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 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 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.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2026

by | Feb 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2026

Does the Rangers’ Vladislav Gavrikov want out of New York? What could be the Canucks’ and Penguins’ plans for the trade deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD VLADISLAV GAVRIKOV REQUEST A TRADE?

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL analyst Mike Rupp recently said he’d heard rumors that Vladislav Gavrikov isn’t happy with the direction of the struggling New York Rangers.

Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract last summer with the Rangers. However, Rupp said he’d heard that this isn’t what the 30-year-old defenseman signed up for, especially now that his friend Artemi Panarin has been traded.

New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rupp cautioned that he doesn’t know if there’s any truth to those rumors about Gavrikov. Nevertheless, the club’s decision to stage what they intend to be a quick rebuild has raised speculation about which players they could move. It’s also generated questions about which players are willing to be part of that rebuild.

Teams are probably calling the Rangers to find out which players they’re willing to move. Some of them could be asking about Gavrikov’s availability. However, he has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over his situation, including preferred trade destinations.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS’ AND PENGUINS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance looked at the priority items that the Vancouver Canucks must address at the March 6 trade deadline.

Moving Evander Kane is one of them. The 34-year-old winger is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has struggled this season, and there isn’t much of a market for him currently, although that might change as the trade deadline approaches. His agent has been permitted to speak with other clubs about a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s struggles could also be due to the club he’s playing with this season. He’s proven to be a solid postseason performer, which could make him an affordable depth acquisition for a contender if the Canucks retain half of his $5.125 million cap hit.

Drance also recommended the Canucks get whatever the market will pay for UFA-eligible depth centers Teddy Blueger and David Kampf.

Meanwhile, Drance’s colleague Josh Yohe looked at players and assets likely to be moved by the Pittsburgh Penguins by the trade deadline.

With the Penguins sitting second in the Metropolitan Division, Yohe believes they’ll be buyers at the deadline, but doesn’t expect many roster players to be moved. Struggling veterans Kevin Hayes and Ryan Graves seem the most likely trade candidates.

General manager Kyle Dubas prefers to use draft picks to acquire younger talent. If he makes a move, it’ll likely be for something comparable to his acquisition of Egor Chinahkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe’s article came out before Penguins captain Sidney Crosby suffered a lower-body injury at the Olympics. The severity of that injury could affect Dubas’ plans for the trade deadline.

If Crosby isn’t seriously injured, Dubas could stick to the plan of acquiring young players. He’s got two second-round picks and two third-rounders in each of the next three drafts, and two fifth-round picks in 2028 to draw on for trade chips.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

by | Feb 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

Which teams are interested in Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? Could the Canadiens trade blueliner Arber Xhekaj? Check out the latest speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Boston Bruins are among multiple teams interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.

According to Murphy, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remains aggressive in his pursuit of a top-four, right-shot defenseman after losing out to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

Other clubs believed to be pursuing Faulk include the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth. However, the Blues have set a high asking price for the 33-year-old puck-moving defenseman. They seek a return comparable to what the Flames received from the Golden Knights in the Andersson deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames received defenseman Zach Whitecloud, defense prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft (top-10 protected, and a conditional 2028 second-rounder, which would upgrade to a 2028 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this year.

Faulk has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but he’ll be paid $4.5 million in actual salary next year. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Both factors could limit the number of potential trade destinations for Faulk, especially if the Blues aren’t willing to retain salary. Convincing them to do so would mean giving up an additional asset in the deal.

The Sabres, Red Wings, Stars, and Mammoth could use Faulk, but he wouldn’t be a fit with the Canadiens. They have limited cap space ($1.7 million) at the trade deadline. The Habs also have Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier as their right-side defensemen, with Lane Hutson capable of shifting from left to right if necessary. Guhle is a left-shot defenseman playing on the right side, but they’re not going to demote him or Carrier. 

The Canadiens have a right-side need, but it’s for a scoring winger on their top line.

Speaking of the Canadiens’ blueline…

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan was asked if this season could be the last for Arber Xhekaj with the Canadiens.

