Feb 25, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) warms up prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
The Dallas Stars answered a division rival’s latest move ahead of the NHL trade deadline with a significant one of their own.
Dallas acquired defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2029 fourth-rounder. Vancouver is retaining half of Myers’ $3 million salary for the remainder of this season and next, meaning the Stars get him at a modest $1.5 million hit for two possible playoff runs.
Myers, a 6-foot-6 right-handed shooter, is in his 17th season in the league and seventh with the Canucks at age 36. The Stars were looking to add depth to their blue line and could also still add up front before the trade deadline on Friday.
“Tyler is a veteran defenseman that will immediately add to our group,” Dallas general manager Jim Nill said. “His ability to play on the right side will give us an added element of flexibility on the blueline.”
Minnesota, likely Dallas’ first-round opponent, made a trade for depth center Michael McCarron on Tuesday night. The Wild also may not be done dealing, with a high-end center on general manager Bill Guerin’s shopping list.
Among the candidates for that role is Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, one of several teams who have declared they are open for business as sellers.
Two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida is now in that mode after losing three in a row in regulation, and the signing Wednesday of journeyman goaltender Louis Domingue may or may not signal the Panthers’ intentions. Sergei Bobrovsky, who has backstopped them to the back-to-back titles and three consecutive trips to the final and twice won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie, is unsigned beyond this season.
While it might seem crazy to envision Bobrovsky getting traded, fellow pending free agent teammates A.J. Greer, Jeff Petry and others could fetch some value.
Toronto, whose active NHL-best nine-year playoff streak is almost certainly coming to an end, also has assets to move. The Maple Leafs are not dressing Scott Laughton, Bobby McMann and Oliver Ekman-Larsson at New Jersey on Wednesday night as talks to trade them get close to the finish line.
“It’s obviously a tough time for everybody, no matter what team you’re on,” Ekman-Larsson said following the morning skate. “At the same time, you know what you sign up for, and you know that that’s the case around the league.”
Not getting traded — again — is winger Kiefer Sherwood, who signed a five-year, $28.75 million extension to stay with San Jose. The Sharks got Sherwood from Vancouver on Jan. 19, understanding they could keep him or flip him.
Sharks general manager Mike Grier announced Wednesday that the team has signed Sherwood to a five-year contract extension worth $28.75 million, a cap hit of $5.75 million.
Sherwood was acquired from the Canucks for Cole Clayton and 2026 and 2027 second round draft picks.
The six-foot, 194-pound native of Columbus, Ohio told USA TODAY Sports that he's "just fired up" about the extension and the opportunity ahead to help the Sharks string together successful seasons.
"[I'm] just super grateful and just to have this opportunity," Sherwood said. "Super hungry to continue grow, build and push the guys and learn from the guys here. That stuff now is taken care of and I can just go to work and play hockey and be free. There's levels that I want to continue to push my game towards, and grow towards, and continue to elevate the impact that our group can have."
It's been a series of new chapters within the past 365 days for Sherwood.
He became a newlywed after he tied the knot with longtime girlfriend, Ariel, last summer in Carmel. He joined a new team after being traded in January. The eight-year veteran told reporters that he is expecting to be a father soon. Now, he's signing a multiyear deal to remain with the Sharks.
Through it all, he has learned patience and how to trust the process and allow everything to take care of itself.
Since arriving in San Jose in January, Sherwood has taken the time to get to know his new teammates. He understands the importance of a fun culture and locker room, and how it translates to winning hockey.
Sherwood has been learning inside jokes to go along with different personalities on the team and said he's "thrilled to be here" in San Jose, especially as the team looks to carve out a winning season.
His physical style of play and timely scoring ability has conveniently added to San Jose's tenacity as the Sharks look to make a postseason push in the final months of the 2025-26 NHL regular season. Along the way, Sherwood said he's looking to "ruffle some feathers".
"At the end of the day, all you can do is control what you can," Sherwood said. "Focus on coming to the rink every day with a good attitude and good work ethic, and hopefully those things will fall into place."
Reaping benefits of Sherwood acquisition
The trade for Sherwood has been paying off.
Since his Feb. 4 debut, Sherwood has led the team with 28 hits, including tying for team-high for hits in a game with nine against the Winnipeg Jets on March 1.
He scored his first goal with the Sharks against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, March 3. His lone goal would end up being the game-winner with 3:26 left in the third period, as San Jose won 7-5 in a back and forth contest. He finished the game tallying his first assist and multipoint game as a Shark.
“We are very excited to have Kiefer remain in San Jose and be part of the group that we are building,” Grier said in a news release. “The ingredients he brings to our lineup on a nightly basis blend extremely well with the skillsets of his teammates and we look forward to his contributions in the years to come.”
