NHL Trade Deadline Tracker – March 6, 2026

by | Mar 6, 2026

NHL Trade Deadline Tracker – March 6, 2026

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Nazem Kadri and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Calgary Flames in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, prospect Maxmilian Curran, a conditional first-round pick in 2028,  and a conditional second-rounder in 2027. Flames retain 20 percent of Kadri’s salary. 

Calgary Flames trade center Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche (NHL Images).

The New York Rangers traded forward Brennan Othmann to the Calgary Flames in exchange for prospect winger Jacob Battaglia

The Winnipeg Jets traded winger Tanner Pearson to the Buffalo Sabres for a 2026 seventh-round pick.

The Los Angeles Kings acquired center Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditional third-round pick (details TBA)

The Boston Bruins acquired forward Lukas Reichel from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

The Washington Capitals acquired forward David Kampf from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2026 sixth-round pick. 

The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Ryane Strome to the Calgary Flames for a seventh-round pick in 2027.

The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-rounder, defenseman Justin Holl, and prospect winger Dmitri Buchelnikov. 

The Seattle Kraken acquire forward Bobby McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2026.

The St. Louis Blues traded center Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders for a 2026 first-round pick, a third-rounder, left wing Jonathan Drouin, and goalie prospect Marcus Gidlof.

The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired winger Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings for a third-round pick in 2026.

The Carolina Hurricanes acquired winger Nicolas Deslauriers from the Philadelphia Flyers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2027.

The Minnesota Wild traded forward Vinnie Hinostroza to the Florida Panthers for future considerations

The Los Angeles Kings traded Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. 

The Minnesota Wild acquired forward Nick Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. 

The Philadelphia Flyers traded winger Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman David Jiricek.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2026

by | Mar 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2026

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

BRUINS EYEING JUSTIN FAULK AND ROBERT THOMAS

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

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

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

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

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

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

COULD THE DEVILS MOVE NEMEC FOR A FORWARD?

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

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

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

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

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

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS CONJECTURE

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

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

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

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

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

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

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

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

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN

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

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

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

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

COULD THE DUCKS GO SHOPPING FOR A BLUELINER?

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

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

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

NO GARLAND FOR THE ISLANDERS?

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

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

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










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

by | Mar 4, 2026

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

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

ROBERT THOMAS TRADE TALKS BETWEEN BLUES & SABRES FALL THROUGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

PANTHERS WILLING TO ENTERTAIN OFFERS FOR SERGEI BOBROVSKY

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

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

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

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

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

UPDATE ON NAZEM KADRI

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

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

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

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

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

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

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

CANUCKS WINGER CONOR GARLAND DRAWING MORE INTEREST

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

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

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

BLUE JACKETS NOT MOVE KENT JOHNSON

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










NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2026

by | Mar 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2026

As the Friday trade deadline approaches, check out the latest on Vincent Trocheck, Robert Thomas, Auston Matthews, Nazem Kadri, Sergei Bobrovsky, Patrik Laine, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON TROCHECK, THOMAS, MATTHEWS, AND KADRI

NHL ON TNT: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Vincent Trocheck has let it be known that he wants to stay as close to the East Coast as possible. The 32-year-old New York Rangers center has a 12-team no-trade list and three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.625 million.

Friedman thinks the Minnesota Wild are still in the Trocheck sweepstakes, sitting in the Central time zone. It’s believed the Wild have a standing offer for him, but we’ll have to wait and see what they do. Failing that, they could look at someone like Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings could also be among the suitors. It’s believed the Rangers have set a high asking price for him.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck’s salary, two-way play, and modified NTC make him the center most likely to move by the trade deadline, depending on what the Rangers want in return. His contract also works to the Rangers’ advantage. If no one is willing to meet their price, they can wait until the offseason for the market to improve.

