NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2026

by | Mar 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2026

The trade deadline is 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest rumors as the deadline approaches

UPDATES ON VINCENT TROCHECK AND ALEXIS LAFRENIERE

NEW YORK POST: A high number of teams in playoff contention has allowed teams like the Rangers to drive up the asking prices for Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider.

THE ATHLETIC: The Minnesota Wild’s interest in Trocheck has faded due to what Rangers general manager Chris Drury wants in return. The Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings could also have an interest in the Rangers center.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

The Wild could shift their focus toward Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. Centers such as Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames are simply too expensive for the Wild

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens have checked in on Trocheck. However, the asking price could be too big a haul for them.

THE ATHLETIC: The Rangers are unlikely to move Alexis Lafreniere, but questions linger about his future amid concerns over how the club has developed its young talent.

WHO COULD THE RED WINGS TARGET?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Defensemen linked to the Red Wings include Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Forwards such as Trocheck, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be on their radar.

JORDAN KYROU COULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou could provide an offensive boost to the New York Islanders, assuming he’d waive his no-trade clause. However, the asking price could cost them a couple of top prospects, such as Kashawn Aitcheson and Victor Eklund, or promising forward Cal Ritchie.

COULD JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT BE THE NEXT PLAYER SHOPPED BY THE PREDATORS?

THE TENNESSEAN: Trade speculation is starting to swirl about Jonathan Marchessault, but he’s not keen to leave the Nashville Predators. He reminded reporters that he has a full no-movement clause but declined to say if he discussed the situation with GM Barry Trotz.

DEVILS STILL LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR SIMON NEMEC

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils continue to entertain offers for Simon Nemec. The 22-year-old defenseman is due to become a restricted free agent this summer. The Devils will only move him if they get a return that improves their top-six forwards.

WILL THE HURRICANES SIT OUT THIS DEADLINE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes made significant moves during the last two trade deadlines. However, the exorbitant asking prices for players such as Robert Thomas and Vincent Trocheck could force them to stand pat or consider making low-cost depth additions.

POTENTIAL CANUCKS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE PROVINCE: Forwards Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane, and David Kampf could be among the players the Vancouver Canucks attempt to trade today. Others could include forwards Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

PENGUINS EYEING A REUNION WITH TEDDY BLUEGER

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports league sources claim the Pittsburgh Penguins are considering a deal with the Vancouver Canucks to bring back center Teddy Blueger to help them in the faceoff circle.










NHL Rumor Mill Update – March 5, 2026

by | Mar 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill Update – March 5, 2026

With the March 6 trade deadline fast approaching, check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, Vincent Trocheck, Steven Stamkos, and more in this NHL Rumor Mill Update.

THE LATEST BLUES RUMORS AND NEWS

THE ATHLETIC: The trade that would’ve sent Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues to the Buffalo Sabres is dead after the 29-year-old defenseman refused to waive his no-trade clause, as is his right.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after this one fell through. He’s signalled that he’s willing to be a major buyer in this year’s trade market.

Parayko has full no-trade protection until 2028-29, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list.

ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports Parayko wants to remain in the Western Conference. He said the blueliner is open to being traded to the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are busy in the trade market looking for a scoring winger, and they need more help on defense. Meanwhile, the Ducks are my dark horse approaching this trade deadline, and they reportedly could use some shutdown depth on their blueline.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Sabres aren’t the only potential trade destination for Robert Thomas. The Utah Mammoth has plenty of interest.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Mammoth are the best match for Thomas. The Detroit Red Wings are also interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues are also believed to be still entertaining trade offers for defenseman Justin Faulk and winger Jordan Kyrou.

RANGERS ASKING PRICE FOR TROCHECK STILL TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SOME TEAMS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the New York Rangers’ asking price for Vincent Trocheck remains a little too expensive for some clubs. The Minnesota Wild were considered the favorites to land the 32-year-old center, but they’ve reportedly stepped back a bit from negotiations.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Johnston noted there are other centers in the trade market drawing interest from clubs linked to Trocheck. They include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.

