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.










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.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2026

by | Jan 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Devils, plus updates on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently looked at the trade tiers for the New York Rangers.

Artemi Panarin topped their list of pending UFA players who could be moved before the March 6 trade deadline. The Rangers will surely try to get a first-round pick as part of the deal, but the potential return depends on how many teams Panarin is willing to consider as trade destinations.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Mercogliano followed up by reporting that a league source informed him that the Rangers haven’t approached Panarin yet about waiving his no-movement clause. They haven’t yet made their final decisions regarding the trade deadline and are holding off on that for a little while longer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade deadline is less than two months away, giving management plenty of time to assess the club’s performance and what the trade market looks like. They could be ready to deal before the Olympic roster freeze in early February if the club hasn’t reversed its on-ice fortunes. 

Players who could move as “change of scenery candidates include 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere, winger Brennan Othmann, and defenseman Braden Schneider. Othmann is considered the most obvious candidate, as the Rangers have been listening to offers for the 23-year-old winger.

Vincent Trocheck would be a hot commodity, especially given the need for centers around the league. He carries a 12-team no-trade list, but there’s no indication yet that general manager Chris Drury is ready to entertain offers for Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of today’s focus is on Panarin, but he’s not the only player the Rangers could move if they become sellers. Othmann is the most likely to move. Lafreniere could attract interest because he’s still young (24) and could flourish in a different setting, although his streakiness and $7.45 million average annual value through 2031-32 could be sticking points.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated about possible destinations for Panarin. He thinks the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals could be among them, but acknowledged it’ll take some work to acquire the Rangers winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Part of that work will be finding sufficient cap space to take on the remainder of Panarin’s $11.642 million cap hit. The rest could be meeting the Rangers’ asking price. However, this could be a situation similar to when the Bruins traded Brad Marchand to Florida last season or when the Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane to the Rangers. In both cases, the player would only accept a trade to one team, meaning the return was less than what it would’ve been if several teams were involved in the bidding.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Rangers shouldn’t wait for the trade deadline to move Panarin if he’s not interested in re-signing or if they’re not willing to pay what he wants to stay in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Panarin now would probably sink their slim hopes of reaching the playoffs. At this point, however, why risk an injury that would hurt his trade value or take him out of the market altogether?

UPDATE ON THE DEVILS

TSN: New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said he’s been working the phones trying to make trades to improve his struggling team.

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat have been mentioned most often in those trade discussions. Fitzgerald said the two are highly respected among their teammates, and he will treat them with the same respect. He also said he’s been in constant contact with Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, to ensure everyone is on the same page, an assertion confirmed by Barry.

Fitzgerald refuted reports claiming current contracts with trade protection prevented him from attempting to acquire Quinn Hughes before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild last month.

The Devils GM said head coach Sheldon Keefe’s job was safe. It’s also believed that Fitzgerald’s job is safe, as he indicated he speaks regularly with Devils ownership about the club’s direction.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are among the potential fits for Hamilton. However, the Maple Leafs wouldn’t entertain a deal unless the Devils retain a significant portion of his $9 million AAV through 2027-28.

However, the Devils must move winger Ondrej Palat and his $6 million AAV through 2026-27 before they can move Hamilton to create salary-cap flexibility. The veteran winger has a 10-team trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Hamilton rejoining the lineup after being a healthy scratch on Sunday, it appears the wheels are in motion to move him. A deal could take place before next month’s Olympic break, depending on how soon they can free up cap space to make room for whatever they can get back for Hamilton.

TRADE TALKS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON ARE HEATING UP

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the time is right for the Calgary Flames to trade Rasmus Andersson. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman is UFA-eligible in July, and there’s no indication that a contract extension is in the works.

Andersson isn’t itching to leave Calgary, but the blueliner doesn’t fit into the Flames’ rebuilding timeline. Francis believes he can fetch at least a first-round draft pick and a top prospect who is already contributing at the NHL level.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the trade market for Andersson is heating up fast. The Flames are hoping to finalize a trade before the Olympic break next month.

