What type of player could the Leafs target at the trade deadline? Are the Kraken ready to become sellers in the trade market? What’s the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LEAFS SEEKING DEPTH AT CENTER
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said his club would like to improve their depth at the center position.
“We, probably along with 15 or 18 other teams, are looking at center depth,” said Treliving, calling it “the position du jour” around the league this season.
The Leafs are using Max Domi as their third-line center but he’s better suited for the wing. They’ve also tried Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf and Fraser Minten at that position.
Could the Toronto Maple Leafs target Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton in the trade market? (NHL Images).
McGran speculated possible trade targets could include Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club. He also said Treliving doesn’t sound keen to move a prospect like Minten or Easton Cowan to address that need.
THE ATHLETIC: Joshua Kloke also included Laughton, O’Reilly and Bjugstad among his list of possible Leafs trade targets. He also mentioned Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken.
Kloke observed the Leafs lack a first-round pick in his year’s draft to use as trade barter. They have their second-rounder in this year’s draft plus their first-rounders for 2026 and 2027. He agrees that Minten and Cowan probably aren’t going anywhere.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are in “win-now” mode but not at the expense of the youngsters within their system. Treliving could part with his second-rounders and his future firsts for the right center, preferably one with term remaining on their contract.
KRAKEN COULD BECOME TRADE-DEADLINE SELLERS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman speculates the Seattle Kraken could make some roster changes by the trade deadline as the losses mount. That could include moving some players other than their pending UFAs by the deadline.
Friedman said he’s heard forwards Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand are “out there” in the trade market. The 29-year-old Burakovsky is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. Bjorkstrand (also 29) is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $5.4 million. Both players have 10-team no-trade lists.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman mentioned the Kraken’s prospect pool isn’t deep enough because the franchise hasn’t been around long enough. They could seek draft picks and prospects if they move Burakovsky and Bjorkstrand.
ANDERSSON WANTS TO REMAIN WITH THE FLAMES
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Rasmus Andersson has been the subject of debate among Flames fans. Some believe the 28-year-old defenseman is a key piece of the club’s future while others think he could command a significant return in this season’s trade market.
Andersson said he hopes he stays in Calgary. He acknowledged he has little say apart from his six-team no-trade list. However, no one in management has indicated yet that he won’t be with the club after March 7.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson would draw plenty of attention if he becomes available in the trade market.
Flames GM Craig Conroy showed a willingness last season to make bold moves even if it cost his club a playoff berth. He’s also proven willing to retain players who want to stay and be part of the club’s future.
Conroy could listen if a rival GM makes an incredible offer, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he keeps Andersson and signs him to a contract extension in July.
