NHL Trade Winds Picking Up: Kadri Open to Move, Panarin Held Out Amid Rumors
As the Olympic break approaches and the NHL trade deadline looms on March 6, the league’s trade chatter is heating up - and a couple of big names are right in the thick of it. Whether you’re tracking the standings or just love the drama of trade season, there’s plenty to keep an eye on right now.
Let’s start in the Pacific Division, where things are getting interesting in Calgary.
Kadri Open to Trade as Flames Eye Potential Sell-Off
Nazem Kadri hasn’t officially asked out of Calgary, but according to multiple reports, he and his camp have let the Flames know he’s open to being moved. That’s a significant development for a team that’s already started making moves - most notably sending defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this month.
Kadri isn’t the only name generating buzz. Blake Coleman, Ryan Lomberg, MacKenzie Weegar, and newly-acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud are all reportedly drawing interest from teams around the league.
With the Olympic roster freeze hitting on February 4 at 3 p.m. ET, and the trade deadline just over a month away, the Flames could be on the verge of a larger shake-up.
And frankly, it’s not hard to see why. Calgary’s season has gone sideways.
After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, they’ve taken a step back - sitting 30th in the NHL standings with just 48 points through 52 games. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that came into the season with playoff aspirations.
The Flames have dropped four straight since the Andersson trade - two in regulation and two in overtime - and the losses are piling up at the wrong time. If the front office decides to lean into a full-on retool or rebuild, moving a veteran like Kadri could be just the beginning.
From a Vancouver Canucks perspective, this matters. A Calgary sell-off could mean more losses for the Flames, which could influence the draft lottery picture.
Right now, the Canucks sit nine points ahead of Calgary in the standings, though the Flames have a game in hand. The St.
Louis Blues are just behind Calgary with 47 points in one more game played. Every shift in the standings counts when it comes to draft odds, and if the Flames keep sliding, it could shake up the lottery race.
Panarin Sidelined as Rangers Weigh Options
Over in the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers are making headlines of their own - and Artemi Panarin is at the center of it.
The Rangers announced that Panarin would be held out of tonight’s game against the Islanders for “roster reasons,” and multiple insiders report that he’s not expected to suit up again before the Olympic freeze.
That’s a big signal.
Panarin, 34, is still producing at an elite level - north of a point per game - despite the Rangers’ inconsistent season. But with his contract set to expire and the team looking to retool, his time in New York could be winding down. He remains one of the most valuable assets on the market: a proven scorer with playoff experience who can still drive offense at a high level.
The Rangers have made it clear they’re thinking long-term, and if they’re serious about reshaping the roster, moving Panarin could bring back a significant return. Holding him out now suggests they’re protecting a key trade chip - and possibly laying the groundwork for a major move before the freeze.
What’s Next?
With just days to go before the Olympic roster freeze, and the trade deadline not far behind, the NHL’s transaction wire could be lighting up soon. Whether it’s Calgary looking to retool from the bottom of the standings or the Rangers positioning themselves for a post-Panarin future, the pieces are moving - and fast.
Stay locked in. The next few weeks could reshape more than just rosters - they could shift the balance of power across the league.