NHL Trade Watch: Canadiens on Crosby, Kings Eyeing Pettersson and Bruins linked to Faulk

The NHL is currently on its Olympic break, but that hasn’t slowed down the trade market at all. With the March 6 deadline less than three weeks away, some of the biggest names in the league are being discussed behind closed doors.

In today’s edition of NHL Trade Watch, we’ll take a look at why the Montreal Canadiens are turning away from Sidney Crosby. We’ll also explore the Los Angeles Kings’ interest in Elias Pettersson and discuss a veteran defenseman who could leave St. Louis.

Canadiens at Crosby

For months, there was a lot of talk about the Canadiens potentially making a run at Crosby. It always felt like a long shot, but the sound was there. Now, according to Chris Johnston of The Athleticthat idea can probably be dismissed. With the Pittsburgh Penguins currently holding a spot in the playoffs, there are no real indications that Crosby is available. This is what he said:

“There was a time when Montreal could have held out hope that Sidney Crosby would become available on the trade market, but that ship has now sailed into a playoff spot with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Looking at the list of other available veteran centers, they may not get a chance to add someone better than Kadri.

With that door seemingly closed, the Canadiens are expected to shift their focus to other veteran centers. called Johnston Nazem Kadri as a possible Plan B for Montreal. Kadri is reportedly open to a move to the Habs, and his price has started to drop in recent weeks. If Montreal wants to add some spice and experience for a playoff push, Kadri feels like a realistic alternative.

The Kings have already been aggressive acquisition of Artemi Panarin earlier this month, but they may not be ready yet. According to Ben Kuzma of the provinceLos Angeles has increased its interest in the Vancouver Canucks’ Pettersson.

The Canucks are now deep in rebuilding and, after moving Quinn Hughes. Pettersson could be the next big domino. Kuzma wrote:

“Their interest in Elias Pettersson increased with the Swede’s two-goal game Saturday for Sweden in the Olympics, plus the Kings have $15 million in cap space. And winger Andrei Kuzmenko thrived with the Canucks in 2022-23 with a 39-goal season while largely on par with Pettersson, who scored 102 points.”

Los Angeles is believed to be looking for a long-term successor to Anze Kopitar, and Pettersson checks that box. Resulting in about $15 million in cap space Kevin Fiala’s season-ending injurythe Kings have the flexibility to make something important happen.

Faulk linked to Bruins

The St. Louis Blues are expected to be active sellers at the deadline Justin Faulk is at the top of their list. According to James Murphy of RG Media, the Boston Bruins are actively targeting Faulk as they look to strengthen their blueline. Bruins GM Don Sweeney has been looking for a top-four right-shot defenseman since missing out on Rasmus Andersson earlier this season. Murphy explained:

Boston has remained aggressive in its search for a top-four right defenseman after missing out on Rasmus Andersson, with GM Don Sweeney reportedly in ongoing discussions with St. Louis about Faulk over the past month.

Faulk has recorded 30 points in 57 games and provides a steady veteran presence. The Blues are reportedly looking for a return similar to that of the Calgary Flames receive for Andersson. This would likely mean a first-round pick plus a high-end prospect. With Sweeney and Blues GM Doug Armstrong working together in Team Canada’s management group at the Olympics. It wouldn’t be surprising if these conversations have already taken place in some capacity.

Next: Look away, Toronto: Team Canada jabs at Marner Big-Game Narrative