The Sharks, now on a three-game winning streak, improved their record to 30-25-4 after they defeated the Canadiens in front of a sellout crowd of 17,435 at SAP Center in San Jose.
The win was San Jose's 30th of the season, the first time they've reached that mark since the 2021-22 season. It's their second 30-win season since the 2018-19 season, the Sharks' last playoff appearance.
Many have started to take notice of the team's bounceback season.
"Super exciting," Sherwood told USA TODAY Sports. "There's a lot of special things brewing and a lot of things on the rise, and I'm just super blessed to be alongside them now, the path that we're on. So we'll continue to push, push each and every day and push each other, and see how far we can take it."
He added: "Ultimately, it's a huge challenge for us. And that's what you want, right? Just competing each and every day. The stakes get higher, and push comes to shove, you kind of see who's built for it and if we're ready for it. But it's just super motivating and fueling for us too."
The Buffalo Sabres have been linked over the last 24 hours to deals with the St. Louis Blues, who are in the process of selling off major pieces of their roster that won a Stanley Cup in 2019. On Tuesday, reports had the Sabres targeting center Robert Thomas, but on Wednesday morning, TSN’s Darren Dreger indicated that those talks had cooled. On Wednesday afternoon, Dreger and others are indicating that the Sabres are on the verge of a deal that would bring veteran defenseman Colton Parayko to Buffalo.
Parayko was a member of Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina and is in year four of an eight-year, $52 million contract ($6.5 million AAV). After scoring a career-high 16 goals last season, the 32-year-old blueliner has 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) in 58 games. Dreger is indicating that the deal would consist of Sabres 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka and a first-round pick, but that things have not been finalized, including the veteran defenseman waiving his no-trade clause.
The talks regarding Thomas (which may have included Parayko as part of a larger deal) reportedly consisted of an ask of an NHL player, prospect(s) and a future first, or as GM Doug Armstrong reportedly indicated, “three first-half of the first round assets.” In a piece in The Athletic on Tuesday, Jeremy Rutherford indicated that he could not see 2021 top overall pick Owen Power being part of the deal, or young winger Zach Benson. The speculation centered around Sabres 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius, Mrtka, and possibly the club’s 2026 first-rounder.
Although there has been no reporting that the ‘26 first-rounder is off the table, the Sabres are playing host to the NHL Draft in late June, and have already traded their second-round pick in the Norris - Dylan Cozens deal.
Mrtka, 18, was selected ninth overall by the Sabres last June and impressed at training camp last September with his wingspan and skating ability. The 6’6”, 218 lb. righty is having another solid season with Seattle in the WHL with 29 points (1 goal, 28 assists) in 35 games. Although Mrtka is a promising prospect, he is not projected to be a big offensive producer.
According to Puckpedia, the Sabres have $7.5 million in deadline cap space, which would accommodate Parayko’s salary, but that might be inconsequential depending on his waiving his full no-trade clause. The Athletic is reporting that the Blues have agreed to the deal, but it is pending the veteran’s approval. Buffalo’s recent success may give them more of a chance of convincing Parayko to accept a deal, but he has spent 11 seasons in St. Louis and could choose to wait for a more favorable destination, as former Sabre Tyler Myers did, refusing to waive to go to Detroit before being dealt to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.
The NHL trade deadline is getting closer with every passing hour before Friday's cutoff. While it looks like Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland won't be very loud between now and the deadline, he may do some tinkering.
Though the Kings are outside of a playoff spot by five points and underperformed all season, they likely won't be aggressive buyers or sellers.
However, two players on the Kings' roster could generate some interest from contending teams, whether Holland makes them available or not.
Right winger Corey Perry and goaltender Darcy Kuemper may be what playoff teams are looking for.
Based on trade rumors and reports, left winger Warren Foegele would be most likely to be traded among players on the Kings' roster. But Perry and Kuemper could fit the bill for what many teams are looking for.
Kuemper is a steady starting goaltender who could shore up any concerns that a team may have between the pipes.
Darcy Kuemper and Corey Perry (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
As for Perry, he is third in all-time playoff games played in NHL history with 237. Sure, he's a 40-year-old veteran, but there is value in that, especially for a younger team. Perry can also be a physical presence and has a scoring touch.
If you put those two together, it could be an enticing trade package, especially for the Montreal Canadiens.
They are a team who have struggled in the crease between Samual Montembeault and Jakub Dobes. Also, they are the second-youngest team in the NHL with an average age of 26.13, according to eliteprospects.com
Nonetheless, it's not just the Canadiens who could be interested in the services of Kuemper and Perry.
