NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2026

by | Feb 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2026

Olympic Men’s Hockey wrap-up, and the latest news as the resumption of the regular-season schedule approaches in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

IIHF.COM: Canada’s Connor McDavid was named the most valuable player in the 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey tournament. McDavid set a single tournament Olympic Men’s record with 13 points.

McDavid was also among the Tournament Directorate’s three best players, along with United States goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Team USA wins gold in the 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey tournament.

Those three players were also named to the Media All-Star Team, joining Canadian defenseman Cale Makar and forward Macklin Celebrini, and Slovakia forward Juraj Slafkovsky.

TSN: Hellebuyck was praised by his teammates for his outstanding performance in their 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold-medal game.

Matthew Tkachuk considered Hellebuyck’s efforts to be “one of the best goaltending performances of all time.” US head coach Mike Sullivan called Hellebuyck’s efforts “heroic”.

According to Tage Thompson, Hellebuyck “stole the game for us.” Zach Werenski was amazed by the type of saves he made in crucial moments, while Charlie McAvoy compared him to Team USA hero Jim Craig in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebucyk’s performance in the gold-medal game was comparable to Dominik Hasek backstopping Czechia to victory over Canada and Russia in the 1998 Olympics. He played the game of his life, reminding everyone why he’s the only active three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

DAILY FACEOFF: Quinn Hughes broke the record for the longest points streak by an American in the tournament during the NHL participation era. He finished with eight points in six games.

THE ATHLETIC: Quinn’s brother, Jack, scored the winning goal after having three teeth knocked out from a high stick by Canadian forward Sam Bennett in the third period. Bennett received a double-minor penalty, but Hughes later nullified the Americans’ man advantage by high-sticking Canada’s Bo Horvat.

The Hughes brothers praised team captain Auston Matthews’ performance and leadership in this tournament. The Toronto Maple Leafs star had been dogged by the perception that he cannot win big games when it matters.

“Doesn’t matter what anyone says now, Auston Matthews is a winner,” Jack said, while Quinn added, “That’s what the Toronto media should be talking about. Auston led us to a championship.”

SI.COM: Team USA center Brock Nelson continued his family’s legacy of winning gold in Olympic Men’s hockey. His grandfather, Bill Christian, won gold at the 1960 Squaw Valley Games alongside his great-uncle, Roger Christian. His uncle, Dave Christian, captured gold in the 1980 Lake Placid Games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The American players recognized the late Johnny Gaudreau following their gold-medal win. Matthews, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Tkachuk paraded Gaudreau’s No. 13 USA jersey around the ice. Tkachuk and Dylan Larkin brought Gaudreau’s young children, Noa and Johnny Jr, on the ice to pose with the players for the team photo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was the most touching moment of this tournament. They never forgot Gaudreau, who would’ve played with them had he and his brother not been killed by an alleged drunk driver in 2024.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby sat out the gold medal game with a lower-body injury. He felt that he would’ve been a detriment to Canada’s chances had he played.

“It was about what’s best for our group and what gives us the best chance to win,” he said following the game. “That becomes pretty clear at that point. If I’m not going to go, I’m not (going to) compromise our team, put myself ahead of that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby wanted to play, but his injury was apparently severe enough to hamper his performance. Knowing he couldn’t play to the best of his ability, he made the unselfish decision to put his team and his country first.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Canadian coach Jon Cooper was no fan of the 3-on-3 overtime format in the tournament. “You take four players off the ice, now hockey’s not hockey anymore. There’s a reason overtime and shootouts are in play, it’s all TV-driven to end games, so it’s not a long time. There’s a reason why (3-on-3) is not in the Stanley Cup Final or playoffs.”

Cooper made it clear that he wasn’t using the 3-on-3 format as an excuse. He acknowledged everyone knew the rules going into their tournament, and noted his club’s own 3-on-3 overtime win over Czechia in the quarterfinal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Had Canada won in overtime, American head coach Mike Sullivan might’ve said the same thing. Cooper’s right that it’s TV-driven to finish games within a set period of time, but as he also noted, everyone knew what the format would be. Teams have to be prepared for it.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu believes Canada’s gold medal loss will linger, but the country’s hockey future is in good shape. He noted that McDavid, MacKinnon, Makar, and Celebrini will be back for the 2030 Olympics, and Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer could join them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players will also be part of Canada’s roster in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. It wouldn’t be surprising if Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks, Wyatt Johnston of the Dallas Stars, Noah Dobson of the Montreal Canadiens, and Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers could be part of Canada’s roster for that tournament.

