NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2026

by | Feb 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2026

A look at some proposed destinations for this season’s notable trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and James Mirtle recently predicted where some of the top trade targets could go by the March 6 deadline.

Johnston suggested the Los Angeles Kings for St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas, while Mirtle suggested the Carolina Hurricanes.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both pundits agreed that it would take a significant haul to acquire Thomas. The Blues have reportedly set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center, and it could take until the off-season for a suitable deal to emerge. Thomas’ full no-trade clause complicates things.

The Montreal Canadiens were Johnston’s suggested destination for Calgary Flames centre Nazem Kadri. Mirtle suggested the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri is a better addition for the Wild, who are in “win-now” mode. The Canadiens have improved, but they’re not yet a Stanley Cup contender. The three years remaining on the 35-year-old Kadri’s contract don’t make him a good fit with this young team.

Johnston thinks the Carolina Hurricanes would be a good destination for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Mirtle proposed the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes’ last two major moves were for scoring forwards Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen. They could prefer going the same route this year. The Maple Leafs are sellers, not buyers, and it’s unlikely they can scratch together the type of return the Devils would want.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck could also be a fit for the Wild, while Mirtle proposed the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 32-year-old Trocheck carries a $5.625 million average annual value through 2028-29, making him a younger, more affordable option for the Wild or Canadiens than the 35-year-old Kadri with his $7 million AAV. However, he might not be keen to go to Montreal, and the Wild would be a better option if he wants to play for a contender.

Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators would be a good destination for Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. Mirtle countered with the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild could seek a first-line center for Wallstedt. A swap for Robert Thomas could work, but the Blues would likely want a couple of other pieces in the deal. The Senators wouldn’t have what the Wild are seeking.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2026

by | Feb 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest Oilers speculation and a list of contenders lacking first-round picks to use as trade bait.

WHAT WILL THE OILERS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at what the Edmonton Oilers can do to improve their lineup at the trade deadline with a limited budget.

Mitchell doesn’t see the Oilers making any further attempts to upgrade their goaltending. They lack the trade chips to pursue someone like Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

The Oilers could use a right-shot defenseman on their second pairing and a suitable third-line center. Mitchell suggests Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators as a possibility to address the latter.

Their cap constraints could also force them to look within their system if suitable options cannot be found in the trade market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples referenced NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who recently said the Oilers aren’t focused on acquiring another defenseman as they believe fixing the blueline will take care of itself. Staples disagrees, believing that’s the area that needs the most attention.

Staples noted that most insiders believe the Oilers need another forward, but he points out that Kasperi Kapanen has recently returned from injury to provide depth on the wing. He also noted that Josh Samanski looked good in the third-line center role since being called up from Bakersfield. They also have promising wingers such as Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard in their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever moves the Oilers make will depend on whether they can get struggling winger Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million annual cap hit through next season off their books. Maybe they can swap him for another player with a comparable salary, or peddle him in a cost-cutting move for assets that can be used in the trade market to bolster their roster.

WHICH CONTENDERS LACK FIRST-ROUND PICKS IN THIS YEAR’S DRAFT

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston recently listed several NHL teams that could be without their first-round picks in this year’s draft. Among them are several contenders that won’t have one to use as trade bait before the March 6 trade deadline.

The Vegas Golden Knights shipped their 2026 first-rounder to the Calgary Flames in the Noah Hanifin trade two years ago.

Sitting third overall in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars are virtually guaranteed to send their 2026 first-rounder to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of last year’s Mikko Rantanen deal. The pick was top-10 protected, but the Stars are unlikely to slide that far in the standings over the remainder of this season.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they will be sending either their 2026 first-rounder to the New York Rangers as part of the return from last summer’s K’Andre Miller trade or the first-rounder they received from the Stars, whichever is the better, in the event both picks are outside the top 10, which they currently are. Their pick was top-10 protected, but the Hurricanes are tied for first in the Eastern Conference.

The Minnesota Wild traded their 2026 first-rounder (no conditions attached) to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return for Quinn Hughes in December.

