NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2026
Does the Rangers’ Vladislav Gavrikov want out of New York? What could be the Canucks’ and Penguins’ plans for the trade deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD VLADISLAV GAVRIKOV REQUEST A TRADE?
DAILY FACEOFF: NHL analyst Mike Rupp recently said he’d heard rumors that Vladislav Gavrikov isn’t happy with the direction of the struggling New York Rangers.
Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract last summer with the Rangers. However, Rupp said he’d heard that this isn’t what the 30-year-old defenseman signed up for, especially now that his friend Artemi Panarin has been traded.
New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rupp cautioned that he doesn’t know if there’s any truth to those rumors about Gavrikov. Nevertheless, the club’s decision to stage what they intend to be a quick rebuild has raised speculation about which players they could move. It’s also generated questions about which players are willing to be part of that rebuild.
Teams are probably calling the Rangers to find out which players they’re willing to move. Some of them could be asking about Gavrikov’s availability. However, he has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over his situation, including preferred trade destinations.
THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS’ AND PENGUINS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS
THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance looked at the priority items that the Vancouver Canucks must address at the March 6 trade deadline.
Moving Evander Kane is one of them. The 34-year-old winger is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has struggled this season, and there isn’t much of a market for him currently, although that might change as the trade deadline approaches. His agent has been permitted to speak with other clubs about a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s struggles could also be due to the club he’s playing with this season. He’s proven to be a solid postseason performer, which could make him an affordable depth acquisition for a contender if the Canucks retain half of his $5.125 million cap hit.
Drance also recommended the Canucks get whatever the market will pay for UFA-eligible depth centers Teddy Blueger and David Kampf.
Meanwhile, Drance’s colleague Josh Yohe looked at players and assets likely to be moved by the Pittsburgh Penguins by the trade deadline.
With the Penguins sitting second in the Metropolitan Division, Yohe believes they’ll be buyers at the deadline, but doesn’t expect many roster players to be moved. Struggling veterans Kevin Hayes and Ryan Graves seem the most likely trade candidates.
General manager Kyle Dubas prefers to use draft picks to acquire younger talent. If he makes a move, it’ll likely be for something comparable to his acquisition of Egor Chinahkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe’s article came out before Penguins captain Sidney Crosby suffered a lower-body injury at the Olympics. The severity of that injury could affect Dubas’ plans for the trade deadline.
If Crosby isn’t seriously injured, Dubas could stick to the plan of acquiring young players. He’s got two second-round picks and two third-rounders in each of the next three drafts, and two fifth-round picks in 2028 to draw on for trade chips.
The injury to Crosby may change the Pens plans but they have surprised almost everyone this year and do they want to let all that good work disappear. Will they look to add a center like Trochek or Kadri; guys who can come in and help fill the void with good playoff experience
Sid’s knee looked like it got tweaked pretty bad. That’s a 2–3 weeks to heal at the min, but hockey players are crazy and play through lots of pain.
I don’t like the spend chances to make the playoffs if he’s out 3 weeks or longer. If that were the case, I’d hold pat if I were dubas.
Owen reports from Milan say Sid isday to day according to coach John Cooper which is good news much better than expected.
Like Coop said if he can play he is in there…not sure he would say that if there was no real possibility. we will see !!
I get the report, but let’s be honest. Even mild ligament or tendon sprains take time. For a winner takes all game I get playing through, but playing day to day regular season games, I’d probably let it heal.
I just hope Sid has his priorities straight with this and doesn’t try to push through it risking further injury. I know how important this is to him but dance with the one that brought you… or in this case pays you. Function as a locker room presence and coach of sorts.
And relinquish what and/or who to get either one?
Assuming one waives his NMC to go to Pittsburgh, and the other doesn’t have Pittsburgh on his 13-team “no trade” list.
DPG, if Crosby is out none of those players would entertain the thought of going to Pittsburgh.Most of their players in there 30 s will be asked to accept a trade to benefit both the player and the team.They have surprised everyone but their luck seems to be potentially running out!
Trocheck is from Pittsburgh. Would be surprised if he blocked it. But pens won’t go this route.
Why would Dubas not stick to his plan of acquiring young players irrespective of the injury status of Crosby. The alternative would be to take a flyer on an older veteran to help them boost their chances, but who could the acquire that would vault them into legit Cup contenders?
Kind of what George is asking, if I’m following.
Am I missing something?
I don’t believe the rumors about the NYR and I think it’s more media vultures circling.
Older players who will be UFA moving out is just good sense, others are slapping stuff to the wall to see what sticks.
Gavrikov isn’t being moved, neither is the guy I like, Schneider.
They have some high draft picks this year so who knows
Penguins need to add but be smart about it. They are second in the metro all b it by 1 point, they have cap space, they need a little boost.
Don.t want anything from the Rangers period we certainly don’t want that headache Evander Kane.
we need a RHD for the 3rd pair and a forward.
Dubas has down a solid job adding, trading and getting younger…that stays.
I can see a Shane Wright being Chinakov 2.0, i can see a Connor Murphy pr a Zack White cloud on defense. Maybe a Sean Courtier something like that.
No sympathy here for Gavrikov, assuming of course that the rumors are true. He’s getting a lot of money to play hockey. He had options and he voluntarily chose the Rangers. He knew they missed the playoffs last year. He knew they’d been moving out veterans and they were getting older. He knew Panarin was heading into his walk year. Most of all he knows there are no guarantees in hockey. He signed up for whatever it is he’ll be getting.
