Don't tell Sidney Crosby his struggling Pittsburgh Penguins should go into sell mode with the trade deadline approaching.
Following Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the future Hall of Famer gave a gruff response when asked if the bigger picture was starting to set in amid a three-game losing skid.
"The deadline date hasn't changed, and we still need to get points, so I don't know what picture you're talking about, but it's the same situation it was yesterday," Crosby said.
A late February report indicated the Penguins would listen to trade offers on all non-core players. A day later, club president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas left the door open when asked whether he'd deal two-time 40-goal scorer Jake Guentzel.
Pittsburgh was on the outside of the playoff picture looking in at the time and has fallen further out of the race since. The Pens entered Monday with an 18% chance of reaching the postseason, according to MoneyPuck.
They came into the week sitting second last in the Metropolitan Division and 10 points back of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with four games in hand on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who occupied that position.
The Penguins have several pending unrestricted free agents who could be trade candidates if the team waves the white flag on the season. That list includes veteran forward Jeff Carter and backup goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic.
Guentzel, another pending UFA, is injured but expected back about a week after the March 8 trade deadline.
Jacob Markstrom doesn't seem thrilled with how the Calgary Flames' front office has dealt with his future ahead of the trade deadline.
The goaltender, who's been a prime candidate to be dealt despite being under contract through 2025-26, lauded his teammates' response but doesn't view the efforts of management the same way.
"Every player in here, I really respect them (considering) everything that's been going on and not going on," he told the media, including TSN, on Friday. "How everyone in this room has handled everything I think has been really good. And then the whole situation and everything, am I happy about that? No, I'm not, and I think it could've been handled a lot different from up top."
In early February, Markstrom said a potential trade was "up to Calgary." About a week later, it was reported the Flames and New Jersey Devils had discussed a possible deal involving the netminder.
The Devils got back in touch with the Flames this week to reiterate their interest in him, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Friday.
The 34-year-old has a full no-movement clause on his contract, which carries a $6-million cap hit, per CapFriendly. The talks with the Devils reportedly didn't progress enough for the Flames to ask Markstrom to waive the clause.
Calgary traded defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday and also sent Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks in separate deals ahead of the March 8 deadline.
The Flames promoted former captain Craig Conroy to general manager last May after Brad Treliving vacated the role to join the Toronto Maple Leafs in the same capacity.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving knows he has his work cut out for him before the March 8 trade deadline, but he's ready to put on his thinking cap.
After reacquiring defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks in a three-way trade Thursday night, the GM said Friday that his club will be "as creative as possible" in addressing other needs, according to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel.
Treliving acknowledged that could include trading his most valuable draft commodities.
"I think (you've got to) be careful with first-round picks for short-term help," he said. "But if it makes sense at the end of the day when you do the final analysis ... you have to look at every option."
The Maple Leafs gave the Ducks a 2025 third-rounder and sent the Carolina Hurricanes a sixth-round selection in this year's draft in the Lyubushkin swap. Toronto also acquired the rights to KHL forward Kirill Slepets from the Canes in the deal.
Toronto reportedly tried to trade for Chris Tanev before the Calgary Flames sent him to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.
The Maple Leafs are projected to have around $1.45 million in deadline cap space, according to CapFriendly. That figure would increase slightly if and when Toronto puts Mark Giordano and his $800,000 cap hit on long-term injured reserve. Treliving said Friday the defenseman sustained a concussion Thursday night and will be placed on IR.
It was reported Thursday night that Toronto also expressed interest in veteran blue-liner Matt Dumba. Both Lyubushkin and Dumba are right-shot rearguards, and the Leafs have been icing a fully left-handed defense corps of late.
The Leafs have a first-round pick in June's draft, but no second-rounders for the next three years. They traded away their 2025 first-round pick in the deal that netted them defenseman Jake McCabe from the Chicago Blackhawks last February. Toronto doesn't own a pick until the fifth round next year.
Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato and Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe were both fined $25,000 on Thursday for unprofessional conduct directed at officials, the NHL announced.
Keefe was ejected late in the third period of a 6-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.
The bench boss had shown frustration with referees Garrett Rank and Peter MacDougall for calling a questionable tripping penalty on Mitch Marner two minutes prior, and the referees had warned him to stop, reports The Athletic's Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston.
Keefe has been fined twice in the last two seasons. The NHL docked him $25,000 in December 2022 for "demeaning conduct directed at the officials" during an overtime win over the St. Louis Blues.
Granato forced officials to call a bench minor on the Sabres in the third period of their 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. He was upset about a tripping call on Buffalo rookie Zach Benson.
Every season at this time of year, those who follow the NHL can't help but fantasize about potential blockbuster trades involving big-name players and blue-chip prospects.
Many of those desired deals never come to fruition, but that shouldn't stop us from hoping to see some wild trades in the days leading up to the March 8 deadline.
Here are five scenarios that would be very appealing for one reason or another, regardless of how likely they may be.
Oilers grab Guentzel
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly listening to offers on all of their non-core players, but team president and general manager Kyle Dubas must not consider Jake Guentzel part of the core. The executive left the door open for Guentzel to be moved when asked about the productive winger earlier this month.
If Guentzel does become available, there'll be suitors lining up around the block. But the Edmonton Oilers would arguably be the most tantalizing destination for the Nebraska-born forward, simply because it would give fans a chance to see a two-time 40-goal-scorer on either Connor McDavid's or Leon Draisaitl's wing.
Guentzel is expected to return from injury about a week after the deadline, so that likely wouldn't be too concerning for Edmonton. He's also on long-term injured reserve at the moment, which will make it easier to balance the money.
A swap between these two clubs would be very tricky financially and perhaps further complicated by Guentzel's 12-team no-trade list. But if the Oilers could offer the Penguins a package featuring top prospect Dylan Holloway, a couple of high picks - including their first-rounder in the upcoming draft - and a roster player like forward Warren Foegele while satisfying cap and roster limit concerns, they might be able to make it happen.
Flower the Flyer
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Marc-Andre Fleury recently made it clear he doesn't want to abandon the Minnesota Wild as they fight for a playoff spot. But the Central Division club's postseason hopes are pretty slim, so the closer we get to March 8, the wiser Fleury would be to consider approving a move to a contender.
There are plenty of destinations for Fleury that could be fun. The Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes could both benefit from his experience in goal. But what about pairing one of the NHL's most likable players with John Tortorella, one of the league's most quotable head coaches?
The Flyers are surprisingly competitive but could use some help in the crease. Samuel Ersson and Cal Petersen have been subpar for Philadelphia in goal this season despite the team exceeding expectations as a whole. Numerous Flyers are trade candidates before the deadline, but general manager Daniel Briere shouldn't be a seller. His team has a good chance of qualifying for the postseason, so while it isn't time for him to go all-in for a deep run, it wouldn't be smart to start subtracting, either.
Fleury's not worth a first-round pick at this stage of his career - in terms of his on-ice contributions, anyway - but the Flyers have two second-round picks in both this year's draft and the next one. They could send one of them to Minnesota along with a mid-level prospect or a roster player with some upside. The Flyers won't need to put together a hefty return for the 39-year-old's services, and they have the assets to make something happen.
Golden Knights get Tarasenko
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The Vegas Golden Knights should be exploring deals for all types of forwards, be they wingers or centers. The Pacific Division squad has a lengthy injured reserve list at the moment, including numerous players up front like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel. The latter shouldn't be out for too much longer, but the former will be out for a while.
Enter Vladimir Tarasenko, a right winger who could help fill the void in Stone's absence and then provide some depth if and when the Vegas captain returns. Tarasenko isn't as reliable as Stone at both ends, and his best days are behind him at 32 years old. But the Russian has been producing offense at a reasonable clip on a lackluster Ottawa Senators squad.
