NHL Trade Watch: Kadri Drawing Eyes, Canadiens Getting Aggressive, and Rielly’s Future in Question
We’ve hit the Olympic break, which means things have gone a little quiet around the NHL. Players are catching their breath, front offices are recharging, and the trade chatter has temporarily cooled. But don’t let the calm fool you-beneath the surface, the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is starting to heat up, especially north of the border.
Let’s break down three storylines that are starting to take shape: the growing interest in Flames forward Nazem Kadri, the Canadiens’ evolving approach as they step out of their rebuild, and what could be next for Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Nazem Kadri Drawing Deadline Interest
With Artemi Panarin now off the board, the logjam at the top of the trade market is finally starting to clear. And as expected, attention is shifting to the next tier of impact players. Nazem Kadri is right in the middle of that conversation.
Kadri’s versatility makes him a prime deadline target. He can line up at center or shift to the wing, and he's proven he can handle top-six minutes. On top of that, he’s not a rental-there’s term left on his deal, which adds value for teams looking beyond just a playoff push.
Several teams have already kicked the tires, including the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, and Utah Mammoth. That’s a wide range of contenders and up-and-comers, all with different needs-but a common interest in Kadri’s gritty, two-way game and postseason experience.
Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts that once the Olympic roster freeze lifts, we could see the Kadri sweepstakes shift into a higher gear. With multiple teams circling, it’s only a matter of time before someone makes a serious push.
Canadiens Eyeing Aggressive Moves
Montreal’s rebuild? It might be in the rearview mirror.
Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton recently confirmed what many around the league had suspected: the Habs are ready to take the next step. They’re not just looking to sell at the deadline-they’re open to buying, if the right opportunity presents itself.
“We’d like to be aggressive, and we will be, if need be,” Gorton said. “When you have a team that you feel like is pretty good and you add a piece or two, you know what it could mean.”
That’s a significant shift in tone for a team that’s spent the past few seasons building through youth and patience. Gorton and GM Kent Hughes are clearly walking a tightrope-balancing long-term development with the desire to capitalize on the present. But they’re not afraid to act if the right deal lands on the table.
Montreal has already been linked to Kadri, and there’s also talk that they might be open to moving on from Patrik Laine. That’s not a rebuild move-that’s a team reshaping itself with playoff contention in mind.
The next few weeks could be pivotal for the Canadiens. If the right player becomes available, don’t be surprised if they’re one of the first teams to make a splash.
Morgan Rielly and the Uncertain Future in Toronto
Morgan Rielly has been a staple on the Maple Leafs’ blue line for over a decade. But as the deadline approaches, his future in Toronto is starting to look less certain.
The Leafs are at least considering the possibility of moving on from the veteran defenseman. It’s a complicated situation-Rielly has a sizeable contract and trade protection-but it’s not out of the question. If both sides decide it’s time for a fresh start, and Rielly is open to waiving his clause, a deal could be on the table.
The past two seasons haven’t been kind to Rielly. His play has dipped, and the criticism from the fan base has grown louder. A change of scenery might benefit both sides.
There’s been some buzz about the San Jose Sharks potentially being interested, especially given their thin blue line beyond this season. While nothing has been confirmed by a second source, the fit makes sense. San Jose has cap space, roster flexibility, and a need for veteran leadership on the back end.
Even if the Sharks aren’t the destination, the fact that Toronto is exploring options speaks volumes. Whether it’s at the deadline or during the offseason, the Rielly era in Toronto may be nearing its conclusion.
Final Thoughts
The Olympic break might have slowed the news cycle, but the trade market is simmering just below the surface. Kadri is emerging as one of the top names to watch, the Canadiens are ready to pounce if the right opportunity arises, and the Maple Leafs are facing a tough decision with a longtime cornerstone.
Once the roster freeze lifts, expect the pace to pick up fast. The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is shaping up to be anything but quiet.