NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2026
The trade deadline is Friday. Check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Jordan Binnington, Brady Tkachuk, Simon Nemec, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
ROBERT THOMAS RUMORS HEATING UP
TSN: Darren Dreger reports trade discussions between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres involving Blues center Robert Thomas are heating up. While there are other teams interested in the 26-year-old Thomas, the Sabres appear to be the frontrunners.
Chris Johnston said the Blues are seeking three or four premium assets for Thomas. It’s believed the discussions with the Sabres have reached the point where they’re talking about a package of picks, players, and prospects that gets to about four players.
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).
Pierre LeBrun believes the Blues’ high asking price will be too expensive for the Montreal Canadiens. They’ve inquired about Thomas, but the asking price would involve top prospects such as Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, and other assets. It doesn’t make sense from the Canadiens’ perspective to get into that kind of move unless the price comes down.
THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also reports the Utah Mammoth is among the clubs linked to Thomas.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Rutherford and Matthew Fairburn looked at what it might cost the Sabres to land Thomas.
The Sabres might have to part with Owen Power or prospect defenseman Radim Mrtka. The Blues would also want a young center in the deal, which could cost the Sabres Zach Benson or a prospect such as Konsta Helenius or Noah Ostlund. Fairburn wondered if the Blues might be interested in prospect goaltender Devon Levi.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It certainly sounds like the Sabres are the favorites in the bidding for Thomas. Whether the two sides can close the deal by Friday is another matter. Thomas has a full no-trade clause, and he might not be keen to go to Buffalo. However, it would provide a big boost to the Sabres’ roster if he’s willing to make that move.
WILL THE BLUES FIND A TAKER FOR JORDAN BINNINGTON?
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Blues have been talking to other teams about goaltender Jordan Binnington, defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, and winger Jordan Kyrou.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported that Friedman believes there’s a chance that Binnington gets traded to the Oilers, Canadiens, or Vegas Golden Knights.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a change from what Friedman said over the weekend, when he claimed the Oilers were going to stick with their current goalies and focus on addressing other roster needs.
THE ATHLETIC’s Jeremy Rutherford reports a source said he doesn’t see Binnington moving until the summer. The 32-year-old goalie has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a 14-team no-trade list.
The Blues have to make the best deal they can. However, general manager Doug Armstrong will give Binnington some consideration in his preferred destination.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Binnington trade could happen by Friday, but it seems more likely that it’ll occur in the offseason.
BRADY TKACHUK SURFACES IN THE RUMOR MILL
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported that Keith Yandle of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast speculated that Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could be traded to the Dallas Stars for Jason Robertson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch was quick to dismiss Yandle’s conjecture, pointing out that Tkachuk indicated last week that the thought of leaving the Senators hasn’t crossed his mind. He has two more years left on his contract, and management has no intention of moving him.
Garrioch also noted TSN’s Jeff O’Neill said he wouldn’t be surprised if Tkachuk and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews go to their respective clubs at the end of this season and request to be traded this summer. O’Neill cited the criticism both players have received in their respective markets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As noted earlier, Tkachuk said he’s given no thought to leaving the Senators. Meanwhile, recent reports from Toronto indicated that the Maple Leafs received assurances from the Matthews camp that he’ll be back next season.
Next summer, however, could be a different story. By then, both players will be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. Much will depend on the performances of both clubs during 2026-27. If they make little or no improvement over this season, one or both players could have second thoughts about signing extensions, which could force their clubs to move them next summer rather than lose them to free agency in 2028.
DEVILS TAKING CALLS ABOUT SIMON NEMEC
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils are taking calls about Simon Nemec. The Devils are happy to keep the 22-year-old defenseman, but they’re willing to listen if there’s a deal that upgrades their forward lines in a real way. LeBrun claimed there’s no shortage of interest.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draft picks and prospects won’t cut it. The Devils want a hockey trade that fetches a good forward.
If the Devils are willing to move Nemec, it suggests they’re not getting much interest in veteran Dougie Hamilton, who was a hot topic in the rumor mill last summer and in January. However, most of that speculation has faded in recent weeks.
