Around the NHL: Trade Chatter Heats Up as Olympic Break Winds Down
While the NHL takes a breather for the Olympics, the league’s front offices are anything but quiet. The best-on-best tournament has delivered some incredible hockey, but GMs across the NHL are already eyeing March 6 - the trade deadline - and plotting their next moves. The roster freeze lifts on February 23, and while we might not see fireworks right away, expect the pace to pick up quickly as contenders look to load up and bubble teams decide whether to buy, sell, or stand pat.
Let’s take a look around the league at the latest buzz heading into the stretch run.
Kings Lose Fiala, Eyes on Help Up Front
The Los Angeles Kings were dealt a brutal blow during the Olympic break when Kevin Fiala suffered a season-ending leg injury while playing for Switzerland. The collision with Canada’s Tom Wilson left Fiala with multiple fractures in his lower left leg, requiring surgery. The Kings haven’t offered a timetable for his recovery, saying they’ll re-evaluate him after the season.
It’s a tough loss for a team that’s clearly in “win-now” mode. After swinging a deal for Artemi Panarin and locking him in long-term, GM Ken Holland made it clear he’s pushing his chips in this season. Losing Fiala - one of their most dynamic offensive weapons - throws a wrench into that plan.
Still, the Kings are in position to be aggressive. They entered the break with a 23-19-14 record, just three points out of the second wild-card spot in the West. And because Panarin had a short list of teams he’d accept a trade to - with L.A. at the top - Holland didn’t have to empty the cupboard to get him.
The Kings still hold their 2026 first-round pick, two second-rounders, and a strong group of prospects. That gives them the flexibility to make another significant move.
One name that’s been linked to L.A. is Nazem Kadri. With Anze Kopitar retiring after the season, the Kings are going to need help down the middle.
Kadri would bring grit, experience, and playoff pedigree - but prying him from division rival Calgary won’t be cheap. The “in-division tax” could be a sticking point, with Flames GM Craig Conroy likely to drive a hard bargain.
Another potential trade partner? The Nashville Predators.
They’re reportedly open to moving veterans like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O’Reilly. All three would slot nicely into the Kings’ top six, and with cap space to work with, Holland has some financial flexibility.
Stamkos and Marchessault have no-move clauses and would need to sign off on any deal, while O’Reilly doesn’t have formal protection but is expected to be kept in the loop out of respect.
Canadiens Exploring Laine Trade as Deadline Nears
The Montreal Canadiens are expected to be active before the deadline, and one name that continues to surface in trade talks is Patrik Laine. The 27-year-old winger is currently on injured reserve, and while his return timeline is unclear, signs point to his time in Montreal nearing an end.
GM Kent Hughes is reportedly willing to include Laine in a larger deal - both to give the forward a fresh start and to help balance out the financials. The Canadiens are tight against the cap, with just over $1 million in space, so moving Laine’s contract could open doors for other moves.
One team to watch: the Calgary Flames. They’ve been linked to Laine and are in need of offensive firepower. Laine is a pending UFA, which adds some risk to any deal, but for a team like Calgary looking to make a push, the upside might be worth it.
Another potential fit could be the St. Louis Blues.
The Canadiens are believed to have interest in forwards Jordan Kyrou or Robert Thomas - both high-end talents with term. Laine’s contract could help even out the numbers in a blockbuster deal, though both Blues players have no-trade clauses that would need to be navigated.
If the Habs are looking for playoff-tested experience, Jonathan Marchessault could be a strong fit. He brings energy, scoring touch, and postseason credibility.
Plus, being from the area doesn’t hurt the narrative. Another name to keep an eye on: Jake DeBrusk.
The versatile winger out of Vancouver has term on his deal, plays both wings, and brings size - something Montreal could use more of up front.
Quick Hits from Around the League
- Minnesota Wild: GM Bill Guerin isn’t afraid to swing big, and he’s reportedly in on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, as well as Blues veterans Jordan Binnington and Brayden Schenn. Guerin has even made top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt available in talks - a bold move that signals Minnesota is serious about making noise.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Brad Treliving is expected to play the waiting game, likely holding off on any major moves until right up against the deadline.
- Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are listening on Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley, and Cole Perfetti. There’s also chatter they could approach veteran Jonathan Toews about joining a contender if he’s open to it.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Kyle Dubas is in the market for a defenseman with term - a move that would help shore up Pittsburgh’s blue line beyond just this season.
- Edmonton Oilers: Trade talks continue around Andrew Mangiapane, though recent rumors connecting them to Kings winger Warren Foegele don’t appear to have much traction.
- Olympic Soundbite: In a moment that turned heads, Matthew Tkachuk was caught on a hot mic chirping Leon Draisaitl during the USA/Germany game: “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” A not-so-subtle jab tied to the Panthers-Oilers playoff battles.
- Macklin Celebrini Watch: The young Canadian phenom has been electric at the Olympics. Don’t be surprised if Sharks GM Mike Grier gets aggressive ahead of the deadline, particularly in his search for top-four defensemen with term.
As the Olympic break winds down, the NHL trade market is just starting to heat up. With key injuries, cap crunches, and playoff races tightening, the next few weeks promise plenty of action - and possibly a few surprises. Buckle up.