The NHL is currently on its Olympic break, but that has not slowed down the trade market at all. With the March 6 deadline now less than three weeks away, some of the biggest names in the league are being discussed behind closed doors.
In today’s edition of NHL Trade Watch, we’ll look at why the Montreal Canadiens are pivoting away from Sidney Crosby. We’ll also check the Los Angeles Kings’ interest in Elias Pettersson, and discuss a veteran defenceman who could be on the move out of St. Louis.
Canadiens Out on Crosby
For months, there was plenty of chatter about the Canadiens potentially making a run at Crosby. It always felt like a long shot, but the noise was there. Now, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, that idea can likely be put to bed. With the Pittsburgh Penguins currently holding a playoff spot, there is no real indication that Crosby is available. Here’s what he said:
“There was a time when Montreal might have held out hope Sidney Crosby would become available on the trade market, but that ship has now sailed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in a playoff spot. Surveying the list of other veteran centers available, they might not get a shot to add anyone better than Kadri.
With that door seemingly closed, the Canadiens are expected to shift their focus to other veteran centres. Johnston mentioned Nazem Kadri as a possible Plan B for Montreal. Kadri is reportedly open to a move to the Habs, and his price has started to come down in recent weeks. If Montreal wants to add some grit and experience for a playoff push, Kadri feels like a realistic alternative.
The Kings have already been aggressive by acquiring Artemi Panarin earlier this month, but they may not be finished. According to Ben Kuzma of The Province, Los Angeles has ramped up its interest in Vancouver Canucks’ Pettersson.
The Canucks are now deep into a rebuild and, after moving Quinn Hughes. Pettersson could be the next major domino. Kuzma wrote:
“Their interest in Elias Pettersson increased with the Swede’s two-goal game Saturday for Sweden in the Olympics, plus the Kings have $15 million in cap space. And winger Andrei Kuzmenko thrived with the Canucks in 2022-23 with a 39-goal season while mostly aligned with Pettersson, who put up 102 points.”
Los Angeles is believed to be searching for a long-term successor to Anze Kopitar, and Pettersson checks that box. With roughly $15 million in cap space following Kevin Fiala’s season-ending injury, the Kings have the flexibility to make something significant happen.
Faulk Linked to Bruins
The St. Louis Blues are expected to be active sellers at the deadline, and Justin Faulk sits near the top of their list. According to James Murphy of RG Media, the Boston Bruins are actively targeting Faulk as they look to strengthen their blue line. Bruins GM Don Sweeney has been in the market for a top-four, right-shot defenceman since missing out on Rasmus Andersson earlier this season. Murphy explained:
Boston has remained aggressive in its search for a right-shot top-four defenseman after missing out on Rasmus Andersson, with GM Don Sweeney reportedly holding ongoing discussions with St. Louis about Faulk for the past month.
Faulk has recorded 30 points in 57 games and brings a steady veteran presence. The Blues are reportedly seeking a return similar to what the Calgary Flames received for Andersson. This would likely mean a first-round pick plus a high-end prospect. With Sweeney and Blues GM Doug Armstrong working together on Team Canada’s management group at the Olympics. It would not be surprising if these conversations have already taken place in some capacity.
Next: Look Away, Toronto: Team Canada Jabs at Marner Big-Game Narrative
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