , so far as I can tell, looking for aging stars right now. Certainly not at the cost of putting a major dent in their rebuild retool process. For a 24 year old up n coming star like Robertson? Sure. For panarin? Not in the cards. Slick keeps bringing up the pens for panarin and it’s just not a match. He’s with more than the pens would dole out.
That’s as clear as I can make it on my stance on the pens and panarin. Any further suggestions that I actually think he’s worth 2nds and b prospects I have to take as being obtuse. Or that you’re just trolling me. If that’s the case congrats. You got me. I said the Nelson trade seemed like a good comparison. That netted isles 2 firsts plus.
But I am sincerely interested on what you or others think would be fair offers from other teams for Robertson that meet Dallas need to remain competitive but are within their limited budget.
Well if I’m Dallas, I’m looking at younger cost controlled pieces. Younger than both Rakell (32) and Panarin (34) not as good, but NHL ready capable of top 6.
Teams that come to mind? Anaheim, San Jose, Seattle etc. all have good young players, none quite the level of Robertson today. But a player that helps Dallas now and in the future.
Robertson is 26 (will be 27 before next season) not 24.
I think winning the powerball is more likely than Pittsburgh and NY swing a deal on Panarin. For multiple reasons. I don’t think the pieces make sense for NY that Pittsburgh has or would be willing to offer if Drury is truly sticking to a “retool”.
But why not? Panarin is instantly a better player in Pittsburgh , and Pittsburgh is a better team with him.
Pittsburgh’s time is now. Crosby’s last hurrah kinda thing. As I mentioned above about NY, Pittsburgh would be hard pressed to retool around Crosby , Karlsson , Letang, Rust , Rakell etc.
As far as I can tell, it doesn’t appear they have the next cornerstone player or players to retool around. And the above mentioned players are a bit long in the tooth to retool around.
Unless they all plan on playing well into their 40s?
Pittsburgh + Panarin = better team now. And one last kick or two at the can. Time isn’t on their side to wait 2-3 years. By then, most of the players mentioned above on the pens roster will be out of the game.
Those teams might have the young cost controlled pieces and I’d love to hear from either you or fans if those teams what they’d offer specifically. But Pittsburghs time isn’t now. Hence the rebuild. They are winning with chemistry more so than overwhelming talent. (Thanks for muse btw😁). I wouldn’t (and I don’t think Dubas will) drastically alter that for an aging panarin or similar. For a future cornerstone player? Sure. But I expect tweaks at the deadline. As a metro competitor I hope your trade of panarin blows up on you. But depending on the extension demands and nmc I expect he will get the best return at the deadline. But not from Pittsburgh
Honestly, I don’t see how the Panarin trade blows up on NY. They’re not doing well with him. What he does anywhere else is irrelevant.
A lot of people took a sample size of Kakko trade and made it out to be a huge loss for NY based on a small sample size. Fast forward to today, Kakko is literally the same inconsistent player they traded.
Ditto kandre Miller “4 points in two games, NY got hosed” fast forward to today… same player they traded.
Ditto Kreider….
But again, irrelevant. Win cups (would LOVE to see Panarin win (outside of Carolina and a few other possible landing spots) .
For reasons well beyond our comprehension, these players didn’t win anything in NY. What they do elsewhere isn’t going to change that.
McGroaty ranks 56th among the top 100 nhl prospects in the mid season rankings. Brunicke ranks 40th. Neither are likely to be close to a Robertson. Both are in the AHL. If they can’t crack Pittsburghs bottom six, they’re not cracking Dallas’s. (McGroaty just called up due to injury.)
If that’s the going price to land Robertson, Drury should throw Panarin 1/2 retained , Perrault who ranks 7 on the mid season top 100 prospects. Morrow , and a 1st and maybe more.
That’s certainly more appealing on paper than a deal involving Rakell. Also gives them a similar player in the same position.
The Penguins do not need Jason Robertson.
That would be an off season move
Rakell + Koiunen and a 1st and a 2nd
Rakell fits there top 6 Kivynen n=bottom six and two high picks should do it.