NHL HEADLINES

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s regular-season schedule resumes on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

ROTOWIRE: Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson is expected to miss Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils with a lingering upper-body injury.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Kasperi Kapanen will miss his club’s first two games of their upcoming road trip with an undisclosed minor injury. Center Adam Henrique will return to action after missing the Oilers’ last 15 games.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers goaltender Daniil Tarasov and defenseman Tobias Bjornfot returned to practice over the weekend and are expected to be ready when the Panthers’ schedule resumes later this week.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL superstar Jaromir Jagr’s storied hockey career may be coming to a close. The 54-year-old forward last played in the NHL in 2017, but he’s continued his career with his hometown club in Kladno since then. However, he has only appeared in six games this season, with his last game on Dec. 21.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All good things must come to an end, and that includes Jagr’s remarkable playing career. If this is his final season as a player, he is assured of induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame following the mandatory three-year wait period.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 22, 2026

by | Feb 22, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 22, 2026

The latest on Blues center Robert Thomas, and an update on the Blue Jackets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

SPORTSNET: With the March 6 trade deadline on the horizon, St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas acknowledged the trade rumors swirling around him and his teammates.

The Blues are near the bottom of the standings. That has led to rumors involving several Blues, such as defenseman Justin Faulk and forwards Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jordan Kyrou. They also include the 26-year-old Thomas, who has a full no-trade clause.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

Thomas is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.125 million.

Elliotte Friedman reports the Blues seek a high asking price for Thomas, who declined to say if he’ll waive his NTC. “I don’t really want to talk too much about it now. We’ll talk about it later,” Thomas said. “I have one. That’s kind of where we’re at.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues management has probably spoken to Thomas about whether he’d agree to waive his clause if a rival club is willing to meet their price for him. The fact that it’s expensive suggests few teams are willing to do so, and perhaps even fewer would be on Thomas’ list of preferred destinations.

Thomas could be moved before March 6, but that’s not a certainty. The Blues aren’t under any pressure to move him as they would be if he were a pending free agent. If no one meets their price by March 6 (assuming Thomas agrees to a trade), they’ll revisit it in the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported on Thursday that the Columbus Blue Jackets had not engaged in serious contract talks with UFA-eligible players Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson.

However, general manager Don Waddell said he spoke with the players and their agents to gauge their feelings about staying in Columbus. “Everybody wants to stay here,” Waddell said. We’ve got something going here.”

Coyle and Marchment could be Waddell’s biggest priorities. He’ll have to decide if he’ll keep them or trade them if they’re still unsigned by the March 6 deadline.

NHL.COM: Waddell also indicated that he’s not interested in acquiring rental players if his club remains in playoff contention by the deadline.

“If we could trade for somebody that has term, that we like going forward, that’s a different value that we look at,” Waddell said. “We’ll see. All the UFAs right now on our team on our team play a good role for our team, so if you take anybody off, you’re going to have to replace them because of the positions that they play.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have over $45 million in projected trade deadline cap space, so they have room to add if Waddell wishes to. They also have over $46 million in projected space for next season with 14 active roster players under contract.

Re-signing Coyle, Marchment, Jenner, and Gudbranson shouldn’t take up too much room, leaving space to re-sign RFAs such as Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Jet Greaves. It should also leave enough space to add a player or two signed beyond this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2026

by | Feb 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2026

**UPDATE**

The United States defeated Canada 2-1 on an overtime goal by Jack Hughes to win gold in Olympic Men’s hockey. 

Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first period for the United States. Canada tied the game in the second on a goal by Cale Makar. In the overtime frame, Zach Werenski stripped Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon of the puck and passed it to Hughes, who fired a wrister past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington.  USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 shots for the win. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Team USA on a hard-fought victory to claim Olympic gold for the first time since 1980. Canada had plenty of chances to win, but Hellebuyck stood tall between the pipes, including a couple of game-saving stops on Connor McDavid and Devon Toews. 

