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 Update – March 5, 2026

by | Mar 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill Update – March 5, 2026

With the March 6 trade deadline fast approaching, check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, Vincent Trocheck, Steven Stamkos, and more in this NHL Rumor Mill Update.

THE LATEST BLUES RUMORS AND NEWS

THE ATHLETIC: The trade that would’ve sent Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues to the Buffalo Sabres is dead after the 29-year-old defenseman refused to waive his no-trade clause, as is his right.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after this one fell through. He’s signalled that he’s willing to be a major buyer in this year’s trade market.

Parayko has full no-trade protection until 2028-29, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list.

ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports Parayko wants to remain in the Western Conference. He said the blueliner is open to being traded to the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are busy in the trade market looking for a scoring winger, and they need more help on defense. Meanwhile, the Ducks are my dark horse approaching this trade deadline, and they reportedly could use some shutdown depth on their blueline.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Sabres aren’t the only potential trade destination for Robert Thomas. The Utah Mammoth has plenty of interest.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Mammoth are the best match for Thomas. The Detroit Red Wings are also interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues are also believed to be still entertaining trade offers for defenseman Justin Faulk and winger Jordan Kyrou.

RANGERS ASKING PRICE FOR TROCHECK STILL TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SOME TEAMS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the New York Rangers’ asking price for Vincent Trocheck remains a little too expensive for some clubs. The Minnesota Wild were considered the favorites to land the 32-year-old center, but they’ve reportedly stepped back a bit from negotiations.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Johnston noted there are other centers in the trade market drawing interest from clubs linked to Trocheck. They include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.

SPORTSNET: Elliote Friedman believes the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes have had conversations with the Rangers about Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like those teams are hoping the Rangers will reduce their asking price before tomorrow’s deadline. However, the Blueshirts aren’t facing real pressure to move Trocheck, who has three more years left on his contract. If they don’t find what they want by Friday, they can revisit the market in June, when better offers might be found.

TEAMS STILL CHECKING ON STEVEN STAMKOS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there are three or four teams in the Eastern Conference that have reached out to the Nashville Predators about Steven Stamkos. LeBrun doesn’t think there’s a firm offer on the table for him.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman claims things are quiet around Stamkos right now. He also thinks the Predators are trying to move winger Jonathan Marchessault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last week, Stamkos denied a report by LeBrun claiming his camp had made up a short preparatory list of destinations if management approached him about a trade. He said there was “zero chance” he was waiving his no-movement clause.

TEAMS ASKING ABOUT MATTHEW KNIES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing some trade rumors about Matthew Knies. He believes that’s the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to see if there’s a massive offer they can’t refuse. Friedman believes that’s the only way it’ll happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Knies isn’t going anywhere.

Friedman also believes the Maple Leafs might settle for two second-round picks for Bobby McMann if they can’t get a first-rounder.

LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud is drawing “heavy interest” as the trade deadline approaches. Fifteen teams are reportedly circling, but the Flames would have to be blown away by an offer to move him, as he’s key in helping their young blueliners.

Dreger also indicated that there is “tons of interest” in winger Blake Coleman. However, the Flames haven’t received any offers that they consider good enough.

SPORTSNET Elliotte Friedman reports the Colorado Avalanche spoke to the Flames about Nazem Kadri before acquiring Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier today. It never got over the finish line. Meanwhile, Kadri continues to stick to his 13-team no-trade list.

DEVILS DANGLING MOST OF THEIR DEFENSEMEN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils have made all of their defensemen other than Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce available. Simon Nemec recently changed agents, which is one reason why he’s come up in trade rumors.

KRAKEN INTERESTED IN MACKIE SAMOSKEVICH

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Seattle Kraken are interested in Mackie Samoskevich, but the Florida Panthers would set a high price. He also indicated that the Kraken continue to discuss moving Shane Wright for an elite scorer or a young talent that needs a change, but he wouldn’t be involved in a deal for Samoskevich.










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.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 2) – March 1, 2026

by | Mar 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 2) – March 1, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Red Wings, Golden Knights, Sabres, and Blackhawks in Part 2 of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR RANGERS’ ADAM FOX & BRENNAN OTHMANN

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported Friday that Adam Fox offered up a noncommittal comment about his future with the Rangers following the club’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (NHL Images).

When asked if he wanted to stay with the Rangers as they retool their roster, Fox said he was just trying to focus on this season. “That’s really all I can do right now…That’s a conversation for when we’re done playing.”

