NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2026

by | Feb 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres holding the first wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference, Matthew Fairburn examined some potential trade-deadline targets that could help them clinch their first postseason berth in 14 years.

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

Pursuing Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues would be a major move by the Sabres. The Blues are in seller mode, and it would take a major offer to land him. Fairburn suggests that it seems more like an offseason move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas carries a full no-movement clause. He might not want to waive it to join the Sabres.

Fairburn included Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs. All of them lack no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are reportedly trying to re-sign Jenner. They’re also trying to chase down a playoff berth and could be unwilling to sell if they’re still in the hunt by the March 6 trade deadline.

O’Reilly’s three-year tenure with the Sabres was an unhappy one. It’s doubtful he’ll want to return. Despite his lack of a no-trade clause, the Predators are treating him like he has one.

McMann seems a more realistic possibility if the Leafs become sellers. They reportedly seek a first-round pick for McMann, but will likely end up accepting a second-rounder by deadline day.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will continue their search for the right fit on their blueline once the Olympic trade freeze is lifted at midnight on Feb. 22.

General manager Steve Staios is reportedly trying to find a right-shot defenseman and possibly a top-six forward. However, the trade market is thin, and prices for defensemen remain high.

Garrioch claimed the Senators expressed an interest in Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. The Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth have also been linked to Weegar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weegar is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, which limits the trade destinations he would find acceptable.

The Senators are also believed to be interested in Zach Whitecloud, who was acquired by the Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Rasmus Andersson trade last month.

Other defensemen believed to be available include Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch noted the Senators’ lack of a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. They’re also not interested in moving top prospects Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. That could hamper their efforts to address their trade-deadline needs.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

by | Feb 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

Which teams are interested in Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? Could the Canadiens trade blueliner Arber Xhekaj? Check out the latest speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Boston Bruins are among multiple teams interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.

According to Murphy, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remains aggressive in his pursuit of a top-four, right-shot defenseman after losing out to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

Other clubs believed to be pursuing Faulk include the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth. However, the Blues have set a high asking price for the 33-year-old puck-moving defenseman. They seek a return comparable to what the Flames received from the Golden Knights in the Andersson deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames received defenseman Zach Whitecloud, defense prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft (top-10 protected, and a conditional 2028 second-rounder, which would upgrade to a 2028 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this year.

Faulk has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but he’ll be paid $4.5 million in actual salary next year. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Both factors could limit the number of potential trade destinations for Faulk, especially if the Blues aren’t willing to retain salary. Convincing them to do so would mean giving up an additional asset in the deal.

The Sabres, Red Wings, Stars, and Mammoth could use Faulk, but he wouldn’t be a fit with the Canadiens. They have limited cap space ($1.7 million) at the trade deadline. The Habs also have Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier as their right-side defensemen, with Lane Hutson capable of shifting from left to right if necessary. Guhle is a left-shot defenseman playing on the right side, but they’re not going to demote him or Carrier. 

The Canadiens have a right-side need, but it’s for a scoring winger on their top line.

Speaking of the Canadiens’ blueline…

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan was asked if this season could be the last for Arber Xhekaj with the Canadiens.

The 6’4”, 240-pound defenseman has averaged just over 11 minutes this season playing on their third pairing. Meanwhile, Jayden Struble has averaged over 14 minutes as he jockeys with Xhekaj for that sixth spot on the Canadiens’ blueline.

Xhekaj, 25, is eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Struble, 24, has one more year left on his contract with an AAV of $1.412 million.

As competition for blueline spots gets tougher, Cowan believes it might be best for Xhekaj if he were traded to a club where he’ll get more playing time. He doesn’t see the Canadiens trading the big blueliner to a division rival, but noted that Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is a big fan of Xhekaj’s from their time together with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022.

Cowan wondered if the Senators or another club might attempt to sign Xhekaj to an offer sheet this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Cowan observed, Xhekaj could become expendable after this season, with David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom likely to push for roster spots this fall.

That will upset Canadiens fans who love Xhekaj’s physical style. However, that could be offset if they get a decent trade return or if Engstrom and Reinbacher blossom into quality NHL defensemen.

