NHL Trade Rumblings: Nylander Manages Injury at Olympics, Utah Mammoth Eye Centers, McDavid-Celebrini Buzz Builds, and McMann’s Deadline Value Debated
As the NHL hits pause for the Olympics, the rumor mill is anything but quiet. Between William Nylander’s health, the Utah Mammoth’s potential deadline splash, and the early chemistry between Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s break it all down.
Nylander Playing Through, Eyes Olympic Gold and Leafs’ Stretch Run
William Nylander has been a force for the Maple Leafs this season, but there’s been some concern about his health heading into the Olympic break. While he’s still suiting up for Sweden, he’s been taking it easy during skates, prompting questions about a possible groin issue.
When asked directly about it in a postgame interview, Nylander kept things light: “No, not today.” He followed that up by reassuring reporters that he feels good and is simply managing things to stay that way. In other words, he’s not sidelined-he’s just playing smart.
And the numbers back it up. In Sweden’s 5-2 win over Italy, Nylander buried the game-winner off a slick feed from Rasmus Dahlin.
He followed that up with an assist in a 4-1 loss to Finland. Even when he’s not at 100%, he’s making an impact.
For the Leafs, though, the bigger picture is clear: they’ll need Nylander healthy and firing on all cylinders if they want to make a serious postseason push. With Toronto hovering in the playoff mix, his health isn’t just a storyline-it’s a potential turning point.
Utah Mammoth Could Shake Up Trade Market at Center
Keep an eye on Utah. The Mammoth are sitting on a mountain of cap space-over $29 million projected at the deadline-and they’ve got assets to move. With top-line center Logan Cooley out since December, they’re reportedly looking to shore up their depth down the middle.
Names like Nazem Kadri (Calgary), Elias Pettersson (Vancouver), and Robert Thomas (St. Louis) have been floated as possible targets. All three bring top-six pedigree and varying levels of experience, but they also come with no-trade clauses, which could complicate any deal.
Still, Utah is in a rare position. They’ve got the cap flexibility, a strong prospect pool, and a front office that isn’t afraid to make bold moves. If they decide to pull the trigger, they could reshape the center market in a hurry.
Nothing’s imminent, but once the Olympic break ends, don’t be surprised if the Mammoth are one of the first teams to make noise.
McDavid and Celebrini Light Up Olympics, Fueling NHL Daydreams
Sometimes all it takes is one game to spark a conversation. That’s exactly what’s happening with Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini, who’ve already shown flashes of brilliance playing together for Team Canada.
Their chemistry has fans and analysts alike wondering-what if? During a TSN segment, Jeff O’Neill and Bryan Hayes joked about McDavid joining the Sharks or Celebrini heading to Edmonton someday to chase a Cup together. It’s all in good fun, but it speaks to how electric the pairing has looked on the Olympic stage.
Realistically, a team-up in the NHL is a long shot. McDavid’s locked in with the Oilers for two more years on a $25 million extension, and Celebrini is just in year two of his entry-level deal with San Jose. But in a league where superstars are starting to take control of their destinies, it’s not totally out of bounds to dream.
For now, fans will just have to enjoy the show in international play. If they keep clicking like this, the buzz will only grow louder.
Bobby McMann’s Trade Value: Leafs Might Need to Adjust Expectations
Bobby McMann’s name continues to pop up in trade talks, but there’s a growing sense that Toronto might have to recalibrate what they expect in return.
Analysts suggest McMann is being valued more in the $4 million range rather than the $5 million mark the Leafs may have hoped for. That difference could mean the Leafs are looking at a return of two second-round picks instead of the first-rounder they’ve reportedly been seeking.
Complicating things further is the fact that many teams shopping at the deadline either don’t have a first-rounder to move or are unwilling to part with it. That puts Toronto in a spot where they may need to prioritize a strong overall package rather than a singular top-tier asset.
The good news for buyers? McMann’s contract is manageable, and teams wouldn’t need the Leafs to retain salary. That makes him an attractive option for clubs looking to add a reliable, cost-controlled forward without having to juggle their cap situation.
Bottom Line
The Olympic break may have slowed the NHL schedule, but it’s only turned up the heat on the rumor front. Nylander’s health is a storyline to watch both in Sweden and back in Toronto.
Utah’s trade ambitions could shake up the market. McDavid and Celebrini are already giving fans a glimpse of what could be.
And McMann’s value could be one of the more intriguing subplots as the deadline approaches.
Buckle up. Once the games resume, the action off the ice might rival what we see on it.