Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 2, 2025
Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Evander Kane and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
LATEST ON MIKKO RANTANEN
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes it’s unlikely Mikko Rantanen will decide about re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes by the March 7 trade deadline. He doesn’t think it has anything to do with the Hurricanes’ contract offer to the 28-year-old winger. Instead, he’s found it’s been “too much of a whirlwind” adjusting to getting traded and the lack of time he’s spent in Carolina.
Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).
Friedman said it’s now up to Hurricanes management to decide if they’ll retain Rantanen for the rest of the season or flip him to another club before Friday. That decision could come within the next couple of days. He also indicated that the Hurricanes are the only team that can offer him the maximum eight-year contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated that only the team that has Rantanen at the trade deadline can offer up the maximum term. If the Hurricanes trade him before then, the acquiring team will become the only club that can give him an eight-year deal.
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a source claiming the Vancouver Canucks were interested in Rantanen, while another source doubted the Hurricanes will move him.
RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a source suggesting the Los Angeles Kings as a suitor for Rantanen. Another source noted the Hurricanes are building up their defense corps and could be interested in Kings blueliner Jordan Spence.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent speculation suggested the Hurricanes could hang onto Rantanen for a run at the Stanley Cup this season. It would also buy more time to allow him to become acclimated to his new teammates and surroundings.
Rantanen could be moved again, especially if the Hurricanes are willing to retain half of their share ($4.625 million) of his cap hit. However, if he’s having difficulty dealing with “the whirlwind” since getting traded on Jan. 24, how well will he adjust to another move?
MAPLE LEAFS LOOKING AT CENTERS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have a list of centers they’re looking at in the trade market. One player they’re considering is Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues, but they’re not the only club interested in the 33-year-old center. Friedman suggested the Vegas Golden Knights could also be looking at him.
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving isn’t tipping his hand about his trade deadline plans. However, he downplayed speculation suggesting that he could attempt a major acquisition like Schenn or Rantanen.
“It’s not, to me, about taking big swings”, said Treliving. “It’s where do you think you can help your team the most. Historically, these attention-grabbing deadline deals, look back at how many really pay dividends.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving sounds like he’s trying to temper the expectations of Leafs fans. He might take a big swing and acquire someone like Schenn or Rantanen. However, he could also make more affordable depth additions based on his cap space and available trade assets.
UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Canucks are looking to add to their forward group either now or later. He doesn’t expect they’ll attempt to move struggling center Elias Pettersson.
Brock Boeser’s situation remains up in the air. A report last week claimed he’d been offered a five-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. Friedman believes that pitch was made earlier in the season. He thinks Boeser and the Canucks are expecting all options to be open.
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Canucks haven’t given up on Pettersson. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide he needs a fresh start elsewhere and trade him at the deadline or during the draft in Los Angeles in June.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything can happen but it will take a significant offer to tempt the Canucks into moving Pettersson. His $11.6 million cap hit through 2031-32 is a hefty amount to absorb, even with the salary cap rising significantly in the coming years.
OILERS LOOKING AT MARKET FOR EVANDER KANE
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said Evander Kane’s full no-trade clause reverted to a 16-team approved trade list. He indicated the Edmonton Oilers are going through those teams to see what the market could be for the 33-year-old winger.
Kane remains sidelined as he rehabs from recent surgery and there’s not a firm timetable for his return. However, they could open up more cap space if they decide to move him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane won’t be easy to move. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.125 million. He’s missed the entire season due to injury and it will take him time to return to game shape once he’s cleared for action.
The Oilers have few tradeable assets to bundle with Kane to make him more enticing. They might have to retain half his cap hit to make him palatable in the trade market.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE RANGERS?
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes any deal made by the Rangers between now and the trade deadline will not involve making a run for a wild-card berth at the expense of acquiring future assets in exchange for expiring contracts. Brooks suggests impending free-agent winger Reilly Smith could fetch tangible value from a Stanley Cup contender.
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple also believes Smith is the next likely to be moved. Larger trade options on the roster, like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, probably won’t be happening this week, given Zibanejad’s recent improvement and Kreider’s ongoing injury issues.
K’Andre Miller has been the subject of trade speculation but doesn’t seem to be on the trade block. Staple also believes the Rangers will be targeted buyers seeking players with term on their contracts
SPECTOR’S NOTE: All of GM Chris Drury’s trades this season brought back returns that can help the team now and in the future.
DEVILS EXPECTED TO BE “ALL-IN” AT THE DEADLINE
RG.ORG: James Murphy cited an NHL executive suggesting the New Jersey Devils could attempt to make an impact move by March 7. They’d like to add a rugged, scoring playoff-type performer into their top-six forwards and bring more depth to their defense corps.
The Devils would also like to add a middle-six forward. They’ve been linked to Jake Evans of the Montreal Canadiens. The Devils have $1.4 million in cap space, so any deal would involve moving a player.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dawson Mercer recently surfaced as a trade candidate. He’s struggled this season under head coach Sheldon Keefe. The 23-year-old forward carries an AAV of $4 million through 2026-27.
WHAT ARE THE LIGHTNING’S TRADE TARGETS?
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina reports the Lightning have just over $6 million in projected trade deadline cap space. He’s expected to target forward depth to take some pressure off his top scorers. Encina suggested that Montreal’s Jake Evans or Buffalo’s Alex Tuch are players who’ve stood out to them over the years.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have some trade capital, including two second-rounders and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft. They also have all their 2026 draft picks. The Bolts also have prospects like Conor Geekie, Isaac Howard, and Ethan Gauthier to draw on for trade bait.
E.Kane and Bouchard for Parayko and Neighbors.
Colt55 Would bring back more then a pending RFA and a head case.
