The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.
New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)
Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.
COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?
Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.
Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.
As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.
THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN
Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.
Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.
Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.
OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.
He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.
The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.
The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.