George. What 2 players? Neither Kane or Trochek have nmc’s. Both have limited ntc’s and I doubt Trocheks hometown Penguins are in his. Either way, I still think Trochek stays in NY. As far as Gavrikov. He knew Panarin was a pending ufa when he signed in NY. He’s also friends with Shesterkin.
Yeah, my mistake Slick62. When looking at Puckpedia I clearly clicked on another Ranger rather than Trochek. He and Kane both have a limited NTC. But the sentiment remains the same, i.e., “Assuming both don’t have Pittsburgh on their limited “no trade” list.”
I wonder if NHL owners/management will ever get the collective gumption to agree to never again include NM/NT (modified or whatever) clauses in contract negotiations.
If they all agreed not to dangle them as further incentives to sign, figuring the money should be sufficient, and that all 32 teams should be regarded as legitimate destinations when it comes to trades, what options would the players have? Withhold their services? That would last about a week.
Shades of David Poile. His successor did not follow his rules and gave out the NMC’s like candy.
Need 32 like him today and his approach that viewed them as a violation of his core principles for managing a team.
What a profound change that would make on the whole nature of the NHL and trades!
..
Comparatively speaking today, the following have the highest number with some form of trade protection, including full NMCs, NTC and Modified NTC clauses:
Seattle 14, 11 with M-NTCs; Toronto 14 including 5 full NMCs and multiple M-NTCs; Pittsburgh 13 including 4 full NMCs and 6 with M-NTCs; Detroit 12 featuring a roster where roughly half the players hold trade protection, primarily in the form of M-NTCs.
Teams with the fewest are Philadelphia with 1, only goalie Dan Vladar (M-NTC); Chicago 6, all of whom hold Modified NTC; Ottawa 7 with 3 full NMCs 4 M-NTCs.
That would be collusion and would be deemed an unfair labor practice here in the US (not sure about Canada). NMC = proof it isn’t all about the money (just mostly LOL)
Penguins can’t go after an established older player to step in for Crosby because they can’t afford to give up the assets for it.
As a bubble team they need all their roster players and as an aging group they can’t give up too much in prospects.
The only possible move is a flyer on a player having a poor year, bad contract.
Chrisms understood this yesterday when he suggested Laine for a Pitt 3rd or 2nd if % retained.
I was thinking of Laine for Noel Acciari straight up but I didn’t get around saying it.
From what I gather Acciari plays 4th line, TOI average at about 10 minutes/game. Who does he replace in the Habs line up, bearing in mind that Newhook looks close to a return and he will dislodge a current roster player.
LJ,
Here’s a run-down on Acciari (AI generated)
Bottom-Six Stability The Habs have struggled with consistency in their bottom six. Acciari is a “coach’s dream” for the fourth line—he is defensively responsible, rarely makes high-risk mistakes, and can play both center and wing. This would allow Martin St. Louis to deploy him in defensive zone starts, freeing up young stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield for more offensive opportunities.
Faceoff Specialist Montreal has often hovered near the bottom of the league in faceoff percentage. Acciari is a reliable presence in the dots, particularly on the penalty kill. Winning crucial draws in the defensive zone is a “small detail” that significantly reduces time spent defending and helps close out close games.
Grit and “Identity” Hockey
Physicality and Shot Blocking Known as “Cookie,” Acciari is famous for his willingness to put his body on the line. He consistently ranks high in hits and blocked shots. For a relatively young Canadiens roster, having a veteran who leads by example in the “dirty areas” of the ice helps establish a more playoff-ready identity.
Penalty Kill Anchor The Canadiens’ penalty kill has been a work in progress. Acciari is a shorthanded specialist who understands lane positioning and pressure points. His presence would take the load off other veteran PKers .
Veteran Mentorship
Playoff Experience Having played for the Bruins, Panthers, Maple Leafs, and Penguins, Acciari has been through deep playoff runs and high-pressure environments. In a locker room full of young players, his experience would be invaluable in teaching the “pro habits” required to win tight games in February and March.
Versatility and Depth Injuries have plagued Montreal in recent seasons. Acciari’s ability to slide up and down the lineup—filling in on the third line during an injury or stabilizing the fourth line when healthy—provides the kind of roster depth that successful NHL teams require.
While he wouldn’t provide high-end scoring, Acciari represents the “glue” that helps a young team turn competitive efforts into actual wins.
My addition- his toi is 13-14 and 55% faceoff
Hf30 when is Acciari s induction into the HOF going to happen?🏒
Ok, that certainly is a full and enticing response.
Depends on what acceri you get. He is doing well this year… but his whole line is among the beast 4th lines in the mhl this year. Last year acceri wasn’t that good. How much is it him vs his chemistry with Lizette and dewar?
Chrisms,
You’re right obviously but I’d rather take him instead of a 2nd round pick, who as it stands now is projected as #57.
However I doubt Dubas will let Acciari go.
Interesting trade target for the Bruins would be BRADEN
SCHNEIDER…like to see the Bruins get off the J Faulk idea
Ya. I would prefer SCHNEIDER
Over Faulk too
I am not a doctor ( but I play one on TV)
Sid has a MCl sprain . He could play with a brace .
Could have been much worse with an ACL
Dubas is there so the proper decisions will be made . My bet is he is done for the Olympics . All over Sunday anyway
Pens need to get younger. Adding Kadri doesn’t support that plan
I like Weegerin Boston . Same offer as Andersson