Winnipeg Jets fans hoping for a last-minute trade involving Jonathan Toews will need to adjust their expectations. The future Hall of Famer has made it clear he plans to invoke his no-movement clause if approached about a trade.
Returning to the NHL with his hometown team after a two-year break, Toews was seen as a potential key player for the Jets, either as a second-line center or in a smaller role. However, injuries and a tough 11-game winless streak have dampened Winnipeg’s playoff hopes.
Toews has put up 19 points over 56 games, showing some decline but still maintaining a solid 48.5% corsi for at even strength. Though any contender would love to add a three-time Stanley Cup winner like Toews, he's committed to finishing the season strong with the team he grew up cheering for.
In other Jets news, Head Coach Scott Arniel shared updates on a few players. Neal Pionk is dealing with a new injury, adding to his challenges this season.
He's been sidelined since January 13 with a lower-body injury and now faces another setback. Nino Niederreiter is also week-to-week after getting injured while representing Switzerland in the Olympics.
The 33-year-old has struggled this season, with only eight goals. Josh Morrissey will miss the upcoming road trip due to an injury sustained against Czechia in the Olympics, but he’s expected back by March 3 against Chicago.
Turning to the Nashville Predators, trade talks involving forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Erik Haula are heating up as the trade deadline approaches. Marchessault, at 35, has struggled to find his rhythm in Nashville, posting just 17 points this season.
With a contract running through 2028-29 and a full no-movement clause, the Predators might need to take on a less favorable contract to facilitate a trade. Haula, a pending unrestricted free agent, has a limited no-trade clause but could be open to joining a contender, especially given the current center market.