NHL Trade Rumors: Laine’s Future, Toews’ Dilemma, and the Oilers’ Bottom-Six Puzzle
As the NHL heads into the Olympic break, the trade winds are swirling-and a few big names are at the center of the conversation. From Patrik Laine’s uncertain future in Montreal to Jonathan Toews weighing his next move in Winnipeg, and Edmonton’s push to solidify its bottom six, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s dig into the latest rumblings around the league.
Patrik Laine: Post-Olympic Return, But Where?
When the Canadiens brought in Patrik Laine, the idea was simple: inject some high-octane scoring into a lineup that needed it. And when he finally hit the ice, he delivered. But now, with Laine sidelined again and expected to return after the Olympic break, the question isn’t just when he’ll play-it’s where.
Montreal’s done just fine in his absence. They’re sitting second in the Atlantic, goals are coming from up and down the lineup, and with Laine carrying an $8.7 million cap hit, there may not be room-financially or structurally-to slot him back in.
GM Kent Hughes didn’t speak directly about Laine, but he acknowledged the team has “too many players,” especially with injured skaters getting healthy. That’s a clear signal: if Laine’s return is imminent, a move might be, too.
To make that happen, Montreal may need to retain salary and possibly attach a sweetener to get a deal across the finish line. It's not ideal, but it’s the reality when dealing with a high-salary player coming off an injury.
So who’s picking up the phone?
Possible Landing Spots for Laine
- Calgary Flames: With Jonathan Huberdeau out for the season, Calgary suddenly has cap flexibility-and a need for offense. If Laine fits, this could be more than a rental. The Flames are looking to score more, and Laine’s shot could be the spark they need.
- Carolina Hurricanes: This one’s intriguing. Laine’s close friends Sebastian Aho and Nikolaj Ehlers are already in the fold, and while Carolina’s humming along nicely, they’ve always been open to adding scoring talent. They reportedly kicked the tires on Artemi Panarin in the past-Laine could be a similar swing.
- Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are looking to make a splash, but their focus seems to be at center. Still, adding firepower on the wing isn’t out of the question. If the price is right, they could pivot.
- Seattle Kraken: Seattle’s been aggressive before-they were ready to go big for Panarin. They’ve got the cap space and the appetite for a goal-scorer like Laine. If they believe he can elevate their offense, don’t count them out.
Jonathan Toews: Stay Home or Chase One More Cup?
Jonathan Toews is at a crossroads. The veteran center returned to his hometown Winnipeg Jets, and while the fit hasn’t been perfect, there have been flashes of the old Toews. But now, with the Jets slipping out of the playoff picture, the question looms: does he stay put, or chase a fourth Stanley Cup elsewhere?
At 38, Toews has nothing left to prove. He’s a three-time Cup winner, a respected leader, and still capable of contributing in a bottom-six role. Winnipeg can make the money work if he wants to stay, and there’s something to be said for finishing your career at home.
But this season hasn’t gone as hoped. Toews wasn’t expected to be a second-line center, and he’s settled into more of a depth role. That’s fine, but with other players fighting for those same minutes, it’s a crowded field.
And let’s be honest-Toews still has that competitive fire. If a contender comes calling, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him take one more shot at the Cup.
The Jets aren’t in the mix for 2025-26, and next season doesn’t look much more promising. But in this league, turnarounds happen fast.
Just ask Winnipeg-they were the Presidents’ Trophy winners not long ago.
Toews’ decision won’t be easy, but it will be telling. Is this the swan song in Winnipeg, or the setup for one last playoff run?
Oilers Looking to Bolster the Bottom Six
Over in Edmonton, the Oilers are doing what contenders do this time of year: fine-tuning. And for GM Ken Holland and head coach Kris Knoblauch, that means finding the right mix in the bottom six.
The top of the lineup is spoken for-loaded with skill and offensive firepower. But the supporting cast?
That’s where the Oilers are still tinkering. They’re not looking for flash here; they need role players who know their job and execute it without needing prime minutes or power play time to make an impact.
One name who seems to be on the way out: Andrew Mangiapane. The fit just hasn’t materialized in Edmonton. He came in hoping to rediscover his scoring touch, but he’s been relegated to the fourth line-or scratched altogether.
According to reports, the Oilers are ready to move on. Mangiapane isn’t clicking with Knoblauch’s system, and both sides seem to recognize that it’s time for a fresh start. Once the trade freeze lifts, expect his name to surface in trade chatter.
This isn’t about star power. It’s about finding the right puzzle pieces.
The Oilers know they can’t build a Team Canada-style roster, but they can be smart about how they fill out their lineup. And if they get it right, they’ll be a much tougher out come playoff time.
Bottom Line
With the Olympic break giving teams a moment to regroup, the NHL’s trade market is heating up. Patrik Laine’s next destination, Jonathan Toews’ career crossroads, and Edmonton’s bottom-six shuffle all highlight the different ways teams are preparing for what’s next-whether that’s a playoff push or a longer-term reset.
The moves made in the coming weeks won’t just shape this season-they’ll tell us a lot about where these franchises see themselves heading.