In today’s NHL rumors rundown, post-deadline news keeps surfacing regarding some of the trades that almost happened and on teams that poked around on some bigger moves. There’s also fallout talk regarding Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Oilers swinging and missing on some deadline targets, and buzz about Ryan Donato re-signing with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Trade Deadline Activity That Didn’t Happen: Oilers Missed on Rantanen
The Fourth Period reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and others, including non-playoff contenders, poked around on Mikko Rantanen. In some cases, conversations went far down the road. In others, things didn’t get very far since it was almost impossible for some clubs to scrape together the assets needed in a trade.
Related: Winners & Losers From the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports, “Oilers took a huge swing yesterday. Sources say Rantanen had interest in coming to Edmonton and things were well down the path of an extension being agreed to – $ were north of what Dallas signed him for. In the end, the trade assets weren’t there to get it done. Also sounds like they looked in on Rakell and Donato as well..”
When it comes to Ryan Donato, Rishaug reports that the Blackhawks considered a trade but ultimately decided they would be better off trying to retain the forward. The Blackhawks and Donato continue to work on an extension, and they’ll do what they can to get him signed.
Marchand and Bruins Held a Final Meeting Before His Trade to the Panthers
Elliotte Friedman also reports that the Boston Bruins and Brad Marchand had agreed in principal on the length of a new contract, but there was a big gap in the money. With a huge discrepancy in AAV, Marchand asked for a face-to-face meeting. It was reported that Marchand was willing to work with Boston and was open to finding common ground, but the organization told their captain they had gone as far as they would go with their offers. It was believed they wouldn’t go above $3 million per season.
When it was clear there wasn’t going to be a deal and Marchand knew a summer contract extension was off the table, he told the organization that he would prefer to go to the Florida Panthers if they were going to trade him.
Pierre LeBrun reports, “Little tidbit on Brad Marchand’s contract, which was front-loaded when signed back in 2016: while the AAV is $6.125M, his actual cash this season was $4M, and $3M of that was paid already in a signing bonus. Which left $1M in salary this year.” He adds, “With 50% retention by Bruins, my math isn’t great, but I think Panthers, in reality, are paying Marchand about $125k for the rest of the season in real money.”
Marner Wants to Stay in Toronto, But Money Still a Concern
Toronto is facing real questions after the team approached Mitch Marner about waiving his no-trade clause for a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, and Marner declined. Insiders are wondering if Marner’s relationship with the front office has soured as a result of them asking and him saying no. Both sides maintain they want to get an extension done, and GM Brad Treliving says the two sides are “aligned,” but few believe it.
Frank Seravalli argued that a deal should be made by now if both sides really wanted this issue resolved. Others are certain Marner is heading to free agency.
Some believe the Maple Leafs are willing to offer Marner a new deal worth up to $13 million per season, and his camp may believe he’ll get more and test the market. Everything is riding on his playoff performance.
There are even rumblings the Oilers might take a swing at Marner in the offseason if he gets to free agency.