Walker believes it’s been difficult for Fox and his teammates to deal with the Rangers’ decision in January to retool, which included trading superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings last month. She indicated there is uncertainty about what the team will look like in the foreseeable future and how long it’ll take to return to contender status.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury met with the Rangers’ leadership group (including Fox) and those locked into long-term contracts. At the time, it seems all of them were willing to see it through, which was contrary to Fox’s comments on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox’s remarks have already rippled around the league. No one is suggesting that he’s available at the trade deadline or that he wants out of New York, but his comments leave the door open for speculation about his future with the Rangers. It could be something to monitor during the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes it’s time to accept the reality of Brennan Othmann’s situation with the Rangers. The 23-year-old has bounced between the Blueshirts and their AHL affiliate since 2024. He has one goal in 17 games this season, and his play away from the puck has drawn criticism from head coach Mike Sullivan.

Baugh reports the Rangers are open to trading Othmann. They have a logjam of bottom-six forwards, and it would be best for everyone if he were moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Baugh pointed out that Othmann is the latest in a long list of recent developmental letdowns for the Rangers, a problem that predates the current management. Of the nine first-rounders they selected from 2017 to 2021, only Alexis Lafreniere and Braden Schneider are still with the team, and both of them are considered trade candidates.

PROPOSED DEFENSE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE RED WINGS

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently listed Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Braden Schneider of the Rangers as potential blueline trade targets for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen’s list was published before last Thursday’s news that the Red Wings have an offer on the table for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers.

If Myers declines to accept a trade to Detroit, perhaps the Red Wings will shift their focus to those defensemen listed by Allen.

WHAT COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND SABRES DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster believes the Vegas Golden Knights could attempt to acquire a top-nine forward before the March 6 trade deadline, preferably one who can add scoring among their middle-six.

The Golden Knights can’t do anything unless they place William Karlsson on season-ending long-term injury reserve. Karlsson hasn’t played since Nov. 8, and there are varying reports suggesting he could be done for the season or might return in time for the playoffs.

Putting Karlsson on season-ending LTIR would free up $3.5 million in salary-cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights always seem to surprise us around this time of year with their salary-cap gymnastics to make moves that bolster their roster. They’ll definitely do something if Karlsson hits SLTIR for the season.

THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres on the verge of ending their 14-year playoff drought, Matthew Fairburn recently examined what would be an ideal trade deadline for the club.

Retaining Alex Tuch tops that list. The 29-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s still unsigned, but Fairburn believes it would be a mistake to trade such an important core player. Both sides have plenty of time before July 1 to negotiate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch’s not going anywhere at the trade deadline. While they would risk losing him to free agency on July 1, moving him now could jeopardize their chances of ending their long playoff drought. It would send the wrong message to his teammates, and to the club’s long-suffering fans.

Fairburn also believes the Sabres must add another defenseman and a forward. Given their limited salary-cap space, he recommends affordable additions such as Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs, or Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a long time since the Sabres were deadline buyers. They won’t go crazy, largely because of their salary-cap limitations, but they could attempt to add an affordable rental or two.

THE LATEST BLACHAWKS SPECULATION

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported the Blackhawks attempted to work out a contract with UFA-eligible forward Ilya Mikheyev. However, they’ve been unsuccessful thus far, and he’s “out there” in the trade market.

Friedman also wondered about promising defenseman Kevin Korchinski. The Blackhawks have a lot of young blueliners. The 21-year-old Korchinski has spent the past two seasons in the minors, and Friedman speculated he could become available for the right price.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 1) – March 1, 2026

by | Mar 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 1) – March 1, 2026

The annual trade deadline is March 6. Check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, Ryan O’Reilly, Nazem Kadri, Elias Pettersson, Bobby McMann, Tyler Myers, and more in Part 1 of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE CENTERS OF ATTENTION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports centermen are drawing a lot of attention in the rumor mill, referring specifically to Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.

Friedman admitted being skeptical about the Thomas trade rumors when they first appeared, but now believes it could happen before the March 6 trade deadline. He thinks the Utah Mammoth is among the interested teams, pointing out that Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong drafted Thomas when he was working for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco reports sources say Thomas is a player the Boston Bruins really like. The Blues have set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center, but Di Marco indicates the Bruins have four first-round picks in the next two drafts and are willing to part with prospects such as Matthew Poitras and Dean Letourneau.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman mentioned that Trocheck’s preference is to stay in the Eastern Conference. A couple of far-west teams expressed interest in the 32-year-old center, but were told he’s not going out there. The Minnesota Wild have been linked to Trocheck. Friedman thinks “they’re a maybe.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reported Friday that the Wild are considered the favorite to land Trocheck. However, his colleague Michael Russo wondered if general manager Bill Guerin is willing to part with the necessary assets to get it done after giving up so much to acquire Quinn Hughes in December.