The 6’4”, 240-pound defenseman has averaged just over 11 minutes this season playing on their third pairing. Meanwhile, Jayden Struble has averaged over 14 minutes as he jockeys with Xhekaj for that sixth spot on the Canadiens’ blueline.

Xhekaj, 25, is eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Struble, 24, has one more year left on his contract with an AAV of $1.412 million.

As competition for blueline spots gets tougher, Cowan believes it might be best for Xhekaj if he were traded to a club where he’ll get more playing time. He doesn’t see the Canadiens trading the big blueliner to a division rival, but noted that Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is a big fan of Xhekaj’s from their time together with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022.

Cowan wondered if the Senators or another club might attempt to sign Xhekaj to an offer sheet this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Cowan observed, Xhekaj could become expendable after this season, with David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom likely to push for roster spots this fall.

That will upset Canadiens fans who love Xhekaj’s physical style. However, that could be offset if they get a decent trade return or if Engstrom and Reinbacher blossom into quality NHL defensemen.

The Canadiens aren’t likely to peddle Xhekaj before the trade deadline because they need his size and toughness for the playoffs. However, they could trade him before July 1 if they feel they no longer have room for him. They could also re-sign him to an affordable short-term deal and then attempt to move him during the preseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2026

by | Feb 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2026

Could the Kings target Canucks forward Elias Pettersson as a replacement for sidelined forward Kevin Fiala? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS COULD SEEK A REPLACEMENT FOR SIDELINED KEVIN FIALA

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kevin Baxter reports winger Kevin Fiala’s season-ending injury could force Kings general manager Ken Holland to pursue additional deals before the March 6 trade deadline.

Fiala, 29, is the Kings’ third-leading scorer this season with 40 points in 56 games. He suffered a fracture to his lower left leg while playing for Switzerland in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala (NHL Images).

Kings president Luc Robitaille believes his club will have to adjust to Fiala’s absence. He believes general manager Ken Holland is “pounding the phone right now.”

Earlier this month, the Kings acquired superstar winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers to bolster their offence. Losing Fiala could have Holland seeking another scoring forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fiala has a $7.875 million average annual value. The Kings have a projected $15.7 million in trade deadline salary-cap space. They don’t have to put Fiala on long-term injury reserve unless they’re taking on significant salary in a blockbuster, multi-player move.

MORE SPECULATION OVER THE CANUCKS PLANS FOR THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports trade speculation continues to dog the Vancouver Canucks as their players resume practice for the return of NHL action following the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament.

The Los Angeles Kings are expected to scour the trade market in search of a replacement for the sidelined Kevin Fiala. Kuzma believes their recent acquisition of Panarin and long-time center Anze Kopitar’s looming retirement have them in “go-for-it” mode.

They could have an interest in Elias Pettersson. They have the cap space to absorb his $11.6 million contract. The 27-year-old center would be reunited with former Canucks linemate Andrei Kuzmenko.

Pettersson carries a full no-movement clause. However, Kuzma thinks a move to Los Angeles might pique his interest, especially since his wife lived there for 13 years. However, the Canucks would want a center in return, and the Kings aren’t parting with Quinton Byfield.

Kuzma noted that the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Chicago Blackhawks could use a No. 2 center. However, the best returns they could offer are prospects and draft picks, which won’t provide an immediate solution for the Canucks at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Pettersson could be a move that occurs in the offseason if teams are willing to part with a promising young center.

Kuzma also suggested that forwards Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland could be moved by the trade deadline. They seem more likely to go than Pettersson at this stage.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance recently suggested some distressed trade targets for the Canucks. Those would be underperforming players on rival clubs that might respond well to a change of scenery.

Dayal and Drance suggested Los Angeles Kings forward Warren Foegele, Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome, and Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton as potential candidates. They also included wingers Andrew Mangiapane of the Edmonton Oilers and Oliver Bjorkstrand of the Tampa Bay Lightning on their list.

They also examined some prospects from rival clubs that could help accelerate the Canucks rebuild. Options could include Conor Geekie of the Lightning, Jiri Kulich of the Buffalo Sabres, and Ivan Miroshnichenko of the Washington Capitals.