NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 15, 2025

by | Mar 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 15, 2025

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches 100 points, the Jets take sole possession of first overall, the Golden Knights re-sign Adin Hill, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl scored twice in a 2-1 overtime victory over the New York Islanders. Draisaitl became the second player this season to reach 100 points and is one goal away from becoming the first this season to score 50 goals. Bo Horvat replied for the Islanders, who got a 33-save performance from Ilya Sorokin.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl sits two points behind league leader Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in the point races. The Oilers vaulted one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings into second place in the Pacific Division with 80 points. With 66 points, the Islanders are four points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Speaking of Nathan MacKinnon, he was held scoreless as his Colorado Avalanche doubled up the Calgary Flames 4-2. Parker Kelly tallied twice and Scott Wedgewood stopped 22 shots for the Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 83 points. Blake Coleman and Jonathan Huberdeau replied for the Flames, who cling to the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have dropped six of their last eight games. They are tied in points with the Vancouver Canucks but hold that wild card with 24 regulation wins. Flames captain Mikael Backlund missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele collected three assists in a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars. The Jets regained sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 96 points. Mason Marchment scored for the Stars, who sit 10 points behind the Jets in second place in the Central Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Neal Pionk missed this game as he’s week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes held off the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 to pick up their sixth straight win. Jack Roslovic had a goal and an assist and Frederik Andersen made 24 saves for the Hurricanes, who are second in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points. Alex DeBrincat and Michael Rasmussen scored for the Wings, who’ve lost seven of their last eight games to sit two points out of the final Eastern wild card with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Just like this point last year, the Red Wings are slumping at the wrong time. With five other clubs jockeying for that final wild card, they’re in danger of extending their franchise-record playoff drought to nine years.

Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen scored two goals and collected an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kaapo Kakko snapped a 2-2 tie and Philipp Grubauer turned aside 23 shots for the win. Nick Schmaltz and Kevin Stenlund scored for Utah (69 points), who remain two points behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Nashville Predators 2-1. Lukas Dostal got the win with a 28-save performance while Troy Terry and Alex Killorn scored for the Ducks (65 points), who are six points out of the final Western wild card. Jakub Vrana replied for the Predators.

HEADLINES

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights signed goaltender Adin Hill to a six-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hill has established himself as the Golden Knights’ starting goalie. He has a record of 24-11-4 with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney met with his team’s veteran core twice during this season, warning them that changes would be coming to the roster if things didn’t change on the ice. Three of those players (Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo) were shipped out by the March 7 trade deadline.

DAILY FACEOFF: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is unavailable for personal reasons. They recalled Jet Greaves from their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tkachuk missed the final minutes of the Senators’ 6-3 win over the Bruins on Thursday due to a hip issue.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres forward Josh Norris is dealing with an undisclosed injury unrelated to his surgically-repaired shoulder. Acquired from the Senators last Friday, he has a goal and an assist in three games with the Sabres.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 9, 2025

by | Mar 9, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 9, 2025

The Leafs and Hurricanes discussed a Mitch Marner-for-Mikko Rantanen swap, the Oilers were interested in Rantanen, the reason why Brad Marchand was traded to the Panthers is revealed, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LEAFS, HURRICANES DISCUSSED MARNER-FOR-RANTANEN SWAP

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reported Friday that the Toronto Maple Leafs offered up prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten and two first-round picks to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Mikko Rantanen before the latter was traded to the Dallas Stars.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Multiple sources indicate the Hurricanes instead asked for Mitch Marner in return. Leafs management spoke with Marner, telling the 27-year-old winger that their priority was to re-sign him, but a trade to the Hurricanes was possible if he was more interested in that.

Marner has a full no-movement clause this season. He declined to move, reiterating his intent to stay in Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would’ve been a major deal for both clubs. The Leafs probably would have signed Rantanen long-term, though that contract likely would’ve been more expensive than the eight-year deal (at $12 million annually) he signed with the Stars. The Hurricanes would’ve received a return that, if they re-signed Marner, would’ve had a more positive, immediate impact than the one they got from Dallas.