The teams that are in on Trocheck could also be pursuing Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. The 26-year-old center has a full no-trade clause, giving him full control over this situation. Friedman thinks the Red Wings and the Utah Mammoth could be linked to Thomas, but he doesn’t put stock into rumors linking him to the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas’ NTC and his $8.125 million AAV are significant stumbling blocks in the path to a trade, as is the Blues’ asking price. They reportedly seek “three first-half-of-the-first-round” assets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t looking to move Auston Matthews or William Nylander. Matthews’ representatives met with Leafs management before the Olympics, and there’s no issue with him returning next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will attempt to move pending UFAs like Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton. They could also look at moving some players with term on their contracts, such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Friedman is skeptical that the Colorado Avalanche will bring back Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames. He pointed out that the club has to re-sign Cale Makar before his contract expires in 2027. Taking on Kadri’s $7 million cap hit through 2028-29 would complicate efforts to re-sign Makar.

Friedman said the Flames aren’t interested in retaining part of Kadri’s salary. He thinks the Avs could look more toward adding an affordable rental center, such as Scott Laughton of the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I thought a Kadri reunion with the Avalanche was possible, but Friedman’s comments about the cost of re-signing Makar make that unlikely if the Flames won’t retain salary.

COULD THE PANTHERS MOVE SERGEI BOBROVSKY?

NHL ON TNT: Elliotte Friedman reports he’s heard it’s been challenging for the Florida Panthers to re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky, giving rise to rumors that they might trade the 37-year-old goaltender.

Bobrovsky has a 16-team no-trade list. Friedman said he’s heard speculation linking the netminder to the San Jose Sharks, but he can’t currently can’t confirm that.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato thinks the Panthers should try to trade Bobrovsky. He suggested they try to get younger and deeper in goal while getting some kind of asset for Bobrovsky at the trade deadline. They could also look at trading him now and re-signing him in the offseason, though that sort of thing rarely occurs.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards recently reported that Bobrovsky wants to stay with the Panthers despite the lack of negotiations for a contract extension. “I’m fine with that, to be honest,” Bobrovsky said.

According to Richards, it would be very surprising if the Panthers trade Bobrovsky. The general feeling around the team is that he remains a big part of their future plans, and he wants to be part of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless something radically changes leading up to Friday, expect Bobrovsky to remain with the Panthers when the trade deadline has passed.

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu reports the Canadiens are actively working on moving Patrik Laine before the trade deadline. The 27-year-old winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July. He carries an $8.7 million cap hit for this season. Management has permitted Laine’s agent to speak with other teams about a trade.

Basu thinks the Canadiens are trying to include Laine in a trade that frees up some cap space while also bringing back a useful player. The other option is including a sweetener in the deal to convince another club to take on the remainder of his contract, or half of it.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doubts there’s much of a market for Laine. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be with the Canadiens now. He wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still with the Habs after the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has a well-earned reputation for pulling off deals that few would’ve thought possible. However, trading Laine could prove to be a challenge too difficult to pull off. 

NHL ON TNT: Friedman touched on the growing interest in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen following his solid performance for Finland in the Olympics. He’d heard the Montreal Canadiens looked into it, but it didn’t go very far. The Toronto Maple Leafs were linked to Ristolainen, but the Leafs are more of a seller than a buyer.

UPDATE ON THE OILERS

NHL ON TNT: Elliotte Friedman said he recently looked into whether the Edmonton Oilers might make another foray into the goalie market. He said the answer was no, that they’re going to stick with what they’ve got.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There really wasn’t a lot for the Oilers to get in the trade market this season. They sent Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry, but that hasn’t really improved things. So, they’ll have to stick with Jarry, Connor Ingram, and Calvin Pickard and hope for the best.

Friedman also reported that the Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million cap hit. However, they found it difficult to do, which is why they placed him on waivers.

He also said that the Oilers were interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. Unless the Blues are willing to retain salary, it would be too difficult to acquire him. Faulk carries an AAV of $6.5 million through next season. They’ve also looked at Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Maple Leafs, but he would have to agree to go to Edmonton.

