In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking for a number-four defenseman. Meanwhile, Nazem Kadri has let the Calgary Flames know that he’d like to be traded. Sidney Crosby is out for four weeks, and are the Vancouver Canucks getting any serious offers for Elias Pettersson?
Pierre LeBrun of TSN posted, “It’s amazing how many teams are telling me in the last 24 hours how important the next few games are through the weekend before firming up deadline plans. Not a lot of leeway there.”
** Author’s Note: Jon Cooper won’t be behind the Tampa Bay Lightning bench for the next two games after the passing of his father. I’d like to send my condolences to Cooper and his entire family.
Oilers Looking for a Top-Four Defenseman?
Multiple sources on X (formerly Twitter) directly state that Elliotte Friedman reported on Oilers Now (880 CHED) that the Edmonton Oilers are seeking a legitimate number four puck-moving defenseman. The hope, apparently, is that they can find a steady partner for Darnell Nurse.
The overall feeling here is that Edmonton has discovered that Jake Walman isn’t that guy, and that the pairing leaks too many chances against. If the coach can have Walman on the third pair on his proper side, they’re better off. Plenty of names have been connected to the Oilers, with Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks gaining some steam in recent days.
Related: NHL Mock Trade Deadline: 8 Win-Win Deals
The Oilers can’t do much in the way of trades without first clearing cap space, which means moving Andrew Mangiapane. Several sources say to expect the trade over the next two or three days.
Nazem Kadri Ready to Leave Flames
Recent reports suggest that Nazem Kadri wants out of Calgary as the March 6 trade deadline nears. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Calgary is actively testing the market, and Kadri’s stance has shifted from being open to a move to actively seeking one. The 35-year-old, in year four of a seven-year deal, leads the team with 39 points and holds a 13-team no-trade clause.
With the Flames rebuilding, insiders like Eric Francis of Sportsnet call a trade likely. Suitors could include the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, or Montreal Canadiens.
Colorado recently freed cap space by moving Sam Girard for Brett Kulak, potentially positioning them as a serious contender.
Sidney Crosby Out Four Weeks
Crosby is going to be out for at least four weeks and has been placed on injury reserve. Following his injury at the Olympics, it appears the Pittsburgh Penguins will be without Crosby until the postseason.
How this could change the Penguins’ plans ahead of the trade deadline will be fascinating to watch. This was a team already on the bubble of being a buyer or a seller, but losing Crosby adds a major wrinkle to their playoff push.
No Serious Offers for Elias Pettersson Yet
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Vancouver Canucks are open to trading forward Elias Pettersson but haven’t received a serious offer yet.
Pettersson’s representatives are aware of the trade discussions. But until there is an offer worth really considering, they won’t bring their client into it. Pettersson was linked to the Los Angeles Kings, who are reportedly kicking tires on a lot of names. Dennis Bernstein posted, “As the Kings explore the market for a top-six forward, I can confirm they spoke with Montreal about Patrik Laine. However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now and Kings are now looking elsewhere.”