Another Eastern Conference leader won’t have their first-round pick. The Tampa Bay Lightning sent theirs to the Seattle Kraken last year for Oliver Bjorkstrand. It is top-10 protected, but they’re currently tied for first with the Hurricanes.

The league-leading Colorado Avalanche will be sending its pick to the New York Islanders. It is top-10 protected, but all but certain to belong to the Isles by the end of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a trade rumor, but I felt it was worthwhile to note this since contenders almost always tend to part with their first-rounders to bolster their rosters for a Stanley Cup run.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

by | Feb 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, and a look at possible trade targets for the Penguins.

WHERE COULD THE RANGERS SEND VINCENT TROCHECK AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently listed potential trade destinations for Vincent Trocheck.

The 32-year-old New York Rangers winger is under contract for three more years, with an average annual value of $5.625 million. He also has a 12-team no-trade list.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several of the teams listed (Minnesota, Carolina, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Colorado) have been previously mentioned and analyzed. Baugh and Mercogliano also listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Utah Mammoth, and New York Islanders.

The Penguins are more interested in acquiring younger talent to fit into their long-range plans. They’re unlikely to go after Trocheck. Sending him to the Islanders would be an entertaining swerve, but given the rivalry between the two clubs, don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to occur.

The Mammoth have the cap space and plentiful trade assets (draft picks, prospects, young players) to make a competitive bid for Trocheck. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations, and they could prefer adding a player who isn’t closing in on his mid-thirties.

Trocheck might not fit into the Bruins’ retooling plans as they appear to favor younger talent.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently reported “multiple reports and confirmations” indicating Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is attempting to acquire more young NHL players.

Kingerski also pointed out that the Penguins could use a right-handed defenseman and a scoring top-nine winger if they hope to clinch a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets or Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets could be options on the blueline if those teams remain out of playoff contention. Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner or Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine could be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets surged in the standings in the weeks leading up to the Olympic break. If they pick up where they left off, they could be buyers instead of sellers.

Schenn could be an option, but he will also draw interest from other clubs. The Canadiens are expected to peddle Laine and are reportedly willing to retain half of his $8.7 million cap hit. He has a 10-team no-trade list, but the Penguins might not be on it.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2026

by | Feb 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2026

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH FLYERS COULD BECOME TRADE BAIT?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James recently looked at the Philadelphia Flyers’ potential plans for the March 6 trade deadline.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

James dismissed a recent rumor suggesting the Flyers could shake things up by trading Travis Konecny. He pointed out that the 27-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, is a respected team leader, and will be part of the Flyers’ plans to get better sooner rather than later.

Owen Tippett was also mentioned as a trade candidate. James believes the Flyers would prefer to keep him, but their surplus of wingers could force their hand. Tippett could be someone they could include in a package deal if they were to pursue someone such as St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.

Bobby Brink could also become a trade chip. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent in July and might have to make room for younger wingers in the Flyers’ system.

As for their defensemen, James suggested moving Rasmus Ristolainen as one option before March 6. He also wondered about Noah Juulsen, Emil Andrae, and Nick Seeler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ recent slide in the standings likely killed off their chances of reaching the playoffs. Management will likely be sellers at the deadline, seeking returns that could accelerate their development, such as young NHL players.

The Flyers could use a first-line center, and Thomas would fit the bill. However, he has a full no-trade clause and might not be keen on joining a retooling/rebuilding club. If he is willing to join the Flyers, Tippett could be part of the deal, but it would cost perhaps another good young player, along with the Flyers’ 2026 first-rounder, and one of their top prospects. The Blues are setting high asking prices for guys like Thomas.

WHICH MAPLE LEAFS ARE THE MOST LIKELY TRADE CANDIDATES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes forwards Calle Jarnkrok, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann are the most likely trade candidates for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trio is due to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Siegel also wouldn’t be surprised if defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Troy Stecher, and winger Nick Robertson end up getting moved by March 6.

