In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Buffalo Sabres are pushing back hard on any suggestion of trading their star center, the Montreal Canadiens may be forced into the market after yet another major injury, the Los Angeles Kings got their big extension with Adrian Kempe done for under $11 million, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are circling a roster-for-roster trade as frustration builds.
Sabres Holding Firm on Tage Thompson Trade Talk
Despite the renewed noise around Tage Thompson, the Buffalo Sabres aren’t entertaining trade scenarios. Elliotte Friedman stressed that the Sabres have zero intention of moving their franchise center unless Thompson himself forces the issue — and that isn’t currently happening.
Related: Sabres Are a Product of Their Own Failures, Top to Bottom
Buffalo’s inconsistency has led to several trade rumors, but Thompson has been one of the few bright spots. His coast-to-coast goal against Detroit on Saturday night reinforced exactly why the Sabres consider him untouchable. He’s a foundational piece, and Friedman made it clear on 32 Thoughts that if Thompson ever leaves, it’ll be because he asked out, not because Buffalo lost faith.
Canadiens Searching for Center Help After Dach Injury
The Montreal Canadiens were already exploring ways to upgrade at center. Now, they may not have a choice. With Kirby Dach sidelined 4–6 weeks due to a fractured foot, acquiring another pivot has jumped to the top of GM Kent Hughes’ priority list.
Dach had quietly been elevating his game, showing signs of finally stabilizing after years of setbacks. His injury arrives at the worst possible time for a team trying to stay competitive. Zack Bolduc will take on second-line duties for now, with Jake Evans sliding into a third-line role.
The injury list is getting longer for Montreal: Kaiden Guhle is out 8–10 weeks after surgery, and Alex Newhook faces a four-month recovery.
Montreal was linked to David Kampf before Vancouver scooped him up, leaving the market thin. Who the Canadiens target next remains unclear, but the urgency is real — and growing.
Kempe Takes Less to Stay with the Kings Long-Term
The Los Angeles Kings officially announced the signing of Adrian Kempe on an eight-year, $10.625 million AAV extension — and they did it without crossing the $11 million threshold many expected. For months, the sides were apart, but two factors pushed the deal over the finish line: structure and Kempe’s desire to stay in L.A.
The contract is bonus-heavy early, team-friendly late, and keeps the Kings’ salary hierarchy intact. Pierre LeBrun revealed the full breakdown, which includes $42.5 million in signing bonuses. L.A. met face-to-face with agent J.P. Barry last week, then made a final push to get the deal done.
Carlo Out, Maple Leafs Pushing for Roster-for-Roster Trade
Tension is building in Toronto. The Maple Leafs are 4-5-1 in their last 10, and Elliotte Friedman reports GM Brad Treliving is actively seeking a roster-for-roster trade. This isn’t about futures — the Leafs aren’t moving prospects like Easton Cowan, and they aren’t touching their core of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, or the others.
Instead, Toronto wants a straight hockey trade. Rasmus Andersson’s name has surfaced from Calgary, though the price would be steep. St. Louis’ Brayden Schenn has been linked before, and Toronto reportedly maintains interest.
As for potential departures, Brandon Carlo, Nick Robertson, and even Max Domi could be in the conversation. Depth wingers like Bobby McMann or Matias Maccelli are also possibilities, depending on the return.
Unfortunately, Carlo (who missed the last game, day-to-day) has now officially been placed on IR.
