NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2026
Who could the Maple Leafs peddle if they become trade deadline sellers? What’s the latest on Canadiens winger Patrik Laine? Could Brendan Shanahan and Marc Bergevin join the Predators’ front office? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
MAPLE LEAFS TRADE CANDIDATES
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at five potential Maple Leafs trade candidates if management becomes a seller by the March 6 trade deadline.
Bobby McMann topped the list. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Maple Leafs currently lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Given the way first-round picks are thrown around in trades now, McMann could fetch one.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann (NHL Images).
McMann has said he wants to re-sign with the Maple Leafs, but that could cost between $4.5 million and $5 million per season. Koshan believes he’ll be moved if he hasn’t signed an extension before next Friday.
Scott Laughton is also UFA-eligible, and he hasn’t provided the return that the Leafs sought when they sent a first-rounder and prospect Nikita Grebenkin to the Philadelphia Flyers last year to get him. He could be an effective depth player for a contender.
Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million. He could be an attractive piece for teams with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s four-year contract extension begins next season with an AAV of $3.75 million. Injuries have hampered his performance this season.
Like McMann and Laughton, forward Calle Jarnkrok is due to become a UFA on July 1.
TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports the Maple Leafs would like to re-sign McMann, but it doesn’t seem like they’re willing to pay him up to $5 million annually. They’d also like to keep Laughton, but where his salary number starts is debatable.
There’s not much of a goalie market heading toward the trade deadline. The Leafs might have to wait until the offseason to determine who stays or goes between Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby.
SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed some possible trade destinations for McMann.
Topping his list is the Edmonton Oilers, followed by the Utah Mammoth, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann’s style of play and his affordable $1.4 million cap hit will make him among the most desirable players at this year’s trade deadline.
The Oilers lack their 2026 first-rounder, and their prospect pool is getting shallow. The other clubs have their first-rounders, while the Islanders and Kraken each have two, though their spare first-rounders come with conditions attached. Most of them also have plenty of prospects and promising young players to draw on for trade bait.
CANADIENS AND KINGS DISCUSSED PATRIK LAINE
TVA SPORTS: According to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings had talks about Patrik Laine in recent weeks.
The Kings are looking for a top-six forward and spoke with the Canadiens about Laine, who is due to return to action after being sidelined by abdominal surgery since October. However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now, and the Kings are looking elsewhere.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was expected that the Kings would return to the trade market following Kevin Fiala’s season-ending leg injury during the Olympics. No surprise that they checked in with the Canadiens, who could be having some difficulty fitting players returning from injuries back into their lineup.
It’s doubtful that Laine will end up with the Kings by the trade deadline, but the 27-year-old winger could end up with another playoff contender by March 6.
The Canadiens have played well in Laine’s absence, and he no longer fits in their plans. He’s UFA-eligible on July 1. The asking price won’t be high, and the Canadiens could be willing to retain part of his $8.7 million cap hit.
COULD SHANAHAN AND BERGEVIN JOIN THE PREDATORS?
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple NHL sources claim Brendan Shanahan and Marc Bergevin have been linked to the Nashville Predators.
Shanahan is the former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Bergevin is the former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens and currently an associate GM with the Buffalo Sabres.
Predators general manager Barry Trotz has indicated he will step down as soon as a suitable replacement is found. It’s rumored that Shanahan would become the Predators’ President of Hockey Operations while Bergevin would be their new general manager.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy stated that his sources caution that nothing is set in stone yet. Shanahan and Bergevin could be among several candidates for those positions.
For now, Trotz remains as general manager and is handling the club’s plans for the upcoming trade deadline. There is no timetable to replace Trotz, but it’s believed the club prefers to do so before the 2026 NHL Draft in June.
The Leafs have some interesting trade targets, but I doubt any of them will bring a first rounder. I would have resigned Laughton, not just for what they gave up for him, but what he brings as a bottom 6 forward. Ekman-Larsson could be the most attractive of all.
Tonight’s Toronto/Florida game be interesting to watch for both teams.
The other issue is also who has a 1st round pick to pay with? The Leafs could ask but the team being asked such as the oilers, just don’t have one. I do agree, OEL is playing lights out and value will never be this high…problem is, the Leafs D is already crappy and thin.
This is a transitional period where good management turns things around but knowing the Leafs, this is where we watch them fall to a perennial bottom dweller.
Maybe OEL can fetch a young dman to build with.
Toronto St Pats
I think that McMann will bring a 1st or an A prospect and 2nd round pick.
He’s one of the fastest guys in the league. He’s big. He’s on pace for 27 goals. He’s defensively responsible. His salary is only $1.3M…and the Leafs can retain 50% so teams that are up against the cap can easily fit him in.
Laughton as a 3rd/4th line player is okay, as long as his salary is no more than $2M. If he’d agree to it. Great. If not, move him to a contender for a 2ns and B prospect.
The Leafs needs to see what they have in Quillan, Groulx, and Villeneuve. Bring them up and play them to their strengths.
Daryl – you listed all the reasons why I think the Leafs should resign him. Also good in the corners.
