NHL Rumor Mill – February 16, 2026

by | Feb 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 16, 2026

Steven Stamkos to the Kings? Nazem Kadri to the Canadiens? Could the Blackhawks trade some of their veterans with term left on their contracts? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE KINGS PURSUE STEVEN STAMKOS TO REPLACE KEVIN FIALA?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau suggested the Los Angeles Kings should look into acquiring Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators.

The Kings’ playoff hopes suffered a devastating hit when scoring winger Kevin Fiala suffered a season-ending leg injury in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Proteau thinks the 36-year-old Stamkos could help them replace Fiala’s offense.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Stamkos carries an $8 million average annual value, which nearly aligns with Fiala’s $7.875 million. He wouldn’t be a rental player because he has two more years on his contract. Stamkos also has a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his situation.

If the Predators become sellers at the March 6 trade deadline, Stamkos might fetch the type of return that speeds up their rebuild/retool. Should he become available, he could provide a boost to the Kings’ offense.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have over $15 million in projected trade deadline cap space. General manager Ken Holland already made a big move by acquiring playmaking winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers earlier this month.

Following that deal, Holland hinted that he might not be finished making moves before the trade deadline. Losing Fiala could send him back into the trade market for another scoring forward. Adding a resurgent Stamkos might not be a bad short-term plan if he and Panarin mesh well offensively.

Predators GM Barry Trotz reportedly hasn’t received any offers yet that would motivate him to approach Stamkos about waiving his no-movement clause. Even then, there’s no certainty he wants to be moved, or would accept going to Los Angeles.

WOULD ACQUIRING NAZEM KADRI BE A BAD DECISION FOR THE CANADIENS?

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie recently noted the trade speculation linking the Montreal Canadiens to Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. However, he doesn’t believe it would be in the club’s long-term interest to add the 35-year-old to their roster.

Lavoie believes the Canadiens had an interest in Kadri, but that didn’t mean a trade would happen. He felt Kadri’s age would be an issue, suggesting he might only help the Canadiens for a season or two before his play declines significantly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oliver Kapanen’s performance on the Canadiens’ second line has lessened the need to acquire a center. If they were to pursue one, they might prefer someone who fits within their young core, such as 26-year-old Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues.

THE LATEST BLACKHAWKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently responded to some of his readers’ questions about the Chicago Blackhawks’ plans for the upcoming NHL trade deadline.

Powers doesn’t see the Blackhawks trading veterans who have term remaining on their contracts, such as Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, or Andre Burakovsky. They’re banking on their respective salary-cap hits to help them reach the cap floor next season.

Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is UFA-eligible and is garnering some interest in the trade market. Peters considered it doubtful that they would get a second-round pick for him, suggesting a third-rounder seems more likely.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 15, 2026

by | Feb 15, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Devils, Oilers, and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DEVILS COULD SHAKE UP THEIR ROSTER BEFORE THE MARCH 6 TRADE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the New Jersey Devils are looking for a “hockey trade” to shake up their roster and “send a message” to their dressing room following the Olympic roster freeze.

According to Murphy, multiple teams have inquired about Devils forward Dawson Mercer. They’re not actively shopping him, but he does have value, especially with term remaining on his contract.

Dougie Hamilton could be available again. It was reported that the Devils were shopping the veteran defenseman, with the Toronto Maple Leafs believed to be among the suitors.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

The Devils apparently pulled Hamilton from the trade market after defenseman Luke Hughes was placed on long-term injury reserve on Jan. 21. However, it’s believed they could be willing to move him again. Murphy observed that the Devils have a projected $7.6 million in trade deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also noted the Devils acquired center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues before the Olympic trade freeze. While most observers (including yours truly) saw this as the first of what could be multiple moves by the Blues, it also signaled that the Devils could have other moves in store to try and save their season.

The Devils are second-last in the Eastern Conference, nine points out of the final wildcard berth. They’ll have to go on a tear down the stretch to have any chance of climbing back into the postseason chase.

Hamilton and Mercer have frequently surfaced in trade rumors since last summer. General manager Tom Fitzgerald has to be feeling the heat as his club flounders in the standings. If he makes changes, he’ll be seeking players who can help his team immediately and beyond this season.

OILERS BELIEVED TO BE SEEKING A DEFENSEMAN

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported Oilers insider Bob Stauffer said the club no longer seeks a top-nine forward, but instead is shopping for a defenseman.

Staples noted that forward Kasperi Kapanen and Josh Samanski stepped up for the Oilers leading up to the Olympic break. He believes they’ve proven capable of playing top-nine minutes in the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word from Stauffer or Staples as to which defenseman the Oilers could be eyeing in the trade market. They’re unlikely to pursue expensive blueliners such as the Devils’ Dougie Hamilton or the Blues’ Justin Faulk. More affordable options could include Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, or Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks.

POTENTIAL SABRES TRADE TARGETS

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently listed several possible trade candidates for the Buffalo Sabres to shore up their blueline.

Options included Connor Murphy of the Blackhawks, Logan Stanley of the Jets, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Zack Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have over $8.9 million in projected trade deadline cap space. They also have the prospects and young players to draw on for trade bait.

Faulk and Whitecloud are signed beyond this season if the Sabres seek more than a rental player. Faulk has a 15-team no-trade list, and Buffalo might be on that list.

The Flames acquired Whitecloud in the Rasmus Andersson trade, sparking speculation that they could flip him to a contender by March 6. However, he seemed pleased to be joining Calgary and could be a player worth retaining for their rebuilding process.

Ferraro’s name has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill. However, the Sharks are trying to clinch their first playoff spot since 2019. It’s believed he’s willing to sign an extension, but no indication that it will happen before the trade deadline. He could bolt via free agency in July, but they could decide to hang onto him as an “own rental” and deal with the contract later.

The Rangers’ shift into sell mode last month has generated trade speculation about many of their players, especially after they traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic roster freeze. Schneider has surfaced as a trade candidate, but the Rangers might not be keen to send him upstate.










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.