OILERS HAD INTEREST IN RANTANEN

TSN: Ryan Rishaug reports the Edmonton Oilers spoke with the Hurricanes about Rantanen before he was traded to Dallas.

Rantanen, 28, was interested in going to the Oilers. There were talks about a contract extension that would’ve been worth more than the deal he signed with the Stars. The deal fell through because the Oilers lacked the trade assets to get it done.

Rishaug indicated they were also interested in Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ratanen on the same team as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would’ve been something to see. It wouldn’t have addressed the Oilers’ roster weaknesses, but watching those three play together would’ve been very entertaining.

MONEY GAP LED TO MARCHAND TRADE

ESPN.COM: Emily Kaplan reports the Boston Bruins offered winger Brad Marchand a three-year contract extension. However, the two sides couldn’t agree on the money, prompting the Bruins to trade him to the Florida Panthers on Friday.

The Bruins initially offered the 36-year-old Marchand a two-year deal. They got approval from ownership to make it three years, but he didn’t believe the money was equal to his value.

When the Bruins decided to trade Marchand, they worked on getting him to a location of his choice. Marchand had family considerations and wanted to stay on the East Coast if he couldn’t stay in Boston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaplan didn’t indicate how much Marchand sought from the Bruins. He’s completing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.13 million.

CANUCKS SOUGHT A FIRST-ROUND PICK FOR BOESER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks sought a first-round pick in exchange for Brock Boeser. However, no clubs were willing to meet their asking price.

CANUCKS, PREDATORS AND CANADIENS WERE INTERESTED IN NORRIS

YARDBARKER: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch told TSN that the Canucks were interested in center Josh Norris before the Senators traded him to the Buffalo Sabres.

He also claimed the Nashville Predators had spoken to the Senators about swapping Ryan O’Reilly for Norris.

CANADIENS KICKED TIRES ON COZENS.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens kicked tires on Dylan Cozens, but they lacked the available roster players necessary to make the deal worthwhile for the Sabres.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PENGUINS AFTER THE TRADE DEADLINE?

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey believes trading Erik Karlsson in the offseason becomes more plausible for the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the salary cap rising significantly next season, opposing teams can more easily manipulate their cap payrolls to absorb his $10 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mackey acknowledged Karlsson must be involved in that process because of his full no-movement clause. The Penguins will likely still be asked by interested clubs to retain part of his cap hit.

Mackey also believes some of the draft picks acquired by the Penguins could be used as trade assets in the offseason to bring in more immediate help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have 11 picks in this year’s draft, including two first-rounders, three third-rounders, and two fifth-rounders.

They also have three second-round picks and two third-rounders in 2026 and two second-rounders, three third-rounders, and two fourth-round picks in 2027.

That’s plenty of draft capital to draw on for trade chips.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 9, 2025

by | Mar 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 9, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon is the first player to reach 100 points this season, Wyatt Johnston inks a contract extension with the Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice to become the first player to reach 100 points this season in a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Valeri Nichushkin had a hat trick and collected an assist while Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle each picked up an assist in their debuts with the Avalanche since the trade deadline. Mitch Marner and John Tavares each scored twice, and Auston Matthews had three assists for the Maple Leafs.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was a close, high-scoring affair until Colorado broke it open with four unanswered goals in the third period, including two empty-netters. The Avalanche sits third in the Central Division with 78 points, while the Leafs remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 79 points.

The Edmonton Oilers ran up a 5-1 lead and held on to nip the Dallas Stars 5-4. Zach Hyman scored two goals and set up another and Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 78 points. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist in his first game since coming to Dallas at the trade deadline. The Stars sit second in the Central Division with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Stars announced Wyatt Johnston had signed a five-year contract extension. The average annual value is $8.4 million. Johnston, 21, has blossomed into a valuable core player for the Stars. With 60 points in 63 games, he’s poised to exceed the career-high of last season’s 65-point sophomore performance.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left this game after being struck in the face by a puck. Head coach Peter DeBoer said Hintz was receiving tests at a local hospital. They’re hopeful that he avoided serious injury.