FLAMES INTERESTED IN XHEKAJ
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE’s Herb Zurkowsky said he’s heard the Calgary Flames have an interest in Arber Xhekaj.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj is a big, heavy-hitting defenseman who is a fan favorite in Montreal, but has seen his playing time reduced this season because of the growing depth on the Canadiens’ blueline. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.
The Canadiens could move the 25-year-old Xhekaj if they get a solid return. However, they’ll likely hang onto him for the playoffs when his physical style will be of greater use.
I just read that the blues pulled an Icarus and scared the Sabres off. That unless the price comes down they are exploring other avenues
Makes more sense to trade Thomas at the draft when more teams can bid
Buffalo needs to upgrade the defensive depth and add some sandpaper to their bottom 6 forwards.
Maybe revisit Thomas in the off season. Rosen would need to be in any trades, since he will no longer be waiver exempt after this season too. Same with Levi, if he’s not playing in Buffalo next season.
Sabres, Blues Shifting Trade Talks To Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko
this headline on PHR, and other sites as apparently the price for Thomas is too high.
But with Nemec on the market the Sabers should be interested in him!
Nemec for Benson and a 3rd
Benson is a their top line left wing.
Then the 3rd is not necessary!
Jack Quin and a 2nd?
Buffalo has what NJ wants, that is for sure!
Don’t expect either Matthews or Tkachuk to publicly voice displeasure. Neither going anywhere this week. Good chance if both teams miss playoffs that rumors will heat up.
👍👍
Thomas is a good player but isn’t worth 4 top 15 picks which is the asking price. I think a top 4 RD is the way to go, I wonder what Hronek would cost?
That’s great. All you hear is our play is embarrassing. From Matthews. Well I don’t see him throwing the team on his back. Just pointing fingers.
Can’t help but think if both were to happen to be Canadian, this dumb talk wouldn’t even be an after thought.
I guess I missed out on all the team’s captains throughout hockey history, looking to leave their team, as a free agent or not. It’s so lazy to think that. Sure, maybe in the twilight of their careers for a chance at winning the elusive cup…🙄
Tavares suffered severe criticism all the while he wore the “C”. He is Canadian! He escaped criticism when he stepped down. Good for JT!
speculated that Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could be traded to the Dallas Stars for Jason Robertson.
Wouldn’t be surprised if rumors are flying around in the offseason with B Tkachuk especially with the Panthers
I wonder how much Robertson will get with his arbitration rights this summer. His numbers compare favorably to Kaprisov’s, so the idea of trading him out for someone under $10M for a few more years makes some sense.
Even with the cap going up, Dallas would be hard-pressed to absorb more than $12M or $13M for Robertson.
There was no speculation, just some random dude on Spittin Chiclets throwing a hell mary into the wind.
Like I said previously, Brady is going nowhere unless he wants to and he’s given no indication whatsoever to that effect. On the contrary, he continues to show his allegiance to the Sens.
Same with Mathews, however, the Leafs are in a much tougher spot than the Sens in that they look like they are going in opposite directions.
Brady Tkachuk for Jason Robertson is really far fetched .
Doug Armstrong rumour – Leafs is intriguing … I predicted this a couple of years ago , when he was. Contemplating stepping down in St. Louis
It’s a crying shame what has happened in Toronto .. Berube has lost the team and Treliving is a worse nightmare the Kyle Dubas
Heh, Slick62, Joe and Ken … yeah, that sort of obvious crystal-ball speculation by secondary pundits like Yandle and O’Neill has been – and always will be – utilized whenever a notable player on a team that is in the throes of difficulties is nearing UFA status. It’s as obvious as a sore thumb and as inevitable as death and taxes.
Of COURSE it’s a possibility and most within the deeply interested fan bases know it. Only the most fringe-ranging fans would look at such speculation and interpret it as something “you can bank on” – to use a favorite phrase posted here in the past by a certain contributor whose predictions of that nature never materialized.
George, I don’t even consider Yandle a pundit. Barstool is just a bunch of overaged frat boys that like to sit around drinking beers and telling stories from yesteryear. They talk rumors that other insiders put out there.