Would you consider a player more of a head case or a locker room cancer?
Another stellar night for the player formerly known as Elias Petterson, 0 points, 0 shots and -2. Not sure they could give him away right now for anything less than 50 % retained and even then? Brock Nelson’s trade value just keeps climbing as the Blues and Utah have climbed back into wildcard picture. Would be shocked if Brayden Schenn or Utah forwards are dealt away at this point. Utah has plenty of ammo (draft picks) to go shopping if they like. Love seeing the Jackets continue to march towards the playoffs, you do not want to face that determined bunch in the first round. Go CBJ!! After watching the Flyers beat my Jets last night. Would like to see them resign Laughton as opposed to getting draft capital. I think he’s worth more to their team than anyone else. Bruins are in tough with so many injuries, I’m no fan of Marchand but that didn’t look good yesterday. Connor Geekie would look pretty good coming home to Wpg but we shall see? Enjoy the games today everyone, cheers.
What are the Jets going to add? I suggest some muscle in the top six and a defence partner for Morrissey. Alex Tuch and Colton Parayko??
Significant offer to tempt the canucks good luck with that. I wouldn’t touch Pettersson with a ten foot pole.
How about Byfield and Spence for Rantanen?
Might work for both teams.
Looks fair on paper, but What is Rantanen without McKinnon? As La I would after some thought say no.
As Lyle said, if Rantanen feels caught in a whirlwind how do you see him reacting to another move?
You forget that the salary between the 2 won’t work. Canes have no cap space!
it works on paper, but why would the kings trade Byfield without an assurance from Rantanen that he’ll resign their long term? otherwise it’s a waste of resources beyond this year
Not happening. Moving Byfield creates another hole for the Kings at center. Danault has slipped to a 3rd line center, and Kopitar has slipped to barely producing. Byfield is the only center producing now. That’s a no go for the Kings. Spence, their 1st and a prospect maybe the Kings bite.
Kopitar barely producing? He has 47 points in 58 games, which would be 66 points over 82 games. Only a few points less than he’s had the past three seasons. His defense is still solid and he’s still great on faceoffs. Ok, he’s not as dominant as he was six or seven years ago but his numbers are still pretty good.
Nah, take byfield off the table and here’s the trade
Spence
Moore
Akihl thomas
No! Too much to give up byfield. Trevor Moore, Spence and low draft pick for rantanen….
Re “Rantanen could be moved again, especially if the Hurricanes are willing to retain half of their share ($4.625 million) of his cap hit. ”
Rantenen at $2.3 M Cap hit would have a bidding war
At TDL; Canes have 19 games left; their share of Rantenen as at then is $695 K cash
If they retain 50% of that; and have a 3rd team retain 50% again ($170 K cash( likely cost a 4th rounder);
Then final team is getting Rantenen at just a Cap hit of $1.15 M; huge bidding war
Or
Kane, Emberson, 1st (‘26), Jarventie
For Rantenen (at current Cap hit)
Or
Barbashev & Korsack
For Rantenen (at current Cap hit)
Or
Bourque, Bischell, 1st (‘26)
For Rantenen (at current Cap hit)
For Rantenen (at 50 % of current Cap hit)
Etc
8787 you must be on a Sunday bender. Firstly Rant salary can only be held twice with the third team getting him at 3/4 of his original salary. The rest of those trades make zero sense for the Canes and I’m an Oiler fan.
Hi Bob
There is no limit re number of times sal is retained
Two restrictions: can only retain 50% of remaining; and can’t retain twice in multiple team chain of retentions
Rantanen for Drury and Necas…..just kidding.
I’m one of the few people who still thinks Pettersson can come back being really good, but it won’t happen this season. He needs an off season to train and rest
There is hope but 11.5 mill for a temperamental cream puff is way too much for any team
That temperamental cream puff has been in the top handful of forwards in the NHL in blocked shots the past several Seasons. He also kills penalties, very well. Maybe try looking at more than offensive numbers.
the Canes gave up Necas for Rantanen, why would they take a dman in return for MR? makes no sense, as their team is short on forwards. Unless they can acquire s scoring somewhere else, but don’t see anything on their blueline that can fetch a top line forward.
i could see CAR sending Rantanen to VAN for Boeser+pick tho, but it doesn’t help either team to keep those players beyond the playoffs.
and for whatever space the Oilers can free by trading Kane has to be used on their goaltending, not another scoring forward. Skinner isn’t the answer, but I don’t really see an available goaltender out there for the Oilers to get
maybe a LHS dman if they can’t get a better goalie
Fresh off being wrong about Seth Jones, I offer up this nugget about Rantanen. The Canes will not trade him. They won’t get anything near fair value and near what they gave up. They’re all in for the Cup. They’ll keep him and hope a playoff run will convince him to stay. He’s picked up his game a bit – 4 points in the last 4 games.
Hoping the Leafs miss out on Braden Schenn. He’s not quite the effective player he once was and is more of a “name” trade.
I think the Leafs would be better off looking at elsewhere for a 3C
Perhaps Kunin and Toffoli from SJ could help the Leafs with their secondary scoring and Centre depth. Not sure why they haven’t given Steeves a legit shot as a 3C option. Wish they would have tried one of their young guys from the Marlies instead of signing Domi
California native Nick Robertson might flourish with that young group. How about Niemela too…he’ll never get a shot in Toronto
They also need to do something about their defence. With Tanev banged up and Rielly having an off year they can’t really expect Benoit, Myers, and Timmins to pull the freight.
That temperamental cream puff has been in the top handful of forwards in the NHL in blocked shots the past several Seasons. He also kills penalties, very well. Maybe try looking at more than offensive numbers.
Fair ish. But at that salary you expect offensive numbers.
You sure do.