The Golden Knights will have to jettison some salary when they activate Eichel and his $10-million cap hit. Moving Stone and his $9.5-million figure to LTIR would seemingly take care of that in the short term. After making that switch, Vegas is projected to have around $5.5 million in cap space at the deadline.
Tarasenko's price probably won't be a first-round pick at this stage of his career. Even if it is, the Golden Knights still possess nearly all of their draft picks for the next three years, missing only a 2024 fourth-rounder and a 2025 seventh-round selection. They could take on the veteran's $5-million cap hit without forcing Ottawa to retain, and they might only need to give up one or two high (but not first-round) draft selections to facilitate this deal.
Devils snag Markstrom
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This move reportedly almost happened, and there's still plenty of time to get it done. Jacob Markstrom isn't as much of a lock to be traded as teammates Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin, but the Calgary Flames goaltender is now a candidate to be dealt, and the New Jersey Devils make perfect sense as his destination.
But it's not just that it's logical for both teams. The Devils have underachieved this season, thanks in large part to lackluster goaltending and injuries (especially to Dougie Hamilton). But they still boast a talented group of skaters, including Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Tyler Toffoli. This disappointing team was supposed to be fun to watch, so adding a proven netminder would make them more compelling.
The Devils may not be full-fledged buyers at this deadline because of their distance from the playoff picture. But with a talented core already in place and Markstrom under contract through 2025-26, adding him wouldn't just be about trying to make the playoffs this spring. Yes, the Swedish puck-stopper is 34 years old, but he's playing well again on a lackluster Flames squad.
Because of Markstrom's resume and the importance of his position, this would likely be a bit of a blockbuster involving numerous parts. The Devils have first-rounders in each of the next three drafts, plus prospects with upside like forward Alexander Holtz. New Jersey is also projected to have around $9.5 million in cap space at the deadline, so Markstrom's $6-million hit wouldn't be an issue.
Avalanche scoop up Henrique
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Now that Sean Monahan's off the board, Adam Henrique is the best center available. The Anaheim Ducks pivot, who turned 34 earlier this month, is having a solid season, especially considering his age and current team. The veteran has proven he can still contribute and could solidify a contender's top six.
The Colorado Avalanche will be getting the equivalent of a deadline add when Valeri Nichushkin returns to game action in short order. But he's only a winger, whereas Henrique can be even more versatile by playing multiple forward positions.
The already electric Avalanche adding a player who can provide stability and experience in several ways would only make them more exciting come playoff time. Henrique's cap hit is a bit hefty at $5.825 million, and Colorado is only going to have about $1.2 million in cap space at the deadline at this rate. But it wouldn't be impossible if the Ducks were willing to retain some salary and take on an NHL contract in addition to other assets in return.
The Avalanche still have picks they can offer, but they have one of the league's worst prospect pools by virtue of continuously dealing prospects away to stay competitive. However, they have enough depth and upside on the NHL roster to put a package together that would get this done.
The Predators sat outside the playoff picture for much of this season, but they're now riding a five-game win streak that's vaulted them into the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. They're four points ahead of the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues, with one more game played than the former and two more than the latter.
Nashville's early mediocrity led to speculation that they might trade Saros. In January, it was reported that the Predators' preference was to sign the netminder to a contract extension, but they would listen to serious offers.
Saros has struggled this season compared to the standard he set in previous campaigns. The Finnish puck-stopper, who'll turn 29 in April, entered Tuesday with a .904 save percentage and a 23-21-2 record. He finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting last season, third in 2021-22, and sixth in the abbreviated 2021 campaign.
The goalie is signed through 2024-25 with a $5-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly. Nashville came into Tuesday's action with a 58.4% chance of making the playoffs, per MoneyPuck.
The Predators' goaltender of the future, Yaroslav Askarov, is thriving in the AHL this season with a .920 save percentage over 29 games. Nashville selected him 11th overall in 2020.