While there's been a dip in form from the goaltender, Kuemper is a solid veteran netminder who has won a Stanley Cup before with the Colorado Avalanche.
In 37 games this season, the 35-year-old has registered a 14-12-9 record and posted a 2.68 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. He also recorded two shutouts.
Perry also has a clause in his contract, which is a full no-trade clause. Even though he can't be traded without approval, doesn't mean it's impossible. In fact, NHL insider Frank Seravalli had listed Perry at No. 28 in his latest top 50 trade targets list.
The veteran carries a $2-million cap hit and is a pending UFA.
In 49 contests this year, Perry has scored 11 goals and 28 points, the sixth-highest scorer on the Kings.
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman got a firsthand look at the ongoing construction of Calgary’s new $1.2 billion event center, Scotia Place, and came away visibly impressed.
Touring the site on Tuesday alongside NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and Calgary Flames ownership, Bettman highlighted the arena’s advanced progress, which is not immediately apparent from the exterior.
This afternoon, we were honoured to host an NHL Commissioner's Luncheon with Gary Bettman! He discussed the construction of @cgyscotiaplace, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, and more! pic.twitter.com/vNjgrTTMgW
“The building, by the way, is a lot further along than it looks, because you see the steel coming out of the ground, it doesn’t go all the way around,” Bettman said during a media availability at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames’ current home. “There’s interior work already going on below the ground that you don’t see.
“Actually, when I drove up today, I was surprised when I saw it from a distance. ‘Oh, that’s all that was done.’ And then I was surprised when I got into the construction site. I thought, ‘Wow, there’s a lot of work going on here, and it’s much further along than it looks.’”
🗣️ NHL commissioner Gary Bettman joined @Fan960Steinberg for an exclusive interview to chat the impact of Scotia Place, the 2026 NHL Draft, Olympics, and more!
Bettman also praised the careful planning and research that went into the arena’s design, noting the team’s study of other modern NHL facilities.
“They’ve taken that into account and they’ve been able to look at best practices in terms of the layout,” he said. “The new arena’s twice as large in square footage (as the Saddledome). It has more bathrooms. It has more amenities. It’s just going to be incredible.
“This building has been well thought-out and as a result, it’s going to work very well for its intended purposes.”
Scheduled to open in fall 2027, Scotia Place is also in contention to host games for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. While no final decision has been made on host cities, Bettman confirmed that Calgary and Edmonton have submitted a joint bid.
“I’m aware of the bid,” he said. “Bids are being evaluated. Nothing has been finalized, but it was a good bid. I’m not prepared to tell you today that it was or was not the winning bid, but certainly it’s a bid that people could be very proud of.
“Things still need to be finalized, which is why there has yet to be an announcement, but at some point in the not-too-distant future -- a couple weeks or so -- we should be in a position to finalize and announce.”
Should Scotia Place be selected to host World Cup games, Bettman expressed confidence in Calgary’s ability to deliver as a host city.
🗣️ “I don't think there'll be a nicer building anywhere."
Gary Bettman spoke in Calgary about the city’s new arena project and the potential to host the World Cup of Hockey.
“Millions of tourists come through here a year,” he said. “This is a place that knows hospitality. This is a place that has a rabid fan base and would attract fans from other places. Look at the Stampede every year. The first time I came to Calgary was in ’88 for the Winter Olympics. I get Calgary and I get what a terrific city it is and a great place to visit.”
Domingue signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers on Wednesday. He will be with the organization for the rest of the season, though he was put on waivers.
Panthers have signed G Louis Domingue on a one-year, two-way contract for the remainder of this season.
Domingue spent the 2021-22 season in the Penguins' organization, serving as the third goaltender behind Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith. He spent most of that season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He appeared in 22 games for WBS, finishing with a .924 save percentage and a 2.41 goals-against average.
Domingue had to play in six games for the Penguins against the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs because Jarry and DeSmith were injured. He finished the series with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage.
The Penguins lost that series in seven games after Artemi Panarin scored the game-winner in overtime.
The San Jose Sharks strengthened their lineup and added instant impact by locking up Kiefer Sherwood to a five-year deal.
Sherwood, who has already made a noticeable impact in his first games with the Sharks—including scoring his first goal off a gorgeous feed from Phillip Kurashev and adding a slick assist last night—brings the rare combination of goal-scoring ability, physicality, and relentless energy that makes him a perfect fit for the team’s evolving core.
“We are very excited to have Kiefer remain in San Jose and be part of the group that we are building,” said Grier. “The ingredients he brings to our line-up on a nightly basis blend extremely well with the skillsets of his teammates and we look forward to his contributions in the years to come.”
