The NHL trade season is heating up fast, and with the Olympic break and roster freeze looming, front offices across the league are shifting into high gear. We’re entering that stretch of the calendar where hesitation can cost you, and bold moves can reshape a season.
Some teams are still figuring out whether to buy or sell. Others?
They're already working the phones.
One team making early noise: the New York Rangers. Sources say they’re actively shopping Artemi Panarin, a blockbuster-level name that could shake up the market if a deal materializes. And with the roster freeze hitting midweek, don’t be surprised if we see more dominoes fall before then.
Let’s break down the key trade rumblings making waves around the league right now.
Michael Bunting Drawing Trade Interest
On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman spotlighted a few names to watch as we approach the deadline, and one that stood out was Nashville’s Michael Bunting.
Now, Bunting’s the kind of player who can be both a spark plug and a lightning rod. He’s got that playoff edge-gritty, relentless, and a master at drawing penalties.
But that same edge can cut both ways. He’s been known to push it too far, and that volatility has burned his team in high-stakes moments.
Still, if a contender believes they can harness that fire without letting it flare out of control, Bunting becomes a very attractive middle-six option.
Friedman mentioned that the New York Islanders have been circling. They’ve shown interest before but couldn’t get a deal done.
If the Predators decide to sell off some of their pending UFAs-and that’s a real possibility depending on how the next few games go-Bunting could be one of the more intriguing names available. He’s the kind of player who can swing a playoff series, for better or worse.
Oilers Facing More Goalie Questions?
The Edmonton Oilers have already made one big move in net this season, acquiring Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh in a deal that sent Stuart Skinner the other way. Early returns looked promising. But after Jarry was pulled in their latest outing, the questions are creeping back in.
There’s no official word yet on whether Edmonton is actively shopping for another goalie, but the signs are there. Calvin Pickard was just placed on waivers, which could be a signal that something’s brewing behind the scenes.
If the Oilers decide they need another option in the crease, there are a few names that make sense. Jesper Wallstedt has been stellar and just shut them down recently-he’d be a high-upside play, though likely a pricey one.
Sam Montembeault in Montreal could be a change-of-scenery candidate. And if Toronto leans into selling, Anthony Stolarz might be available too.
It’s clear Edmonton is still evaluating its goaltending situation, and with the break coming up, the next few days could be pivotal. They’ve got the offense.
They’ve got the blue line. But if they can’t find consistency in net, it could derail what’s otherwise a promising season.
Maple Leafs Testing the Waters
The Toronto Maple Leafs are no strangers to trade deadline drama, but this year feels different. According to Friedman, the Leafs have officially started testing the market on their roster. They’re not just listening-they’re calling.
Toronto’s position in the standings has forced the front office to consider options they didn’t expect to entertain. And while nothing’s imminent, the fact that they’re making calls suggests they’re open to shaking things up if the right deal comes along.
The most likely candidates to move? Start with the UFAs.
Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Calle Järnkrok-those are names that could be on the move if Toronto decides to retool on the fly. Beyond that, there’s a longer list of potential trade chips: Anthony Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Brandon Carlo, Max Domi, and even Matias Maccelli have all been floated as possibilities.
The Leafs are keeping things close to the vest, as they usually do, but the message is clear: they’re not standing pat. Whether they’re making a push or preparing for a longer-term pivot, Toronto is officially in the mix.
What’s Next?
With the roster freeze just days away, the trade chatter is only going to intensify. Teams on the bubble are under pressure to define their direction, and contenders are looking for that one move to separate themselves. Whether it’s a big name like Panarin or a depth piece like Bunting, the next 72 hours could reshape the playoff picture.
Stay tuned. The NHL trade season is just getting started-and it’s already delivering the drama.