NHL Rumors: Marino Signs, Greaves Gap, Frost Trade, and Wright News

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, it sounds like the Calgary Flames are entertaining trade interest in Morgan Frost as their roster teardown rolls on. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets face a potentially tense arbitration battle with goaltender Jet Greaves. The Pittsburgh Penguins are exploring a potential move for Shane Wright, and the Utah Mammoth appear to be locking in a key piece on the blue line.

Flames Weigh Timing on Morgan Frost Trade

The Calgary Flames remain active on the trade market, with center Morgan Frost drawing legitimate interest from multiple teams, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta. After a career-best 43-point season, Frost’s value may never be higher, making him a logical trade chip for a rebuilding club stockpiling draft picks.

GM Craig Conroy has already moved several core players this offseason. The question now is whether Calgary deals Frost immediately or waits closer to the trade deadline, where his value as a rental could increase.

There’s no urgency, as teams appear willing to wait rather than overpay in the summer. Still, Frost’s contract situation and production make him one of the more intriguing names to watch as the offseason progresses.

Blue Jackets, Greaves Facing Arbitration Showdown

The Columbus Blue Jackets and goaltender Jet Greaves are potentially headed for arbitration with a significant gap in contract expectations. Greaves is reportedly seeking $7.5 million annually, while the team has countered at $2.8 million. The gap is sizeable.

Despite the difference, it doesn’t mean this relationship has gone south. At least, not yet. The disagreement centers more on projection than performance, as Columbus understands they have to submit a low number and Greaves a high one, so that any arbitrator can find a number in the middle that both sides are happy with. The only risk here is that the low number submitted is taken as a show of disrespect.

Worse yet, if the two sides reach arbitration and the hearing includes reasons why Greaves isn’t worth as much as he’d like, there’s always a risk feelings are hurt.

The Blue Jackets don’t have much choice in the matter. With other key RFAs still unsigned, they must carefully manage their cap space. A short-term bridge deal appears likely, but arbitration can strain relationships, making this situation one to monitor closely.

Penguins Eye Shane Wright as Trade Option

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright. The 22-year-old has been the subject of trade speculation since the deadline, and Seattle is believed to be working with his camp to find a suitable fit.

Pittsburgh’s interest is notable, especially with former Kraken GM Ron Francis now back in the organization and familiar with Wright’s development. However, Seattle’s high asking price could complicate any potential deal, particularly for a Penguins team that is said to be waiting on what happens with Jason Robertson in Dallas.

While discussions may continue into the season, the Kraken don’t appear willing to rush a move.

Utah Locks In John Marino Long-Term

First broken by Elliotte Friedman, then confirmed by the Utah Mammoth, they have signed defenseman John Marino to an eight-year extension worth $6.75 million annually. The deal would keep Marino in Utah long-term and remove the uncertainty of his pending unrestricted free agency.

The structure of the contract includes strong protections early on, including a full no-movement clause, before transitioning to modified trade protection later in the deal.

For Utah, locking in Marino provides a reliable, top-four defenseman. The team traded Sean Durzi this summer, so keeping Marino was a big deal.