The NHL Trade Deadline is just around the corner and that’s why the rumor mill is heating up. As teams use this final stretch of games before the Olympic break to determine their direction, the chatter has increased. And this year it feels louder than usual as more big-name players are being tossed around as the trade deadline approaches.
In this edition of NHL Trade Watchwe dive into the latest rumors surrounding the New York Rangers holding Artemi Panarin out of their lineup for roster-related reasons. We also look at whether the Minnesota Wild are really shopping Jesper Wallstedt, and finally, how realistic it is that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann ends up with the Edmonton Oilers before the trade deadline.
Panarin for the islanders or capitals?
Islanders Credibility Rank: Less Credible
Credibility rank of capitals: more credible
When you think of the Rangers and the New York Islanders, a rivalry is usually the first thing that comes to mind. These are two teams that historically don’t do much business with each other. Yes, they recently completed a deal that sent Carson Soucy from the Rangers to the Islanders, but a move involving Panarin is a whole different conversation. In terms of a Trade Deadline scenario, trading stars within the division is always more complex.
At first glance it feels unlikely simply because they are both New York-based teams. However, according to reports from TSN’s Pierre LeBrunseveral teams have already withdrawn from the Panarin sweepstakes due to his desire for a contract extension. That narrows the playing field. In that context, the Islanders become at least somewhat plausible, especially if the price goes down. There’s also the lifestyle factor. Panarin already lives in New York, so the transition would be minimal.
That said, another team seems to be a much more believable match. The Washington Capitals have reportedly been pushing the Russian forward, and that scenario makes more sense. Trading Panarin to another Metropolitan Division team is one thing, but moving him to one of their biggest rivals would be trickier. From Washington’s perspective, however, it makes sense. With Alex Ovechkin getting older, adding a top-tier scoring winger to a lineup built around younger talent could be appealing. The Capitals also have the kind of younger assets that could make a move on the Rangers side work.
Credibility Rank: Very Credible
Reports suggest the Wild are pushing to move Jesper Wallstedt as part of an effort to expand their roster and make a legitimate push for the Stanley Cup. This is the kind of move we see every year near the deadline. To be clear, these types of trades often become more intense as the trade deadline approaches.
The real question is which teams would be willing to part with a legitimate top-six forward in exchange for a future number one goaltender. One team that makes sense is the Ottawa Senators. After years of instability in net, they finally landed Linus Ullmark in a deal with the Boston Bruins, but it hasn’t quite worked out the way they hoped. If that frustration continues, Ottawa could use a forward like Dylan Cozens or Shane Pinto to land a young goaltender who could be part of their core for years to come.
Other teams worth watching include the Montreal Canadiens, who have an abundance of forward depth, and the St. Louis Blues. With Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington already in the mix, St. Louis has options. If they were to move Binnington at the deadline, they could realistically build a package around someone like Robert Thomas or Jordan Kyrou and land Wallstedt as their goaltender of the future. Ultimately, the Trade Deadline always brings surprises, and Wallstedt’s situation could be one to keep an eye on.
McMann against the Oilers?
Credibility Rank: Credible
Finally, there is the growing buzz thatMcMann could be headed to the Oilers while the Maple Leafs appear headed for a realignment. On paper it makes sense. In practice, it feels like Toronto’s front office isn’t all on the same page. There is a feeling that this could turn into a last-ditch effort to save jobs. That means acquiring players or handing out extensions around the Olympic break, rather than fully committing to selling and moving unrestricted free agents like McMann.
Yet it feels believable. If the Maple Leafs struggle on their upcoming road trip through Western Canada, the writing may finally be on the wall. At that point, selling becomes inevitable, and that probably applies to McMann and Scott Laughton as well. McMann grew up in Alberta, so the idea of ​​playing in meaningful games and chasing a Stanley Cup with the Oilers would be a surreal opportunity for him. From Toronto’s perspective, the returns could be significant. A first-round pick and additional assets, possibly including Andrew Mangiapane, feels realistic. It would definitely be a bittersweet pill to swallow for Leafs Nation. But it can also be the right one.
Next: Trade talk would see the Maple Leafs and Oilers team up in a multiplayer deal
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