Canada and the United States face off for gold in Olympic Men’s hockey, Finland defeats Slovakia to take the bronze, and the latest NHL news in the Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: It’s the matchup that was inevitable as Canada and the United States will face off in the gold medal game in Olympic Men’s hockey. The puck drops at 8 am ET today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will update this post with the final score and a game recap later today.

SPORTSNET: Canadian captain Sidney Crosby skated with his teammates in practice on Saturday, but he remains a game-time decision whether he’ll play in this contest. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal game against Czechia and missed Friday’s semifinal win over Finland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Crosby can’t play, Nick Suzuki will replace him at center while Connor McDavid takes over as team captain, as he did in the semifinal against Finland.

ESPN: USA winger Brady Tkachuk stirred the pot a bit on Saturday regarding the rivalry between the two hockey nations.

“There’s hatred there,” Tkachuk said. “I mean, they’ve been the top dog. They’ve been the best for the last bunch of years, and for us, we want to be in that position, be the best. So it’s going to be a game where I think a lot of guys could say, this is the biggest game that they’ve ever played in.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk’s comments reflect his teammates’ determination to win their country’s first Olympic gold in Men’s Hockey since 1980. However, his remarks also show the respect they have for their opponent.

Finland defeated Slovakia 6-1 in the bronze medal game on Saturday. Erik Haula scored two goals, and Joel Armia had a goal and two assists as the Finns pulled away from the Slovaks with four unanswered third-period goals, with the final two being empty-netters. Tomas Tatar replied for Slovakia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A solid bounce-back performance by Finland after blowing a two-goal lead to Canada in the semifinal on Friday. The Finns had to do it without scoring winger Mikko Rantanen, who missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Speaking of the Finns, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice dismissed a rumor that several of their players wanted him to coach their team in this tournament. “I got a bunch of texts. Silliness,” Maurice said, suggesting tongue-in-cheek that the source of the rumor got him mixed up with Panthers assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu.

Maurice reminded everyone that he was born in Canada and is a U.S. citizen. “I think I’ll just stay in Fort Lauderdale for these tournaments. It’s worked out just fine.”

As for the Slovaks, this wasn’t the result they were hoping for. However, for a team with only seven NHL players on their roster, it still exceeded expectations and silenced its critics. Young stars such as Juraj Slavkovsky of the Montreal Canadiens, Dalibor Dvorsky of the St. Louis Blues, and Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils played well against the world’s best, which should make them better NHL players. They’re also an inspiration for young Slovak hockey players.

FLAMES NATION: The Calgary Flames activated forwards Blake Coleman and John Beecher off injured reserve on Friday.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks prospect forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki requires season-ending shoulder surgery. He’s split this season between the Canucks and their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche will have a new ECHL affiliate. They will join forces with the New Mexico Goatheads in 2026-27.

NHL.COM: Former NHL forward and long-time minor-league star Guyle Fielder passed away on Saturday at the age of 95.

Fielder played only nine regular-season games and six playoff games in the NHL between 1950-51 and 1957-58 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings. However, he had a long and successful career at the minor-pro level, holding the record for most points (1,929) and games (1,487) in 22 minor-pro seasons from 1951-52 to 1972-73

In the old Western Hockey League, Fielder was a nine-time scoring champion and six-time league MVP. He also spent 15 seasons in Seattle with the Bombers, Americans, and Totems, leading them to three WHL championships.

The Seattle Kraken have an annual Guyle Fielder Award, honoring the Kraken player who best exhibits the qualities of perseverance, hustle, and dedication to hockey. Yanni Gourde was the first recipient, with Jaden Schwartz winning it in the last three seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Fielder’s family, friends, and the Kraken organization.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

by | Feb 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

What could the Bruins do at the trade deadline? Could the Islanders try to boost their offense? Will the Sharks go after a defenseman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS COULD BE BUSY AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa wondered if the Boston Bruins will be buyers, sellers, or both at the March 6 trade deadline.

General manager Don Sweeney’s attempt to acquire Rasmus Andersson last month indicates his intent to bolster the right side of his defense corps.

