In today’s NHL rumors rundown, now that the NHL Trade Deadline is in the rearview mirror, what’s next for teams that have decisions to make over the summer? The answer is that offseason trades are likely. This could include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, and Ottawa Senators.
Could some very big names that didn’t go anywhere at the trade deadline be on the move this summer?
Are the Penguins Looking at Big Summer Changes?
The Pittsburgh Penguins could face major decisions involving two veteran stars this offseason: Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson.
According to reports, Malkin’s contract situation loomed over the team heading into the trade deadline. The 40-year-old center is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has made it clear he would like to return for another season. However, general manager Kyle Dubas said negotiations will wait until the offseason, a decision that publicly disappointed Malkin.
Related: NHL Rumours: Matthews’ Future, Canucks Decisions & Senators Defense Worries
Meanwhile, Karlsson — who has one year remaining on his contract — could also become a trade candidate this summer. If Pittsburgh retains part of his salary, the 35-year-old defenseman could draw interest around the league, though he would need to waive his no-movement clause for any deal to happen.
Pierre LeBrun writes:
“Anyway, this could finally be the offseason where Karlsson moves, especially after his $6 million signing bonus is paid July 1. After that, all Karlsson has left on his contract is $1.5 million in base pay for next season. His $11.5 million AAV remains an issue as far as the cap hit, but if the Pittsburgh Penguins were ready to retain half that cap hit, there should be genuine interest.”
source – ‘The NHL trade deadline may not have delivered, but it sets up a potentially explosive summer’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 03-09-2026
Oilers Looking at Offseason Darnell Nurse Trade?
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic suggests that, regardless of where the Oilers finish this season, the offseason could be one of significant change in Edmonton. Specifically, he noted that the Oilers need about $15 million in cap space to sign four key pending UFAs: Jason Dickinson, Kasperi Kapanen, Connor Ingram, and Jack Roslovic.
That could mean shedding cap space and trying to find Darnell Nurse a new home.
“This summer, Bowman and the Oilers would be wise to approach Nurse in hopes the defender waives his no-movement clause as the organization attempts to retool on the fly.”
source – ‘Are the Edmonton Oilers headed toward a possibly tumultuous summer?’ – Allan Mitchell – The Athletic – 03-09-2026
Nurse has a full no-move, so something would have to happen here to change his mind about sticking with the team.
Is Matthew Tkachuk Trying to Get Brady to Leave the Senators?
LeBrun also notes that Brady Tkachuk trade rumors are something to keep an eye on. Reporting that any previous trade speculation was just random noise, now that Brady’s contract is nearing the point where extension talks will take place, there is a window here for something to happen.
He explained:
“I would bet that Brady’s brother, Matthew, is in his ear about coming to play with him in Florida. I still think the Senators as an organization feel they can convince Brady to stick around long-term, though, selling him with a vision of how they continue to improve their roster.”
If the Senators get any whiff of Brady thinking about leaving, they’ll have to consider a trade. The downside here is that Tkachuk does have a full no-move clause, so he’s running the show as to where it is he wants to end up.
