NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2026

by | Mar 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2026

The trade deadline has passed, but the rumor mill keeps churning as the focus shifts toward offseason moves. Check out the latest on Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Roman Josi, and Simon Nemec in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PENGUINS PART WAYS WITH MALKIN AND KARLSSON THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported that Evgeni Malkin’s contract situation overshadowed the trade deadline for the Pittsburgh Penguins and could continue to do so over the remainder of this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 40-year-old center has expressed his desire to return with the Penguins for another season. He’s had a solid bounce-back performance as the Penguins jockey for a playoff berth in the Metropolitan Division.

However, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas indicated contract discussions would be put off until the offseason, prompting Malkin to express his disappointment publicly. Dubas praised Malkin’s performance and acknowledged what he means to the club, but indicated that he has to do what’s best for the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This issue will likely fade over the remainder of the season as the focus shifts to the Penguins’ efforts to clinch their first playoff berth in four years. However, it will flare up again in the offseason, especially as the July 1 opening date from free agency approaches.

Speaking of aging Penguins stars enjoying bounce-back efforts, Erik Karlsson has one more year left on his contract. However, Pierre LeBrun speculated that the 35-year-old puck-moving defenseman could be moved this summer if there’s an opportunity for Dubas to recoup some assets.

LeBrun acknowledged that Karlsson carries an expensive cap hit but believes there would be genuine interest if the Penguins agreed to retain half of it. The veteran blueliner would also have to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson has an average annual value of $11.5 million, of which the Penguins carry $10 million, and the San Jose Sharks carry $1.5 million. He’ll earn $1.5 million in actual salary next season once his $6 million signing bonus is paid on July 1.

KEEP AN EYE ON SOME OF THE PREDATORS’ STARS THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cites a source saying it might be worthwhile to keep an eye on Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi this summer.

If the Predators deepen their rebuild by trading Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, and Jonathan Marchessault, Josi would probably want to speak with management about the club’s direction.

LeBrun believes Josi would probably stay in Nashville. The 35-year-old defenseman is loyal to the team and has two years left on his contract. Nevertheless, LeBrun isn’t ruling out the possibility that he might consider moving on.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reported Friday that Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he received calls about Stamkos, O’Reilly, and Erik Haula before the trade deadline.

Trotz indicates he told Stamkos and O’Reilly that he didn’t want to get rid of them, but if he got irresistible offers, he’d speak to them and give them the chance to decide if they want to accept a trade. He also indicated that he came “fairly close” to moving either guy, but “until it’s done, it’s not done.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators are expected to be under new management by this summer. Trotz’s successor could prove more aggressive in peddling veterans such as O’Reilly, Stamkos, and Marchessault, which in turn could prompt a conversation with Josi. It would indeed be something worth monitoring in the offseason.

DEVILS COULD CONTINUE SHOPPING SIMON NEMEC THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils were listening to trade offers for Simon Nemec. However, their asking price for the 22-year-old defenseman was a young, impact, top-six forward.

Nemec is slated to become a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract and has changed agents. LeBrun believes his camp intends to use teammate Luke Hughes’ contract (seven years, $9 million annually) as a comparable.

It would make more sense for the Devils to retain Nemec and move veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million. However, it’s proven difficult to move Hamilton. Given the interest in Nemec, LeBrun believed the latter is more likely to be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether the Devils can get a young impact forward in return for Nemec remains to be seen. There’s a better chance of landing that type of player in the offseason, but that doesn’t mean it’s a certainty. Devils management will have to sell Nemec’s potential as a No.1 defenseman.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Following Friday’s trade deadline, Sheng Peng reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier shot down a rumor claiming he offered up winger William Eklund to the Devils for Nemec.

“I think that was more Twitter stuff,” Grier said. “It’s something where you call and see if someone’s available and then see what the asking price is. That was really about the extent of it. There wasn’t any real getting into it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth pointing out that the Sharks were reportedly interested in Hamilton last summer, but he declined to waive his no-trade clause.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 8, 2026

by | Mar 8, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 8, 2026

Check out the ongoing fallout from Friday’s Trade Deadline in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHY DIDN’T THE DEVILS MOVE NEMEC OR HAMILTON AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reported Friday that the Devils were open to moving Simon Nemec if the 22-year-old defenseman would fetch a return that improved their top-six forwards.

