Welcome to today’s NHL Trade Talk roundup on February 23, 2026 — the trade deadline is just under two weeks away (March 6), and the rumor mill is spinning faster than ever after the Olympic break.
From the Edmonton Oilers actively shopping Andrew Mangiapane to clear cap space for upgrades, to insider fuel on Sergei Bobrovsky potentially hitting the market, Vincent Trocheck heating up as a Rangers name ‘everywhere right now,’ and fresh targets in the rumor mill, today’s coverage is packed with must-know moves.
We’ve also got post-gold medal analysis on Connor McDavid‘s ongoing narrative, Mikko Rantanen‘s injury timeline, and more Flames, Rangers, and league-wide insights to keep you ahead of the curve. Dive in below for the full list of today’s top stories!”
Today’s Big NHL Trade Talk Stories:
Coach Confirms Rantanen Injury, But with Questionable Return Timeline
Dallas Stars coach provides update on Mikko Rantanen’s Olympic-related injury and short-term absence. What does this mean for the Stars and their trade deadline plans?
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Insider Adds Fuel to the Sergei Bobrovsky Trade Rumors
Jeff Marek’s comments ramp up speculation on the Panthers goalie as a potential rental ahead of March 6. Is seems wild to imagine Sergei Bobrovsky being traded, but Marek sees it as a real possibility.
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Rangers Trade Talk: “He Is a Name Everywhere Right Now”
Latest on Vincent Trocheck and New York Rangers trade chatter as the deadline approaches. He’s at the top of many trade boards, and with his play at the Olympics, teams are going to be competing to acquire him.
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Latest Flames Talk
The Truth About the Flames’ Goaltending
Deep dive into why Calgary’s goalies are performing better than the team’s record suggests.
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Not Flames’ Nazem Kadri First Rodeo with Trade Rumours
Exploring Kadri’s history with trade speculation and his no-move clause situation. He didn’t want to leave the Flames, but now he might be open to a change. If so, which teams are looking at him and is he a Plan A or a Plan B for a contender?
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Latest Edmonton Oilers Talk
Trade Coming?: Andrew Mangiapane Could Be on the Move
With the Edmonton Oilers expected to trade the forward in the next few days, Andrew Mangiapane rumors are heating up. Is a move coming in the next three or four days?
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Former GM Suggests the Oilers Pursue a Multi-Player Trade with Blackhawks
Craig Button floats a potential package deal for Edmonton involving Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson. What kind of package would the Oilers have to give to make this deal work?
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Analyst Floats Sabres Defenseman as Trade Target for the Oilers
And if not Chicago, could the Buffalo Sabres be a team the Oilers should talk to? The suggestion of Michael Kesselring (a former Oilers draft pick) as a right-shot D upgrade option. Edmonton may have misjudged him before, but could the opportunity present itself again?
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Insider Offers Theory on Why Connor McDavid Has Struggled to Get Over the Hump
Jeff Marek’s take on McDavid’s post-Olympic heartbreak and ongoing playoff narrative. There’s something about McDavid in really big close-out games that isn’t clicking. Is that on him or a lack of support? How motivated will he be returning to Edmonton and is he dealing with a bit of an injury? He’s going to miss the first couple games back, both in Anaheim and Los Angeles.
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Latest Jets Talk
Connor Hellebuyck Had That Look, And Canada Never Solved Him
Analysis of Hellebuyck’s dominant gold medal game performance for Team USA. Some thought he should have won the tournament MVP, but he was certainly the best player on the ice in the final game. Can he carry over that success to the Winnipeg Jets as he rejoins a struggling team to close out the season?
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NHL Trade Talk Long Read
13 Fascinating Facts About Johnny Gaudreau and His Family
Tribute piece tied to Team USA’s Olympic gold and Gaudreau’s legacy. After Team USA won the gold medal game, all of the team members brought Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey into the circle and lifted it as if he were still there. They took a photo with Gaudreau’s young children.
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