In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly pivoting, yet again. Meanwhile, could the Los Angeles Kings look for a replacement on the trade market with Kevin Fiala gone for the rest of the season? Will Team Canada make a permanent change to one of their best lines for the Quarter Finals? Finally, what are the Chicago Blackhawks planning to do with veterans who still have term on their contracts?
Oilers Focusing on Defense?
It feels like a constant back-and-forth, but the latest report is that the Edmonton Oilers are pivoting toward a focus on the blue line at the NHL trade deadline. The Oilers are reportedly no longer looking for a forward, and the Bobby McCann rumors out of Toronto appear to be in the past. David Staples reports that Edmonton is pivoting entirely to defense.
Logan Stanley is a name that seems to be popping up in connection to the Oilers of late. It’s unclear whether anything is imminent or whether conversations have taken place.
David Pagnotta has also linked Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Nicolas Roy of the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Oilers as potential targets. A veteran like Ekman-Larsson could bring some stability to their top four, but it’s unclear what the asking price is.
Will Team Canada Go with the Mach3 Line in the Quarter Finals?
Pierre LeBrun noticed something that many fans and analysts did during the preliminary games at the Olympics — Team Canada has run with the line of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini on several occasions. It’s being called the Mach3 line.
Related: NHL Rumours: Leafs Selling, Rielly Trade Clarity & Canadiens Buying
LeBrun asked in a recent article if this is a line the team will stick with. He writes:
“So the question is, what now? Does Cooper start Wednesday’s quarterfinal game with it or go back to the base setting? I can assure you that’s a conversation the coaching staff will have over the next few days. The superstar most affected is MacKinnon, who goes from his natural center in one instance to playing wing in the other. But he seems quite relaxed about it all either way.”
source – ‘Should Canada start MacKinnon-McDavid-Celebrini line in Olympic quarterfinals?’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 02-15-2026
Kevin Fiala Undergoes Surgery, Kings Looking for Replacement?
Kevin Fiala underwent successful surgery to repair fractures in his left lower leg, the Kings announced. He will miss the remainder of the NHL regular season and will be reevaluated in the summer.
The Hockey News‘ Adam Proteau suggested the Kings look at Steven Stamkos if they are trying to find a replacement for Fiala. Proteau thinks the 36-year-old, if he’s made available by the Nashville Predators, could help replace Fiala’s offense. Their respective salaries are quite close, with Stamkos making only $125K more per season.
Kings’ GM Ken Holland had previously hinted he might make more moves after acquiring Artemi Panarin. That was before knowing he’d lost Fiala for the season. He might be extra motivated now.
Don’t Expect Much Action with Big Contracts for the Blackhawks
Scott Powers of The Athletic doesn’t believe the Chicago Blackhawks will be selling players with term on their deals at the trade deadline. He writes:
“As for the rest of the team, I don’t foresee Davidson making any major splashes in free agency or trades… I don’t think there’s a chance any of those players would be dealt this season. For one, there’s probably not much of a market because they’re not on expiring deals. Maybe Bertuzzi, but he has another two years after this. I doubt anyone is looking to add someone like that. Two, the Blackhawks are banking on all those players’ cap hits to get them to the salary-cap floor next season.”
source – ‘What’s the next phase of Blackhawks’ rebuild? Mailbag’ – Scott Powers – The Athletic – 02-11-2026