Adding a winger for Jack Hughes’ line has been a longstanding need. However, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that they were hoping to add a top-six center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes and Nico Hischier currently fill the top-six center roles on the Devils. Adding another top-six center doesn’t make sense unless they intend to move Hischier or Hughes.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

Trading Dougie Hamilton proved to be a difficult task for the Devils. One reason is the $7.4 million signing bonus that the 32-year-old defenseman is scheduled to receive on July 1. He also carries an average annual value of $9 million for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seemed like Hamilton and the Devils would part ways back in January as he was upset over being a healthy scratch for a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Some Toronto pundits pondered the possibility of the Maple Leafs acquiring him, but that’s assuming they’re on his 10-team trade list.

The Devils could try again during the offseason, but will likely find that any interested clubs will prefer to wait until he gets his signing bonus before agreeing to acquire him.

SENATORS TRIED TO ACQUIRE WEEGAR

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports sources claimed MacKenzie Weegar was the Senators’ top trade target. However, the Calgary Flames traded the 32-year-old puck-moving defenseman to the Utah Mammoth.

It was expected that general manager Steve Staios would acquire a right-shot top-four defenseman or some additional scoring punch. However, they lacked a 2026 first-round pick to use as a trade chip, which hampered the Senators’ efforts to bolster their roster at the trade deadline.

Teams were asking Staios for young forward Ridly Greig and top prospects Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. However, the Senators weren’t parting with those players. Staios said he was looking at all options, including his goaltending.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios added winger Warren Foegele, who could help the Senators’ offense if he can regain the scoring touch that he lost this season with the Los Angeles Kings. He scored for them in Saturday’s 7-4 win over the Seattle Kraken.

Goaltending options were few and far between for the Senators and everyone else in this trade market. The best names out there were Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers and Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. The Panthers are trying to re-sign Bobrovsky, while the Senators could be on Binnington’s no-trade list.

WHY DID THE FLAMES RETAIN COLEMAN AND WHITECLOUD?

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy admitted that he received strong offers for winger Blake Coleman and recently-acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud. He chose to retain them because they wanted to remain in Calgary and would help mentor their younger players.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports it seemed almost certain that Coleman would be traded.

The 34-year-old winger has one year remaining on his contract. Austin considers it inevitable that his name will surface in the rumor mill again.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 7, 2026

by | Mar 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 7, 2026

The trade deadline is over, but the fallout remains. Check out the latest on Vincent Trocheck, Sergei Bobrovsky, the Canadiens’ efforts to make a big move, and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHY DIDN’T THE RANGERS TRADE VINCENT TROCHECK?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers general manager Chris Drury stuck by his asking price for Vincent Trocheck, which is why the 32-year-old center wasn’t moved by Friday’s trade deadline. He told reporters it didn’t make sense to do something just to say they did something.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Trocheck is under contract for three more years, so the Rangers can try again down the line. Whether Drury will have better luck moving him in the offseason remains to be seen. A league source said several teams other than the Minnesota Wild checked in on Trocheck.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported that the Wild were believed to have offered up prospect forward Charlie Stramel, a likely future first-round draft pick, and a possible third piece. The Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins were believed to be in the mix.

Mercogliano believes Drury could be taking a big gamble hanging onto Trocheck and hoping for better offers in the offseason. Other centers could be available, including Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and perhaps even Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A more crowded offseason market for centers could work against the Rangers. Nevertheless, Trocheck being under contract beyond this season allowed them to try again, rather than being forced to accept a lesser return at the trade deadline if he’d been UFA-eligible in July.

CANADIENS STAND PAT, BUT A MAJOR DEAL COULD BE COMING IN THE SUMMER

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont reports Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said his club had the framework for a potential trade in place before the deadline, but it fell through in the final moments.

“We spent a lot of time on one case in particular,” Hughes said. “And it went down to the wire, but that doesn’t stop us from revisiting it in the summer.”

Dumont speculated that the Canadiens may have been interested in St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas or Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. Both players will still be available in the offseason.

Had the deal gone through, Hughes indicated that other moves may have taken place. “We had some things that would have happened if we concluded the deal we were working on,” he said. “Yes, it was a significant trade for us.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That should keep fans and pundits in Montreal buzzing for a while. It will be entertaining to see what speculation emerges in the coming days.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Hughes said the Canadiens would’ve made a trade if they had found a deal that made sense for the right price.

Hughes also reminded fans who may have been upset over the club’s lack of deadline movement of the acquisitions they made since last summer. Those include defenseman Noah Dobson and forwards Zach Bolduc, Phillip Danault, and Alexandre Texier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Critics believe Canadiens management is too much in love with their prospects to part with any of them for a significant return. A quick look at their recent trade history should dispel that myth. The Canadiens tend to be patient in their search for a return that addresses their short and long-term needs.