The 30-year-old Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks on Jan. 19, 2026, from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Cole Clayton and San Jose’s 2026 and 2027 second-round picks. Since debuting with the Sharks on Feb. 4 against the Colorado Avalanche, he has led the team in hits (28) and tied a team-high with nine hits on Mar. 1 versus the Winnipeg Jets, showcasing the physical edge that makes him a two-way threat.
Prior to joining San Jose, Sherwood tallied 23 points (17 goals, six assists) in 44 games for Vancouver, leading the team in goals and ranking third in overall points. At the time of the trade, he also ranked second in the NHL in hits (210). Sherwood has already recorded two hat tricks this season—Oct. 30, 2025 at St. Louis, and Dec. 19, 2025 at the New York Islanders—and is coming off three consecutive 10-goal seasons, just two shy of his career-best 19 goals from last year.
Sherwood Proved His Worth Against Montreal
Sherwood is a dynamic, high-energy forward who brings a relentless physical presence to the ice. Known for his hard hits, tenacious forechecking, and competitive drive, he also possesses an effective shot and has demonstrated solid hands and passing ability.
We saw all of that against the Canadiens. While scoring his first goal as a Shark was certainly a highlight, the real story was his energy on every shift. Sherwood’s effort and intensity were palpable, showing that he not only wanted this new deal but had truly earned this contract through his play.
With the Sharks expected to fight for a playoff spot, this was a huge win for the organization.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Capitals have signed forward Ethen Frank to a two-year, $4 million contract extension.
The team announced the move Wednesday. The 28-year-old Frank has provided good depth scoring this season with 11 goals and 12 assists in 52 games. He is tied for seventh in the NHL in goals among players averaging under 13:00 of ice time.
In 76 career games with the Capitals, he has 15 goals and 15 assists. Washington signed him as a free agent in March 2023.
Washington is four points behind Boston for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals face the Bruins in Boston on Saturday, the day after the trade deadline.
One of the Montreal Canadiens' top objectives ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline should be to add another right-shot defenseman. Now, a very interesting one has entered the trade market who they should seriously consider pursuing.
With the Canadiens being a team on the rise, there is no question that Nemec would be an excellent young player for them to add to their roster. The 2022 second-overall pick is already a good defenseman in the NHL, but he is still plenty young enough to get better as he continues to gain experience. Because of this, the Canadiens should strongly consider making a push for him.
Nemec also recently played with Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and they linked up well with each other during it. Thus, it would be fascinating to see what they could do if they played together on the Canadiens.
Overall, with Nemec being just 22 years old and having a ton of potential, he is exactly the kind of player who the Canadiens should look to bring in. In 47 games this season with the Devils, the 6-foot-1 blueliner has already set new career highs with nine goals and 21 points.
Wyatt Kaiser was not ready to return to the Chicago Blackhawks when the Olympics ended, so they called up both Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs.
Rinzel was up heading into the break, but they decided to let him play some games in the AHL while the team was on break. For Korchinski, it was another opportunity to spend time with the NHL club.
Of the four games played so far, Korchinski only dressed for two of them. The only reason he got into those games is the fact that Rinzel came down with an illness. The plan was for him to sit for all of them.
In the loss to the Colorado Avalanche, he only played a total of 8:24. He saw a slight bump in the win over the Utah Mammoth, skating for 10:27.
The interesting thing is that Connor Murphy was traded on Monday, and they still scratched Korchinski. Sam Rinzel was back in the lineup, but they actually called up Ethan Del Mastro to take Murphy's spot instead of just letting Korchinski play.
This is an interesting spot for the young former first-round pick. Sure, Del Mastro plays a style that replicates Murphy more than he does, but Rinzel was also going back into the lineup with an expected jump in ice-time with Murphy's absence.
If he's not going to play while with the NHL team, having him there instead of developing further in the AHL is a curious decision. The team clearly feels that, for now, Korchinski is benefitting from practicing with the NHL guys.
Korchinski is an offensive defenseman. His stock was high entering the 2022 NHL Draft because of his skating and offensive IQ. Since being drafted, however, Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levhsunov have been better at those things, while also showing more of a ceiling in other areas of the game. That has pushed Korchinski further down the line.
Wyatt Kaiser is going to return from his injury on Friday against the Vancouver Canucks, which blocks the path for Korchinski even further. He deserves to get a chance down the stretch, but so many players at his position on the roster make it hard to see logistically.
Even if they trade Matt Grzelcyk, they still have Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier, Alex Vlasic, and Ethan Del Mastro ahead of Korchinski on the depth chart.