Again thats what Dubas would do I’m not that high on $ 12 million for him sorry.
really good player not a fit in the Burgh
If panarin was willing to be a rental (cause Dallas would not be able afford to resign) and that first always unprotected this year then you definitely beat my offer. Although Perrault has shown no more that rutger to this point. I don’t even know who Morrow is. Is he a top 100? But regardless. I think Pittsburgh offer is more realistic cause of the importance panarin seems to place on an extension. But on paper the offer beats Pittsburghs.
That’s not enough to get him black n gold. Though the captn did help me make my point about my offer from the pens. It could possibly be beaten. But Dallas isn’t hanging up the phone when offered a cost controlled top 6 winger 2 top 60 prospects and a 1st. As I said. Competitive offer.
Morrow to start the year was on the top 100. Didn’t make the midseason rankings. ( was part of the Kandre Miller trade) But Mcgroarty was much higher ranked last year and before the season than he is now.
It is forever changing. But I’d say outside the top 20 or so, a lot of these prospects are more of a coin flip of finding success than they are NHL sure things.
Going by just NY, they’ve seen 3 players slip out of the top 100 in the last year or so. Morrow, Othmann and Berard.
The only certainty is nothing is certain.
Chrims…makes sense.
My Penguins are playing well I would like them to add a Charlie Coyle and a Luke Schenn for depth toughness and like you said in case 65 58 get hurt.
Or maybe a Radko Gudas/Connor Murphy who scored against l
One of these three gives us that third pair guy and some grit..
Schenn
Gudas
Murphy
Leafs put up the sign. “Everything must go” sale event.
Matthews and 2 6th rd picks
For
Trocheck Lafreniere Schneider Berard and a 2nd
What if:
A team will pony up to the Breadman’s contract demand, and he will only waive for that one team. Does Drury relent and only receives only a 1st and a good prospect and maybe a middling NHLer (salary dump) for Panarin at 1/2 price?
Penguins and Panarin no chance in hell would or should we be interested in him. No way even for a rental let alone long term.
He seems Anaheim/Minnesota/Los Angeles/Washington bound..
Again good player not a fit in the Burgh
I’m sure the pens would love to have him. But Dubas doesn’t seem to be in mode to pay top dollar for aging players. He did that with karlsson to mixed results and since hasn’t seemed to want to divert from this retooling.
The Leafs are now as close to a top 5 draft pick as they are to a play-off spot.
The best plan is likely,
1. Rest all your injured players and use emergency call-ups for guys like Danford, Noah Chadwick.
Accept a fall in the standings that may give the Leafs a top 5 pick this year and deny a 6 to 32 pick to the Bruins until 2028.
2. Look at Free Agents available now for try-outs. College Free-agents who may be signed in April. Rest injured players now before the trade deadline.
3 Extend McMann. Laughton neither will return fair replacement value in the next 12 months.
Extended – both jump in value.
4. Consider good offers on Ekman Larson, Stolarz, Jarnkrok, and amazing offers on Woll ( a team like the Blues could be Very Motivated to do a big package involving hometown boy Woll).
Trade Laughton and McMann. Get something. Then you can always resign them in the offseason.
Yes Guy
Absolutely!
Try to maximize their trade value by retaining 50% salary.
Getting a guy like McMann for a $675M cap hit is very appealing to a team like EDM.
Same with Laughton. If Leafs retain 50% of his salary he’d be a $750K cap hit. For a good defensive C he’d get a 1st
Just for the a needed roster shakeup nylander to Dallas for Robertson and steel and a 1st round pick.
Win win for both teams
Aside from maybe 2 or 3 teams with the assets, cap space and a ton of youth otherwise… Why a team would ever trade a 1st round pick ++ for a mid thirties player, no matter how good, is beyond me. As much as it pains me. The Sharks, Ducks and Mammoth are probably the best suited to take him on. They are all on the fringe of being really good. they have the assets and cap space.