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NHL Trade Rumblings: Blues Set Steep Price for Thomas, Malkin Eyes Another Year, Oilers Weigh Forward Options, and Panarin’s Future in Play
As the NHL trade winds begin to swirl with more urgency, several storylines are heating up across the league - and they’re not just your typical midseason chatter. From St.
Louis drawing a hard line on Robert Thomas, to Evgeni Malkin making it clear he’s not ready to hang up the skates, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the latest.
Robert Thomas Isn’t Going Anywhere Without a Blockbuster Offer
If you’re a team thinking about making a run at Robert Thomas, bring your best - and then some. The St.
Louis Blues aren’t just listening to offers; they’re setting the bar sky-high. According to Elliotte Friedman, the ask is either a can’t-say-no type of package or a younger, elite top-six forward in return.
We’re talking about someone in the 22-24 age range, the kind of player you build around, not just a promising prospect.
Think of it like trading in a reliable, high-performance car - the Blues aren’t looking to downgrade. They want something sleeker, newer, and just as powerful.
Anything less, and the conversation ends there. Thomas, at 26, is still in his prime and producing at a level that makes him a cornerstone piece.
Unless a team is ready to pay a premium, he’s not going anywhere.
Malkin’s Not Done Yet - And He’s Letting Everyone Know It
Evgeni Malkin isn’t just skating like a guy with something left in the tank - he’s talking like one, too. At 39, the Penguins veteran is coming off back-to-back multi-point games and playing a key role in Pittsburgh’s climb to second in the Metropolitan Division. And despite the whispers about retirement, Malkin is shutting that down fast.
“I never say I want to retire,” he said. “I feel great.
I like how we play - it’s always fun to win... I want to show I’m still a good player.
I want everybody to see I can play next year. It’s my goal right now.”
With 39 points in 35 games, it’s hard to argue with him. He’s not just holding his own - he’s helping drive the bus.
But here’s where things get tricky: despite his production, there’s been no movement on an extension. The Penguins haven’t made an offer, and it’s unclear whether they plan to.
For now, Malkin’s focused on proving he’s still got it, and so far, he’s doing just that.
Oilers Still Sorting Out Their Forward Puzzle
The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a top-nine forward, but the path forward isn’t exactly clear. According to Pierre LeBrun, the front office is still debating how best to deploy Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - and that decision could determine what kind of player they pursue.
If Nugent-Hopkins shifts back to center, the Oilers can zero in on a winger, which opens up a wider and more affordable pool of trade targets. But if he stays on the wing, Edmonton needs to go shopping for a true third-line center - a tougher ask, especially with limited sellers on the market right now.
Names like Boone Jenner, Jonathan Toews, Ryan O’Reilly, and Blake Coleman have popped up as potential fits, but until the Oilers settle on their internal structure, they’re likely to stay patient. The pieces are there - it’s just about finding the right configuration.
Sherwood, Sharks Still Far Apart on Extension Talks
Contract negotiations between Kiefer Sherwood and the San Jose Sharks aren’t gaining much traction. According to Chris Johnston, there’s a significant gap between what Sherwood’s camp is looking for and what the Sharks are willing to offer.
Sherwood reportedly believes he could command up to $30 million on a long-term deal, and he seems in no rush to settle. For the Sharks, that’s a big number - especially for a player still working to cement his long-term value. This one could take a while.
Panarin and the Kings? There’s Smoke, But Is There Fire?
One of the more intriguing storylines right now involves Artemi Panarin and a potential move to the Los Angeles Kings. While there’s been some chatter about Panarin having interest in Florida, cap constraints make that a tough fit. The Kings, however, are a different story.
With Anze Kopitar approaching the twilight of his career, L.A. is weighing how aggressive they want to be in shaping their next era. Panarin would bring elite offensive skill, and there’s a belief he could help unlock more from young center Quinton Byfield. It’s the kind of move that could accelerate the Kings’ transition without skipping a beat.
Friedman noted that Panarin believes he can play at a high level for another five years and may be eyeing a deal in the $50 million range. That’s a big commitment, but for a team looking to stay competitive post-Kopitar, it might be worth the price.
Final Thoughts
With the trade deadline inching closer, the NHL’s rumor mill is only going to spin faster. Whether it’s a franchise centerpiece like Thomas, a future Hall of Famer like Malkin, or a potential game-changer like Panarin, the stakes are rising - and so is the intrigue. Buckle up.