With the March 6 trade deadline fast approaching, check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, Vincent Trocheck, Steven Stamkos, and more in this NHL Rumor Mill Update.
THE LATEST BLUES RUMORS AND NEWS
THE ATHLETIC: The trade that would’ve sent Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues to the Buffalo Sabres is dead after the 29-year-old defenseman refused to waive his no-trade clause, as is his right.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after this one fell through. He’s signalled that he’s willing to be a major buyer in this year’s trade market.
Parayko has full no-trade protection until 2028-29, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list.
ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports Parayko wants to remain in the Western Conference. He said the blueliner is open to being traded to the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are busy in the trade market looking for a scoring winger, and they need more help on defense. Meanwhile, the Ducks are my dark horse approaching this trade deadline, and they reportedly could use some shutdown depth on their blueline.
TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Sabres aren’t the only potential trade destination for Robert Thomas. The Utah Mammoth has plenty of interest.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Mammoth are the best match for Thomas. The Detroit Red Wings are also interested.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues are also believed to be still entertaining trade offers for defenseman Justin Faulk and winger Jordan Kyrou.
RANGERS ASKING PRICE FOR TROCHECK STILL TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SOME TEAMS
TSN: Chris Johnston reports the New York Rangers’ asking price for Vincent Trocheck remains a little too expensive for some clubs. The Minnesota Wild were considered the favorites to land the 32-year-old center, but they’ve reportedly stepped back a bit from negotiations.
New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)
Johnston noted there are other centers in the trade market drawing interest from clubs linked to Trocheck. They include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.
SPORTSNET: Elliote Friedman believes the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes have had conversations with the Rangers about Trocheck.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like those teams are hoping the Rangers will reduce their asking price before tomorrow’s deadline. However, the Blueshirts aren’t facing real pressure to move Trocheck, who has three more years left on his contract. If they don’t find what they want by Friday, they can revisit the market in June, when better offers might be found.
TEAMS STILL CHECKING ON STEVEN STAMKOS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there are three or four teams in the Eastern Conference that have reached out to the Nashville Predators about Steven Stamkos. LeBrun doesn’t think there’s a firm offer on the table for him.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman claims things are quiet around Stamkos right now. He also thinks the Predators are trying to move winger Jonathan Marchessault.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last week, Stamkos denied a report by LeBrun claiming his camp had made up a short preparatory list of destinations if management approached him about a trade. He said there was “zero chance” he was waiving his no-movement clause.
TEAMS ASKING ABOUT MATTHEW KNIES
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing some trade rumors about Matthew Knies. He believes that’s the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to see if there’s a massive offer they can’t refuse. Friedman believes that’s the only way it’ll happen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Knies isn’t going anywhere.
Friedman also believes the Maple Leafs might settle for two second-round picks for Bobby McMann if they can’t get a first-rounder.
LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION
TSN: Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud is drawing “heavy interest” as the trade deadline approaches. Fifteen teams are reportedly circling, but the Flames would have to be blown away by an offer to move him, as he’s key in helping their young blueliners.
Dreger also indicated that there is “tons of interest” in winger Blake Coleman. However, the Flames haven’t received any offers that they consider good enough.
SPORTSNET Elliotte Friedman reports the Colorado Avalanche spoke to the Flames about Nazem Kadri before acquiring Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier today. It never got over the finish line. Meanwhile, Kadri continues to stick to his 13-team no-trade list.
DEVILS DANGLING MOST OF THEIR DEFENSEMEN
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils have made all of their defensemen other than Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce available. Simon Nemec recently changed agents, which is one reason why he’s come up in trade rumors.
KRAKEN INTERESTED IN MACKIE SAMOSKEVICH
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Seattle Kraken are interested in Mackie Samoskevich, but the Florida Panthers would set a high price. He also indicated that the Kraken continue to discuss moving Shane Wright for an elite scorer or a young talent that needs a change, but he wouldn’t be involved in a deal for Samoskevich.