In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are once again being linked to a 20-goal winger while Calvin Pickard‘s agent throws shade at the other two netminders. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are pulling key veterans off the trade market. Connor Murphy is emerging as one of the Blackhawks’ top deadline chips, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are being cautioned about a splashy blue-line target.
Oilers Linked to McMann as Pickard Debate Lingers
Bobby McMann continues to surface in trade chatter surrounding the Edmonton Oilers. Despite reports that GM Stan Bowman has also explored options like Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, insiders—including TSN’s Chris Johnston—still see McMann as a strong fit in Edmonton.
Johnston writes:
“The Oilers are all-in to chase a championship, but they’re operating with limited cap flexibility while sizing up new pieces. Enter McMann. There won’t be another 20-plus goal man available at this deadline who commands a cap hit below the league’s minimum salary. But the Leafs can get him there with full retention. There’s going to be a premium charged for doing that, but part of being all-in is doing whatever it takes to increase your odds of winning.”
source – ‘NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, part 5’ – Chris Johnston – The Athletic – 02-11-2026
McMann, a pending UFA with 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games, carries a $1.35 million cap hit that could drop to $675,000 with full retention.
Meanwhile, Calvin Pickard’s agent stirred conversation by questioning the Oilers’ crease shuffle. Speaking in an interview with Sports 1440’s Jason Gregor, Ritch Winter suggested Pickard’s playoff résumé and locker-room presence compare favorably to Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry, who he believes haven’t proven they can get the job done. Winter asked, “Collectively, they haven’t won 9 games in the playoffs, have they?”
He believes there is still a path for Pickard to make a difference for the Oilers this season. “These guys know what he did when their season was in tough shape. He delivered.”
Blue Jackets Shift From Sellers to Buyers
As per a report from RG.org’s James Murphy, the Columbus Blue Jackets appear to be changing direction ahead of the March 6 deadline. Rather than moving pending UFAs Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment, GM Don Waddell is expected to pursue contract extensions.
Related: Agent Says Flames Missed Key Stat Before Overpaying Mangiapane
The shift follows seven wins in a row under new head coach Rick Bowness, pulling Columbus within five points of a wild-card spot. Trade chatter around the trio has cooled significantly, with sources indicating they’re effectively off the market.
Connor Murphy Drawing Strong Interest
In Chicago, defenseman Connor Murphy is shaping up as one of the more intriguing deadline names. The pending UFA carries a $4.4 million cap hit, and as a right-shot defender who kills penalties and brings physicality, he’s exactly the type contenders covet.
Multiple teams are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Dallas viewed as a natural fit. Buffalo, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Boston, Detroit, and San Jose have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Maple Leafs Urged to Pump Brakes on Raddysh
The Maple Leafs are once again being tied to a right-shot defenseman, this time Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh. While the fit on paper is obvious, the reality is complicated.
Morgan Rielly’s no-move clause and $7.5 million cap hit make clearing space difficult. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is unlikely to part with Raddysh cheaply, especially given his strong season and potential long-term value. Rumors suggest he could command $5–6 million annually on his next deal.
For Toronto, the price—both in assets and cap space—may be too steep. The idea is enticing, but some believe this is a swing the Maple Leafs might take that ultimately backfires.
