NHL Rumor Roundup: Stars Weigh Robertson Decision, Rangers Begin Retool, Preds Stay Hot, Andersson Trade Nearing
With the NHL trade deadline creeping closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and some big names are right in the thick of it. From Jason Robertson’s contract standoff in Dallas to Artemi Panarin’s uncertain future in New York, and a red-hot Nashville team changing its tune on trade talks, there’s no shortage of intrigue across the league. Let’s break down the latest developments.
Jason Robertson’s Future in Dallas Getting Cloudy
Jason Robertson is one of the most dynamic wingers in the NHL, but his future in Dallas is suddenly looking murky. The 25-year-old is reportedly seeking a contract that could push north of $12 million per year-a number that’s giving the Stars serious pause.
Dallas has already shown it’s not afraid to move on from elite talent when the price gets too high. Just last season, they were the final stop in the Mikko Rantanen trade saga, a blockbuster that sent shockwaves through the league. Now, Robertson could be the next star on the move.
Here’s the challenge: Robertson is still under team control as a restricted free agent when his current deal ends. But he could accept a qualifying offer and walk straight into unrestricted free agency, leaving Dallas empty-handed. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player currently sitting third in the league in goals (27) and top 10 in points (56 in 48 games).
The Stars have been aggressive buyers, but they’ve also set internal salary limits-limits that Robertson’s ask might surpass. If that’s the case, don’t be surprised if Dallas starts listening to offers. And if Robertson does get moved, it would mark the second straight year that a top-tier winger changes teams in his prime.
Rangers Hit Reset Button, Panarin Likely on the Move
The New York Rangers are shifting gears again. After fast-tracking their rebuild back in 2019 by landing Artemi Panarin in one of the biggest free agency splashes of the decade, the team is now signaling a new phase: the retool.
In a message to fans, GM Chris Drury acknowledged the team is entering a transitional period. And while the term “retool” can mean a lot of things, one thing is clear-some familiar faces won’t be sticking around.
Panarin, the face of the Rangers’ resurgence in recent years, isn’t expected to receive a contract extension. That all but guarantees he’ll be traded, and the suitors are already lining up. The Minnesota Wild are reportedly among the frontrunners, but with a player of Panarin’s caliber available, you can bet just about every contender is picking up the phone.
As for who stays in New York, Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin are the only players considered untouchable right now. Everyone else?
Their futures are up in the air. That includes Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Will Cuylle-names that could become central to the Rangers’ next chapter, or trade chips to accelerate the transition.
Winning Changes Everything in Nashville
It wasn’t long ago that the Nashville Predators were at the center of trade speculation. Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly, Jonathan Marchessault-big names with big question marks. The team looked like it was teetering on the edge of a teardown.
But that narrative has flipped, thanks to a serious surge in the standings. The Preds have won 17 of their last 25 games, and suddenly, the idea of selling off veterans doesn’t make nearly as much sense.
Take O’Reilly, for example. Earlier in the season, he seemed like a prime candidate to be moved.
Now? According to Chris Johnston, as long as Nashville keeps winning, the likelihood of a trade continues to shrink.
It’s a reminder that in the NHL, momentum can be just as powerful as a trade deadline deal.
Rasmus Andersson Trade Down to Final Four Teams
The Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes are entering the final stretch. The Calgary Flames defenseman is expected to be dealt soon, and according to reports, the list of serious contenders is down to four.
The Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights are two of the teams still in the mix. Boston looked like it might be sellers not long ago, but recent performances have flipped that script. With the team playing better than expected and key players stepping up, adding Andersson could be a savvy move to solidify the blue line.
Vegas, meanwhile, has had its eye on Andersson for a while. But there’s a wrinkle-reports suggest Andersson isn’t interested in signing an extension with the Golden Knights. That could complicate things, especially for a team that typically prefers to lock in its acquisitions long-term.
The Dallas Stars are also believed to be in the running. They’ve been linked to just about every big-name player on the market, and Andersson is no exception.
As for the fourth team? Word is it’s an Eastern Conference club, with the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings both heavily rumored.
The Red Wings reportedly won’t pull the trigger without an extension in place, and Andersson doesn’t seem eager to commit. Ottawa, on the other hand, is on his no-trade list-but that hasn’t stopped them from trying to make a case.
Final Thoughts
With the trade deadline looming, the landscape is shifting fast. Contenders are sharpening their rosters, retooling teams are making tough calls, and stars like Robertson, Panarin, and Andersson could all be on the move. Buckle up-this stretch run is shaping up to be a wild one.