Ekman-Larsson has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million and a 16-team no-trade list. Stecher is UFA-eligible on July 1, while Robertson is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann, Ekman-Larsson, and Laughton would likely fetch the best returns. McMann is considered their best trade chip because of his style of play and affordable contract.

WHAT WILL THE BLUE JACKETS DO BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell and his staff will be busy during the Olympic break attempting to sign forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson. The four are UFA-eligible on July 1.

Given the Blue Jackets’ surge in the standings before the Olympic break, Waddell wants to help his club by the trade deadline. If he can find an offensive finisher with term left on his contract, Waddell could go for it. He could also make depth moves, perhaps by targeting Chicago Blackhawks captain (and former Blue Jacket) Nick Foligno.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell’s trade deadline plans will also depend on whether the Blue Jackets can maintain the hot streak they were on before the Olympics. If they struggle and end up sliding in the standings, he could attempt to move any unsigned UFAs.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2026

by | Feb 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2026

Could the Blues move Jordan Kyrou by the trade deadline? Will the Kings peddle winger Warren Foegele? What could the Sabres do by the deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ST. LOUIS BLUES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently looked at other possible moves by the St. Louis Blues after trading center Nick Bjugstad to the New Jersey Devils last week.

Center Robert Thomas, center and team captain Brayden Schenn, defenseman Justin Faulk, winger Jordan Kyrou, and goaltender Jordan Binnington are considered candidates that could be moved before the March 6 trade deadline.

However, the Blues are currently setting high asking prices for those players. Some teams expressing some interest in these players have cap management issues to sort out. Rutherford also pointed out that these players have some form of no-trade protection this season.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if the Blues don’t make at least one more trade before the deadline. The limited options for quality center in the trade market explain the interest in Thomas, but the expensive price tag could make that an offseason move. Schenn and Faulk seem the more likely trade candidates.

TSN: Travis Yost believes Kyrou would be an alluring trade target, suggesting that his “down year” this season is reflective of the team he’s playing for.

Kyrou has averaged 32 goals in 82 games in each of the last four seasons. That justifies the $8 million annual cap hit for a 27-year-old winger in his playing prime. He also carries a full no-trade clause, giving him control over potential trade destinations.

After examining Kyrou’s analytic numbers, Yost considers him a worthwhile target for teams seeking a speedy scoring upgrade on the wing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market for Kyrou would be higher if he were a center instead of a winger. Nevertheless, he’d be a valuable asset for contenders looking for some scoring punch.

Kyrou’s no-trade clause complicates things. The Montreal Canadiens were interested in him last summer until that clause went into effect on July 1, and they instead settled on Zachary Bolduc. His cap hit is reasonable, but it could still be difficult for some teams to absorb.

THE KINGS COULD MOVE WARREN FOEGELE BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal recently noted that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland has indicated he could be peddling winger Warren Foegele.

The Kings acquired winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers last week. Asked if he had more moves up his sleeve, Holland replied, “We’ve got a lot of forwards now.”

That glut of forwards has resulted in winger Warren Foegele being a recent healthy scratch.

“Warren Foegele had a great year last year,” Holland said. He acknowledged the 29-year-old winger has been out of the lineup lately, adding that he had to work the phones to address this situation.

Leal also noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Kings attempted to get center Vincent Trocheck included in the Panarin deal. Foegele could be used as a trade chip in a package deal to bring in a center.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider bringing back Foegele, who spent three seasons with them from 2021-22 to 2023-24, including their run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Staples cited several observers suggesting the Oilers swap Andrew Mangiapane for Foegele, citing their nearly identical cap hits. Foegele carries an average annual value of $3.5 million through next season, while Mangiapane earns $3.6 million annually through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Kings use Foegele as trade bait for a center, they won’t be interested in adding another winger like Mangiapane.

THE SABRES COULD SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently suggested that Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen must add an experienced depth defenseman at the trade deadline to bolster his blueline.

Injuries have hampered Michael Kesselring, while Jacob Bryson and Zach Metsa have struggled, forcing the top-four defensemen to carry the bulk of the workload.

