In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Florida Panthers have officially pivoted to selling, with two fairly big names available. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues are at a stalemate over a potential blockbuster, the Colorado Avalanche may be shopping a key winger, and the Edmonton Oilers could still have a bombshell up their sleeve.
Action is picking up, and teams are officially taking their position with just a few days to go before the deadline. How much will that change an already busy trade market? Is this a buyer’s paradise, or does nothing really change and prices will remain firm?
Panthers Listening on Bobrovsky, Greer
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Florida has decided to become a seller, making pending UFAs Sergei Bobrovsky and A.J. Greer available. Bobrovsky instantly becomes one of the most intriguing names on the goalie market. A multi-time Cup winner with a 16-team no-trade list, he carries a $10 million cap hit—though that could drop to $5 million if the Panthers retain salary.
Greer, meanwhile, is enjoying a career year with 11 goals and 22 points in 61 games, adding nearly 150 hits and 90 penalty minutes. At just $850,000, he’s a low-cost, physical rental option for contenders seeking depth and playoff edge.
Sabres, Blues Hit Snag on Thomas Blockbuster
Trade talks between Buffalo and St. Louis regarding center Robert Thomas have cooled after gaining serious traction. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the sides “went the distance,” but the Sabres wouldn’t meet the steep asking price, believed to include top prospects, a roster player, and a first-round pick.
Related: NHL Rumors: Oilers Not Done, Maple Leafs Changes, Matthews and Tkachuk
Thomas, 26, has 35 points in 43 games this season and is in the third year of an eight-year, $65 million extension. Buffalo, currently second in the Atlantic Division, is eager to end its 14-year playoff drought and was seen as a dark horse to make a splash. The deal isn’t officially dead, but momentum has clearly stalled as the Blues remain firm on their return.
Thomas remains one of the big names still out there.
Avalanche Could Move Nichushkin
A surprising name has surfaced in Colorado, with insider Adrian Dater reporting that Valeri Nichushkin might be in play. The 30-year-old winger has 36 points in 51 games this season and is signed through 2029 at a $6.125 million AAV, with a modified (12-team) no-trade clause.
Nichushkin has been a productive top-six forward and strong playoff performer for the Avalanche, but his history of off-ice issues, including time in the Player Assistance Program, complicates his value. If Colorado is truly exploring a move, it could signal a desire to shake up the roster in pursuit of a deeper 2026 playoff run.
Oilers Could Be Plotting Something Big
After acquiring defenseman Connor Murphy earlier this week, Edmonton may not be done. Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek said the Oilers could have a larger move brewing, even floating the idea of exploring a trade involving Darnell Nurse.
Nurse, 31, has 20 points in 61 games and carries a $9.25 million cap hit with a full no-movement clause through 2026-27. Moving him would be extremely complicated, given his contract and status within the core alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The trade talk surrounding the defenseman is likely just talk. He’s got a young family, and he’s got full control over his future with his no-move clause.
The fact that his name is even being discussed hints that Edmonton could be looking to make a big move and, at the very least, try to add a third-line center.
