As the NHL season barrels toward the March 6 trade deadline, the Eastern Conference playoff race is starting to take shape - and with that clarity comes some tough decisions for front offices across the league. Some teams are gearing up for a postseason push.
Others might be facing the reality that it's time to sell. Let’s take a closer look at three key situations dominating the NHL trade buzz right now: the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially turning into sellers, the Seattle Kraken eyeing a big-time move, and Artemi Panarin’s name continuing to swirl in trade talks.
Are the Maple Leafs Really Headed Toward Selling?
It’s a question that would’ve sounded unthinkable just a few weeks ago, but here we are. After catching fire post-Christmas, the Maple Leafs have hit a serious skid, going 1-4-2 in their last seven. That slump has tanked their playoff odds down to just 7.2%, and while GM Brad Treliving isn’t expected to throw in the towel just yet, Toronto’s situation is suddenly a lot more complicated.
If the Leafs do decide to retool or sell, there’s no shortage of players who could draw interest. Pending UFAs like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Troy Stecher could all be on the move if contract extensions aren’t in the cards. Calle Järnkrok, with his manageable cap hit, could be a sneaky rental option for contenders looking to add forward depth.
Beyond that, there’s been chatter about the Leafs potentially listening on names like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit, Brandon Carlo, Nick Robertson, and Matias Maccelli. None of those players are part of the team’s core, but they’re the kind of pieces that could help Toronto recoup assets or reshape the roster on the fly.
One thing that’s clear: this doesn’t look like a full teardown. Auston Matthews and William Nylander aren’t going anywhere - but their recent performances haven’t exactly inspired confidence. The Leafs are at a crossroads, and how they navigate the next few weeks could define the rest of their season.
Seattle’s Ready to Make a Move
The Kraken haven’t always been the center of the NHL’s rumor mill, but that’s changing fast. Seattle is reportedly looking to make a splash - and the buzz around Shane Wright’s availability is turning heads across the league.
Wright, the highly touted prospect, is no small chip to throw into trade talks. His name being floated suggests the Kraken are serious about landing a top-line forward, and they’re willing to pay up to get it done.
Several teams are already linked to Wright, including the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets, with others undoubtedly checking in behind the scenes.
Winnipeg might be a tough fit, given their reluctance to move any core pieces. St.
Louis, however, is more intriguing. Both Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou have come up in trade discussions in recent weeks, and either player could be part of a blockbuster deal if the Blues decide to shake things up.
Seattle’s push to become a more dynamic offensive team is worth watching. They’ve built a solid foundation, but if they want to take the next step - especially in a Western Conference that’s wide open behind a few top contenders - this could be the time to go big.
The Panarin Sweepstakes Heat Up
No surprise here: Artemi Panarin is the biggest name on the trade market, and the interest is coming from just about every corner of the league.
The Los Angeles Kings are the latest team to join the chase, but they’re far from alone. Contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals have all been linked to Panarin in some capacity.
What makes this situation even more intriguing is that Rangers GM Chris Drury is reportedly open to retaining some of Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit to help facilitate a deal - and to maximize the return. That’s a big move, and it could open the door for teams that otherwise wouldn’t be able to fit Panarin under the cap.
There’s also a wrinkle in the form of Panarin’s preference. According to reports, he may favor a destination where a long-term extension can be worked out. That could narrow the field of suitors, but it might also increase the urgency for teams who see him as a missing piece in their championship puzzle.
Panarin’s impact is undeniable - he’s a game-breaker, a top-tier playmaker who can tilt the ice every time he steps on it. If he moves, it could shift the balance of power in the playoff race.
Final Thoughts
With the trade deadline just over a month away, the market is starting to take shape - and the stakes are high. The Maple Leafs are facing some hard questions about their immediate future.
The Kraken are looking to swing big and accelerate their rise. And Panarin’s situation could define the deadline altogether.
One thing’s for sure: the next few weeks are going to be busy. And if these early rumblings are any indication, we’re in for a fascinating stretch run.