NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2026

by | Feb 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2026

Check out the latest on Predators forward Steven Stamkos, Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers, Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

STEVEN STAMKOS PROVIDES PREDATORS WITH A LIST OF TRADE DESTINATIONS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos has provided the team with a list of trade destinations.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Stamkos has two years remaining on his contract and carries a full no-movement clause. LeBrun said that the 34-year-old forward is happy in Nashville and isn’t asking to be traded. This is a preparatory move in case Predators management approaches him about a trade.

The list is topped by Stamkos’ former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are also believed to be on it. LeBrun also believes the New Jersey Devils could be there, as they attempted to sign Stamkos two years ago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos recently said he’s not sweating the upcoming trade deadline because of his no-movement clause. The possibility of a trade seems unlikely at this point.

RED WINGS REPORTEDLY MAKE A TRADE OFFER FOR TYLER MYERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reported yesterday that the Vancouver Canucks received a trade offer from the Detroit Red Wings for Tyler Myers. That’s why they held the 36-year-old defenseman out of the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Myers is signed through next season with an average annual value of $3 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause for this season. The blueliner and his agent were reportedly deliberating their next move.

Dreger indicated other clubs, such as the Dallas Stars, are believed to be interested in Myers.

Chris Johnston reported Myers had not yet signed off on the deal. It remains to be seen how this plays out between now and the March 6 trade deadline. The blueliner wants time to decide where he wants to play.

Speaking of the Canucks, Dreger noted that forwards Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, and Elias Pettersson have been mentioned in the rumor mill. However, he believes Evander Kane remains the most likely of their forwards to be moved.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche would also be interested in Myers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Myers had intended to finish his career in Vancouver. He and his family love the city and are well-established in the community. He probably wants to take their needs into account. We’ll find out soon enough what Myers intends to do.

WILL THE PANTHERS BECOME SELLERS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the Florida Panthers’ remaining games leading up to next Friday’s trade deadline will determine if they become buyers or sellers.

LeBrun noted that goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is among their players eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. He pointed out that ESPN’s Kevin Weekes indicated that the 37-year-old goaltender has not been signed to an extension, and wondered if he could be traded. LeBrun thinks he could be moved if the Panthers become sellers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky carries a salary-cap hit of $10 million, but he’s earning $5 million in actual salary this season. He has a 16-team no-trade list.

It will be interesting to see how things unfold for the Panthers in the coming days. Trading Bobrovsky would be a bold move, and it could send them into the offseason trade and free-agent markets for a suitable replacement.

THE LATEST ON MAPLE LEAFS FORWARDS BOBBY MCMANN AND SCOTT LAUGHTON

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Toronto Maple Leafs will move forwards Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton if they haven’t signed contract extensions by the trade deadline.

Both players are eligible to become unrestricted free agents by July 1. The Leafs aren’t going to carry them to free agency in a season that appears to be heading in the wrong direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann and Laughton have indicated they want to remain with the Leafs. However, that’ll only happen if they’re willing to accept less than market value, which for both players could be around $5 million annually on long-term contracts.

OILERS INTERESTED IN FAULK OR EKMAN-LARSSON?

NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes the Edmonton Oilers could be paying close attention to St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk and Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Both play right-side defense, something the Oilers are trying to address before the trade deadline. However, they’ll have to move Andrew Mangiapane first to clear sufficient cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are pressed against the salary cap. Mangiapane carries an average annual value of $3.6 million through next season with a full no-trade clause, but he’s believed to be willing to waive it to join a team where he’ll get more playing time.

Faulk’s AAV is $6.5 million through 2026-27 with a 15-team no-trade list, while Ekman-Larsson’s is $3 million through 2027-28 with a 16-team no-trade list. By moving Mangiapane, they would have more than enough for Ekman-Larsson, and should have enough to take on the remainder of Faulk’s salary for this season.

However, the Oilers have limited trade assets. The Blues have reportedly set a high asking price for Faulk, and the Maple Leafs could seek a first-round pick or a top prospect for Ekman-Larsson.

THE SHARKS COULD FLIP KIEFER SHERWOOD

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports a source informed him that the San Jose Sharks are open to trading Kiefer Sherwood if he hasn’t signed a contract extension by March 6.

The Sharks acquired the 30-year-old winger from the Vancouver Canucks last month. Given his $1.5 million cap hit, he could draw plenty of interest in the trade market.

LeBrun believes Sherwood would like to stay with the Sharks. However, it’s more likely than not that he gets moved by the trade deadline if he’s not re-signed by then.










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 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.










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 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.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 26, 2026

by | Jan 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 26, 2026

Which Blues could be moved before the March trade deadline? What’s the latest on Kraken center Shane Wright? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST BLUES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford was recently asked when we can expect the St. Louis Blues to begin selling in the trade market.

If they make moves before the March 6 trade deadline, Rutherford expects defenseman Justin Faulk or center Brayden Schenn to be the most likely to be dealt. He acknowledged that goaltender Jordan Binnington has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill, but thinks he’s more likely to be traded in the offseason.

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

Rutherford also noted the rumors swirling around Blues forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. He doesn’t rule out one of them getting moved, but doubts that contending clubs have sufficient cap space to make significant additions like that before the trade deadline. Both players also have full no-trade clauses.

Rutherford was also asked why Colton Parayko hasn’t been mentioned in trade rumors. He claimed the Blues aren’t looking to move him, citing his role as a 22-minute per game shutdown defenseman. He’s got four years left on his contract, and the Blues need him if they hope to be competitive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn has a 15-team no-trade list and an average annual value of $6.5 million through 2027-28. Interested parties could prefer the Blues retain part of his cap hit. Faulk has the same trade list and AAV, though for one less year. Binnington has a year left on his deal with a $6 million AAV and a 14-team no-trade list.

Thomas and Kyrou have identical AAVs ($8.125 million) through 2030-31. There are some clubs with plentiful cap space (hello there, Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings) who can afford to take on either forward, but they could balk at the asking price. For example, the Blues reportedly want a stud top-six forward who is 22-24 years old as part of the return for Thomas.

TRADE RUMORS STILL SWIRLING AROUND SHANE WRIGHT

SPORTSNET: Shane Wright recently told reporters that he’s focusing on hockey, rather than the trade rumors flying around him. The Seattle Kraken are reportedly listening to offers for the 22-year-old center, who they chose fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently claimed the Kraken could use Wright as trade bait to add a dynamic scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Once a highly-touted young center, Wright seemed poised for a breakout after tallying 44 points last season. However, his production and his playing time have declined this season.

Given his youth, he still has time to develop into a reliable middle-six center, but the Kraken might have to bundle him with a first-rounder or a top prospect if they hope to land a dynamic scorer.