The post NHL Weekend Rumors: Who’s Buying, Who’s Waiting, and What Comes Next appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
In this weekend’s NHL Weekend Rumors, trade chatter is beginning to sharpen as the roster freeze is coming to an end and teams quietly position themselves ahead of the March 6 deadline. While there’s still time for standings to shift, insiders are already identifying clubs that expect to be active, big names drawing interest, and organizations preparing for significant moves — whether now or later.
According to David Pagnotta, the St. Louis Blues and Seattle Kraken are teams expected to make moves sooner rather than later. Seattle has already shown a willingness to be aggressive, having explored major swings in the past, and Frank Seravalli recently suggested Mason Marchment may not have been the right long-term fit there.
St. Louis is another club quietly assessing its options, particularly as teams call around for middle-six forwards and depth defensemen. None of these teams appear committed to a full teardown, but all three are viewed as flexible — willing to adjust based on market conditions and internal performance over the next several weeks.
Luke Fox of Sportset notes that the Penguins are sliding fast, losing nine of their last 10, and that puts them in a position to make significant moves. With many expiring contracts, valuable rental pieces, and tradeable veterans like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh has flexibility.
Dubas trade Leafs Penguins
He mentions Anthony Mantha, Kevin Hayes, Brett Kulak, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea, and Stuart Skinner as players who could, and maybe should, all be moved. He also brings up Sidney Crosby, wondering if there’s still a chance he switches teams this season.
The Calgary Flames remain one of the league’s most closely watched teams. Pagnotta continues to believe Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point, regardless of whether Calgary stays competitive. If the Flames maintain their current pace, they may hold steady outside of Andersson, but a dip in performance could trigger an “open for business” approach. Chris Johnston adds that while Calgary has interest in keeping Andersson, it would only be at a specific price and term.
In Nashville, Pierre LeBrun reports that Barry Trotz is sticking to his plan: remain competitive while gradually integrating younger players. The Predators aren’t expected to chase short-term fixes at the expense of long-term vision. Jonathan Marchessault was recently linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
Carolina’s name also keeps surfacing, with Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s availability lingering from last season. While nothing appears imminent, the Hurricanes are clearly open to recalibrating if the right opportunity arises. There was talk that he was offered in an attempted deal to land Phillip Danault.
The Edmonton Oilers announced that they will be terminating the contract of forward David Tomasek after he’s placed on waivers on Sunday. If and when he clears, Tomasek’s contract will come off the books, and he’ll go back to Europe. He is already back in Sweden now – and has started training with Färjestad again.
As for what the Oilers will do with the $1.2M in cap space this frees up, that much is unclear. Had he been sent to minors, the savings would have been $1.15M.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are active — but cautiously so. Elliotte Friedman reports Toronto is open to making smaller, low-cost additions, but there’s no appetite for panic moves. Pagnotta notes the Leafs are still searching for a puck-moving defenseman and help in the top six, while also acknowledging discussions around Morgan Rielly’s no-movement clause took place last season.
The Los Angeles Kings are firmly in buyer mode. After moving Danault, Frank Seravalli expects the Kings to package their extra second-round pick before the deadline in pursuit of offense. Pagnotta adds they’re targeting a speedy scorer who can fit in the top six.
Ottawa is also canvassing the market, looking for a second-line caliber forward. Names like Kiefer Sherwood and Brayden Schenn continue to surface as GM Steve Staios explores options across multiple teams.
Several teams appear ready to swing bigger. Chris Johnston believes Buffalo, under new GM Jarmo Kekäläinen, won’t settle for the status quo and could pursue major upgrades, even if that means moving significant pieces. Washington is also eyeing a star addition that fits long-term, while the Rangers are now viewed as part of the “big fish” conversation based on ownership-driven urgency.
Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun reports that multiple teams have reached out to Marc-André Fleury about a potential return from retirement. While nothing is imminent, the interest itself is notable, especially from contenders seeking playoff insurance in goal. The Oilers, Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all been mentioned as possible suitors.
As the deadline approaches, one thing is clear: the groundwork is already being laid, and the next few weeks could reshape the market quickly.
Next: Oilers Rethinking Trade Strategy, Should Avoid Nugent-Hopkins Mistake
The post NHL Weekend Rumors: Who’s Buying, Who’s Waiting, and What Comes Next appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...