It’s believed the Boston Bruins have offered up young defenseman Mason Lohrei and a first-round pick. The Detroit Red Wings are said to be interested if Andersson is willing to sign a contract extension. They’ve also made young blueliners Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka off-limits in trade talks. The Ottawa Senators are also believed to be interested in the Flames blueliner.

Murphy indicated that the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars have expressed interest in Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could be assured of a significant return if Andersson is willing to sign a contract extension. However, he could prefer playing out this season and testing the UFA market in July.

The Golden Knights always seem to be in on everybody. However, they have limited trade assets to draw on and wouldn’t be able to outbid clubs like the Bruins, Red Wings, and Ducks.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE A GOALTENDER?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos speculated the Maple Leafs could leverage their goaltending depth by the March trade deadline.

Joseph Woll could get the bulk of the starts if he gives the Leafs the best chance to win. With Anthony Stolarz returning from injury, Kypreos speculates that Stolarz, prospect Artur Akhtyamov, or perhaps even Dennis Hildeby could become a trade chip to pursue a scoring winger or a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stolarz seems the more likely trade candidate, but the 31-year-old netminder has a 16-team no-trade list for this season, and starts a four-year, $15-million contract extension in July. Hildeby will draw interest, but the Leafs would likely prefer to hang onto him.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2026

by | Jan 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Some suggested trade destinations for Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Maple Leafs could face a tough decision with winger Bobby McMann, and some young players the Penguins should monitor in the trade market.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman noted that Dougie Hamilton’s time with the New Jersey Devils could be coming to an end soon. The Devils made the 32-year-old defenseman a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, sparking trade speculation after his agent indicated his client was willing to be flexible with his 10-team trade list to facilitate a mutually beneficial deal.

Wegman listed the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames as three clubs that should attempt to acquire Hamilton.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

The Sharks reportedly attempted to acquire Hamilton last summer, but he vetoed the deal. Perhaps he’d reconsider with the Sharks now in playoff contention. He would instantly become, at worst, their second-best right-shot defenseman.

In Nashville, the Predators overcame a slow start to put themselves into wildcard contention in the Western Conference. Hamilton could elevate his game playing alongside Predators captain Roman Josi. They could add him without sacrificing their future.

Wegman admits a reunion with the Calgary Flames is unlikely, but pointed out that they could theoretically turn Hamilton into a draft pick or a prospect if he plays reasonably well over the remaining two years of his contract. He would also garner plenty of playing time if they end up parting ways with Rasmus Andersson.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Sharks and the Utah Mammoth have circled back on Hamilton after attempting to acquire him last summer. A source told him that Hamilton had the Mammoth and the Toronto Maple Leafs on his no-trade list, but that won’t matter anymore.

That source suggested keeping an eye on Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz and defenseman Nate Schmidt. The Vegas Golden Knights and Detroit Red Wings could also be interested in Hamilton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks could be interested if Hamilton is now willing to go to San Jose, but they could be reluctant to risk upsetting the promising chemistry they’ve built up among their players this season.

Hamilton could bolster the Mammoth’s depth on the right side of their defense corps. However, they are believed to be keen on re-signing Schmaltz, who is UFA-eligible this summer.

The Leafs and Golden Knights lack sufficient cap space to take on Hamilton’s full cap hit. The Devils would have to retain half his salary. Even then, the Leafs would have to shed salary to free up sufficient cap room. As for the Flames, it’s doubtful that Hamilton will okay a return to Calgary, or that they would want him back.

Nashville has already saddled itself with enough veterans on expensive contracts that are difficult to move. It would be surprising if they took on Hamilton even with salary retention.

Hamilton could be a good addition to the Red Wings’ blueline. However, general manager Steve Yzerman could have his eye on younger, more affordable options leading up to the March 6 trade deadline.

WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS RE-SIGN OR TRADE BOBBY MCMANN?

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports winger Bobby McMann played a key role in the Maple Leafs’ recent turnaround. He thrived during a recent stint on their top line. The 6’2”, 217-pounder is a streaky scorer, but he tallied 20 goals last season and already has 13 this season. He’s a speedy forward who plays with a physical edge and carries an affordable $1.35 million cap hit.

However, the 29-year-old McMann is UFA-eligible in July. He’s due for a significant raise that could be outside the Maple Leafs’ comfort zone. They could offer him $4 million annually, but he could get over $5 million on the open market.

McGran suggested that Treliving could consider using McMann as a trade chip to bolster the blueline. He pointed out that they already have plenty of big-bodied wingers, and they’ll have to make room for Dakota Joshua when the sidelined winger returns from injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving McMann would’ve been considered a no-brainer six weeks ago, when the Maple Leafs were at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and their supporters were screaming for a sell-off. Their recent resurgence, however, could make Treliving reluctant to part with McMann.

FOUR YOUNG PLAYERS FOR THE PENGUINS TO MONITOR IN THE TRADE MARKET

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed four young players that he believes the Penguins should be watching in the trade market.

Topping his list is forward Jakob Pelletier of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who is currently playing with their AHL affiliate in Syracuse. He also included New York Rangers winger Brennan Othmann, Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert, and defenseman Ville Heinola.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Othmann is the more likely of those four to be available before the trade deadline. He’s frequently surfaced in the rumor mill lately. Lambert was briefly mentioned last November, but the Jets’ shallow prospect pool could make them unwilling to move Lambert or Heinola.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2026

by | Jan 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2026

Could Igor Shesterkin’s injury force the Rangers to become sellers? What’s the latest on Kiefer Sherwood’s contract talks with the Canucks. What’s going on with the Maple Leafs and Jets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE RANGERS BECOME SELLERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered if Igor Shesterkin’s injury could force the New York Rangers into becoming sellers in the trade market. The 30-year-old goaltender injured his left leg during Monday’s game against the Utah Mammoth.

How long Shesterkin is sidelined has yet to be determined. Mecogliano believes there was already a strong case for the Rangers to take advantage of a seller’s market. A lengthy absence of their starting goalie could force them to face reality at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers moved Shesterkin onto their injured reserve list on Tuesday. They will reportedly continue to evaluate the severity of his injury while he’s on IR.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Rangers general manager Chris Drury won’t waste time shaking up his roster. An NHL source told him that Drury has let it be known that he’s willing to move a big name if he can swing an impact move, preferably a player-for-player swap.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Artemi Panarin’s status as an unrestricted free agent in July has made the 34-year-old winger the subject of interest in the rumor mill. Murphy’s source wondered if the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, or Detroit Red Wings might be interested.

It’s believed Drury has been gauging interest in forwards Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. Zibanejad is in the fourth year of an eight-year contract with a full no-movement clause. Trocheck is in the fourth season of a seven-year deal with a 12-team no-trade list.

Struggling young winger Brennan Othmann is also believed to be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury reportedly attempted to move Zibanejad last season, but he declined to waive his NMC and could do the same again this season. Trocheck’s limited NTC would make him easier to move, while Othmann lacks no-trade protection.

Panarin also has a full NMC. If the Rangers are out of contention heading into March, Drury could approach the playmaking winger about waiving it, but Panarin has complete control of this situation. He might only have one or two acceptable destinations, which would limit the return.

UPDATE ON KIEFER SHERWOOD’S CONTRACT SITUATION

TSN: Chris Johnston wondered what effect Christian Dvorak’s new contract with the Philadelphia Flyers would have on Kiefer Sherwood’s recent discussions with the Vancouver Canucks.