Is a change of scenery necessary for the young defenseman? For the sake of roster space, it might be wise for the Blackhawks to consider something like that. His pedigree as a prospect still makes him worth something on the open market, but they likely want a contributing player or prospect back in a deal.
If they can't find a deal, they must think of a way to get him NHL ice time so they can see what they have in the player as the season comes to an end.
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The Vegas Golden Knights made a quiet but practical move to bolster their forward group, picking up winger Cole Smith from the Nashville Predators. Heading back the other way is defense prospect Christoffer Sedoff along with a 2028 third-round pick.
Smith isn’t a flashy addition, but he brings experience and reliability to Vegas’ bottom six. The 30-year-old has six goals and four assists through 42 games this season, his sixth year in Nashville. He’s playing out the final year of a two-year deal that carries a manageable $1 million cap hit — the kind of contract contenders like to add this time of year.
Smith during a recent game.
A native of Brainerd, Smith has spent his entire NHL career with the Predators, totaling 23 goals and 39 assists across 271 games in the National Hockey League. He’s also appeared in five playoff games, giving Vegas a player who understands postseason intensity, even in limited action.
Sedoff, 24, has been skating with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL, where he’s posted four assists in 38 games this season. He now joins a Predators organization that appears to be leaning further into future assets.
Vegas currently sits atop the Pacific Division with a 28-19-14 record, and this move signals they’re looking to solidify depth rather than make a headline splash.
Earlier in the day, Nashville also moved forward Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick, another sign the Predators are reshaping their roster with an eye toward what’s next.
What Fans Can Expect
The Minnesota native’s most productive offensive season came in 2023–24, when Cole Smith recorded nine goals and 14 assists with the Nashville Predators. Offense, however, has never been the defining element of his game.
Smith’s value is rooted in his defensive reliability. He owns an 82-game average of 1.1 defensive point shares (per Hockey Reference), with a career-best 1.3 posted during that same 2023–24 campaign. His ability to suppress chances, win board battles, and execute clean exits makes him a dependable presence in a depth role.
In Vegas, he’ll reunite with former Predators teammate Colton Sissons, giving the Vegas Golden Knights a familiar pairing on the lower lines. The duo developed chemistry in Nashville as defensively responsible forwards capable of handling tough matchups while adding a physical edge.
Physicality is another clear part of Smith’s profile. He has delivered 119 hits this season, reinforcing his reputation as a hard, straight-line winger who finishes checks consistently. That style fits seamlessly with the Golden Knights’ identity and complements players such as Jeremy Lauzon and Keegan Kolesar, who also bring size and edge to the lineup.
Overall, Smith projects as a defensively sound, physical depth addition who strengthens Vegas’ bottom six without altering its core structure.
The NHL trade deadline arrives at 3:00 p.m. on March 6, and for the Philadelphia Flyers, it has the potential to be a referendum on direction.
The front office has said that this season is one where they hope to be out of the subtracting stages of the rebuild, and instead be in a position to start adding strengths to the roster. But trade deadline week always comes fraught with rumors, and the Flyers are certainly no exception.
The Flyers can believe in their trajectory while still recognizing that certain players carry heightened market value. What follows is an objective examination of the names most frequently mentioned in league circles—not as expendable pieces, but as assets with defined value across the NHL landscape.
Rasmus Ristolainen: A Resurgent Top-Four Defenseman With Defined Value
Rasmus Ristolainen has played some of his most efficient hockey in recent weeks. His gap control has tightened, his decision-making with the puck has become more economical, and his physical presence remains unmistakably valuable.
The Flyers are reportedly asking for a first-round pick and a prospect for the 31-year-old and are not inclined to settle for less—a reflection of both his recent form and the broader scarcity of right-shot defensemen capable of handling top-four minutes.
Pierre LeBrun: Re Rasmus Ristolainen: The current asking price from the Flyers is a first round pick and a prospect - Insider Trading (3/3)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 4, 2026
Two teams reportedly expressing significant interest are the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins.
Buffalo’s interest sounds particularly acute. Ristolainen was drafted eighth overall by the Sabres in 2013 and spent eight seasons there. A reunion would not simply be sentimental; Buffalo is seeking defensive stability and playoff credibility. Ristolainen’s familiarity with the market and his matured defensive profile could provide both.
The Bruins, on the other hand, prioritize defensive zone reliability and physical deterrence in playoff series. Ristolainen’s size, penalty-kill usage, and willingness to engage physically align with that identity.
The key question is valuation. If Philadelphia holds firm on their reported asking price, it highlights confidence not just in Ristolainen’s play, but in their negotiating position.
Owen Tippett: Upside, Leverage, and a Contract Clock
Owen Tippett may be the most discussed Flyer in league conversations at the moment. While he is not being aggressively shopped, every team reportedly asks about him when they give Danny Briere a ring.