In this weekend’s NHL Weekend Rumors, trade chatter is beginning to sharpen as the roster freeze is coming to an end and teams quietly position themselves ahead of the March 6 deadline. While there’s still time for standings to shift, insiders are already identifying clubs that expect to be active, big names drawing interest, and organizations preparing for significant moves — whether now or later.
Teams Positioning to Make Moves: Blues, Kraken, Penguins
According to David Pagnotta, the St. Louis Blues and Seattle Kraken are teams expected to make moves sooner rather than later. Seattle has already shown a willingness to be aggressive, having explored major swings in the past, and Frank Seravalli recently suggested Mason Marchment may not have been the right long-term fit there.
St. Louis is another club quietly assessing its options, particularly as teams call around for middle-six forwards and depth defensemen. None of these teams appear committed to a full teardown, but all three are viewed as flexible — willing to adjust based on market conditions and internal performance over the next several weeks.
Luke Fox of Sportset notes that the Penguins are sliding fast, losing nine of their last 10, and that puts them in a position to make significant moves. With many expiring contracts, valuable rental pieces, and tradeable veterans like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh has flexibility.
Dubas trade Leafs Penguins
He mentions Anthony Mantha, Kevin Hayes, Brett Kulak, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea, and Stuart Skinner as players who could, and maybe should, all be moved. He also brings up Sidney Crosby, wondering if there’s still a chance he switches teams this season.
Flames, Predators, and Hurricanes: Direction Still in Flux
The Calgary Flames remain one of the league’s most closely watched teams. Pagnotta continues to believe Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point, regardless of whether Calgary stays competitive. If the Flames maintain their current pace, they may hold steady outside of Andersson, but a dip in performance could trigger an “open for business” approach. Chris Johnston adds that while Calgary has interest in keeping Andersson, it would only be at a specific price and term.
In Nashville, Pierre LeBrun reports that Barry Trotz is sticking to his plan: remain competitive while gradually integrating younger players. The Predators aren’t expected to chase short-term fixes at the expense of long-term vision. Jonathan Marchessault was recently linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
Carolina’s name also keeps surfacing, with Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s availability lingering from last season. While nothing appears imminent, the Hurricanes are clearly open to recalibrating if the right opportunity arises. There was talk that he was offered in an attempted deal to land Phillip Danault.
Oilers Terminating Tomasek’s Contract
The Edmonton Oilers announced that they will be terminating the contract of forward David Tomasek after he’s placed on waivers on Sunday. If and when he clears, Tomasek’s contract will come off the books, and he’ll go back to Europe. He is already back in Sweden now – and has started training with Färjestad again.
As for what the Oilers will do with the $1.2M in cap space this frees up, that much is unclear. Had he been sent to minors, the savings would have been $1.15M.
Leafs, Kings, Senators: Looking to Add, Not Panic
The Toronto Maple Leafs are active — but cautiously so. Elliotte Friedman reports Toronto is open to making smaller, low-cost additions, but there’s no appetite for panic moves. Pagnotta notes the Leafs are still searching for a puck-moving defenseman and help in the top six, while also acknowledging discussions around Morgan Rielly’s no-movement clause took place last season.
The Los Angeles Kings are firmly in buyer mode. After moving Danault, Frank Seravalli expects the Kings to package their extra second-round pick before the deadline in pursuit of offense. Pagnotta adds they’re targeting a speedy scorer who can fit in the top six.
Ottawa is also canvassing the market, looking for a second-line caliber forward. Names like Kiefer Sherwood and Brayden Schenn continue to surface as GM Steve Staios explores options across multiple teams.
Big Names, Big Swings, and One Wildcard
Several teams appear ready to swing bigger. Chris Johnston believes Buffalo, under new GM Jarmo Kekäläinen, won’t settle for the status quo and could pursue major upgrades, even if that means moving significant pieces. Washington is also eyeing a star addition that fits long-term, while the Rangers are now viewed as part of the “big fish” conversation based on ownership-driven urgency.
Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun reports that multiple teams have reached out to Marc-André Fleury about a potential return from retirement. While nothing is imminent, the interest itself is notable, especially from contenders seeking playoff insurance in goal. The Oilers, Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all been mentioned as possible suitors.
As the deadline approaches, one thing is clear: the groundwork is already being laid, and the next few weeks could reshape the market quickly.
Next: Oilers Rethinking Trade Strategy, Should Avoid Nugent-Hopkins Mistake
The post NHL Weekend Rumors: Who’s Buying, Who’s Waiting, and What Comes Next appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...