The Flyers signed Dvorak to a five-year extension with an average annual value of $5.15 million. He’s a center while Sherwood is a winger, but they’re around the same age, and the latter has outscored Dvorak this season.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported that the Canucks’ offer to the Sherwood camp is believed to be a four or five-year deal worth an AAV of over $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That rumor offer from the Canucks is a considerable pay raise over Sherwood’s current $1.5 million AAV. Whether that’s sufficient enticement to keep him out of the open market in July remains to be seen.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS AND JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports uncertainty over the injury status of Chris Tanev could push the Toronto Maple Leafs into the trade market for a defenseman. However, that market is thin on blueliners, with most of those available being third-pairing rearguards.

Dreger also reports that Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has acknowledged this club’s position at the bottom of the standings, but he isn’t giving up on this season. He’d like to bolster his offense, but there isn’t much available in the trade market. Dreger said it’s uncertain what Cheveldayoff is willing to part with to add a scorer to his roster.

OLYMPIC BREAK MIGHT NOT AFFECT THE TRADE DEADLINE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports he’s heard that some playoff contenders intend to wait until after the Olympic break in February to make their big moves in the trade market. One reason is that they don’t want to risk acquiring a player who is participating in the Olympics and then gets injured during the tournament. Additionally, most contenders have players who will be attending the Games.

LeBrun believes the moves that could take place before the Olympic break will be smaller to medium moves. However, he acknowledged there could be clubs desperate to save their seasons that could make a big move before then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Olympic break is from Feb. 6 to 24. The annual trade deadline is March 6 at 3 pm ET.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2026

by | Jan 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Penguins in the first NHL Rumor Mill of 2026.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes the biggest midseason question facing the New York Rangers is whether to buy, sell, or thread the needle.

They feel the Rangers are at a crossroads. They have a “win-now” core with four players (Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck) at 32 or older, and made Mike Sullivan the league’s highest-paid coach. However, this is a club that must get younger, faster, and more skilled, and they have a chance to accelerate that process by the March 6 trade deadline.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Panarin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and this season could be his last with the Rangers. If so, they should approach him about waiving his no-movement clause.

They should also consider having conversations with other veterans who still have trade value. The same applies to struggling young players such as Alexis Lafreniere and Brennan Othmann.

Mercogliano believes general manager Chris Drury will take the same “thread the needle” approach as last season. He’ll try to peddle players who no longer fit into the Rangers’ plans while trying to add those who can provide immediate help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers will be worth monitoring between now and the trade deadline. Drury’s plans will depend on where they are in the standings in the coming weeks. Failure to rise into playoff positioning will make it easier for Drury to justify attempting to move Panarin or other players who aren’t part of their long-range plans.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is gearing up to make a massive move in 2026, likely during the offseason.

The Penguins have their own first-round pick, two second-round picks, and two third-rounders in the talent-rich 2026 NHL Draft. However, Yohe speculates that not all those picks will be used by the Penguins in that draft. He also pointed out that they have 16 picks in the top three rounds of the next three drafts.

Some of those picks could be used as part of a massive trade similar to the Minnesota Wild’s recent acquisition of Quinn Hughes.

The Penguins will also have over $50 million in cap space, giving them plenty of room to land some impactful free agents or swing a blockbuster trade for a star.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas has set the table to become a major buyer in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. The question is, which players could they pry away via trades, and which free agents could be enticed into signing with the Penguins?

Most of the big-name players in this summer’s UFA market re-signed with their respective clubs. The best UFA-eligible talent includes 34-year-old Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, power forward Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz.

Landing talent via trade could prove difficult if the players that Dubas targets aren’t interested in joining a rebuilding club. However, the Penguins could reach the playoffs, and the ageless Sidney Crosby could insist on staying in Pittsburgh. Those factors could be solid selling points.

Dubas could also surprise us by signing a restricted free-agent star to an offer sheet. Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson would be the most attractive target if he and the Stars can’t agree to a long-term extension.