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.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 8, 2026

by | Feb 8, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 8, 2026

Will the Canadiens trade Patrik Laine? Could the Red Wings or the Mammoth make big moves before the trade deadline? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE CANADIENS MOVE PATRIK LAINE AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reported Thursday that Jeff Gorton, the executive vice-president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens, said his club is exploring all options ahead of the NHL’s March 6 trade deadline.

“We’d like to be aggressive, and we will be, if necessary,” Gorton said. However, the Canadiens will balance that need against avoiding anything that could impede their long-term goal of becoming a perennial contender. If they don’t find a suitable fit by March 6, they’ll be content to wait.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

The Canadiens also have some injured players returning to action soon that could help them. One is Patrik Laine, who’s been out for the last 14 weeks recovering from abdominal surgery. The 27-year-old winger could return to action following the Olympic break, but Engels believes it could be with another club.

Engels cited the Canadiens’ offense improved this season, meaning they no longer need Laine’s goal-scoring ability as much as they did last season. He believes management is willing to retain half of the winger’s prorated $9.1 million salary to get the remainder of his expiring $8.7 million cap hit off their books. However, league sources claim the Canadiens won’t sacrifice an asset to move Laine.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico looked at several possible trade destinations for Laine.

The Calgary Flames have some cap space open with winger Jonathan Huberdeau undergoing season-ending hip surgery. The Carolina Hurricanes have significant cap space and have two of Laine’s best friends (Sebastian Aho and Nikolaj Ehlers) on their roster. The Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken seek more firepower.

D’Amico pointed out the market for scoring wingers could thin out with teams like the Kraken, Utah Mammoth, and Columbus Blue Jackets remaining in the playoff chase by the trade deadline. That could work to the Canadiens’ advantage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine could draw interest from contenders seeking help on the power play. The Canadiens must retain salary or take back a high-salaried player in return. Given his long absence from the lineup, they still might have to include a mid-range draft pick in the deal.

The Flames are out of contention, so it’s unlikely that they’ll waste their time acquiring a pending UFA. The Hurricanes will likely pursue a player who can have a bigger impact on their Stanley Cup aspirations.

The Kings’ recent addition of Panarin addresses their need for more scoring. What they need now is depth at center. The Kraken are in the market for a scorer, but they could prefer a more reliable one with term left on his contract.

THE RED WINGS COULD BE BUSY IN THE POST-OLYMPIC TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman reported on Thursday that the Red Wings’ biggest need is a second-pairing defenseman, preferably on the right side. He felt they needed someone who could play tough minutes and take some pressure off rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka, who’s been filling the second-pairing right-side role alongside veteran Ben Chiarot.

Bultman believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues would be the best fit. Other options include Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils and Braden Schneider.

Those three have term remaining on their contracts. That could appeal to Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, who is usually hesitant about parting with assets for rental players.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Detroit Red Wings are evaluating options for a center in the trade market.

Sources claim the Red Wings seek a veteran top-six center with term remaining on their contract. They’re believed to be willing to pay a high price. The Wings recently moved Marco Kasper to the wing, leaving Andrew Copp as their second-line center.

D’Amico suggested Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers as a trade target. The 32-year-old center is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $5.625 million. He also has a 12-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are sellers and shipped superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings last week. The limited number of quality centers in the trade market could make Trocheck a prized trade option for playoff contenders like the Red Wings.

The Wings have plenty of cap space to take on the remainder of Trocheck’s contract. They also have the depth in draft picks, prospects, and promising young players to make a competitive offer to the Rangers. That’s assuming Detroit isn’t on Trocheck’s no-trade list.

If the Red Wings make a big splash for a defenseman, Bultman doubts they’ll have the assets left to pursue a top-six center. They’ll have to decide which is the more pressing need for the trade deadline and address the other in the offseason.

THE MAMMOTH COULD MAKE A SPLASH BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Utah Mammoth have been looking to make another big move in the trade market since acquiring winger JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres last summer.

The Mammoth are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Western Conference. Sources told D’Amico that they’ve been in talks for a top-six forward to bolster their scoring, which has declined since center Logan Cooley was sidelined on Dec. 5 with a lower-body injury. 

It’s believed they’ve kicked tires on several centers, including Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames. Speculation suggests they could take a big swing in the market, with centers such as Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues said to be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Red Wings, the Mammoth have the cap space and depth in tradeable assets to pursue a big-ticket center. However, Kadri carries a 13-team no-trade list, Pettersson has a full no-movement clause, and Thomas has full no-trade protection.

Kadri might be the easiest to acquire if Utah isn’t on his no-trade list, but the Mammoth might prefer somebody younger.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2026

by | Feb 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2026

The Olympic roster freeze is in effect, but that hasn’t stopped the trade speculation. Check out the latest on the Canucks, Senators, and Blackhawks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE CONOR GARLAND?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reported the Vancouver Canucks had been active in trade talks leading up to the implementation of the current Olympic roster roster (Feb. 4 – 22). However, the club didn’t feel any pressure to make a move before then.

