NHL Trade Rumblings: Marner Returns, Kane Drawing Interest, Flyers Pass on Pettersson
It’s that time of year again - the NHL rumor mill is heating up, and there’s no shortage of intrigue. Between high-profile returns in Toronto, Western Conference contenders circling a playoff-tested winger, and a top-line center staying put (for now), there’s plenty to break down.
Maple Leafs See Marner, Stolarz Return in Eventful Night
The spotlight was firmly on Mitch Marner’s return to the Maple Leafs lineup, but he wasn’t the only familiar face back in action. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz also made his way back between the pipes for the first time since November, logging his 14th appearance of the season.
Stolarz’s return didn’t go quite as scripted - five goals allowed on 30 shots is a tough stat line to come back to. But head coach Craig Berube wasn’t about to throw his netminder under the bus.
“He probably wants the third one back,” Berube admitted, referencing a tough rebound. “But I don’t think there’s much he could have done on any of the other goals.”
It’s worth noting that Stolarz’s return comes at a time when Dennis Hildeby has been turning heads with his recent play. That kind of internal competition can be both a blessing and a challenge. The Leafs may soon have some decisions to make in the crease, especially if Hildeby continues to make his case.
Some fans questioned the timing of Stolarz’s return - a high-profile night with Marner back and plenty of buzz surrounding the matchup. But at the NHL level, these are pros. Starting decisions can’t be dictated by off-ice storylines, and Berube made it clear that the focus remains on performance, not headlines.
On the blue line, there were a couple of unexpected lineup appearances. Both Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo were questionable heading into the game but ended up suiting up.
Ekman-Larsson, who’s already missed time this season, left the game after an awkward twist involving his knee or ankle - a lower-body injury that will need monitoring. Carlo also raised some eyebrows after reportedly tweaking something during the same game.
Both defensemen have been key cogs in Toronto’s back end when healthy. Their availability moving forward will be something to watch closely, especially with the Leafs trying to build momentum in a tight Eastern Conference race.
Kane Drawing Trade Interest from Western Contenders
Over in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks are clearly shifting into seller mode. After already dealing Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood, the focus now turns to Evander Kane - and two heavyweights are circling.
According to Kevin Weekes, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are both in the mix for Kane, and it’s easy to see why. While Kane hasn’t been the perfect fit in Vancouver, he’s shown flashes of the physical, playoff-style hockey that makes him a valuable asset down the stretch.
Kane’s 23 points in 50 games may not jump off the page, but considering he missed all of last season and has been adjusting to a new team, it’s a respectable output. The bigger concern has been his play away from the puck - something that will need to tighten up if he’s going to be a difference-maker for a contender.
What teams like Dallas and Colorado are betting on is the version of Kane who thrives in the postseason. The guy who grinds in the corners, finishes his checks, and chips in timely goals. If they get that version, he could be a game-changer in a tight playoff series.
Flyers Shut Down Pettersson Trade Talk
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, any buzz about Elias Pettersson joining the Flyers can be put to rest - at least for now.
There had been some chatter connecting the Canucks center to Philly, especially given the Flyers’ need for a true top-line pivot to complement their young core of Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, and Trevor Zegras. On paper, Pettersson seemed like a fit. He’s shown the ability to drive offense and has a past connection with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet.
But according to multiple team sources, that door is firmly shut. Kevin Kurz reports that the Flyers are not pursuing Pettersson, and there’s no interest in bringing him aboard. As one source put it, the Flyers simply don’t see Pettersson as the kind of centerpiece who can lead them to a championship.
That’s a bold stance, especially considering how rare it is for top-line centers to even be available. But it also speaks to the Flyers’ long-term vision. They’re not just looking for talent - they’re looking for the right kind of leader to build around.
Could they go after a player like Pettersson in the future? Absolutely. But this particular reunion - Pettersson and Tocchet back together - won’t be happening in Philly.
As the deadline inches closer, expect more movement, more rumors, and more clarity on which teams are all-in and which are retooling. For now, the Leafs are navigating key returns, the Canucks are fielding calls, and the Flyers are sticking to their plan. The NHL’s trade season is just getting started.