NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2026

by | Mar 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2026

Predators forward Steven Stamkos drew plenty of interest at the trade deadline, plus the latest Rangers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS CALLED ABOUT STEVEN STAMKOS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reported Tuesday that Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated he received “a lot of calls” about Steven Stamkos before last week’s trade deadline.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Trotz cited Stamkos’ performance as the reason why the 36-year-old forward garnered plenty of interest in the trade market. “He’s hot, and he’s got to stay hot because we’re in a playoff race,” Trotz said.

Stamkos had a slow start to this season, but he picked up his production in December. As of March 13, he leads the Predators with 31 goals, sitting 17th in the league.

Trotz said he turned down some “really good offers” for Stamkos. However, the veteran forward has a full no-movement clause in his contract, and told reporters before the trade deadline that he didn’t intend to waive it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos publicly stated twice that he wouldn’t waive his NMC, but that didn’t stop teams from making inquiries. He could become the subject of offseason trade rumors, especially if Trotz’s successor decides to take a more aggressive approach to retooling their roster.

THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes that securing a substantial trade package for Vincent Trocheck will remain a priority for the New York Rangers. They attempted to move the 32-year-old center before the trade deadline, but couldn’t find any suitable offers.

Mercogliano cited sources from around the league claiming GM Chris Drury sought a forward with top-six potential as the centerpiece of the deal. Draft picks will also likely be part of a Trocheck trade, but the bigger concern is adding players who can have a more immediate impact on the roster.

Drury was reportedly negotiating with playoff teams like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Boston Bruins. However, they were reluctant to part with any active roster players of consequence. That could be less of a barrier in the offseason.

Trocheck carries a 12-team no-trade list for this season. On July 1, it drops to 10 teams.

Mercogliano also considers defenseman Braden Schneider as a player to watch this summer. Trade discussions took place before last Friday’s deadline and could continue in the offseason.

The Rangers will continue to explore the trade value of winger Alexis Lafreniere, but they’re hesitant to sell low on the 2020 first-overall pick. He’s struggled over the past couple of seasons, but his performance has improved lately.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless one of the Rangers’ bigger stars asks to be moved, Trocheck remains their best trade chip. Some observers believe they missed a golden opportunity to move him at the trade deadline while his value is high. However, a solid performance over the remainder of this season should ensure that he remains a valuable trade commodity.

Schneider seems more likely to move this summer than Lafreniere. The latter’s improved performance in recent weeks suggests the 24-year-old winger is worth retaining as part of their rebuild.










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 Roundup – February 23, 2026

by | Feb 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2026

The Olympic trade freeze is lifted. With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, check out the latest on the Oilers and Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD THE OILERS TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that the Oilers have acquired a defenseman in two of the last three NHL trade deadlines. As much as they need a third-line center, Matheson believes they have a greater requirement for a right-shot top-four blueliner.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (NHL Images)

Matheson referred to TSN’s Craig Button’s suggestion that Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks would be a good fit alongside Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.

Other options include Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets, Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. However, Schenn is aging, Peeke and Perbix are “iffy”, and Ristolainen has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the available options are either out of the Oilers’ price range in terms of return and cap hit, or could be risky acquisitions if they fail to mesh well on their blueline.

The Oilers could wait a few days to see how the blueline corps responds to the return of Paul Coffey as their defense coach. However, if they wait too long, they could lose out on the few options in the trade market.

What do you think, Oilers fans? Let us know in the comments section which defensemen you believe your club has a realistic chance of acquiring by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell also looked at possible trade targets to address the Oilers’ need for a right-shot defenseman.

Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils and John Carlson of the Washington Capitals are mentioned. However, multiple factors (cap hit, no-trade clauses, expensive return) rule them out for the Oilers.

Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers is a good bet to have strong shutdown seasons, but the 24-year-old could be a risky move as a deadline addition. Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames is very good, but the Flames aren’t likely to help their long-time rival.

As for Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks and Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Mitchell pointed out that they’re not having strong seasons.

Mitchell believes Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators would be a perfect fit based on his numbers versus elite talent. However, he’s unlikely to be available.