Lebrun reporting Panthers going into sell mode and listening on offers for Bobrovsky.
Ya Slick, the Panthers are too far back and their best player is still out. Might as well try and get some assets they can use to try and improve next year.
I heard Rodrigues name out there too.
what about a kent johnson trade from cbj to nj for nemec fair trade or not.
Wasn’t Kent a healthy scratch recently? Does he play center in Columbus? Is the team misusing him? Interested to learn as don’t see too much CBJ news.
kent has been a healthy scratch lately. although he did play last night but only because jenner was injured. hewas drafted as a center but pretty much only has played wing. i dont thinkhe plays good enough defense but he also would rather pass than shoot. stillhas plenty of potential just wont with cbj id say.
At this point I’m starting to believe the whole Thomas speculation is Armstrong allowing it to swirl and suck up all the attention while he tries to move Kyrou, Faulk, Schenn.
The Buffalo trade speculation makes no sense to me. Why would the Sabres get Thomas when Norris and Thompson are their top 2 centers. Why disrupt the chemistry of a team playing the best it has in years.
Owen Power a big dman that doesn’t use his size, plays over 20 min, occasional offense in other words a left shot Parayko. Maybe the Blues could pair them and they would have 13ft of dmen that wouldn’t throw a body check to save their life. Besides the Blues have an orginalzation weakness at right shot dman which is why they got Mallioux.
Haven’t heard the Armstrong to the Leafs rumor although it’s not far fetched given his affiliation with team Canada. However since he’s signed to be the Blues president for the next 2 years, I believe not sure, and has agreed to stay on to mentor Steen it seems unlikely but could happen. Armstrong loves keeping everything close to the vest.
And, Snold49, you can add to your succinct observation “Why would the Sabres get Thomas when Norris and Thompson are their top 2 centers. Why disrupt the chemistry of a team playing the best it has in years.”
“And why bring in another C – however potentially very good – who has a repetitive injury history that rivals – if indeed doesn’t surpass – a C you traded for last year?”
Sure.
Lets get Thomas and have two “oft injured” centers.
Im with George. Sabres should stand pat.
Especially if they want Power in the trade. That creates another hole. Power has issues, but he is young with room to grow.
How about Norris and Power for Thomas and Parayko?
Why would Sabres mess with their core when they are playing this well. This is a time that you add to your team, no change the structural chemistry IMO.
The Sabres are playing great, if I were them, I’d make a move for reinforcements nothing involving trading their best players.
I agree many Leaf fans over rate Leaf players. However, if Nashville can get a second for McCarron. I don’t think a first or multiple picks for Laughton, Roy and McMann respectively is far fetched.
Although the confidence in Treliving doing anything productive seems lost.
It’s now Wednesday and nothing has transpired for teams “looking” to improve, sell or any trade of consequence.
For Brad, who’s “always working the phones” must be getting a lot of hang ups or something. Rumors aside, I don’t trust a GM and coach combination whose fate is pretty much sealed at this point are calling the shots. If anything, their current/past performance isn’t anything to be proud of at all. Taking a contender to a pretender in less than a season IS an elite skill though. I guess fans have that.
Heh. Too true, Ron.
I know one thing … if old Lou Lamoriello was still running a team … and never being one who let the grass grow under his feet … he’d likely have two or more deals concluded at this stage. Whether ultimately for good or worse. 🙂
Ron, Tyler Myers to Dallas!
It is the start of the Nuck’s bargain basement sale that started at noon, as I foretold! 😁
If the Leafs are intent on trying to be competitive next season they should try to trade for young NHL players as opposed to just draft picks.
It’s rumoured that EDM is interested in Nic Roy. Tge ask should be Samanski and a 3rd. Upgrade the 3rd to a 2nd and the Leafs will take back Mangiapane.
Plenty of teams looking for secondary scoring. McMann with 50% retained should get a 1st. I’d attempt to trade him for somebody previously picked in the 1st round the last two drafts.
If they can get a 1st and prospect for OEL they should jump on it.
Listen to offers for Domi, Laughton, Lorentz, and Jarnkrok.