Given the Canadiens are ahead of schedule with their rebuild, Arpon Basu of The Athletic believes management has earned the benefit of the doubt for their inactivity at this year’s trade deadline. However, he thinks this will be the last trade deadline where they will have that benefit. Expectations will be much higher after this season. 

PANTHERS WORKING TO RE-SIGN SERGEI BOBROVSKY

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards reports the Panthers didn’t bother to move Sergei Bobrovsky before yesterday’s trade deadline. Instead, they’re focused on signing the 37-year-old goaltender to a contract extension. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Panthers GM Bill Zito said he had to listen to offers for his players, but he’s glad Bobrovsky is still there. “Sergei is a part of our franchise, a part of our core,” Zito said. “We want to try and keep him. I am glad he is here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides will likely try to reach a short-term deal. Bobrovsky will have to accept a significant pay cut from the $10 million AAV of his current deal. He’s earning $5 million in actual salary this season, so that might be what he gets as an AAV on his next contract.

POST-TRADE DEADLINE TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his post-trade deadline “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said there was a lot of noise about Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews this week. He thinks there was no chance of him being traded, but believes Matthews and Leafs management will have to talk during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported that the Matthews camp informed management that their client has no issue with returning with the Maple Leafs next season. What Friedman seems to be alluding to is where Matthews sees his future beyond the end of his contract in 2028.

Friedman said that Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies was mentioned in the trade market. He thinks it’s because Knies would fetch the type of assets that would help management show Matthews the direction of the team.

One of the players Friedman wondered about for Knies was New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec. He doesn’t think a one-for-one swap would make sense for the Maple Leafs, but it may have been the kind of thing the two teams discussed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman recently speculated that the Maple Leafs may have floated Knies in the market to see if a rival club would make them an irresistible offer.

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have been in on St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas, but he didn’t think they were willing to meet the Blues’ asking price.

Friedman wondered if there was a chance that New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton would’ve wound up in Toronto, with the Maple Leafs taking a sweetener to do it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming that the Maple Leafs weren’t on Hamilton’s 10-team trade list. If they’re not, why would he waive it to go from one struggling team to another?

According to Friedman, the Vancouver Canucks considered acquiring Jesperi Kotkaniemi, but decided against it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I felt that Kotkaniemi could be packaged in a larger deal by the Hurricanes at the trade deadline. Maybe they’ll try to peddle him in the offseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2026

by | Mar 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2026

The trade deadline is 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest rumors as the deadline approaches

UPDATES ON VINCENT TROCHECK AND ALEXIS LAFRENIERE

NEW YORK POST: A high number of teams in playoff contention has allowed teams like the Rangers to drive up the asking prices for Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider.

THE ATHLETIC: The Minnesota Wild’s interest in Trocheck has faded due to what Rangers general manager Chris Drury wants in return. The Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings could also have an interest in the Rangers center.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

The Wild could shift their focus toward Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. Centers such as Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames are simply too expensive for the Wild

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens have checked in on Trocheck. However, the asking price could be too big a haul for them.

THE ATHLETIC: The Rangers are unlikely to move Alexis Lafreniere, but questions linger about his future amid concerns over how the club has developed its young talent.

WHO COULD THE RED WINGS TARGET?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Defensemen linked to the Red Wings include Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Forwards such as Trocheck, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be on their radar.

JORDAN KYROU COULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou could provide an offensive boost to the New York Islanders, assuming he’d waive his no-trade clause. However, the asking price could cost them a couple of top prospects, such as Kashawn Aitcheson and Victor Eklund, or promising forward Cal Ritchie.

COULD JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT BE THE NEXT PLAYER SHOPPED BY THE PREDATORS?

THE TENNESSEAN: Trade speculation is starting to swirl about Jonathan Marchessault, but he’s not keen to leave the Nashville Predators. He reminded reporters that he has a full no-movement clause but declined to say if he discussed the situation with GM Barry Trotz.

DEVILS STILL LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR SIMON NEMEC

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils continue to entertain offers for Simon Nemec. The 22-year-old defenseman is due to become a restricted free agent this summer. The Devils will only move him if they get a return that improves their top-six forwards.

WILL THE HURRICANES SIT OUT THIS DEADLINE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes made significant moves during the last two trade deadlines. However, the exorbitant asking prices for players such as Robert Thomas and Vincent Trocheck could force them to stand pat or consider making low-cost depth additions.

POTENTIAL CANUCKS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE PROVINCE: Forwards Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane, and David Kampf could be among the players the Vancouver Canucks attempt to trade today. Others could include forwards Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

PENGUINS EYEING A REUNION WITH TEDDY BLUEGER

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports league sources claim the Pittsburgh Penguins are considering a deal with the Vancouver Canucks to bring back center Teddy Blueger to help them in the faceoff circle.