TSN: The Oilers can forget about trying to trade Adam Henrique to free up cap space. Darren Dreger reports he hasn’t told them that he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause.










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 26, 2026

by | Feb 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2026

Who could the Maple Leafs peddle if they become trade deadline sellers? What’s the latest on Canadiens winger Patrik Laine? Could Brendan Shanahan and Marc Bergevin join the Predators’ front office? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MAPLE LEAFS TRADE CANDIDATES

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at five potential Maple Leafs trade candidates if management becomes a seller by the March 6 trade deadline.

Bobby McMann topped the list. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Maple Leafs currently lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Given the way first-round picks are thrown around in trades now, McMann could fetch one.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann (NHL Images).

McMann has said he wants to re-sign with the Maple Leafs, but that could cost between $4.5 million and $5 million per season. Koshan believes he’ll be moved if he hasn’t signed an extension before next Friday.

Scott Laughton is also UFA-eligible, and he hasn’t provided the return that the Leafs sought when they sent a first-rounder and prospect Nikita Grebenkin to the Philadelphia Flyers last year to get him. He could be an effective depth player for a contender.

Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million. He could be an attractive piece for teams with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s four-year contract extension begins next season with an AAV of $3.75 million. Injuries have hampered his performance this season.

Like McMann and Laughton, forward Calle Jarnkrok is due to become a UFA on July 1.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports the Maple Leafs would like to re-sign McMann, but it doesn’t seem like they’re willing to pay him up to $5 million annually. They’d also like to keep Laughton, but where his salary number starts is debatable.

There’s not much of a goalie market heading toward the trade deadline. The Leafs might have to wait until the offseason to determine who stays or goes between Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed some possible trade destinations for McMann.

Topping his list is the Edmonton Oilers, followed by the Utah Mammoth, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann’s style of play and his affordable $1.4 million cap hit will make him among the most desirable players at this year’s trade deadline.

The Oilers lack their 2026 first-rounder, and their prospect pool is getting shallow. The other clubs have their first-rounders, while the Islanders and Kraken each have two, though their spare first-rounders come with conditions attached. Most of them also have plenty of prospects and promising young players to draw on for trade bait.

CANADIENS AND KINGS DISCUSSED PATRIK LAINE

TVA SPORTS: According to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings had talks about Patrik Laine in recent weeks.

The Kings are looking for a top-six forward and spoke with the Canadiens about Laine, who is due to return to action after being sidelined by abdominal surgery since October. However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now, and the Kings are looking elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was expected that the Kings would return to the trade market following Kevin Fiala’s season-ending leg injury during the Olympics. No surprise that they checked in with the Canadiens, who could be having some difficulty fitting players returning from injuries back into their lineup.

It’s doubtful that Laine will end up with the Kings by the trade deadline, but the 27-year-old winger could end up with another playoff contender by March 6.

The Canadiens have played well in Laine’s absence, and he no longer fits in their plans. He’s UFA-eligible on July 1. The asking price won’t be high, and the Canadiens could be willing to retain part of his $8.7 million cap hit.

COULD SHANAHAN AND BERGEVIN JOIN THE PREDATORS?

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple NHL sources claim Brendan Shanahan and Marc Bergevin have been linked to the Nashville Predators.

Shanahan is the former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Bergevin is the former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens and currently an associate GM with the Buffalo Sabres.

Predators general manager Barry Trotz has indicated he will step down as soon as a suitable replacement is found. It’s rumored that Shanahan would become the Predators’ President of Hockey Operations while Bergevin would be their new general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy stated that his sources caution that nothing is set in stone yet. Shanahan and Bergevin could be among several candidates for those positions.

For now, Trotz remains as general manager and is handling the club’s plans for the upcoming trade deadline. There is no timetable to replace Trotz, but it’s believed the club prefers to do so before the 2026 NHL Draft in June.