After the TDL call up a bunch of Marlies like Quillan, Groulx, Villeneuve and Thrun and PLAY THEM.
Play Cowan with skilled players like Matthews or Tavares and see what he can do.
If NJ is really making Nemec available, the Leafs should be all over it.
In the summer, approach Rielly about waiving his NMC and going West, possibly SJ or VAN.
McMann for a 1st would have to come with an asterisk (even at 50% retained).
It is rumoured that he is asking for $4-$5M for 5 years. That would make it tough for any contending team to resign him in the offseason. Why would anyone give up a 1st for someone that is priced to high to resign and is not a Top 6 guy. Sure, retaining half would be a bonus, but that is less than $700K.
Doubt Rielly goes to San Jose or Vancouver. The Sharks are still a couple seasons away from competing for a Cup. Vancouver will be a rebuild. If the Leafs are hoping for Rielly to waive, it would probably be for a legit chance to win the Cup. Might have to retain up to $3.5M, but you might be able to get something back for him from a contender.
Stevie whiffed on Tyler Myers. He went to Dallas. Now go for Simon Nemec! Give NJ Kasper for Nemec. Then either bring up Michael Brandsegg-Nygård or get Bobby McMann from the Leafs. Do it Stevie, get off your duff and start swinging for the fences!
Have to agree there, Johnny Z. At the 3/4 pole Detroit is the only team in the East currently holding down a playoff spot while sporting a minus goal differential – albeit just -1. But it;s not a formula that’ll bring you much success in the play offs.
Out West there are two even worse in that category – Anaheim at -11 and Seattle -5.
I would expect to see all 3 involved to some degree in attempts to turn that around over their remaining 20-odd games.
Not sure whiffed is the right word for Stevie missing out on Myers.
He has a full NMC and picked Dallas, who happens to be 2nd overall in the entire NHL. They are a legit Cup contender. Detroit is having a better season, but wouldn’t include them in the contender category. Didn’t matter what Yzerman offered, wasn’t gonna happen.
He’s 35 and nearing the end of his career, makes sense he chose a team like Dallas.
There ya go again, Ray. Making a ton of sense!
LOL. Don’t ya just hate it when that fly known as Logical Sense winds up in the ointment!
Brady is going to do what Matthew did when he was with Calgary. Why wait until the inevitable. Trade Brady for Bennett and Lundel. Then trade Pinto for kyrou.
Pure speculation with much different circumstances, mainly being Brady is captain and plays with a bunch of his American buddies.
If he did want to leave your trade makes no sense as both guys have nmc for the panthers. So that probably will not happen.
Kiefer Sherwood has gone from a potential trade candidate to a top-nine cornerstone, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Sharks are close to signing him to a five-year extension worth “a little under” $6MM annually. Chris Johnston of The Athletic adds it’ll be an average annual value of $5.75MM for a total commitment of $28.75MM. The contract also includes signing bonuses and trade protection for the first four seasons, per Frank Seravalli of Victory+.
The Brady for Jason Robertson would be a summer trade. Of course, it only happens if Brady wants out.
Looks to me like a good trade.
Could be a good match Blues and Devils.
Some kind of package with Nemec and Thomas.
Mercer, Nemec for Thomas, Holloway.
Premium position for the Blues future and much needed help for Hischier and Hughes
😳
“As others have reported, keep an eye on Buffalo and a Blues defenseman, potentially Parayko. #stlblues https://t.co/hLJYFLKwww
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) March 4, 2026″
“The Sabres really don’t want to subtract any big pieces and break up the good thing they’ve got going.”
Blues will take just picks and prospects?
One of Konsta Helenius or Radim Mrtka and Devon Levi and a low pick then.
i would take rodrigues back with the avalanche. they missed the boat on him; kind of guy that just does north/south and pucks to the net. scores in playoffs, too!!
I don’t see the Sabres making a major trade until the offseason. They will make smaller deals for a 3rd pair d-man and a 3rd -4th line center who can win faceoffs.
Jarmo was just doing his diligence to see what the Blues wanted. Sounds like Thomas’ agent let the cat out of the bag when asked if he would drop his NMC.