COULD THE FLYERS MOVE RASMUS RISTOLAINEN AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers would be willing to listen to calls about Rasmus Ristolainen.

Kurz noted there was tepid interest in Ristolainen last season until the final days leading up to the 2025 deadline. He indicated that the lanky defenseman has a year left on his contract with a salary cap hit of $5.1 million.

As a right-shot blueliner, Ristolainen could draw more interest this season, given the limited number of sellers. The Flyers won’t be interested in a minimal return for him.

The Dallas Stars could be a suitor. They could be seeking a right-shot defenseman after losing out on Rasmus Andersson, who was traded by the Flames to the Vegas Golden Knights last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen has become a more defensively reliable rearguard in Philadelphia. Having that extra year on his contract would make him enticing for clubs seeking players who will be more than rentals. However, his injury history could lead clubs to pursue healthier options elsewhere.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

by | Feb 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

What could the Bruins do at the trade deadline? Could the Islanders try to boost their offense? Will the Sharks go after a defenseman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS COULD BE BUSY AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa wondered if the Boston Bruins will be buyers, sellers, or both at the March 6 trade deadline.

General manager Don Sweeney’s attempt to acquire Rasmus Andersson last month indicates his intent to bolster the right side of his defense corps.

The Bruins have two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, but they might not part with the first-rounder they received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in last year’s acquisition of Fraser Minten. Shinzawa believes that rival general managers could be interested in the offensive potential of Mason Lohrei and Matt Poitras.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).

Sweeney will likely want to add players in their late-twenties who will be around to help David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman. Shinzawa also believes the Bruins could use help at center and on the wing. They’d also like to add to their prospect pipeline.

Bruins on expiring contracts, such as forward Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Andrew Peeke, could become trade candidates. They could also see if there’s any interest in goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley noted a recent report by RG. Org’s James Murphy indicated the Bruins are interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. However, the latter’s age (he turns 34) and the Blues’ high asking price would make this an unnecessary move unless the asking price is dropped.

Studley also examined what the Bruins might receive in return for their trade chips. He thinks Peeke could fetch at least a third-round pick. Given his status as a right-shot defenseman, his value could increase.

Shinzawa indicated the Bruins won’t part with Arvidsson for a mid-round pick. As for Lohrei, the Bruins would likely move him only for a more established defenseman. He was reportedly part of the package Sweeney offered the Calgary Flames for Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins currently hold a wild-card berth and will attempt to solidify a playoff spot down the stretch. Sweeney wants to address the club’s weaknesses, but not with aging quick-fixes. He’s looking for returns that will benefit this team beyond this season, provided he doesn’t have to overpay to do so.

Lohrei and Poitras should draw lots of attention if Sweeney dangles them in the trade market. Peeke could also be an enticing trade option if the Bruins GM finds another right-shot defenseman.

WILL THE ISLANDERS PURSUE A SCORING FORWARD?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders need scoring depth as they attempt to secure a playoff spot. He indicated they have the third-fewest goals per game and fourth-fewest actual goals in the Eastern Conference.

Macias suggested Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues if Islanders GM Mathieu Darche wants to make a major move. Nashville Predators forwards Steven Stamkos and Michael Bunting have popped up in the rumor mill. Oft-injured sniper Patrik Laine of the Montreal Canadiens could be available on the cheap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche recently acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. He’s put up three points in six games before the Olympic break, but his best seasons remain behind him. The Isles GM could keep his eye on the trade market for a scoring forward, but it’s doubtful he’ll pay the high asking price for Kyrou.

WILL THE SHARKS TRADE FOR A DEFENSEMAN?

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng recently looked at potential trade targets for the San Jose Sharks to bolster their blueline.

Options include Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Mason Lohrei of the Bruins, Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton reportedly rejected a trade to San Jose last summer. Unless he’s changed his mind, the Sharks will have to look elsewhere. Hamilton would also be an expensive pickup as the Devils won’t just give him away. They might retain salary, but they’ll want a significant sweetener in the deal.

Faulk is another who would be expensive. Given his age, the Sharks might prefer someone a little younger and more cost-effective who would fit into their long-range plans, such as Lohrei, Whitecloud, Stanley, or Schneider.