The Canadiens aren’t likely to peddle Xhekaj before the trade deadline because they need his size and toughness for the playoffs. However, they could trade him before July 1 if they feel they no longer have room for him. They could also re-sign him to an affordable short-term deal and then attempt to move him during the preseason.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 15, 2026

by | Feb 15, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Devils, Oilers, and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DEVILS COULD SHAKE UP THEIR ROSTER BEFORE THE MARCH 6 TRADE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the New Jersey Devils are looking for a “hockey trade” to shake up their roster and “send a message” to their dressing room following the Olympic roster freeze.

According to Murphy, multiple teams have inquired about Devils forward Dawson Mercer. They’re not actively shopping him, but he does have value, especially with term remaining on his contract.

Dougie Hamilton could be available again. It was reported that the Devils were shopping the veteran defenseman, with the Toronto Maple Leafs believed to be among the suitors.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

The Devils apparently pulled Hamilton from the trade market after defenseman Luke Hughes was placed on long-term injury reserve on Jan. 21. However, it’s believed they could be willing to move him again. Murphy observed that the Devils have a projected $7.6 million in trade deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also noted the Devils acquired center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues before the Olympic trade freeze. While most observers (including yours truly) saw this as the first of what could be multiple moves by the Blues, it also signaled that the Devils could have other moves in store to try and save their season.

The Devils are second-last in the Eastern Conference, nine points out of the final wildcard berth. They’ll have to go on a tear down the stretch to have any chance of climbing back into the postseason chase.

Hamilton and Mercer have frequently surfaced in trade rumors since last summer. General manager Tom Fitzgerald has to be feeling the heat as his club flounders in the standings. If he makes changes, he’ll be seeking players who can help his team immediately and beyond this season.

OILERS BELIEVED TO BE SEEKING A DEFENSEMAN

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported Oilers insider Bob Stauffer said the club no longer seeks a top-nine forward, but instead is shopping for a defenseman.

Staples noted that forward Kasperi Kapanen and Josh Samanski stepped up for the Oilers leading up to the Olympic break. He believes they’ve proven capable of playing top-nine minutes in the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word from Stauffer or Staples as to which defenseman the Oilers could be eyeing in the trade market. They’re unlikely to pursue expensive blueliners such as the Devils’ Dougie Hamilton or the Blues’ Justin Faulk. More affordable options could include Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, or Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks.

POTENTIAL SABRES TRADE TARGETS

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently listed several possible trade candidates for the Buffalo Sabres to shore up their blueline.

Options included Connor Murphy of the Blackhawks, Logan Stanley of the Jets, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Zack Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have over $8.9 million in projected trade deadline cap space. They also have the prospects and young players to draw on for trade bait.

Faulk and Whitecloud are signed beyond this season if the Sabres seek more than a rental player. Faulk has a 15-team no-trade list, and Buffalo might be on that list.

The Flames acquired Whitecloud in the Rasmus Andersson trade, sparking speculation that they could flip him to a contender by March 6. However, he seemed pleased to be joining Calgary and could be a player worth retaining for their rebuilding process.

Ferraro’s name has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill. However, the Sharks are trying to clinch their first playoff spot since 2019. It’s believed he’s willing to sign an extension, but no indication that it will happen before the trade deadline. He could bolt via free agency in July, but they could decide to hang onto him as an “own rental” and deal with the contract later.

The Rangers’ shift into sell mode last month has generated trade speculation about many of their players, especially after they traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic roster freeze. Schneider has surfaced as a trade candidate, but the Rangers might not be keen to send him upstate.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2026

by | Feb 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2026

Could the Blues move Jordan Kyrou by the trade deadline? Will the Kings peddle winger Warren Foegele? What could the Sabres do by the deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ST. LOUIS BLUES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently looked at other possible moves by the St. Louis Blues after trading center Nick Bjugstad to the New Jersey Devils last week.

Center Robert Thomas, center and team captain Brayden Schenn, defenseman Justin Faulk, winger Jordan Kyrou, and goaltender Jordan Binnington are considered candidates that could be moved before the March 6 trade deadline.