The Canucks won’t execute a trade unless their price is met for one of their pending unrestricted free agents. They include Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf, or one of their veterans with term remaining on their contracts.

Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (NHL Images)

Of the latter group, Drance thinks Conor Garland and Brock Boeser should be considered the most likely who could be realistically traded by March 6. However, the Canucks aren’t proactively pursuing deals to move one of them.

THE PROVINCE: Paul Chapman believes the biggest trade question facing the Canucks is whether they’ll move Garland at the deadline. The 29-year-old forward lacks no-trade protection on his current contract, but his new deal ($6 million annually with a full no-movement clause) begins on July 1.

Chapman indicated that teams like Garland’s style of play. However, they aren’t fond of the six-year term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland seems more likely to be moved than Boeser, who is in the first year of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.25 million with a full no-movement clause. However, that six-year deal could scare off contenders with limited cap space for next season.

SENATORS TO CONSIDER THEIR OPTIONS DURING THE OLYMPIC BREAK

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league executives claim Senators general manager Steve Staios continues to seek a right-shot, top-four defenseman and a top-six winger.

Acquiring a right-shot defenseman and a scoring winger are difficult because of the asking prices and the number of teams seeking them. The list of sellers is short, with the Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames in the Western Conference, and only the New York Rangers thus far in the East.

Garrioch claimed the Senators have spoken with the Flames about defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. It’s believed they’d want a second-round pick and a top prospect in return. The Detroit Red Wings could also be pursuing Weegar.

The Senators are hoping to string some wins together coming out of the Olympic break to close the gap on the teams they’re chasing in the Eastern Conference playoff race. However, they could go from buyers to sellers if they fail to gain ground in the standings, meaning they’ll face decisions about pending UFAs such as Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins, David Perron, Lars Eller, and Nick Jensen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weegar, 32, is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $6.25 million and a full no-trade clause. Assuming he’s willing to move, the Flames can afford to wait patiently for someone to meet their asking price, which could be higher than what Garrioch cited if enough teams get into the bidding. If they don’t find any suitable offers by March 6, they’ll wait until the offseason.

BLACHAWKS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers, Mark Lazerus, and Chris Johnston examined which Chicago Blackhawks players could be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

Connor Murphy is considered their best trade chip. He’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1 with an affordable $4.4 million cap hit. While the Blackhawks don’t need to trade him, he has value as an experienced defenseman with a right-hand shot.

Like Murphy, Jason Dickinson is UFA-eligible with a cost-effective cap hit ($4.25 million). He can fill a third or fourth-line center role on a playoff team.

Winger Ilya Mikheyev, left-shot defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and team captain Nick Foligno could also become trade candidates. They’re also UFA-eligible players with affordable cap hits.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy would have the best value in the trade market, but he’s also made no secret of his desire to stay in Chicago. The Blackhawks could trade him and attempt to bring him back this summer as a free agent.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?

Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.

Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.

THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN

Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.

Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.

Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.

He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.

The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

by | Feb 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

​What’s next for the Predators after Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping down as GM? Could the Red Wings pursue Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s Olympic trade freeze began on Feb. 4 and lasts until 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Follow along for the latest.

HOW WILL THE PREDATORS NAVIGATE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Josh Beneteau looked at what’s next for the Nashville Predators after Barry Trotz announced earlier this week that he was stepping down as general manager.

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

Trotz is remaining in the role until a suitable replacement can be found. In the meantime, he must decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. While his club is close to a playoff berth, Trotz still intends to listen to offers.

Beneteau’s colleague Elliotte Friedman has reported that teams are making pitches for forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos. Other trade candidates could include Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has. Trotz recently said he hasn’t received any offers yet that would convince him to approach O’Reilly about a trade.

Stamkos is well ahead of last season’s disappointing offensive numbers, which could improve his value in the trade market. However, he’s got a full no-movement clause, making it unlikely that he’ll be playing for another club anytime soon.

COULD JUSTIN FAULK BE A FIT WITH THE RED WINGS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is for a second-pairing defenseman. He believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could address that issue.

Faulk, 33, has one more season left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Khan pointed out that Faulk no longer fits within the Blues’ long-range plans. A right-shot defenseman, he could replace rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka alongside Ben Chiarot on their second pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to take on Faulk’s remaining contract, and lots of promising young players and prospects to use as trade bait to entice the Blues. However, it could come down to whether Detroit is on his no-trade list, and if so, whether he’d be willing to waive it.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make any trades before the Olympic roster freeze because the players’ mothers were on their recent road trip.

Canucks forwards Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are UFA-eligible and thus considered trade candidates. Management must also decide whether to retain or trade winger Conor Garland, whose new contract begins on July 1. He lacks no-trade protection on his current deal.