Saros has spent his entire nine-year career with the Predators, who drafted him 99th overall in 2013.
Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to resume practicing with the Colorado Avalanche and has entered the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the league and the union jointly announced Monday.
The forward has yet to be cleared to play in a game.
Nichushkin entered the program in mid-January. He's been away from the club while receiving care.
The Russian winger, who'll turn 29 on March 4, has 22 goals and 20 assists in 40 games this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine and Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov also entered the program in 2023-24.
The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled the goaltender from his conditioning loan with the AHL's Marlies, the NHL club announced Monday.
Woll hasn't played at the highest level since departing a win over the Ottawa Senators on Dec. 7 due to a high ankle sprain. He was labeled week-to-week two days later.
The 25-year-old played one game during his most recent stint with the Marlies, stopping all but one of 37 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Laval Rocket on Friday.
Woll performed well for the Maple Leafs this season before his injury. He went 8-5-1 with a .916 save percentage over 15 games, starting 13 of them. The American netminder briefly grabbed the No. 1 job before being forced to sit out for over two months.
Toronto is riding a seven-game win streak - its longest in 20 years - and got defenseman Morgan Rielly back from a five-game suspension Thursday.
Ilya Samsonov earned six of those victories in the Leafs' crease, albeit with an .896 save percentage. The Russian goalie has a mark of .883 to go along with a 14-4-6 record in 26 games this season. Martin Jones hasn't fared much better, going 11-7-1 with a .907 save percentage while starting all but two of his 20 appearances in 2023-24.
The list of teams pursuing Chris Tanev continues to grow, as the Dallas Stars have shown strong interest in the Calgary Flames defenseman, reports The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
Stars general manager Jim Nill wouldn't confirm that specifically, but he did acknowledge that he's eyeing an upgrade at the position.
"We've got a solid 13 forwards up top already, and then I know I've got a bunch of young guys down below," Nill told LeBrun. "Defense, you can never have enough defensemen. So that's something we're looking at. What's the cost of acquisition - what's the asset cost? That's what we're monitoring right now."
The Stars have been known for their defensive play in recent years, but this season has been a different story. They entered Monday ranked fourth in goals per game but tied for 12th in goals against per contest.
"That's why I don't think we've reached our best performance yet," Nill said. "I still think there's another level we can go to. That's finding the balance between offense and defense. We've been a pretty dynamic team offensively, but we know if we're going to have success in the playoffs, we have to tighten up defensively."
Tanev is one of the hottest commodities as the March 8 deadline approaches. The pending unrestricted free agent can invoke a 10-team no-trade list, but the Flames have already shipped out forward Elias Lindholm and may ultimately do the same with blue-liner Noah Hanifin.
The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly been interested in acquiring Tanev. The rugged defense-first rearguard has a $4.5-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly.
If there was any doubt the Ottawa Senators would be active ahead of the upcoming NHL trade deadline, it can be put to rest.
The Senators have untouchable players but are "open for business," league executives told Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.
Ottawa forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik are prime candidates to be dealt before March 8 because of their status as pending unrestricted free agents. Tarasenko has a $5-million cap hit, while Kubalik's figure is half of that, according to CapFriendly.
The Senators have reportedly listened to teams interested in defenseman Jakub Chychrun, who they acquired in a swap with the Arizona Coyotes last spring. Chychrun called the report "ridiculous" when asked about it in January. The blue-liner, who'll turn 26 on March 31, is under contract through 2024-25 with a $4.6-million cap hit.
Ottawa might not just be a seller, though. The Sens were reportedly one of the teams interested in Calgary Flames rearguard Chris Tanev, who is among the most coveted deadline targets.
The Senators entered Saturday sitting second last in the Atlantic Division by points percentage. They have the fewest points in the group but three games in hand on the Montreal Canadiens, who have one more point.
