Check out the latest on Flyers winger Matvei Michkov and Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, plus an update on the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports he doesn’t expect the Philadelphia Flyers to move Matvei Michkov, “but there’s lots of noise around him,” after ESPN’s Kevin Weeks reported the 21-year-old winger wanted a fresh start elsewhere.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weekes’ reports caught the Flyers off-guard, but there were subsequent reports claiming Michkov hadn’t formally requested a trade. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere denied the young winger wanted out of Philadelphia, saying Michkov and his agent denied the report came from them.

LeBrun believes that where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and reported that other teams are now checking in with the Flyers regarding Michkov’s status. He doesn’t think the young winger will be moved, but he wondered what will happen if Michkov remains an unhappy camper by the end of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Flyers’ players wanted to resolve the situation during a team dinner, but it didn’t help to calm the waters.

The Flyers’ poor performance this season hasn’t helped matters, creating tensions among the players as the losses mount. During Briere’s press conference addressing the Michkov rumors, he called out head coach Rick Tocchet to reverse the struggling club’s fortunes.

Michkov is in the final season of his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. If he remains unhappy in Philadelphia, he could try to force a trade next summer by using the threat of an offer sheet.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Erik Karlsson could be a player to watch in the rumor mill.

The 36-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s having a good season, leading the Penguins with 19 points in as many games. The Penguins will be sellers this season, and Karlsson could draw some interest in the trade market.

LeBrun believes the Carolina Hurricanes could be a team to watch in the Karlsson trade market. They were trying to trade for him in 2023 before the Penguins acquired him from the San Jose Sharks, and they’re still interested in the three-time Norris Trophy winner. LeBrun expected the Hurricanes would be among the bidders if and when the Penguins open trade talks on Karlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson still has a full no-movement clause, and the Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million cap hit. The Hurricanes and other potentially interested clubs could wait until closer to the trade deadline to pursue him once they’ve built up enough cap space.

The Penguins could retain part of Karlsson’s cap hit, but they’ll also expect a better return for doing so.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka continues to make calls around the league in search of help for his blueline.

Chayka’s not interested in a “band-aid” or “patchwork” solution. If the Maple Leafs make a trade between now and the March 1 trade deadline, it’ll be for a meaningful upgrade to their defense core beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s tagging rule hampers the Maple Leafs because they’re over the cap for this season and next. If Chayka makes a move, it’ll have to be dollar-out, dollar-in, which could mean a player-for-player swap.