An overtime goal by Brady Tkachuk lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Tkachuk finished the game with two goals, while trade-deadline acquisition Dylan Cozens collected an assist and a game-high nine hits. Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist for the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cozens made a positive impression in his debut with the Senators following his acquisition at the trade deadline. The Senators vaulted into the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 69 points, while the Rangers sit just outside the final wild card with 68 points.

Goaltender Vitek Vanecek had a 21-save shutout to blank the Buffalo Sabres 4-0. A.J. Greer, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell and Sam Bennett scored for the Panthers, who’ve won six straight games and hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 83 points. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 32 shots for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Vanecek’s debut with the Panthers following his acquisition from the San Jose Sharks last week.

Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman had a 26-save shutout to upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0. Cole Koepke tallied twice for the Bruins (66 points) as they kept their playoff hopes alive in the Eastern Conference, sitting two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild card. The Lightning (78 points) remain one point behind the second-place Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman was a late scratch with a lower-body injury. He’s considered day-to-day.

Calgary Flames rookie goalie Dustin Wolf turned aside 26 shots for his third shutout of the season in a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Joel Farabee scored for the Flames (70 points), who moved ahead of the Vancouver Canucks into the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Jakub Dobes made 23 saves for the Canadiens (66 points), who are two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card.

The Los Angeles Kings beat the St. Louis Blues 2-1 on an overtime goal by Quinton Byfield. Anze Kopitar also scored for the Kings, who snapped a 0-3-2 winless skid. They sit third in the Pacific Division with 73 points. Nick Leddy replied for the Blues (69 points) as they sit one point behind the Flames.

New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau had a goal and two assists as his club doubled up the San Jose Sharks 4-2. Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves for the Islanders (65 points), who’ve won four of their last five games to sit three points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Macklin Celebrini collected assists on both Sharks goals.

The Seattle Kraken downed the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1. Philipp Grubauer made 23 saves for his first win since Dec. 30, while Matty Beniers had a goal and an assist for the Kraken. Owen Tippett scored for the Flyers as they dropped their third straight game.

Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos tallied a hat trick, including the game-winner in overtime, to down the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Alex Vlasic and Ilya Mikheyev replied for the Blackhawks. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 7, 2025

by | Mar 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 7, 2025

Recaps of Thursday’s games, the Stars could be close to acquiring Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see the roundup of Thursday’s trades by following this link. 

NHL.COM: A late goal by Seth Jarvis lifted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 32 shots as the Hurricanes sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 78 points. Morgan Geekie scored both goals for the Bruins (64 points), who’ve lost three straight games and sit three points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mikko Rantanen played what could be his final game with the Hurricanes. Reports emerged overnight claiming the Dallas Stars have permission from the Canes to negotiate a contract extension with the 28-year-old winger’s representatives that would lead to Rantanen being traded to the Stars before today’s 3 pm ET trade deadline.

Meanwhile, the Bruins continue their sell-off, shipping pending free-agent forward Justin Brazeau to the Minnesota Wild for forwards Jakub Lauko and Marat Khusnutdinov.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar had two goals and four assists and Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and three assists in a 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Avalanche have won four straight games, holding the first Western wild-card berth with 76 points. Sharks forward William Eklund had a goal and an assist, while rookie teammate Macklin Celebrini tallied his 20th goal of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon holds a four-point lead over Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl with a league-leading 98 points. Sharks forward Nikolai Kovalenko returned to action after missing nine games with a lower-body injury.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel scored a second-period hat trick and newly acquired forward Oliver Bjorkstrand tallied the winning goal to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 6-5. The Lightning have won 10 of their last 11 games, sitting third in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. Rasmus Dahlin and JJ Peterka each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy became the third goaltender in NHL history to record eight or more consecutive 30-win seasons, joining Martin Brodeur (12) and Patrick Roy (eight).