SPORTSNET: Elliote Friedman believes the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes have had conversations with the Rangers about Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like those teams are hoping the Rangers will reduce their asking price before tomorrow’s deadline. However, the Blueshirts aren’t facing real pressure to move Trocheck, who has three more years left on his contract. If they don’t find what they want by Friday, they can revisit the market in June, when better offers might be found.

TEAMS STILL CHECKING ON STEVEN STAMKOS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there are three or four teams in the Eastern Conference that have reached out to the Nashville Predators about Steven Stamkos. LeBrun doesn’t think there’s a firm offer on the table for him.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman claims things are quiet around Stamkos right now. He also thinks the Predators are trying to move winger Jonathan Marchessault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last week, Stamkos denied a report by LeBrun claiming his camp had made up a short preparatory list of destinations if management approached him about a trade. He said there was “zero chance” he was waiving his no-movement clause.

TEAMS ASKING ABOUT MATTHEW KNIES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing some trade rumors about Matthew Knies. He believes that’s the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to see if there’s a massive offer they can’t refuse. Friedman believes that’s the only way it’ll happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Knies isn’t going anywhere.

Friedman also believes the Maple Leafs might settle for two second-round picks for Bobby McMann if they can’t get a first-rounder.

LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud is drawing “heavy interest” as the trade deadline approaches. Fifteen teams are reportedly circling, but the Flames would have to be blown away by an offer to move him, as he’s key in helping their young blueliners.

Dreger also indicated that there is “tons of interest” in winger Blake Coleman. However, the Flames haven’t received any offers that they consider good enough.

SPORTSNET Elliotte Friedman reports the Colorado Avalanche spoke to the Flames about Nazem Kadri before acquiring Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier today. It never got over the finish line. Meanwhile, Kadri continues to stick to his 13-team no-trade list.

DEVILS DANGLING MOST OF THEIR DEFENSEMEN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils have made all of their defensemen other than Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce available. Simon Nemec recently changed agents, which is one reason why he’s come up in trade rumors.

KRAKEN INTERESTED IN MACKIE SAMOSKEVICH

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Seattle Kraken are interested in Mackie Samoskevich, but the Florida Panthers would set a high price. He also indicated that the Kraken continue to discuss moving Shane Wright for an elite scorer or a young talent that needs a change, but he wouldn’t be involved in a deal for Samoskevich.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2026

by | Mar 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2026

The trade deadline is Friday. Check out the latest on the Bruins, Devils, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Senators, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS EYEING JUSTIN FAULK AND ROBERT THOMAS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins continue to monitor the St. Louis Blues as that club attempts to move out several veterans before the trade deadline.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

One source said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remained interested in right-shot defenseman Justin Faulk. He was also believed to have been looking at Colton Parayko, who will be heading to the Buffalo Sabres if he waives his no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney tipped his hand regarding his intentions when he attempted to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in January. Adding a right-shot defenseman (such as Faulk) remains his priority.

Sweeney was also believed to have gauged the Blues’ asking price for Robert Thomas. Murphy’s source believes the asking price would be young forward Fraser Minten, top prospect James Hagens, and the Bruins’ 2026 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely Sweeney will meet that asking price for Thomas.

COULD THE DEVILS MOVE NEMEC FOR A FORWARD?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols weighed in on yesterday’s report from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, indicating the Devils are willing to entertain offers for Simon Nemec. They’re reportedly happy to keep him, but could be open to moving him for a return that significantly improves their forward lines.

A source told James that he considers the 22-year-old Nemec to be a solid No. 2 defenseman. He believes that the blueliner would have to be part of a package to fetch the return the Devils seek.