However, the Blues are currently setting high asking prices for those players. Some teams expressing some interest in these players have cap management issues to sort out. Rutherford also pointed out that these players have some form of no-trade protection this season.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if the Blues don’t make at least one more trade before the deadline. The limited options for quality center in the trade market explain the interest in Thomas, but the expensive price tag could make that an offseason move. Schenn and Faulk seem the more likely trade candidates.

TSN: Travis Yost believes Kyrou would be an alluring trade target, suggesting that his “down year” this season is reflective of the team he’s playing for.

Kyrou has averaged 32 goals in 82 games in each of the last four seasons. That justifies the $8 million annual cap hit for a 27-year-old winger in his playing prime. He also carries a full no-trade clause, giving him control over potential trade destinations.

After examining Kyrou’s analytic numbers, Yost considers him a worthwhile target for teams seeking a speedy scoring upgrade on the wing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market for Kyrou would be higher if he were a center instead of a winger. Nevertheless, he’d be a valuable asset for contenders looking for some scoring punch.

Kyrou’s no-trade clause complicates things. The Montreal Canadiens were interested in him last summer until that clause went into effect on July 1, and they instead settled on Zachary Bolduc. His cap hit is reasonable, but it could still be difficult for some teams to absorb.

THE KINGS COULD MOVE WARREN FOEGELE BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal recently noted that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland has indicated he could be peddling winger Warren Foegele.

The Kings acquired winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers last week. Asked if he had more moves up his sleeve, Holland replied, “We’ve got a lot of forwards now.”

That glut of forwards has resulted in winger Warren Foegele being a recent healthy scratch.

“Warren Foegele had a great year last year,” Holland said. He acknowledged the 29-year-old winger has been out of the lineup lately, adding that he had to work the phones to address this situation.

Leal also noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Kings attempted to get center Vincent Trocheck included in the Panarin deal. Foegele could be used as a trade chip in a package deal to bring in a center.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider bringing back Foegele, who spent three seasons with them from 2021-22 to 2023-24, including their run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Staples cited several observers suggesting the Oilers swap Andrew Mangiapane for Foegele, citing their nearly identical cap hits. Foegele carries an average annual value of $3.5 million through next season, while Mangiapane earns $3.6 million annually through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Kings use Foegele as trade bait for a center, they won’t be interested in adding another winger like Mangiapane.

THE SABRES COULD SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently suggested that Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen must add an experienced depth defenseman at the trade deadline to bolster his blueline.

Injuries have hampered Michael Kesselring, while Jacob Bryson and Zach Metsa have struggled, forcing the top-four defensemen to carry the bulk of the workload.

The Sabres will soon have sidelined forwards Josh Norris and Zach Benson back in the lineup following the Olympic break. However, Fairburn believes they still need a forward with postseason experience who can play a heavy game.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?

Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.

Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.

THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN

Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.

Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.

Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.

He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.

The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 3, 2026

by | Feb 3, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 3, 2026

Recapping Monday’s action, Barry Trotz to step down as Predators’ general manager, the three stars of the week are revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Steven Stamkos scored the tying and winning goals as the Nashville Predators erased a 5-1 deficit to defeat the St. Louis Blues 6-5. Ryan O’Reilly also tallied twice, and Roman Josi collected four assists for the 26-23-6 Predators. Pavel Buchnevich had two goals and an assist while Jordan Kyrou and Jake Neighbours each had three points for the Blues, who dropped to 20-27-9.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos has 27 goals in 55 games, matching last season’s output in 82 games. He also moved into the top-20 among the all-time regular-season goal scorers with 609, sitting third among active scorers.

The Washington Capitals netted four unanswered goals in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Nick Dowd had a goal and an assist, and Clay Stevenson made 29 saves for the 28-22-7 Capitals, who picked up their third straight win. Mathew Barzal scored for the Islanders (30-21-5).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had an assist to reach 1,670 career-regular-season points, putting him in fifth place among NHL players with the most points with one franchise. Gordie Howe is the leader with 1,809. Meanwhile, Capitals defenseman Matt Roy returned to action after missing three games with a lower-body injury.

Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz had a hat trick and collected an assist to lead his club over the Vancouver Canucks 6-2. John Marino had three assists for the Mammoth (29-23-4). Teddy Blueger had a goal and an assist as the Canucks have one win in their last six games (1-4-1), dropping to 18-32-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks center Filip Chytil left this game after the second period.

The Buffalo Sabres got 38 saves from Alex Lyon in a 5-3 win over the Florida Panthers, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Peyton Krebs had a goal and two assists for the Sabres (32-18-5), who’ve won six of their last seven contests. Sam Reinhart collected two assists for the 28-24-3 Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forward Sam Bennett left this game with an upper-body injury. After the game, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk acknowledged his injury-ravaged club is in trouble as they try to remain in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. With 59 points, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions are eight points out of a wildcard berth.

The Sabres didn’t emerge unscathed from this game, as forward Zach Benson departed in the third period with an upper-body injury.

Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux scored the winning goal to nip the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Drake Batherson had two assists as the Senators (27-21-4) extended their win streak to four games. Arturs Silovs made 28 saves, and Egor Chinakhov had a goal and an assist for the 28-15-11 Penguins as their six-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins disputed Giroux’s goal, claiming it was goaltender interference as the Senators forward crashed into Silovs after the latter made the save, dislodging the puck and knocking the net off its moorings. Following a lengthy review, it was determined to be a goal, and Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson was penalized for tripping Giroux.

The Detroit Red Wings blanked the Colorado Avalanche 2-0. John Gibson got the shutout with 21 saves while Marco Kasper and Lucas Raymond scored for the 33-18-6 Red Wings, who ended a three-game winless skid (0-2-1). Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 23 of 24 shots for the 36-9-9 Avalanche, who lead the league with 81 points, but have one win in their last four games.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov scored twice, including the winner in overtime, in a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Quinn Hughes had three assists for the Wild (33-14-10), who picked up their fourth straight win. Brendan Gallagher, Ivan Demidov, and Kirby Dach replied for the 31-17-8 Canadiens, who are 3-0-1 in their last four games.

An overtime goal by Thomas Harley lifted the Dallas Stars over the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 to extend their win streak to five games. Mikko Rantanen, Matt Duchene, and Miro Heiskanen each had two points for the Stars (33-14-9). Cole Perfetti and Gabriel Vilardi each had a goal and an assist for the 22-25-8 Jets.

Chicago Blackhawks forwards Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev each had four points in a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy each collected two points for the 22-25-9 Blackhawks as they ended a five-game winless skid (0-3-2). Macklin Celebrini had a goal and an assist for the Sharks (27-23-4) as they’ve gone 0-2-1 in their last three games.

The Toronto Maple Leafs doubled up the Calgary Flames 4-2. William Nylander had a goal and two assists for the 26-21-9 Maple Leafs. Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist for the Flames (22-27-6) as they are 1-4-2 in their last seven contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly missed this game with an upper-body injury and will also sit out their next game against the Edmonton Oilers.

HEADLINES

THE TENNESSEAN: Barry Trotz announced Monday that he will be stepping down as general manager of the Nashville Predators. He will remain in his position until a successor is chosen.

Trotz said he made this decision for family reasons and has no plans to return to coaching. He stated that he informed the Predators’ ownership that he was contemplating retirement when his contract expired at the end of next season.

Predators majority owner Bill Haslam said they were not pushing Trotz out of the job. “He came to us (in December) and said he wanted to retire after his contract,” Haslam said. “After some back and forth, we decided to go ahead and be transparent about it.” He also indicated that the decision was not a reflection of Trotz’s job performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has his priorities in order. Family should always come first.

Trotz is one of the greatest coaches in NHL history. He won the Jack Adams Award twice and coached the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018. However, the Predators’ record since he took over as GM in 2023 has been uneven.

The Predators reached the playoffs in 2024 following a late-season surge but were eliminated in the opening round by the Vancouver Canucks. Trotz made a big splash in the 2024 free-agent market, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, but they failed to qualify for the postseason last year.

After stumbling through the opening two months of this season, they’ve moved to within three points of a wildcard berth in the Western Conference.

NHL.COM: Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny are the league’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 1, 2026.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard cleared waivers on Monday and will report to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

SPORTSNET: Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (upper body) was placed on injured reserve.