The Sabres will soon have sidelined forwards Josh Norris and Zach Benson back in the lineup following the Olympic break. However, Fairburn believes they still need a forward with postseason experience who can play a heavy game.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2026

by | Feb 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2026

What kind of moves could the Maple Leafs make by the March 6 trade deadline? Will the Wild use Jesper Wallstedt as a trade chip for a first-line center? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently took note of speculation linking the Oilers to Toronto Maple Leafs center Nicolas Roy and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there were rumors circulating in Edmonton before the Olympic trade freeze claiming the Oilers had spoken with the Maple Leafs. While there has been plenty of rumors lately regarding Leafs winger Bobby McMann, Pagnotta believes the Oilers were more interested in Roy and Ekman-Larsson.

Staples also pointed out that Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos recently speculated about the Oilers making a move for Laine.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann (NHL Images).

Insiders such as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer of “Oilers Now” claim the Oilers seek a third-line winger. Friedman and Stauffer believe McMann’s size, speed, and affordable $1.35 million cap hit would be a good fit for the cap-strapped Oilers. However, Staples believes other clubs will also be interested in McMann and will likely outbid the Oilers.

Staples dismissed the possibility of the Oilers pursuing Laine, who carries an $8.7 million cap hit this season. He noted that the 34-year-old Ekman-Larsson carries an average annual value of $3.5 million for two more seasons, suggesting it’s a coin flip whether he’ll remain a solid NHL defenseman over that period.

The Oilers must move winger Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million AAV through next season. Staples suggested sending Mangiapane to the Maple Leafs for Roy and his $3 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers must move out salary if they intend to make any significant acquisitions by the March 6 trade deadline. They have reportedly been trying to move Mangiapane since December. It’s unlikely the Leafs would take him for Roy, McMann, or Ekman-Larsson without a significant sweetener attached.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wondered if the Avalanche should target Roy or Scott Laughton of the Maple Leafs to center their third line.

Laughton is 31, and accounts for just $1.5 million of the Maple Leafs’ salary cap. He’s on an expiring contract, while Roy is signed through next season.

Deen believes Roy would be a better fit, especially on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could hang onto Roy for another season if they believe they can bounce back from their current disappointing performance. Nevertheless, they’ll likely be open to offers. Whether the Avalanche could outbid other clubs remains to be seen.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos observed that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh is playing well in his contract year and is set to cash in. He believes the 29-year-old right-handed defenseman with the booming shot would be a perfect upgrade to the Maple Leafs’ power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh is in the final season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $975,000. He had a 33-point performance in 2023-24 and 37 points last season, but has exploded into a scoring star with 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points.

Raddysh is playing with more confidence this season, partly because he stepped up when team captain Victor Hedman was sidelined. He’s poised for a substantial raise, which the Lightning can afford if they wish. He might not be available for the Leafs (or anyone else) when free agency begins on July 1.

WILL THE WILD TRADE JESPER WALLSTEDT FOR A CENTER?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently responded to questions from their readers regarding the possibility of the Minnesota Wild trading Jesper Wallstedt for a center.

Wallstedt, 23, has paired with Filip Gustavsson to give the Wild one of the better goaltending tandems in the league this season. He leads this season’s rookie goalies with a 2.72 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and four shutouts.

With Gustavsson signed through 2030-31, Wallstedt could be expendable. Trying to acquire a first-line center without including him in the deal would be difficult because of the limited trade chips the Wild have left.

It would reportedly take more than Wallstedt for the Wild to land someone like Robert Thomas. That’s because the St. Louis Blues have set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center.

Russo and Smith don’t believe the Wild could land Jack Hughes by using Wallstedt in a package deal. It’s hard to imagine embattled New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald trading his franchise player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild GM Bill Guerin is preaching patience, but it’s no secret he’s in the market for a scoring forward, preferably a first-line center. A deal involving Wallstedt by the March 6 trade deadline is possible, but it’s more likely that kind of blockbuster occurs in the offseason when teams have more cap room and a willingness to make big trades.