The Bruins have two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, but they might not part with the first-rounder they received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in last year’s acquisition of Fraser Minten. Shinzawa believes that rival general managers could be interested in the offensive potential of Mason Lohrei and Matt Poitras.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).

Sweeney will likely want to add players in their late-twenties who will be around to help David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman. Shinzawa also believes the Bruins could use help at center and on the wing. They’d also like to add to their prospect pipeline.

Bruins on expiring contracts, such as forward Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Andrew Peeke, could become trade candidates. They could also see if there’s any interest in goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley noted a recent report by RG. Org’s James Murphy indicated the Bruins are interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. However, the latter’s age (he turns 34) and the Blues’ high asking price would make this an unnecessary move unless the asking price is dropped.

Studley also examined what the Bruins might receive in return for their trade chips. He thinks Peeke could fetch at least a third-round pick. Given his status as a right-shot defenseman, his value could increase.

Shinzawa indicated the Bruins won’t part with Arvidsson for a mid-round pick. As for Lohrei, the Bruins would likely move him only for a more established defenseman. He was reportedly part of the package Sweeney offered the Calgary Flames for Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins currently hold a wild-card berth and will attempt to solidify a playoff spot down the stretch. Sweeney wants to address the club’s weaknesses, but not with aging quick-fixes. He’s looking for returns that will benefit this team beyond this season, provided he doesn’t have to overpay to do so.

Lohrei and Poitras should draw lots of attention if Sweeney dangles them in the trade market. Peeke could also be an enticing trade option if the Bruins GM finds another right-shot defenseman.

WILL THE ISLANDERS PURSUE A SCORING FORWARD?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders need scoring depth as they attempt to secure a playoff spot. He indicated they have the third-fewest goals per game and fourth-fewest actual goals in the Eastern Conference.

Macias suggested Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues if Islanders GM Mathieu Darche wants to make a major move. Nashville Predators forwards Steven Stamkos and Michael Bunting have popped up in the rumor mill. Oft-injured sniper Patrik Laine of the Montreal Canadiens could be available on the cheap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche recently acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. He’s put up three points in six games before the Olympic break, but his best seasons remain behind him. The Isles GM could keep his eye on the trade market for a scoring forward, but it’s doubtful he’ll pay the high asking price for Kyrou.

WILL THE SHARKS TRADE FOR A DEFENSEMAN?

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng recently looked at potential trade targets for the San Jose Sharks to bolster their blueline.

Options include Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Mason Lohrei of the Bruins, Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton reportedly rejected a trade to San Jose last summer. Unless he’s changed his mind, the Sharks will have to look elsewhere. Hamilton would also be an expensive pickup as the Devils won’t just give him away. They might retain salary, but they’ll want a significant sweetener in the deal.

Faulk is another who would be expensive. Given his age, the Sharks might prefer someone a little younger and more cost-effective who would fit into their long-range plans, such as Lohrei, Whitecloud, Stanley, or Schneider.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2026

by | Feb 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2026

Canada and the United States advance to the Olympic Men’s gold-medal game, Finland and Slovakia to meet for the bronze medal, and the latest NHL news in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

OLYMPIC MEN’S HOCKEY NEWS

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon scored with 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period to lift Canada over Finland by a score of 3-2.

Team Canada center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL.com)

Finland held a 2-0 lead early in the second period on goals by Mikko Rantanen and Erik Haula. However, they inexplicably went into a defensive shell for the rest of the game, allowing Canada to tie the game on goals by Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore, setting the stage for MacKinnon’s game-winner.

Canada will face the United States in the gold-medal game on Sunday at 8 AM ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second straight comeback victory for Canada, and like their game against Czechia on Wednesday, it had its share of controversy.

Before Theodore’s goal, Canadian winger Brad Marchand collided with Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros after he appeared to be pushed by Haula. Both players quickly got to their feet, and Saros was back in position for Theodore’s shot, which deflected off his shoulder into the net.

Saros protested to the officials that it was goaltender interference, but there was no challenge from his coach. Some observers questioned that decision, but had that challenge failed (and it likely would’ve), the Finns would’ve been assessed a delay of game penalty with the score tied at two.