The appeal is obvious. Tippett combines high-end straight-line speed with a heavy, quick-release shot. When engaged, he can tilt games with pace alone. He has the frame to play physically and the skill to finish from distance, a combination that remains attractive in today’s transition-heavy NHL.
Yet Tippett has been known to struggle with inconsistency. His impact can fluctuate from dominant to peripheral within the span of weeks. That volatility complicates valuation.
A recent Daily Faceoff report suggested that there has not been significant traction on a deal this week and that movement, if it occurs at all, may be more likely in the offseason. In Tippett's case specifically, timing matters. The 27-year-old has a no-trade clause that activates on July 1, meaning Philadelphia would need to act before then if they intend to preserve maximum flexibility.
The Bruins have reportedly “kicked the tires” multiple times, and they are not alone. Speed and shot volume are appealing across systems. Teams searching for a middle-six winger who can escalate into a top-line threat in the right environment will continue to inquire.
For the Flyers, the decision hinges on belief: Is Tippett a long-term foundational scorer, or an asset whose market may never be higher?
Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (74). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Bobby Brink: Development Curve Meets Roster Mathematics
Bobby Brink represents a different kind of asset. He's younger, cost-controlled, and still ascending.
Small in stature but creative in tight spaces, Brink has evolved from a perimeter playmaker into a more assertive competitor. He has added strength, increased his puck battle engagement, and diversified his offensive reads. His versatility allows him to move between lines and adapt to varied tactical demands.
The speculation around Brink is less about dissatisfaction and more about roster dynamics. The Flyers have plenty of winger prospects pushing for NHL roles. To create space, they may need to convert an existing young asset into a different positional need.
Anthony Di Marco: Re Flyers: I have gotten the sense that Bobby Brink may be (one of) the wingers to walk the plank to clear space for the incoming influx of prospect wingers over the coming years - Daily Faceoff (1/27)
Around the league, Brink would appeal to teams seeking secondary scoring with playmaking instincts. His hockey IQ translates across styles, whether in a puck-possession system or a structured forecheck.
He has made tangible strides over the past two seasons and still projects with a meaningful ceiling. That combination makes him valuable both internally and externally.
Garnet Hathaway: Veteran Presence With Playoff Utility
Garnet Hathaway embodies the archetype of a deadline acquisition.
At 34 (turning 35 in November), Hathaway remains physically assertive, defensively reliable, and tactically disciplined. He plays defined minutes, kills penalties, and rarely deviates from his role. In postseason environments, those traits amplify.
His value extends beyond the ice. Hathaway is widely regarded as a strong locker-room presence—vocal, accountable, and an example of a true professional that younger players can follow.
He is not a top-six scorer, nor is he expected to be. But for teams seeking fourth-line stability, playoff edge, and experience, Hathaway represents low-risk reinforcement with immediate utility.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway (19). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Noah Juulsen: Defined Role, Predictable Execution
Noah Juulsen offers something contenders covet in depth defensemen: clarity.
He understands his role as a third-pair, physical, detail-oriented defenseman. He does not overextend offensively. He prioritizes body positioning, net-front coverage, and simple exits.
In postseason play, injuries are unfortunately inevitable. Having a defenseman who can step into limited minutes without disrupting structure is an asset. Juulsen’s physicality and willingness to handle “dirty work” situations make him appealing to teams seeking insurance on the back end.
His market may not command headline returns, but there will be teams out there looking for depth optimization, and Juulsen's predictability can carry some value in that department.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Noah Juulsen (47). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Carl Grundstrom: Bottom-Six Stability With Scoring Touch
Carl Grundstrom fits a mold that playoff teams routinely pursue: a bottom-six forward who can finish.
Grundstrom brings physical engagement, forecheck pressure, and enough offensive instinct to convert opportunistic chances. He does not require power-play time to produce. His value lies in five-on-five contributions and matchup flexibility.
For teams looking to solidify their third or fourth line with a player capable of elevating during tight-checking series, Grundstrom can provide cost-effective reinforcement.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Carl Grundstrom (91). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)<div data-empty="true"><br></div>
The Broader Calculation
Trade deadlines can be chaotic, especially for a team like the Flyers that may not necessarily want to subtract or make short-term solution deals, but have several players who could initiate long-term success in a trade deal.
For Philadelphia, the calculus is layered. Some players, like Ristolainen, may command peak value. Others, like Tippett, force philosophical questions about ceiling versus consistency. Depth veterans such as Hathaway and Juulsen provide immediate playoff utility for contenders, and younger pieces like Brink carry developmental upside that can be reshaped into positional balance.
