NHL Trade Rumor Roundup: Leafs Face Goalie Dilemma, Oilers Eye Forward Help, Kraken Weigh Shane Wright Deal
As the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and a few Canadian clubs are right in the thick of it. The Toronto Maple Leafs are juggling goaltending decisions and a battered blue line, the Edmonton Oilers are exploring ways to bolster their forward depth, and the Seattle Kraken might be ready to part with one of their most intriguing young players. Let’s break it all down.
Maple Leafs’ Goaltending Puzzle: Stolarz on the Bubble
Anthony Stolarz was recently assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on a conditioning stint, and while that’s not unusual on its own, the bigger picture in Toronto’s crease is starting to get interesting. Head coach Craig Berube hasn’t provided a clear timeline for Stolarz’s return, and that ambiguity is only adding to the speculation.
Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby have stepped up in a big way, forming a tandem that’s given the Leafs some stability in net. That’s great news for the team-but it also puts Stolarz in a bit of a limbo. His numbers this season haven’t exactly jumped off the page, but his body of work over the past couple of years has been solid enough that teams in need of depth might come calling.
If Woll and Hildeby continue to hold it down, Stolarz could become a viable trade chip. With the deadline looming, Toronto may have to decide whether to keep him as insurance or see what kind of return he might fetch.
Blue Line Woes Continue in Toronto
The Leafs’ problems don’t stop in the crease. The blue line is taking hits too-and not the kind coaches like.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson left a recent game with a lower-body injury and is expected to miss extended time. That’s a tough blow for a defensive group that’s already stretched thin.
Brandon Carlo is also dealing with a potential issue, and with Dakota Mermis on long-term injured reserve and Chris Tanev already sidelined-possibly for the season-Toronto’s defensive depth is being tested in a big way.
This could force GM Brad Treliving’s hand. If reinforcements aren’t brought in and the injuries continue to pile up, the Leafs may be forced to shift from buyers to sellers, depending on how the next few weeks unfold. That’s not the scenario fans were hoping for, but it’s the reality of a roster that’s suddenly missing key pieces on the back end.
Oilers Targeting Forward Depth, Toews a Possible Fit
Over in Edmonton, the Oilers are coming out of the GM meetings with a clear priority: find a top-nine forward. Whether that’s a winger or a center remains to be seen, but there’s growing belief that a winger might be the more cost-effective route-especially if it allows the Oilers to slide Ryan Nugent-Hopkins into a third-line center role.
But if they go the center route, there’s an intriguing name that’s popped up: Jonathan Toews.
Jeff Marek floated the idea during a recent appearance on Oilers Nation Everyday, and while nothing is imminent, it’s a scenario worth watching-particularly if the Winnipeg Jets stumble and decide to sell. Toews has had his struggles this season, but he’s trending in the right direction and remains one of the best in the league at the faceoff dot, winning nearly 70 percent of his draws.
That alone makes him a valuable playoff piece. Add in his championship pedigree and leadership, and you can see why Edmonton might be tempted. The Oilers are looking for exactly that kind of third-line presence-someone who can win key faceoffs, chip in some offense, and bring a calm, veteran presence to a locker room with Stanley Cup aspirations.
The one wrinkle? Toews’ contract includes playoff bonuses that could complicate things if Edmonton makes a deep run. Still, if the fit is right and the price is manageable, it’s a move that could pay dividends in the postseason.
Kraken Open to Moving Shane Wright?
Seattle is in the thick of the playoff chase, but they’re not ruling out bold moves to boost their chances. One name that’s reportedly on the table: Shane Wright.
According to reports, the Kraken are open to including Wright in a trade package if it helps them land a legitimate top-six forward. That’s a significant development, considering Wright was the fourth overall pick and just last season put up 44 points in his first full NHL campaign.
But this year has been a different story. With only 17 points through 49 games, Wright has struggled to take that next step. Scouts have noted he’s still playing too much on the perimeter, and while there’s no doubt about his talent, the production just hasn’t matched the potential so far.
Still, he’s just 22 years old, and there’s plenty of belief around the league that he can grow into a top-six role. For Seattle, the decision comes down to timing. They’re just outside a playoff spot in a jam-packed Pacific Division, and a bold move might be what it takes to get over the hump.
Wright isn’t the only player drawing interest in Seattle. Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak is also reportedly on teams’ radars, giving the Kraken multiple paths to reshape the roster before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
With the trade deadline approaching, front offices around the league are weighing short-term needs against long-term plans. Toronto’s juggling act in net and on defense could force some tough calls.
Edmonton is looking to fine-tune a roster built for a deep run. And Seattle might be ready to shake things up to stay in the playoff race.
Buckle up-things are only going to get more interesting from here.