As we inch closer to the NHL trade deadline on March 6, the Eastern Conference playoff race is starting to take shape - and that clarity is forcing some front offices to make tough decisions. Whether it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially pivoting into seller mode for the first time in the Auston Matthews era, the Seattle Kraken looking to make a splash, or Artemi Panarin dominating trade chatter, the league’s trade buzz is heating up fast.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand.
Are the Maple Leafs Really Headed Toward Selling?
It’s a question nobody in Toronto wanted to ask this season, but here we are.
After riding a post-Christmas hot streak, the Leafs have hit a wall - going 1-4-2 over their last seven. That skid has tanked their playoff odds to just 7.2%, and while GM Brad Treliving isn’t ready to throw in the towel, the writing might be on the wall if this slide continues.
If the Leafs do decide to sell - even partially - there are several players who could be on the move. Pending unrestricted free agents like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Troy Stecher would draw plenty of interest around the league, particularly from contenders looking for depth without a long-term commitment. Calle Järnkrok, with his versatile game and manageable cap hit, could also be a sneaky-good rental option.
Beyond that, there’s been speculation about the availability of other names - Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit, Brandon Carlo, Nick Robertson, and Matias Maccelli among them. None of those moves would signal a full rebuild, but they could indicate a strategic retool if the Leafs feel this version of the roster isn’t built to make a deep run.
One thing that’s clear: don’t expect the core to get blown up. Auston Matthews and William Nylander aren’t going anywhere. Still, their visible frustration over the weekend didn’t go unnoticed - and it underscores just how tense things are getting in Toronto.
Seattle Kraken Looking to Make a Move
The Kraken have quietly hung around the Western Conference playoff picture, but now they’re looking to make some noise - and they’ve got the assets to do it.
The big headline here is Shane Wright. Once considered the future face of the franchise, Wright’s name is now surfacing in trade rumors as Seattle explores adding a high-end forward. Multiple insiders have confirmed Wright’s availability, and the list of interested teams is already forming.
The St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets are among the clubs reportedly kicking the tires.
Winnipeg seems like a long shot - they’ve made it clear they’re not moving core pieces. St.
Louis, however, is a different story. Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou have both come up in trade conversations recently, and a deal involving one of them could potentially bring some fireworks to the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle’s front office has been patient in building this roster, but this could be the moment they push their chips in and go after a game-changer.
Panarin Watch: The League’s Top Trade Chip
There’s no question who the biggest name on the market is right now - Artemi Panarin.
The star winger has been the focal point of the trade rumor mill for weeks, and the list of interested teams keeps growing. The Los Angeles Kings are the latest to emerge as serious contenders, but they’re far from alone. Carolina, Colorado, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, and Washington have all been linked to Panarin in some capacity.
What makes this situation especially intriguing is the Rangers’ reported willingness to retain part of Panarin’s $11.6 million cap hit in order to sweeten the return. That flexibility opens the door for more teams to get involved - and for the Rangers to demand a premium package in return.
There’s also the question of fit. According to reports, Panarin may prefer a destination where a long-term extension is on the table. That could narrow the field a bit, but for a player of his caliber - a dynamic scorer who can tilt the ice every shift - you can bet there will be no shortage of suitors willing to make it work.
The Bottom Line
With the deadline just over a month away, the NHL’s trade landscape is shifting quickly. Teams like Toronto are being forced to reassess their direction.
Others, like Seattle, are ready to strike. And the Panarin sweepstakes?
That could be the blockbuster that defines this year’s trade season.
Buckle up - the next few weeks are going to be fun.