But if he is that valuable, who will be willing to give the #1 and have a spot for him in their top 6? I doubt a team will give a #1 for a guy pegged for their bottom 6 this spring.
It is stupid season fir gms but an A prospect? And a 2nd? I don’t think a team is moving their number one or two prospect for him.
Shanahan and Bergevin heading the Preds hockey ops. Yeah that’ll speed them to Cup contention.
Bergen needed to go, Howard. His was not so much old school as stale school (no analytics dept., poor player development), and first round picks under his watch were … not great … but he did draft Lehkonen and Caulfield.
He also brought in Petry, Edmonson, Kulak, Chiarot and Allen. Most GMs have a mixed bag; hell, even the much maligned Dubas is getting praise now.
As I posted yesterday, Laughton’s value to another team will center primarily around his ability as a Grade A penalty-killer and substantially less on his contribution to the 3rd or 4th line.
If the Senators can win 3 of their next 4 leading up to trade deadline day and consequently put themselves in a good position to make the playoffs over their remaining 21 games (at that point), I’d love to see them make a deal to bring him here … if the ask isn’t beyond their capability (or willingness( to meet.
Losing 3 of the next 4, however, and they’re done like dinner, so it won’t matter this season.
He great in the dots too. Good room guy but I doubt the Leafs would trade him unless he prices himself out. He’s a pretty underrated player and has lots of intangibles the non analytics guys love.
I agree Ron, he’s an underrated team guy. That’s why I think they should find a way to keep him.
Just not sure where he’d fit, George. It would require Ellers going the other way, but I feel like that’s a lateral move. Better PK maybe but I don’t see a huge upgrade there, especially if it means giving up such few assets the Sens have.
Owen, there have been two major contributors to the shaky position they find themselves in with 25 games to go: 1) inconsistent goaltending and 2) one of the lousiest pk records in the entire league.
All they can do about 1) is hope their # 1 has it together for the final stretch, augmented here and there by the veteran presence of Reimer. The only answer to 2) is to bring in someone noted for his pk abilities.
I don’t know that Eller is necessarily gone, but if he is, they are well-positioned at C down the stretch with Stutzle, Cozens, Pinto and Halliday, with Grieg available to move there as and when necessary.
Moving Amadio or Zetterlund would seem the likeliest to make room for a Laughton. I don’t know if either are used here and there on a pk … but if they are, they sure aren’t doing it any good!
Amadio in my opinion is an essential piece, and I would be very hesitant to move him. Zetterlund is more expendable, but without a sweetener, I doubt you’d have many takers. I could be wrong. I would argue that a #4 RD is our most important position needing to be filled. That’s where I would put my asset allocation if I were Staois. Not an easy position to fill, but Jensen will be gone next year and we will need a replacement.
I agree re RD … but he isn’t going to be able to swing a deal to that end at this stage of the season. That, for sure, is a summer quest. And who knows, perhaps one of Yakemchuk or Hensler finish off their seasons strong enough to warrant close looks at the next training camp.
As for Amadio and Zetterlund, I’d sure like to see a detailed analysis of their performance on a pk … if, indeed, they have functioned there. SOMETHING is contributing to it being one of the very worst in a 32-team league … and how many points has that cost them to date. It can’t all be traced to mediocrity in the nets.
Unfortunately, Hensler is finished for the season with a nasty leg injury. Hopefully that doesn’t hurt his development too much. Yakemchuk surprisingly has been called up to play with the big boys. An interesting move. I thought he was just a place holder while Sanderson was away, but he’s yet to go back down.
I haven’t given up on some Staois magic for a RD. I think he’ll go after one with some term if he does go that route this season, but you may be right in that its too late. Big game tonight. Pretty much a must win against the Red Wings and Canadiens.
I could see the Canes being interested in Stolarz or Woll. Thinking the Leafs would trade Stolly if they could.
I hope the Leafs arent silly enough to resign either Laughton or McMann- trade them away and if they arent signed July 1st you can re visit. You cannot be afraid to lose 3rd and 4th line players… Would prefer AHL players who are almost NHL ready as opposed to picks.
Sam, all teams need good players and players of a certain type. Both Laughton and McMann can help teams be successful with Laughton being harder to replace.
If you want to move off guys, think Rielly, Domi, Jankrok types as obvious players to move/upgrade from. All replaceable with minimal issues. There are a bunch of useful players that will have some trade value you can also move off of but a lot of them you’ll still need and will have a heck of a time replacing, if you can; or, they have the greatest value on your own team…then there always the underwhelming returns.
Ron, If you are keeping Roy you dont keep Laughton and vice versa. I completely understand the value of these players.
Reality is they are not moving Rielly, they are incapable of forcing the issue and Domi has no value. mcMann at 29 isnt worth a rumored 5×5 deal after having a career year playing the top line…these are the most appealing to other teams so you capitalize….
Is this ream really in a spot to be afraid of losing their 4th line centre….? How else are we going to acquire any kind of assets. They wont move OEL, doubt they move Carlo- bc it admits they messed up….
hands are tied here…these guys are all moot unless they find a way to acquire a true top 6 forward.
