NHL Trade Deadline Watch: Flames, Leafs, Canadiens, and Oilers All in the Mix as March 6 Nears
With the NHL trade deadline just a few weeks away, the rumor mill is heating up - and several Canadian clubs are right in the thick of it. From the Flames potentially reshuffling their core, to the Maple Leafs navigating a tightrope between buying and selling, and the Canadiens weighing their options with Patrik Laine, there’s no shortage of intrigue. Let’s break down where things stand.
Calgary Flames: Kadri, Coleman Could Be on the Move
The Calgary Flames are shaping up to be one of the more active teams at the deadline. Veteran forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman are drawing the most attention, and for good reason.
Kadri, who once made it clear he wanted to stay in Calgary, now seems more open to a change of scenery. That’s a notable shift - and one that could open the door to serious trade talks.
The challenge with Kadri isn’t talent - it’s the contract. He’s still a capable center, and there are teams out there hunting for help down the middle.
But with his production dipping and his cap hit still significant, any deal will require careful maneuvering. Don’t be surprised if Calgary has to retain some salary or get creative with the return.
Coleman, meanwhile, brings playoff experience, a strong two-way game, and a reputation for stepping up in big moments. He’d be a valuable addition to any contender looking to bolster its middle six.
There’s also some chatter around defenseman Mackenzie Weegar, but nothing appears close on that front. Still, Flames GM Craig Conroy is expected to field plenty of calls in the coming weeks. And with more changes potentially on the horizon this summer, this deadline could be just the beginning of a broader retool in Calgary.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Buyer, Seller… or Both?
The Maple Leafs’ deadline strategy remains a bit of a mystery - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Flexibility can be a weapon, especially when you’re navigating a tight cap and a top-heavy roster.
Toronto is evaluating several players, including Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy, Simon Benoit, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. McMann is the most intriguing name here.
He’s the only player whose retained salary could fall below the league minimum, which gives the Leafs some leverage. But they’re reportedly asking for a first-round pick - a steep price for a player who might still be viewed as a rental unless a long-term extension (potentially $5 million per year over five years) is part of the deal.
That’s a big swing for any team, and one that could shape the market in the coming days.
Insiders suggest the Leafs could play both sides of the deadline - buying to fill holes, but also selling off assets that don’t fit their long-term plans. There’s some noise around Ekman-Larsson, but as of now, no firm talks have materialized.
Montreal Canadiens: Laine’s Future in Question
Patrik Laine’s situation in Montreal is one of the more compelling storylines to watch. If he suits up after the Olympic break, it might not be in a Canadiens sweater.
The Habs closed out the pre-Olympic stretch on a strong note, and there’s a sense that GM Kent Hughes is comfortable with the current group - but not married to it. The focus appears to be on upgrading the right side of the top line, which leaves Laine’s future up in the air.
He remains a high-ceiling talent with a cannon of a shot, but consistency and fit have always been part of the conversation. Whether he’s dealt as a standalone piece or as part of a bigger package, Laine has the potential to shake up the deadline in a major way.
Montreal has options - and they’re keeping all of them on the table.
Edmonton Oilers: Still Searching for Their Deadline Identity
The Edmonton Oilers are in a bit of a holding pattern. One day it’s a forward they’re after, the next it’s a defenseman. There’s even talk of bringing back Paul Coffey in a larger role, though that seems more long-term than deadline-related.
The Oilers’ needs are clear: improve defensively and solidify their depth. If they’re confident in their current forward group, the focus could shift to adding a top-four defenseman to help curb the goals-against issues that have plagued them. But if they pivot to a forward, they’ll need to decide whether they’re chasing a scoring winger or a reliable third-line center.
Either way, Edmonton has the pieces to make a move - it’s just a matter of figuring out which direction they want to go.
Around the League: Wild, Kings, Canucks Eyeing Moves
Elsewhere, several playoff hopefuls are positioning themselves ahead of March 6.
- Minnesota Wild are reportedly interested in Vincent Trocheck, but they may not have the assets to get it done after previous trades thinned their cupboard.
- Los Angeles Kings are still exploring options to add center depth, though they may ultimately wait until the offseason to land a bigger fish.
- Vancouver Canucks are open for business. Veterans like Evander Kane are available, and the front office is willing to retain salary to make deals work. Teddy Blueger is also drawing interest, but the price tag is high.
Final Word
With the Olympic break giving teams time to reassess, the next few weeks are shaping up to be busy - and potentially franchise-altering - for several clubs. Whether it’s Calgary reshuffling its core, Toronto threading the needle, Montreal weighing a Laine deal, or Edmonton trying to define its identity, the trade deadline is setting up to be anything but quiet.
Buckle up.