Even with the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze in effect, the wheels behind the scenes are very much still turning. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, general managers aren’t taking a break just because the league is.
While fans and media have their eyes on the Winter Games, GMs are staying busy-texting, planning, and working through contract extensions and trade scenarios. As one GM told Friedman while he was at the Olympics: don’t take your eye off the ball.
That message? Loud and clear.
Teams are using this pause to get clarity on their rosters-especially when it comes to pending free agents. Extensions can still be signed during the freeze, and that’s a key piece of the puzzle as clubs gear up for the stretch run.
As Friedman put it, teams want answers: *Are these players staying or are we moving them before the deadline? * The decisions made during this quiet period could set the table for some big moves once the freeze lifts.
Players to Watch
There are a handful of names popping up in conversations across the league, and they’re not just depth pieces either. Alex Tuch in Buffalo is one to monitor closely. He’s been a critical part of the Sabres’ core, but if talks don’t progress, his name could heat up in trade chatter.
In Tampa Bay, defenseman Darren Raddysh is drawing interest. The Toronto Maple Leafs, in particular, are reportedly keeping tabs on him. Raddysh has quietly carved out a role in a strong Lightning system, and a move to Toronto could give the Leafs a boost on the right side.
Then there’s the question of Evgeni Malkin. With the Penguins playing solid hockey, does he ink a short-term extension to stay in Pittsburgh?
Or could he become a surprise deadline storyline? It’s not out of the question.
Bobby McMann is another name in play. He’s been gaining traction, but the Maple Leafs need to make a call-do they commit long-term or try to move him for assets?
And in Columbus, Boone Jenner’s situation is worth watching. The Blue Jackets are leaning toward extending their captain, but if talks stall, he could suddenly become one of the more attractive two-way centers available at the deadline.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
As for the Edmonton Oilers, Friedman believes change is coming-but maybe not immediately. “I think [the Oilers] will look different before the trade deadline,” he said. “I just don’t know if it’s going to be that fast.”
That’s not exactly a surprise. Edmonton’s been in evaluation mode all season, and with the playoff race tightening, they’re expected to be active. Whether that means adding depth, shaking up the bottom six, or making a splashier move remains to be seen, but the expectation is that GM Ken Holland and his staff aren’t standing pat.
There’s also been some noise around the coaching staff. Specifically, rumors about Paul Coffey potentially returning in some capacity.
Friedman wasn’t ready to confirm anything, but acknowledged the chatter is growing. Jason Gregor added more context during an appearance on Sports 1440, suggesting that if Coffey were to return, it might require a bigger shake-up-possibly even at the head coach level.
“Paul Coffey probably isn’t coming back,” Gregor said, “but if he does, you probably have to change the head coach. I think he’s more of a GM than a coach.”
So while the Olympic break has put the on-ice action on pause, don’t mistake it for downtime. Across the league, phones are buzzing, deals are being discussed, and front offices are laying the groundwork for what could be a wild finish to the NHL’s trade season. The Oilers, like many contenders, are right in the thick of it.