You also need to have soom room for players to compete for spots like Quillen and Haymes… otherwise you run into another Fraser Minten issue where they dont get a chance….
All good points Sam. It’s just illustrates how precious and difficult it will be to improve the team and build a winner. I think part of the problem is that when you look at the team and compare this year’s roster to last year’s one you see a glaring hole created by the departure of a Mitchell Marner. Should they be this bad without him or has there been other factors?
You can’t help, especially after Pelley’s letter, that the Leafs management believes it’s other factors. That sucks because I bet they don’t believe it’s how the team is built and coached or even maybe to some degree, how much the players are coddled.
*…how precarious
100% Ron, dark times ahead. I am not a Marner fan but we all knew it would be difficult to replace his production in the regular season. Perfect storm of sub par goaltending, injuries to Tanev and Nylander, and overall regression. I do think goaltending covered up a lot of warts, but its funny how this same cast of D-men gave me some confidence when they played as a unit last season and this year look completely lost without structure.
We have to find a way to retool on the fly- like Boston did, like Pittsburgh is doing.
I just think and UFAs shoud be dealt for sure and to take it deeper Roy, Domi, OEL, Carlo and Stolarz if the returns are good. no one should be safe…
I read Pelley’s letter as a we are sorry it didnt work out and we will fix it…meaning a fire sale..
the excuses he gives will striclty be for the rationale as to why he keeps Brad and possible Berube around
If the Leafs are not going to make the playoffs with Bobby and Scott what makes you think they will next year? Trade them get what you can like Boston did with Trent Charlie and Carlo.
The issue with moving Laine is that a team may expect a “sweetener” on the deal in the form of a prospect or pick. If that happens, Hughes is better served just letting Laine sit til his contract is up.
Some names floating around Habs rumor mill are interesting and don’t involve names like Kyrou, Thomas, Kadri, OReilly .
These are role players, play off types, one I’ve mentioned previously and two that have gone under my radar.
Connor Murphy RD – Blackhawks
A.J. Greer LW – Panthers
Alexei Toropchenko LW- St. Louis
3 guys who have size, physicality and a mean streak for playoff hockey that can help a team built on speed and skill.
Murphy would draw a 3rd rounder, maybe 2nd with retention.
Greer is UFA and would fetch a 3rd or 4th round pick.
Toropchenko would probably fetch a 3rd or 4t round pick.
Good point, I would like a more grit on the 4th line as well. But Greer with his expiring contract way more than Toropchenko, who while affordable has two more years after this.
You will see this coming: but I want to make room next year to see if Florian can make the jump.
There will be a good bit of competition for Murphy. I could see bidding war pushing him as high as a conditional 1st.
Watched the Leafs in person last night. They were beaten for 6 goals, tho two were called back for offsides. The 2 they scored were in garbage time. Their most used offensive play seemed to be the over-the-top home run pass – which resulted in two clean breakaways, both stopped. I’ve always thought a Berube tam would at least be heavy and hard to play against…they were not. With the cap going up, this might be a time one could rebuild quickly by freeing cap now and working in the middle tier of the FA market, but one does have to have a plan; what are the Leafs going to build around Matthews, Nylander, and maybe TavaresZ?
I have a lot of respect for Tavares, Richard, but one doesn’t build around a 35 year old, irrespective of 3 more years left on his contract.
And again, a question that has to be anticipated is what to do with Matthews, if he starts having concerns about being part of a rebuild.
Bruins … these two moves need to be done by the Bruins and the cost would be high but it’s for now and future … Bruins need a top 3 Dman …
Braden Schneider should be a target .. move a Dman ML and a piece get it done
Depending on what’s up with Robert Thomas go get him trade what you need to move to get him …
Lock both up a #1 Center and a DMan who plays both zones
Don’t go chasing after the older available players plan for the future
Joe I would tread lightly on Thomas and not just because of his personal issues.I m afraid that he could become another version of Elias Lindholm. Look what happened to him when he did not have Gaudreau and Tkachuk on his wings. I wouldn t take away minutes from Minten,he needs to keep up his progression as a player and play bigger minutes. A number 3 D Man would cost you to much and I Don t want to trade any first round picks. Play Jokiharu and see if he is worth it. Peeke is gone next year so you need to find out about him!
What are you giving up for Schneider?
Joe I don’t mind those moves but I also believe we need to start playing our young talent before they become stale.
Those two are 24 years olds and are proven .. with the exception of the Bruins top 3 position players Schnieder & Thomas are better than the rest
TV Sports reported Laine will not play before March 6th.
Probably not play. My French isn’t good enough to listen to the accompanying video, so is it injury or roster log jam … or impending trade?
I would not be shocked if the Leafs were using rumours of trading McMann and Laugton as leverage in contract extention talks.
I predict that both sign extentions with the Leafs by next Wednesday.
The return of a late first or a second will offer zero help in the next season and cost the team to over pay on the small UFA market next summer.
Both these players are great fits with a long-term plan.
I see guys like Jarnkrok, Stetcher, perhaps Carlo, Benoit or Macelli getting moved for draft capitol and younger prospects.