James wondered if the Philadelphia Flyers would be interested in Nemec as a potential replacement for Rasmus Ristolainen, suggesting winger Owen Tippett as a return. He also proposed dangling Nemec in a package deal for Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reported the Boston Bruins had spoken with the Devils about Nemec and fellow blueliner Johnathan Kovacevic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins might not be able to spare a player who would significantly improve the Devils’ forward lines.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS CONJECTURE

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Colorado Avalanche could be looking at center Scott Laughton. The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings have been linked to defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, while “a whole bunch of teams” could be eyeing winger Bobby McMann.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those three were held out of Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils for “roster management reasons.” They’re also unlikely to play in Thursday’s contest with the New York Rangers.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looks at how yesterday’s trades involving defensemen Tyler Myers to Dallas, MacKenzie Weegar to Utah, Nick Blankenburg to Colorado, and Colton Parayko potentially to Buffalo could affect the trade market for Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen.

Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues and Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames are the most notable defensemen besides Ristolainen in the trade market. Clubs that are seeking defensemen include the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and possibly the Tampa Bay Lightning.

James believes the proposed return to the Blues for Parayko (a first-round pick and prospect defenseman Radim Mrtka) bodes well for the Flyers’ hopes of getting at least a first-rounder for Ristolainen.

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondered if the Lightning might be interested in Flyers winger Bobby Brink. He’s a right-hand shot and doesn’t carry an expensive contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 24-year-old Brink carries a cap hit of $3 million this season. He’s in the final year of a two-year deal and is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators remain in the market for a right-shot defenseman. They were among the clubs interested in MacKenzie Weegar before the Calgary Flames shipped him to the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.

Options include Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers, and Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils are also believed to be available.

Teams have inquired about Senators forward Ridly Greig, but the Senators aren’t interested in moving him. Trade chips could include Fabian Zetterlund, Stephen Halliday, and Nick Jensen.

The Senators have also received some calls about UFA-eligible players such as Claude Giroux, David Perron, and Lars Eller. Perron isn’t expected to move because he’s recovering from sports hernia surgery.

COULD THE DUCKS GO SHOPPING FOR A BLUELINER?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes the Anaheim Ducks could attempt to shore up their defense corps as they attempt to secure their first postseason berth in eight years.

Stephens indicated the Ducks are open to adding an older defenseman, and they won’t mind if he’s a rental player. However, they’d prefer one in his twenties with term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks are my dark horse in this trade deadline. They have the cap space and tradable assets to address this need on their blueline.

NO GARLAND FOR THE ISLANDERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports trade talks between the New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks regarding Canucks winger Conor Garland have stalled. The Isles are apparently balking at Vancouver’s asking price.

COULD ERIK HAULA BE THE NEXT PREDATOR ON THE TRADE BLOCK?

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported Nashville Predators forward Erik Haula is drawing interest from teams that may miss out on Predators center Ryan O’Reilly and New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.










NHL Rumor Mill (Part 2) – March 4, 2026

by | Mar 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill (Part 2) – March 4, 2026

The latest on Blues center Robert Thomas, Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Flames center Nazem Kadri, and more in Part 2 of today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ROBERT THOMAS TRADE TALKS BETWEEN BLUES & SABRES FALL THROUGH

TSN: Darren Dreger reports it’s believed the Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues went the distance to hammer out a trade involving Blues center Richard Thomas. However, it sounds like the Sabres weren’t willing to part with the necessary pieces of prospects, a player, and a first-round pick.

Other clubs remain interested, but the Blues remain firm with their asking price.

Dreger also reported the Blues and Sabres discussed defensemen, with the latter expressing interest in right-hand shots Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko.

**UPDATE** TSN reports the Blues and Sabres are finalizing a deal that would send Parayko to Buffalo. Darren Dreger believes prospect Radim Mrtka and a first-round pick will be heading to St. Louis.

DOBBER HOCKEY: mentioned Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the proposed deal could have seen Thomas and Parayko going to Buffalo, with defenseman Owen Power or Bowen Byram as part of the return to the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Sabres pushed back against moving Power. They’re reluctant to shake up their current roster too much because they don’t want to disrupt the successful chemistry they’ve had since December.