What remains clear is that the Flyers are not navigating this deadline from a position of desperation. They hold assets that other teams want. That distinction grants them patience.
March 6 will reveal not only who might move, but how the organization goes about this next phase of rebuilding. This week could showcase incremental recalibration or accelerated repositioning, or it could be uneventful if other GMs don't bring the desired pieces to the Flyers' table.
It’s a fair question — and one that’s becoming harder to ignore around the league.
Among qualified NHL goaltenders, the Calgary Flames netminder sits first in save percentage at .922 and sixth in goals-against average at 2.28. Dig a little deeper, and the numbers become even more compelling. His high-danger save percentage stands at .863 — placing him in the 97th percentile league-wide, well above the NHL average of roughly .813.
Yet for much of the season, Cooley’s performance has flown under the radar. Playing behind a team that has battled inconsistency and struggled to generate offence at times, his body of work hasn’t always been accompanied by highlight-reel wins or national headlines. But inside the organization, the appreciation is clear — and he’s been turning opponents heads, too.
“I think he’s starting to,” said Flames head coach Ryan Huska. “Maybe early on in the year he didn’t get as much (credit) as he probably deserved. I think now he is, because he’s been really consistent with what he’s done when he’s gone in there.”
There’s a noticeable edge to his game — a refusal to quit on plays, regardless of the scoreboard. Whether the Flames are protecting a lead or chasing one, his effort level rarely wavers. That compete has resonated with Huska, particularly in difficult nights when momentum swings heavily the other way.
“Even (against Dallas) when the game was out of reach, he competed and tried to make a save on everything that was coming at him and that’s what you love about him,” explained Huska.
That resilience matters. Goaltending can be isolating, especially when breakdowns happen in front of you or games spiral beyond control. Cooley’s response hasn’t been frustration — it’s been fight.
“And you want, hopefully, other players to recognize what he did in a situation where things weren’t going in our favour,” Huska continued. “He stayed in there and made some saves, so I was really proud of him for that.”
The numbers make a strong case. The underlying metrics strengthen it. But perhaps what separates Cooley this season isn’t simply statistical dominance — it’s mentality.
On a team searching for consistency in other areas, the goaltender has quietly provided it.
Underrated? Maybe earlier in the year.
Overlooked? Increasingly difficult to justify.
If recognition across the league hasn’t fully caught up yet, it’s only a matter of time.
The Colorado Avalanche have been atop the NHL all season. But as Friday’s trade deadline nears, swirling speculation suggests the club could be open to shaking things up — including potentially moving a player who might be more valuable staying put than gone.
Former Avalanche insider Adrian Dater wrote on X, "I’m hearing that Val Nichushkin might suddenly be in play as #Avs trade piece."
Let’s make one thing very clear: this would be a very poor decision by the Avalanche.
Valeri Nichushkin at training camp.
An Indispensable Piece of the Core
Nichushkin, who turns 31 this week, has been a foundational piece of Colorado’s identity for years. At his peak, he was one of the NHL’s most dangerous two-way power forwards — a force on the forecheck, a puck-possession driver, and a relentless net-front presence. During Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, he was indispensable. Nichushkin posted nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 20 games and even played through a broken foot in the Cup-clinching game.
Yes, this season’s scoring numbers — 12 goals and 24 assists in 51 games — don’t match the highs Avalanche fans are used to. And yes, his eight-year, $49 million contract has drawn scrutiny. There have been injuries and off-ice personal challenges. But focusing strictly on raw counting stats misses what Nichushkin actually provides.
Built For Playoff Hockey
Nichushkin does the things that matter most in playoff hockey — disrupting opposing breakouts, forcing turnovers, wearing down defenders, and tipping pucks in dangerous scoring areas. Those contributions rarely dominate headlines, but they frequently decide postseason games.
Nichushkin with the Stanley Cup. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas
Colorado’s record without him over recent years is also telling. The Avalanche have been significantly better with Nichushkin in the lineup than without him — a reflection of the subtle but very real impact he has on the ice.
Championship teams need skill. They also need weight, pressure, and players willing to do the punishing work between the dots. Nichushkin thrives in that environment.
The Brotherhood Factor
Beyond systems and analytics, there’s also the human element — something Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now highlighted when discussing Nichushkin’s relationship with goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.
Deen reported that Nichushkin has opened up socially since Blackwood’s arrival in Denver, with the two routinely seeing each other postgame and building a genuine bond as locker room teammates. For a player long viewed as quiet and reserved, that growth matters.
Blackwood has been open about how the relationship started early — the two “just started chatting,” Blackwood told Deen — and it evolved naturally from there. It’s more than casual camaraderie. That’s chemistry. That’s trust. That’s accountability.