Speaking of the Stars, they got an overtime goal from Jason Robertson to nip the Calgary Flames 3-2, picking up their fourth straight win. Robertson also scored the tying goal as the Stars overcame a 2-0 deficit. They sit second in the Central Division with 84 points. Joel Farabee and Mikael Backlund scored for the Flames, who cling to the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

The Florida Panthers extended their win streak to five games by blanking the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0. Sergei Bobrovsky turned in a 16-save shutout for his 423rd regular-season win, tying Tony Esposito for 10th on the all-time list. Sam Reinhart, Mackie Samoskevich and Aleksander Barkov were the goal-scorers as the Panthers hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 81 points.

Winnipeg Jets forwards Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi each had three points in a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist for the Jets, who hold sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 90 points. Rookie winger Matvei Michkov scored his 20th of the season for the Flyers (62 points), who are five points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

The Edmonton Oilers got an overtime goal from Evan Bouchard to down the Montreal Canadiens 3-2, snapping the latter’s five-game win streak. Leon Draisaitl extended his points streak to 13 games with his league-leading 46th goal and also added an assist for the Oilers. Cole Caufield netted his 31st goal of the season for the Canadiens (66 points) as they sit one point behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card berth.

Utah Hockey Club goalie Karel Vejmelka kicked out 38 shots in a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Nick Schmaltz, Kevin Stenlund and Lawson Crouse scored as Utah overcame a 2-1 deficit. With 68 points, they sit three points behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race. Dylan Larkin and Jonatan Berggren scored for the Red Wings (66 points), who have lost four straight games and remain one point behind the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings fans must have an uneasy feeling of deja vu. Around this time last season, the Wings held a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference before a costly losing skid knocked them out of contention. Meanwhile, Utah placed forward Nick Bjugstad (upper body) on injured reserve.

The Nashville Predators defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-3. Filip Forsberg tallied twice and Steven Stamkos had two assists for the Predators. Adam Larsson, Jared McCann and Michael Eyssimont replied for the Kraken.

IN OTHER NEWS…

STLTODAY.COM: Blues defenseman Colton Parayko will undergo a scope on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues’ playoff odds got a lot longer with their top defenseman sidelined.

SPORTSNET: The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward Ryan Reaves on waivers. If he clears, they can free up $1.15 million in cap space by sending him to the minors.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators claimed forward Jakub Vrana off waivers from the Washington Capitals and defenseman Jordan Oesterle from the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed winger Christian Fischer from the Detroit Red Wings.










Notable NHL Trades – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

Notable NHL Trades – March 6, 2025

The New York Islanders shipped center Brock Nelson and prospect forward William Dufour to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Oliver Kylington, prospect forward Calum Ritchie, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and a conditional third-rounder in 2028. The Islanders retained 50 percent of Nelson’s $6 million AAV and flipped Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. 

The Edmonton Oilers acquired defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks. TSN reports it appears to be a conditional pick and a prospect going to the Sharks. 

The Vancouver Canucks trade defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick.

The New York Rangers traded winger Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for forward Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick. The Rangers retained 50 percent of Smith’s $5 million cap hit. He is UFA-eligible on July 1.

New York Rangers trade Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL Images).

The New Jersey Devils acquired defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a second-round pick in 2025 and prospect Herman Traff. The Ducks retained half of Dumoulin’s $3.15 million cap hit. He is eligible for UFA status on July 1.

The Panthers also sent goaltender Chris Driedger to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen.

The San Jose Sharks traded forward Nico Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fourth-rounder.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest speculation on the notable trade candidates and the status of the notable buyers and sellers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Carolina Hurricanes are conducting due diligence on Mikko Rantanen, checking out potential returns as a rental player or if he signs a contract extension with the acquiring team before July 1.

Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors. If the Hurricanes agree to retain half of their share of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit ($4.625 million), the acquiring team would get him at the bargain rate of just over $2.3 million.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If the Hurricanes don’t like the offers, they can retain Rantanen for the rest of the season and make a run for the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could kick tires on Rantanen. They reported yesterday that superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Rantanen trade because of his offensive skills. However, the Hurricanes probably won’t move him if they don’t get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils contacted the Hurricanes about Rantanen. He expects they could also be in the mix for notable trade candidates like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, among others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler on LTIR, giving them over $11 million in salary cap flexibility to pursue one or two of this season’s notable trade candidates.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports sources said New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was still trying to hammer out a contract extension for Brock Nelson. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain an Islander, as some teams interested in acquiring him could also want to sign him.

