There has only been one transaction since the calendar turned to 2026, but the rumor mill is running at full speed. With the Olympic break and roster freeze fast approaching, expect activity to increase in the coming weeks. The Rasmus Andersson situation in Calgary appears to be reaching a point, with the Toronto Maple Leafs continuing to look for help on defense, and the Montreal Canadiens looking to add as well.
We dive into it all in the latest edition of NHL Trade Buzz.
The latest news about Rasmus Andersson
Talks about Andersson have increased significantly in recent days and it appears this situation is nearing a resolution. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reports this today that both Andersson and the Flames would like to resolve this before the Olympic break, which likely means GM Craig Conroy moves his upcoming UFA.
The idea of ​​the Detroit Red Wings as suitor has been gaining popularity of late, while other contenders in Toronto, Vegas and Dallas are still linked with interest in the 29-year-old and should remain firmly on the radar.
Besides Andersson, there is still a lot of talk about Nazem Kadri. A trade, yes far from guaranteedalthough interest from around the league, combined with his desire to join a contender, could force Calgary’s hand. It is also believed that Conroy is still willing to keep his salary if it brings back a stronger asset package in return.
Maple Leafs want to strengthen the blue line
The Maple Leafs haven’t lost in regulation over the past three weeks, making what once seemed like a tough buy or sell decision a much clearer path for GM Brad Treliving.
With Chris Tanev all but confirmed miss the rest of the seasonadding a defenseman with the right shooting skills – preferably one who can play in the top four minutes – has become Toronto’s top priority. The Leafs are reportedly among the most aggressive teams pursuing Dougie Hamilton, although San Jose and Utah currently have the advantage in assets and cap flexibility.
While Hamilton remains an option, the aforementioned Andersson, Justin Faulk and Luke Schenn have also emerged as potential targets. Schenn may be the most realistic candidate given the lower acquisition costs and his familiarity with the organization, especially his previous success alongside Morgan Rielly.
Canadiens looking to add
Montreal has won seven of its last 10 games and is on track to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. The young core continues to blossom, but that hasn’t stopped GM Kent Hughes from working the phone.
Hughes is reportedly looking for inject more grunt into his front groupwith the likes of Kiefer Sherwood, Blake Coleman and – more of a pipe dream – Alex Tuch emerging as potential targets.
As for their pursuit of a second-line center, that urgency has cooled somewhat thanks to the play of Oliver Kapanen and the dominance of Michael Hage at both the college level and at the World Juniors. Would the Canadians love getting their hands on a Kadri– or even cherish Sidney Crosby’s dream scenario? Absolute. But not at Hage’s expense.
Next: The Maple Leafs interest in Brayden Schenn came at a high cost per insider
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