It should be noted that Saros was outstanding for Finland. With his teammates trying to sit on their two-goal lead, the Nashville Predators’ goaltender made 36 saves. If not for him, the Canadians lead would’ve been wider.

Finland challenged MacKinnon’s goal, claiming Canadian winger Macklin Celebrini was offside on a zone entry about a minute beforehand. However, the video review showed Celebrini was onside, albeit barely.

Canada got the win without team captain Sidney Crosby, who is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury suffered against Czechia. Connor McDavid took over the captaincy for this game. Crosby could return to action in the gold-medal game on Sunday.

McDavid continues to be an offensive force for Canada. The Edmonton Oilers center set the Olympic men’s hockey single tournament points record with 13, breaking the previous mark of 11 points jointly held by Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Celebrini is also shining for Canada. The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks superstar sits second in points with 10 and leads all scorers in this tournament with five goals. He logged a team-leading 25:53 of ice time against Finland and also led Canada in shots and scoring chances.

The United States punched its ticket to the gold-medal game with a 6-2 victory over Slovakia.

Jack Hughes scored twice, Zach Werenski collected three assists, and Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, and Tage Thompson each had a goal and an assist. Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda replied for Slovakia, who will face Finland on Saturday in the bronze-medal game at 2:30 PM ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slovakia exceeded expectations in this tournament by getting this far, but this underdog club was no match for the powerful Americans, who held a 5-0 lead after two periods.

Thompson left this game after the second period with an undisclosed injury for precautionary reasons. An update on his status could be announced on Saturday.

The stage is now set for the rematch of the 4 Nations Face-Off final that everyone knew was coming. If Canada wins, they’ll become the first nation to win 10 gold medals in Olympic Men’s hockey. If the United States takes gold, it’ll be their third, and the first since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.

The Americans are looking forward to that game. Like Canada, they’re undefeated in this tournament. They feel they’re peaking as a team at the right time, but they’re not taking their Canadian opponents lightly.

NHL NEWS

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil is sidelined indefinitely with a facial fracture after a puck struck him during practice on Wednesday.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Matt Rempe will undergo a second procedure on his left thumb and will be placed on injured reserve. No timeline was given for his return.

TSN: Gavin McKenna collected eight points to lead Penn State to an 11-4 rout of Ohio State, breaking the school’s previous single-game record of five points. McKenna is the projected top prospect in this year’s NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna was recently charged with misdemeanor simple assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment following an alleged altercation in January. A felony charge of aggravated assault was subsequently dropped. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2026

by | Feb 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres holding the first wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference, Matthew Fairburn examined some potential trade-deadline targets that could help them clinch their first postseason berth in 14 years.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

Pursuing Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues would be a major move by the Sabres. The Blues are in seller mode, and it would take a major offer to land him. Fairburn suggests that it seems more like an offseason move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas carries a full no-movement clause. He might not want to waive it to join the Sabres.

Fairburn included Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs. All of them lack no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are reportedly trying to re-sign Jenner. They’re also trying to chase down a playoff berth and could be unwilling to sell if they’re still in the hunt by the March 6 trade deadline.

O’Reilly’s three-year tenure with the Sabres was an unhappy one. It’s doubtful he’ll want to return. Despite his lack of a no-trade clause, the Predators are treating him like he has one.

McMann seems a more realistic possibility if the Leafs become sellers. They reportedly seek a first-round pick for McMann, but will likely end up accepting a second-rounder by deadline day.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will continue their search for the right fit on their blueline once the Olympic trade freeze is lifted at midnight on Feb. 22.

General manager Steve Staios is reportedly trying to find a right-shot defenseman and possibly a top-six forward. However, the trade market is thin, and prices for defensemen remain high.

Garrioch claimed the Senators expressed an interest in Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. The Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth have also been linked to Weegar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weegar is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, which limits the trade destinations he would find acceptable.

The Senators are also believed to be interested in Zach Whitecloud, who was acquired by the Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Rasmus Andersson trade last month.

Other defensemen believed to be available include Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch noted the Senators’ lack of a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. They’re also not interested in moving top prospects Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. That could hamper their efforts to address their trade-deadline needs.