The NHL trade deadline may still be a few weeks out, but the rumor mill is already spinning at full speed - and all eyes are on a few key names that could shape the second half of the season. The New York Rangers are drawing clear lines in the sand, the Calgary Flames are facing tough decisions, and Nazem Kadri is once again at the center of league-wide interest. Let’s break down the latest chatter.
J.T. Miller Staying Put in New York
Despite the Rangers signaling they're entering a retooling phase, one thing is clear: J.T. Miller isn’t going anywhere.
The newly minted captain has had a rocky start to the season, which naturally sparked some outside speculation about his future. But internally, the Rangers aren’t wavering.
According to league insiders, Miller has no plans to waive his no-movement clause - and the Rangers have no intention of asking him to. They’re still fully invested in the decision to bring him back and hand him the “C.”
Miller’s numbers this season - 32 points in 42 games - may not be eye-popping, but they’re solid, especially when you consider the added weight of captaincy and the team’s up-and-down form. He’s in year three of a seven-year, $56 million deal that carries full no-move protection through 2026-27. In other words: teams can go ahead and cross his name off their trade boards.
Who Could Be on the Move in New York?
With Miller, Igor Shesterkin, and Adam Fox all essentially off-limits, the Rangers still have pieces that could draw interest - and potentially bring back the kind of assets that help them retool on the fly.
Vincent Trocheck is one to watch. His contract is manageable, and his ability to play up and down the lineup makes him a valuable chess piece for contenders.
Then there’s Alexis Lafrenière, who continues to carry intrigue as a former No. 1 overall pick still trying to find his footing. A change of scenery could benefit both player and team.
And then there’s Mika Zibanejad. He’s enjoying a bounce-back season, and while there’s been no formal push to move him, his rising value could tempt the Rangers to at least explore the idea - if he’s open to waiving his no-movement clause. That’s a big “if,” but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Panarin Watch: Could the Breadman Join the Great 8?
Here’s where things get really interesting. Artemi Panarin is shaping up to be one of the biggest names in play as the deadline approaches.
He’s in the final year of his contract, and reports suggest the Rangers don’t plan to extend him. That opens the door to a potential blockbuster.
Two teams have emerged as frontrunners: the Washington Capitals and the Colorado Avalanche. Of the two, Washington appears to be the more realistic landing spot.
They’ve got the cap flexibility, a strong pool of prospects, and multiple picks to make a serious offer. The idea of Panarin lining up alongside Alex Ovechkin?
That’s the kind of move that could ignite a late-season surge and reassert Washington as a legitimate playoff threat.
For the Rangers, moving Panarin would be a massive decision - but it might be the right one if they’re serious about reshaping their roster for the future.
Kadri Drawing Heavy Interest as Flames Weigh Options
In Calgary, the focus has shifted squarely to Nazem Kadri. With Rasmus Andersson reportedly off the market, Kadri has become the centerpiece of trade talks. And while the veteran center has made it known he’d prefer to stay with the Flames, his desire to play meaningful playoff hockey is fueling speculation.
Several teams are reportedly kicking the tires - including Toronto, Montreal, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Kadri’s offensive numbers are down a bit this season (34 points in 49 games), but in a rising cap environment, his $7 million AAV doesn’t look nearly as steep as it once did.
The Flames aren’t in any rush to make a move, but the interest is real - and growing. With so few impact centers available, Kadri’s value could spike as the deadline nears. If a team like the Maple Leafs or Canadiens wants to make a serious push, they’ll need to come to the table with a strong offer.
Final Thoughts
As we inch closer to the deadline, the picture is starting to take shape. The Rangers are holding tight to their core, but big names like Panarin could still be on the move.
Meanwhile, Kadri’s situation in Calgary is one of the most intriguing storylines to watch. There’s a lot of smoke right now - and history tells us that where there’s smoke, there’s usually a fire sale coming.
Stay tuned.