Blackwood and Nichushkin embrace following a big win. Credit: John E. Sokolowski
All of those things matter.
There’s also broader context. Blackwood signed a long-term deal in December and appears fully invested — and happy — in Colorado. Stability in net has been a storyline for this franchise, and the organization finally has it.
A healthy, confident Nichushkin playing in front of him — blocking lanes, winning board battles, applying relentless forecheck pressure — directly supports that stability. Goaltenders benefit immensely from predictable, committed defensive play in front of them. Nichushkin provides exactly that.
Trading him now would not be a simple cap maneuver. It would send a message through the locker room. And for a team capable of winning another Stanley Cup this season, disrupting that chemistry carries real risk.
The deadline is approaching fast. If the Avalanche believe they need another layer to push them over the top, the focus should be on adding — not subtracting the subtle glue that helps hold a contender together.
Valeri Nichushkin may not always dominate the stat sheet. But his impact on this team, stylistically and culturally, is undeniable.
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline takes place on March 6, and already, the Vancouver Canucks are taking part in moves. As one of the teams populating trade rumour headlines the most as of late, Vancouver is expected to be a busy team heading into the deadline.
Earlier today, the Canucks conducted their first trade since the end of the 2026 Winter Olympic break, dealing Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and 2029 fourth-round pick. Shortly after the move, Vancouver General Manager Patrik Allvin spoke to the media about the details behind Myers’ trade and how it all went down.
“Tyler had a full no-move. So in the end of the day, I respected it, the conversations that I had with Tyler that this was something that might happen, and I made him aware about a week ago, and in the end of the day, he signed off on this trade this morning.”
Allvin also specified that the second-round pick for Myers came about due to the 50% salary retention that the Canucks will be keeping on the defenceman’s contract. Initial reports had specified that the Detroit Red Wings were looking to acquire Myers for around that price, though due to the structure of Myers’ contract, Dallas ended up being the team to acquire him.
“Tyler is a good player. His cap hit was fairly low, and when you cut it in half, it makes it more appealing for teams. But again, it’s hard. Tyler controlled this move, and I respect him and his agent, and thankful it ended up being a good destination for Tyler and a good return for the Vancouver Canucks.”
With the Myers trade now in the rearview for the Canucks, the organization’s focus will likely shift to their remaining players ahead of the deadline on Friday. While the Canucks appear to be open for business on the selling side, the structure behind this year’s deadline could impact whether or not Vancouver makes any more moves.
“The market is interesting. I don’t even know if it is a market or not,” Allvin added. “You take a look at the last two seasons here, and this year, when you have a salary cap for the first time in the playoffs, it changed. So it’s hard to get a feel for it, and there are some ongoing discussions, and we’ll see here, over the next 48 hours if something materializes or not.”
Allvin also specified that while the playoff salary cap will impact what moves teams decide to make heading into the deadline, roster spot availability will also be a big thing to consider when it comes to trades.
“This is an issue too. You have players on your roster. We had carried a couple extra here that haven’t played as of late, and I think that’s something again around the league.”
Mar 2, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) handles the puck in warm up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Evander Kane has been a name many expect the Canucks to move on from — if they can — ahead of the trade deadline on Friday. While the interest in him has appeared to wane since mid-January reports that contenders such as Dallas and the Colorado Avalanche were intrigued, Allvin explained what it is that teams could be eyeing about the forward’s game in a potential trade.
“I think his playoff performance over the last couple of years in Edmonton have shown that he is more than capable of performing in big games and his ability to skate and his bigger body. So I can talk to the other teams, that’s their choice, but we’ll see.”
Teddy Blueger is also a player that could be moved heading into the deadline. As a pending UFA, the veteran centre is arguably one of the more intriguing pieces on the Canucks currently given the fact that he has proven Stanley Cup-winning experience and that he can effectively help a team’s defensive depth from a forward’s standpoint.
“Teddy has been a great pro, and he was part of Vegas winning a cup there before. So there is some value for us, no doubt about it.”
It’s a busy time in the NHL for all 32 teams. Having said that, the trade deadline may not be the last time the Canucks engage in surprising moves through the rest of 2026. If Vancouver chooses not to make another move ahead of the trade deadline, the 2026 NHL Draft is a date they could target for potential trades.
“[It] could be busier leading up to draft, for sure, but, have in mind what we did earlier. I think we did a couple of big moves here, and probably didn’t help the other teams by setting the market so high [...] So it definitely could be something that we’re looking at summertime too, leading up to the draft. Again, we’ve got to have a good team here next year too. I think it’s important for future that we surround the young players with with some leadership, and also continue to build.”
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