NHL Trade Chatter Heats Up: Jets Stand Pat (For Now), Utah Mammoth Eye Playoff Push
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, the rumor mill is starting to churn-but don’t expect the Winnipeg Jets to jump in just yet. According to league insiders, the Jets are keeping their focus on the ice, not the phones.
Despite some chatter around potential deals, including a hypothetical involving Seattle’s Shane Wright, there’s been no actual conversation between the Jets and Kraken on that front. Could that change down the line?
Sure. But as of now, there’s no traction there.
What’s more interesting is what happens if Winnipeg shifts from contender to seller. If things slide in the wrong direction, defenseman Logan Stanley could become a name to watch.
The towering blueliner is a pending unrestricted free agent, and while he hasn’t been the centerpiece of Winnipeg’s defense, his size and physicality would attract attention from playoff-bound teams looking to beef up their third pairing. So far, there haven’t been any extension talks between Stanley and the Jets, which only adds to the likelihood that he could be moved if Winnipeg decides to retool.
Now, shift the spotlight to Utah-yes, Utah. The Mammoth are quietly becoming one of the more intriguing teams to watch as we head into the stretch run. Sitting in a wild-card spot and three points clear of the Sharks, Kings, and Kraken, Utah’s front office is reportedly looking to make a move to solidify their playoff positioning.
They’re in a tricky spot. Catching the top dogs in the Central-Colorado, Minnesota, or Dallas-doesn’t look realistic.
So the wild card is their lane, and they know it. That’s why there’s buzz around them potentially being active buyers.
No names are firmly attached yet-don’t get carried away thinking this is a Panarin-level splash-but league insiders are hearing the same thing over and over: keep an eye on Utah.
There’s a sense of urgency building around that team. The Cooley injury temporarily knocked them off course, but they’ve regrouped and clawed their way back into the playoff picture. Between head coach Bill Armstrong and GM Chris Armstrong, there’s a shared belief that this group deserves a shot, and ownership-led by Ryan Smith-seems aligned with that mentality.
Bottom line? Utah’s not just happy to be in the conversation.
They want to make noise. And with cap space, assets, and motivation, they’ve got the tools to do it.
Meanwhile, Winnipeg’s staying patient-for now. But if the standings start to tilt the wrong way, don’t be surprised if Logan Stanley’s name starts popping up in a few more trade calls.