Mercogliano also noted the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings have also been rumored to be interested in Trocheck, but he’s not sure if they’ll part with their top assets.

Friedman said O’Reilly has no desire to leave the Predators in the middle of a playoff race. Nevertheless, he thinks teams will still try to tempt the Predators into moving O’Reilly. The veteran center lacks no-trade protection, but he’s been told he’ll have the final say over his situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman observed that Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic recently reported the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars were among the clubs believed to be interested in O’Reilly.

As for Kadri, Friedman believes the Flames have been waiting patiently for a good offer to come.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Di Marco believes the Bruins like Kadri, but they’re not keen to take on an aging player with a $7 million average annual value through 2029. He also claimed the Bruins like Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, but the remaining term of his contract ($6.25 million through 2030-31) does cause some trepidation on their part.

Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun believes the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche could be among the interested parties. It’s doubtful that the Canadiens will add a 35-year-old center carrying that much term to their young roster. However, the Avalanche recently freed up some cap space by trading Samuel Girard to Pittsburgh for Brett Kulak, raising speculation that they could attempt to reacquire Kadri.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette recently listed Trocheck, Thomas, and O’Reilly as potential trade targets for the Carolina Hurricanes. Of these, he considers O’Reilly as the most cost-effective move, provided he still has enough left in the tank to be effective for the playoffs.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports teams have been calling the Vancouver Canucks about Elias Pettersson. The 27-year-old center has six years left on his contract with an AAV of $11.6 million and a full no-movement clause.

Nevertheless, teams are still seeing if Pettersson might be available. Garrioch noted that the Detroit Red Wings are seeking a second-line center, and they have the tradeable assets and cap space to take on Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It still seems like a Pettersson trade is something more likely to happen in the offseason rather than the trade deadline. Moving that hefty salary isn’t easy during the regular season, and there could be better options in the summer when teams have more cap space to work with.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Maple Leafs are considering moving players with term remaining on their contract, as well as pending unrestricted free agents. That doesn’t mean they’ll trade core players such as Auston Matthews or William Nylander, but perhaps someone like defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Friedman believes Ekman-Larsson is on the Edmonton Oilers’ radar. He thinks they’re looking at adding a right-side defenseman (which Ekman-Larsson has done) or potentially a third-line center. They have to move on from Andrew Mangiapane.

As for UFA-eligible winger Bobby McMann, Friedman said it could go either way. He’s been told there is an extension that both sides know could happen. The fact that the 29-year-old winger remains a Maple Leaf suggests there’s nothing in the market that they would currently trade him for.

UPDATE ON TYLER MYERS AND MORE CANUCKS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports he believed (as of Saturday night) that the Detroit Red Wings’ offer for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers remains on the table. He thinks everyone involved was expecting a decision by Monday, but he doesn’t know where it currently stands. Friedman also doesn’t believe that the Canucks have a firm offer from another team for Myers.

Friedman also said things are quiet right now on Elias Pettersson. He stated that the Canucks are not interested in retaining any salary to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s because six years is a long time to be carrying dead cap space, even with the salary cap rising. It can still hamper efforts to retain key players or add to the roster as salaries rise.

BRUINS LINKED TO THE BLUES AND FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reported the Boston Bruins were interested in St. Louis Blues defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk. Parayko has a full no-movement clause and carries an AAV of $6.5 million through 2029-30. Faulk is signed through 2026-27 with the same AAV as Parayko and a 15-team no-trade list.

Di Marco reports the Bruins have moderate interest in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. However, they’ve checked in several times on Flyers winger Owen Tippett, who has six years left on his deal with an AAV of $6.2 million. The Flyers aren’t looking to move the 27-year-old Tippett, but are believed to be open to discussions, though their asking price could be significant.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins GM Don Sweeney tipped his hand with his failed attempt to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was shipped to the Vegas Golden Knights in January. Parayko and Faulk would be expensive additions, though Faulk would cost less than Parayko.

As for Ristolainen, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reported last week that the Flyers’ asking price would have to start with a first-round pick for GM Daniel Briere to consider it. Briere is looking at what the Boston Bruins got from the Toronto Maple Leafs last year for Brandon Carlo, which was a prospect (Fraser Minten), a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-rounder.