In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely selling, but are they selling Morgan Rielly? Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are eyeing a potential trade target and Bobby McMann just showed off for them on Tuesday night. One big team is out of the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes, and Blake Coleman is likely to be moved.
Morgan Rielly to San Jose?
The Maple Leafs may move several pieces today, or before March 6. Among them could be defenseman Morgan Rielly. Michael Amato of Sportsnet suggests that the San Jose Sharks could be a fit.
“If the Leafs are moving on from Morgan Rielly this summer, the Sharks feel like one of the most ideal trade partners. Only two D signed for next season. Keep in mind that with the cap skyrocketing, the floor is going up, too. Teams will have to get there.”
Rielly’s $7.5 million cap hit remains a hurdle for potential suitors, but the Sharks have space to make a big play. Rielly, 31, is in year four of an eight-year, $60 million extension signed in 2021 and carries a full no-movement clause through 2027-28. The Sharks could acquire him without giving up a steep return.
The only major question remains whether Rielly is willing to leave Toronto for a fresh start.
Bobby McMann Making Waves In Front of Oilers
Tuesday night’s 5-2 Maple Leafs win over Edmonton turned into a showcase for Bobby McMann, who scored an empty-net goal and created scoring chances throughout the game. Joshua Kloke of The Athletic called it “an audition for McMann in Edmonton.”
Related: NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Goalie Trade, Panarin Open to Oilers, Flyers & Michkov Problem
He added:
“…he was at his best against the Oilers, consistently showing his best attributes against a team that could use him in a possible trade. He won puck battles and created offence out for his skilled linemates. His speed was evident all over the ice. McMann hunted, but never cheated, for offence. His five shots on goal were the most of any Leaf.”
source – ‘Could Bobby McMann trade Leafs blue and white for Oilers blue and orange?’ – Joshua Kloke – The Athletic – 02-04-2026
With Toronto potentially selling, McMann has become a player to watch. His $1.35 million cap hit, Alberta roots, and versatility make him an intriguing target for the Oilers, who need depth scoring to support stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Kloke suggests McMann could even slot higher in Edmonton’s lineup, much like Zach Hyman, and his performance against the Oilers could push him toward a trade scenario.
Price Tags Rising: Thomas, Coleman, and Panarin
Trade talk around Robert Thomas continues to heat up, with Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reporting the asking price is “astronomical,” likely equivalent to three top-15 first-round picks. That makes a trade a tough proposition for most teams.
Meanwhile, Blake Coleman’s move appears imminent. Elliotte Friedman noted he has a list of 10 potential trade destinations and expects one team’s offer to be irresistible. Details remain scarce, but a deal seems likely before the deadline.
As for Artemi Panarin, the Florida Panthers have reportedly stepped out of the sweepstakes. Darren Dreger indicates that either cap constraints or team fit issues have ruled out the superstar winger as a viable option. This is an interesting development because it was largely believed the Panthers were Panarin’s top choice.