PANTHERS WILLING TO ENTERTAIN OFFERS FOR SERGEI BOBROVSKY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Florida Panthers are going into sell mode as they sit 10 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re willing to entertain offers for their UFA-eligible players, including starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

LeBrun stated this doesn’t mean the 37-year-old Bobrovsky will be moved. He has a 16-team no-trade list. Nevertheless, the Panthers are willing to listen.

THE ATHLETIC: In his latest column, LeBrun suggested the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes as two clubs that should inquire about Bobrovsky. He thinks the Edmonton Oilers would be on Bobrovsky’s no-trade list. As for the Montreal Canadiens, if they were to trade for a goalie, LeBrun doesn’t see them pursuing a rental player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky also has a $10 million cap hit this season, but his actual salary is $5 million. Still, taking on the remainder of that cap hit could be difficult for cap-strapped clubs seeking an upgrade between the pipes.

UPDATE ON NAZEM KADRI

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun thinks the Montreal Canadiens will keep tabs on Nazem Kadri. He doesn’t think they’ll force anything before the deadline, but could be open to acquiring a top-six forward for a price they’re comfortable with. He also thinks they’ve at least checked in on Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.

LeBrun believes Kadri returning to the Colorado Avalanche makes the most sense, but the Flames would have to retain salary to make it happen. That’s something the Flames probably aren’t willing to do.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri to the Canadiens would likely also involve salary retention, as they probably don’t want a 35-year-old center with an AAV of $7 million on their books for three more years.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports forwards Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton are the players most likely to be traded by theToronto Maple Leafs. Both are UFA-eligible this summer and carry affordable salary-cap hits.

Chris Johnston subsequently reported that the Maple Leafs have scratched Mann, Laughton, and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson for roster management reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekman-Larsson has two more years left on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $3.5 million. He also carries a 16-team no-trade list.

CANUCKS WINGER CONOR GARLAND DRAWING MORE INTEREST

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland is garnering more attention in the trade market of late compared to his teammates. The 29-year-old Garland is in the final season of his current contract that lacks no-trade protection, but his six-year, $36 million extension (with a full no-movement clause) begins on July 1.

Dreger claimed the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders have shown some interest. He believes there will be other clubs looking at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The recurring issue about Garland is that teams love his style of play, but not his new contract. Don’t expect the Canucks to retain salary to facilitate a deal.

BLUE JACKETS NOT MOVE KENT JOHNSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported Tuesday that teams have called the Columbus Blue Jackets about Kent Johnson after his recent scratch. However, the Jackets have no interest in moving the 23-year-old winger.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2026

by | Mar 4, 2026

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.










NHL Rumor Mill Update – March 3, 2026

by | Mar 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill Update – March 3, 2026

Check out the latest speculation on the Canucks, Islanders, Golden Knights, Oilers, and more in Part 2 of today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that teams are continuing to check with the Vancouver Canucks regarding center Elias Pettersson. He believes the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings are among those clubs.

However, LeBrun thinks it’s a stretch to expect Pettersson to be moved by Friday’s trade deadline, citing his expensive contract and inconsistent play. The Canucks aren’t feeling any pressure to move him by the deadline.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The Canucks aren’t willing to retain any part of Pettersson’s $11.6 million average annual value. LeBrun doesn’t think it makes sense to retain any part of it for the next six years and still try to rebuild the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Six years is a long time to carry dead cap space. Some argue that it shouldn’t be an issue because the salary cap is rising significantly, but it must be remembered that salaries also rise with the cap. That will affect efforts to build and maintain a roster.

LeBrun said Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers and his agent are waiting to see how the trade market unfolds before Friday’s trade deadline.

The Canucks have an offer on the table for Myers from the Detroit Red Wings. The 36-year-old defenseman has a full no-movement clause, so it’s up to him if he’ll agree to waive it to join the Red Wings. LeBrun believes it’s not out of the question that Myers ends up in Detroit.