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 – January 23, 2026

by | Jan 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2026

Check out the latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, Kraken center Shane Wright, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ELIAS PETTERSSON SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz shot down online rumors linking the Philadelphia Flyers to Elias Pettersson.

The 27-year-old Vancouver Canucks center played for Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet when the latter coached the Canucks. However, Kurz claims that the Flyers are not interested, saying that the possibility was “strongly denied” by multiple team sources.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Kurz also reported that the Flyers aren’t actively shopping defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, and it’s expected he’ll remain with the club for the rest of this season.

THE PROVINCE: Pettersson’s agent, JP Barry, downplayed the trade rumors about his client during an appearance on The Donnie and Dhali Show on CHEK-TV. “For us, we know it’s not real unless the GM is calling and saying that there’s an actual team or a deal and ‘would you consider it’”, Barry said. “Nine out of 10 times, it’s just a rumor.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks beat writer Thomas Drance of The Athletic doesn’t rule out the possibility of a Pettersson trade if they receive a credible offer. However, he indicated that the Canucks aren’t aggressively shopping Pettersson, and he might be unwilling to waive his no-movement clause during the regular season.

UPDATES ON ARTEMI PANARIN, ALEXIS LAFRENIERE, AND BRADEN SCHNEIDER

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports Artemi Panarin has not disclosed any potential trade destinations. The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger has a full no-movement clause.

Baugh believes it’s worth monitoring whether Panarin will agree to a contract extension with a new team in conjunction with a trade. That would take him off this summer’s free-agent market and could result in a better return for the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers have informed Panarin that they won’t be offering him a contract extension and are willing to help him find a suitable trade destination. There’s been plenty of conjecture over where he might go, but he hasn’t tipped his hand about his intentions.

Meanwhile, Alexis Lafrenière is in the first season of his seven-year contract, which has an average annual value of $7.45 million. However, that doesn’t make the 24-year-old winger safe from a potential trade. He lacks no-trade protection until the 2027-28 season.

If the Rangers deal Lafreniere, they’d likely want a young player in return. They could also opt to retain him because his trade value is currently at the lowest of his career. The young winger said Rangers general manager Chris Drury has not spoken with him individually about his future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere surfaced as a trade candidate soon after the Rangers announced their intention to commence a quick roster rebuild. Given his contract, they can afford to wait for a good offer, but his inconsistent play hurts his value.

Baugh suggested that depth forwards Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski, and Taylor Raddysh could be trade candidates by the March 6 deadline.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the San Jose Sharks are believed to have an interest in Braden Schneider. The 24-year-old Rangers defenseman has a cap hit of $2.2 million and is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks have a crowded blueline, but they’ve got five defensemen (John Klingberg, Mario Ferraro, Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, and Nick Leddy) who are UFA-eligible this summer, with Leddy recently demoted to the minors. They could attempt to get younger on their defense by acquiring Schneider, but that might mean the Rangers taking one of those veteran blueliners (Leddy?) as part of the return.

ARE THE KRAKEN SHOPPING SHANE WRIGHT?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Seattle Kraken are seeking a top-three winger or a top-six winger and could draw on their depth at center as trade bait.

Dreger claimed that teams are saying Kraken GM Jason Botterill is listening on Shane Wright, who they chose fourth overall in 2022. However, Botterill is in no rush to move the 22-year-old center, and Dreger indicated the asking price is “incredibly high.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright is in the second season of his three-year entry-level contract. He had a promising 44-point campaign last season. However, his production and his playing time have been reduced this season, with 17 points in 49 games.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS, OILERS, AND PANTHERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have been exploring the trade market for defensemen for several weeks before recent injuries to Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo.

LeBrun indicates that Winnipeg Jets defenseman (and former Leaf) Luke Schenn has been mentioned as one option. Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils could be another. LeBrun stated that the Leafs are believed to be on his 10-team trade list, but his contract is a complicating factor.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are believed to be in the market for a top-nine forward, while the Florida Panthers are open to anything that will upgrade their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary cap space is an issue for all three clubs. They could be forced to seek out bargains rather than more significant acquisitions.