In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Team Canada will be without its captain in a crucial Olympic semifinal, trade chatter is swirling around a star goaltender and the Montreal Canadiens, and questions continue to surface about behind-the-scenes dynamics with the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching staff. Finally, is Jordan Kyrou open to a change of scenery?
Sidney Crosby Ruled Out; Connor McDavid Takes the ‘C’
After suffering a lower-body injury in Canada’s quarterfinal win over Czechia, Sidney Crosby has officially been ruled out for the semifinal against Finland’s men’s national ice hockey team. According to Emily Kaplan, it was not considered a worst-case scenario, and Crosby pushed to play.
She adds, “He is still hopeful to play in the gold medal game should Canada advance, but it’s unclear as of now if he’ll be able to.” Elliotte Friedman added that Hockey Canada explored every possible option — even assembling a custom brace — but ultimately he could not go.
In his absence, McDavid will wear the captain’s ‘C,’ with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates. Per IIHF rules, Team Canada was required to name a captain, and the letter couldn’t remain with Crosby while he was sidelined. With McDavid already leading the tournament in scoring, the spotlight now shifts squarely to him in what many see as a symbolic passing of the torch.
Sergei Bobrovsky to Montreal Canadiens? Mostly Speculation
An intriguing rumor surfaced this week linking Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers to the Montreal Canadiens ahead of the NHL trade deadline. While the Canadiens could use help in goal and Florida’s playoff positioning remains uncertain, most of the chatter appears to be speculative.
Related: How Canadiens’ Pending RFAs Could Shape the Trade Deadline
Several online reports and social media posts suggest Montreal would be “all in” if the Panthers decide to sell, even outlining hypothetical salary retention scenarios on Bobrovsky’s $10 million cap hit. However, no major insiders from top-tier outlets have confirmed legitimate talks. One anonymous account claimed preliminary discussions had occurred, though that source has a shaky track record.
Bobrovsky also holds a 16-team no-trade clause and is a pending unrestricted free agent, further complicating any potential deal. For now, league sources indicate this rumor lacks credible traction, though that could change if Florida’s standing worsens.
Edmonton Oilers Drama: Did Paul Coffey Return With a Veto Twist?
The Oilers officially welcomed Paul Coffey back to the bench this week, but debate continues about how the decision unfolded. On Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos questioned whether head coach Kris Knoblauch can survive the season amid mounting pressure, suggesting this could be a Stanley Cup-or-bust scenario.
Meanwhile, Jason Gregor reported that while owner Daryl Katz initiated the idea of Coffey’s return, Knoblauch technically had veto power but chose not to use it. That detail adds intrigue. If Coffey’s presence fixes Edmonton’s defensive issues, does it mean Knoblauch is more likely to stay or go after the season?
Adding to the tension, Tom Gazzola said on Edmonton Sports Talk that not everyone in the organization is thrilled about the move. Coffey has reportedly reshaped roles behind the bench and taken over duties when he doesn’t like what he’s seeing. With Edmonton chasing a championship in the final stretch, the internal dynamic will be just as closely watched as the on-ice results.
Is Kyrou Open to a Change of Scenery?
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period shared the latest on what’s going on between the St. Louis Blues and forward Jordan Kyrou.
“The other big guy that I’m looking at is Jordan Kyrou. I would be surprised if Kyrou is a member of the Blues next season. I’m not sure where those conversations are going to go over the next two and a half weeks before the deadline. But I believe he, as well, is open to a change of scenery and is kind of just waiting to see when that happens.”
He added that he wasn’t solid on whether a trade would happen before March 6, or if this would be something the Blues might look at more seriously over the summer and around the draft. Kyrou has a full no-trade clause, “but every indication I’ve been given is that he’s open to waiving it for the right situation.”
