In today’s NHL weekend rumors, the Los Angeles Kings have shaken up their roster with the signing of Artemi Panarin, the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets are exploring options with high-profile forwards, and several teams are using the Olympic break to reassess pending free agents and trade targets ahead of the March 6 deadline.
Here’s a closer look at the latest rumors surrounding the league.
Kings’ Big Move and Panarin Sweepstakes
Artemi Panarin was the talk of the trade market, with teams from across the league vying for the star forward. According to Chris Johnston, it appeared half the league had held discussions with Panarin and his agent in recent weeks. Elliotte Friedman adds that while Los Angeles ultimately landed him, Seattle reportedly made an overwhelming offer — somewhere north of Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million — underscoring how hot Panarin was on the market.
Other teams, including Carolina, Dallas, Tampa Bay and Anaheim, explored the possibilities, but salary cap issues and contract preferences deterred these deals. Ultimately, Panarin said he wanted to go to the Kings alone, and when he spoke to Vlad Gavrikov it solidified his desire to sign an extension.
David Pagnotta notes that the Kings aren’t done making moves, especially at the center position, indicating that GM Ken Holland could still make adjustments to the roster before the deadline. Some are wondering if he’s trying to trade Warren Foegele to create additional cap space.
Canadiens and Laine on the move
Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is another name turning heads. Chris Johnston reports that the Canadiens will likely have to attach value or preserve salary to move him, or a combination of both. Nick Kypreos adds that Laine could be a “freebie with upside” for a playoff team looking for a cheap scoring boost – or a non-playoff team like Calgary looking to evaluate him long-term.
Some trade names to keep an eye on
The Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche are all eyeing potential deals involving forwards like Charlie Coyle, Ryan O’Reilly and Vincent Trocheck. These will be some key names to watch coming out of the Olympic break.
Frank Seravalli notes that Trocheck could make sense for Boston, while Pierre LeBrun suggests the Wild could aggressively pursue a post-Olympics center to strengthen their lineup. There are several other names worth watching, including Bobby McMann, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jesper Wallstedt, Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou and Blake Coleman. It sets the stage for a busy trading season.
Olympic break: Kraken, Blue Jackets and pending free agents
The upcoming Olympic break will give several teams a chance to reassess their selections. David Pagnotta highlights that the Seattle Kraken are in talks with pending UFAs such as Jordan Eberle, Jamie Oleksiak, Eeli Tolvanen and Jaden Schwartz, weighing whether to lock them up or explore trade options. The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly in a similar position, with Boone Jenner likely to stay, Erik Gudbranson likely to return and questions surrounding Charlie Coyle’s future.
Other teams like the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers are using this downtime to explore cap-friendly moves. Darren Dreger reports that Dallas can add pieces despite financial challenges, while the Predators could receive offers for players like Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos or Marchessault. A lot of that depends on Preds politics. active GM searchwhich hit a bit of a snag when CAA Executive Search says it has “terminated its contract with the Nashville Predators regarding the general manager search” after “a productive call with the NHLPA.”
The pause gives GMs time to strategize, creating some calm before the March 6 deadline storm.
Flyers, capitals and other trade talk
Beyond the big attackers, teams are also looking at smaller, strategic moves. The Flyers are reportedly ready to make a big move this summer or sooner, with Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny mentioned as potential trade partners.
Frank Seravalli adds that the Capitals are focusing on available top-six talent.
The next few weeks will be about management teams and CEOs talking. The few weeks that follow can be busy. With the trade deadline approaching, next month promises a lot of movement – and plenty of rumors to keep fans talking.
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