So far, everyone involved in this has been amicable. The Canucks aren’t pressuring Myers to accept the Red Wings’ offer.

TSN: Farhan Lalji reports Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk hasn’t asked to be traded, but it sounds like he’s not interested in sticking around if the club intends to rebuild.

“Obviously, that is not something I would be okay with or accepting,” DeBrusk said. Lalji also cited Ben Kuzma of The Province, who wrote that the 29-year-old winger believes his game doesn’t fit a rebuild.

“I’ve said it since I’ve been here. I don’t care how I do as long as we’re winning and we haven’t been winning,” DeBrusk said. “I’ve learned a lot more about myself in some ways this year. Lots of ups and downs, and it’s a mental thing. I don’t think anybody in this room thought we’d be in this position. But that’s the reality.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk signed his seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Canucks in the summer of 2024, when the club was coming off its third-best season in franchise history and seemed poised to become a powerhouse in the Western Conference. The club’s rapid decline is not what he signed up for.

DeBrusk has a full no-movement clause, but he could be willing to waive it to join a better team.

UPDATE ON THE ISLANDERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports the Canucks and the New York Islanders have been scouting each other ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.

Rosner said the Islanders have previously poked around regarding Canucks winger Conor Garland. The complication with the 29-year-old winger is his new six-year, $36 million contract (with a full no-movement clause), which begins on July 1. He also believes they’re interested in Canucks forward Drew O’Connor.

The Islanders previously were interested in Canucks center Elias Pettersson, but that ship has sailed.

Meanwhile, Julian Gaudio reports the Islanders are also rumored to have made inquiries about St. Louis Blues forwards Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, with the focus on Kyrou.

According to The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner, the Blues’ asking price for the 27-year-old Kyrou could include prospects Kashawn Aitcheson and Danny Nelson.

Kyrou is in the first season of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $8.125 million and a full no-trade clause. There’s a belief he could be more of an offseason move rather than a deadline deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou hasn’t been mentioned as much in the rumor mill as Thomas, given the latter is a center and there’s a big market for those players. Nevertheless, he’s been linked to the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken in earlier rumors.

WHICH CLUBS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN RASMUS RISTOLAINEN?

THE ATHLETIC: The recent trade rumors swirling around Rasmus Ristolainen prompted Kevin Kurz to speculate about which teams might be interested in the 31-year-old Philadelphia Flyers defenseman.

Kurz listed the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and Detroit Red Wings as potential suitors. He believes the Flyers want a return comparable to what the Boston Bruins received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in last year’s Brandon Carlo trade. That deal fetched the Bruins a promising forward (Fraser Minten), a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen carries a $5.1 million cap hit through next season and lacks no-trade protection.

WHO COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster reports the Vegas Golden Knights could use a center to replace the sidelined William Karlsson or a scoring winger. They lack the cap room to pursue top-tier talent such as Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames or Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. Nevertheless, they have the room to add a second-tier forward.

Webster listed Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks, Evan Rodrigues of the Florida Panthers, Michael Bunting of the Nashville Predators, and Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights made their big move when they acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Flames in January. They have $5.5 million in cap space if Karlsson remains out for the season, as some suspect. That would give them enough room to squeeze one of those players within their limited cap space. 

OILERS STILL TRYING TO TRADE ANDREW MANGIAPANE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers are still trying to find a new home for Andrew Mangiapane. The struggling 29-year-old winger was demoted to their AHL affiliate earlier this week to free up salary-cap space with the trade deadline approaching.

The Oilers are trying to move his contract, which has an average annual value of $3.6 million, through next season. They’re in the market for a top-nine forward, particularly a third-line center.

LeBrun believes Nicolas Roy of the Toronto Maple Leafs could be what the Oilers are looking for. There’s talk that he’s available in the trade market. The 29-year-old Roy is signed through next season with an AAV of $3 million.