Staple lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings as clubs that would make pitches to Nelson if he doesn’t re-sign with the Isles. Some of those clubs could also be interested in Isles winger Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could take this situation with Nelson up to Friday before deciding whether to sign or trade him. It could increase Nelson’s trade value, but there’s also a risk of waiting too long and finding out that other clubs have moved on.

PENGUINS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t rule out the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Rickard Rakell. However, he thinks it will take a significant offer to tempt them into moving the 31-year-old scoring winger.

Chris Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they flip recently acquired defenseman Luke Schenn to another club by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Rakell has been made available in the trade market. He also believes it would take a substantial return to pry him away from the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell leads the Penguins with 29 goals and is second in points with 53. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. Pens GM Kyle Dubas will want a return that includes a first-round pick and a good young player who can join the roster immediately.

MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets include St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, and perhaps Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are too expensive for the cap-strapped Leafs unless GM Brad Treliving can free up salary or swing a three-team deal to make the dollars work. They could pursue Rantanen if the Hurricanes agree to retain half his remaining cap hit but he won’t address their need for a third line center and another defenseman.

FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a report on Tuesday claiming as many as eight teams have called the Philadelphia Flyers about Scott Laughton. However, only a handful may have engaged in serious trade discussions. He speculates they could include the Maple Leafs, Devils and Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers remain reluctant about moving Laughton because of what he brings to the team in experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they could trade him if someone agrees to meet their high asking price, which could include a first-round draft pick.

BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports hearing that Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo’s name is out there in the trade market.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that teams talking trade with the Bruins have shifted their focus from sidelined captain Brad Marchand to players like Carlo and Morgan Geekie. However, they won’t be moved unless the Bruins receive offers that “knock their socks off.” It’s expected they’ll be peddling pending UFAs like Justin Brazeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand was unlikely to be moved by the deadline, given his leadership role with the Bruins and his close relationship with GM Don Sweeney. His upper-body injury should silence that trade chatter.

CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks have gauged the market on pending UFA winger Brock Boeser. They could also elect to hang onto him. He also indicated that any moves the Canucks make will be with an eye on next season.

CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade pending UFAs David Savard or Joel Armia but not both. They don’t want to take away too much from their roster as they push for a wild-card spot. They could attempt a hockey trade to bring in a player who can help them for the long term. So far, nothing is imminent.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doesn’t expect Armia to be traded. He believes the checking-line forward might fetch a second-round pick but he’d be more effective to the Canadiens now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have played their way back into playoff contention since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended two weeks ago. GM Kent Hughes could prefer keeping his roster intact to allow them to battle for a wild-card berth.

Lavoie was the only pundit insisting the Canadiens had a path to signing Jake Evans to a contract extension, which they did earlier this week.

JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that finding a second-line center is the priority for the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a really good addition here. They could also consider adding a bottom-six player who could play in the top six, like Montreal’s Joel Armia.

OILERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged the calls for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a goaltender, but he doesn’t believe that’s their priority. He thinks they need another defenseman.

FLAMES AND SENATORS

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see the Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators making significant moves at the deadline. The Senators are hampered by salary-cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Flames seem intent on keeping their current group together as they try to nail down a playoff berth.

BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t fully rule out the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov. However, he thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be staying put. The two sides remain apart in their contract extension talks but they’ve agreed to resume the discussion after the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Provorov is a key member of their blueline. Moving him could disrupt the solid team chemistry that has this club defying the odds this season.

DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes John Gibson will remain with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Edmonton Oilers need goaltending but they don’t see the 31-year-old Gibson as an improvement over their tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The Carolina Hurricanes had spoken with the Ducks about Gibson this season but Frederik Andersen’s return to action and the Ducks’ asking price likely rules out a possible deal there.