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 – March 4, 2026

by | Mar 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2026

The trade deadline is Friday. Check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Jordan Binnington, Brady Tkachuk, Simon Nemec, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ROBERT THOMAS RUMORS HEATING UP

TSN: Darren Dreger reports trade discussions between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres involving Blues center Robert Thomas are heating up. While there are other teams interested in the 26-year-old Thomas, the Sabres appear to be the frontrunners.

Chris Johnston said the Blues are seeking three or four premium assets for Thomas. It’s believed the discussions with the Sabres have reached the point where they’re talking about a package of picks, players, and prospects that gets to about four players.

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

Pierre LeBrun believes the Blues’ high asking price will be too expensive for the Montreal Canadiens. They’ve inquired about Thomas, but the asking price would involve top prospects such as Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, and other assets. It doesn’t make sense from the Canadiens’ perspective to get into that kind of move unless the price comes down.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also reports the Utah Mammoth is among the clubs linked to Thomas.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Rutherford and Matthew Fairburn looked at what it might cost the Sabres to land Thomas.

The Sabres might have to part with Owen Power or prospect defenseman Radim Mrtka. The Blues would also want a young center in the deal, which could cost the Sabres Zach Benson or a prospect such as Konsta Helenius or Noah Ostlund. Fairburn wondered if the Blues might be interested in prospect goaltender Devon Levi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It certainly sounds like the Sabres are the favorites in the bidding for Thomas. Whether the two sides can close the deal by Friday is another matter. Thomas has a full no-trade clause, and he might not be keen to go to Buffalo. However, it would provide a big boost to the Sabres’ roster if he’s willing to make that move.

WILL THE BLUES FIND A TAKER FOR JORDAN BINNINGTON?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Blues have been talking to other teams about goaltender Jordan Binnington, defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, and winger Jordan Kyrou.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported that Friedman believes there’s a chance that Binnington gets traded to the Oilers, Canadiens, or Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a change from what Friedman said over the weekend, when he claimed the Oilers were going to stick with their current goalies and focus on addressing other roster needs.

THE ATHLETIC’s Jeremy Rutherford reports a source said he doesn’t see Binnington moving until the summer. The 32-year-old goalie has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a 14-team no-trade list.

The Blues have to make the best deal they can. However, general manager Doug Armstrong will give Binnington some consideration in his preferred destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Binnington trade could happen by Friday, but it seems more likely that it’ll occur in the offseason.

BRADY TKACHUK SURFACES IN THE RUMOR MILL

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported that Keith Yandle of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast speculated that Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could be traded to the Dallas Stars for Jason Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch was quick to dismiss Yandle’s conjecture, pointing out that Tkachuk indicated last week that the thought of leaving the Senators hasn’t crossed his mind. He has two more years left on his contract, and management has no intention of moving him.

Garrioch also noted TSN’s Jeff O’Neill said he wouldn’t be surprised if Tkachuk and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews go to their respective clubs at the end of this season and request to be traded this summer. O’Neill cited the criticism both players have received in their respective markets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As noted earlier, Tkachuk said he’s given no thought to leaving the Senators. Meanwhile, recent reports from Toronto indicated that the Maple Leafs received assurances from the Matthews camp that he’ll be back next season.

Next summer, however, could be a different story. By then, both players will be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. Much will depend on the performances of both clubs during 2026-27. If they make little or no improvement over this season, one or both players could have second thoughts about signing extensions, which could force their clubs to move them next summer rather than lose them to free agency in 2028.

DEVILS TAKING CALLS ABOUT SIMON NEMEC

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils are taking calls about Simon Nemec. The Devils are happy to keep the 22-year-old defenseman, but they’re willing to listen if there’s a deal that upgrades their forward lines in a real way. LeBrun claimed there’s no shortage of interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draft picks and prospects won’t cut it. The Devils want a hockey trade that fetches a good forward. 

If the Devils are willing to move Nemec, it suggests they’re not getting much interest in veteran Dougie Hamilton, who was a hot topic in the rumor mill last summer and in January. However, most of that speculation has faded in recent weeks.

FLAMES INTERESTED IN XHEKAJ

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE’s Herb Zurkowsky said he’s heard the Calgary Flames have an interest in Arber Xhekaj.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj is a big, heavy-hitting defenseman who is a fan favorite in Montreal, but has seen his playing time reduced this season because of the growing depth on the Canadiens’ blueline. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

The Canadiens could move the 25-year-old Xhekaj if they get a solid return. However, they’ll likely hang onto him for the playoffs when his physical style will be of greater use.