In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Calgary Flames are dealing with trade speculation surrounding Blake Coleman, who spoke about the rumors with the media this week. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are eyeing a bold “hockey trade,” the Ottawa Senators want to buy at the deadline, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could make a splash while sorting out key contract situations. Meanwhile, drama continues to swirl around the Edmonton Oilers coaching staff following Paul Coffey’s return.
Coleman Candid About Trade Rumors in Calgary
Trade season has arrived in Calgary, and Blake Coleman isn’t pretending he doesn’t hear the noise. The veteran forward acknowledged the speculation tying him to potential moves but responded, “I’m a Flame until I’m told I’m not.”
Related: Canadiens and Maple Leafs Could Emerge as Trade Partners
For Coleman, as a father, the idea of uprooting his life midseason carries real weight. The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Coleman for weeks now, but there are no reports of anything being imminent. The Flames are likely looking to get at least a first-round pick back in return if they’re to move him.
Devils Want Impact Trade; Senators Lean Toward Buying
The Devils are reportedly exploring a significant “hockey trade” designed to shake up their roster and send a message internally. According to James Murphy, the move would come out of the Olympic roster freeze and isn’t expected to be a minor tweak. The focus appears to be on changing the mix rather than simply adding depth.
Murphy writes, “Multiple teams have inquired about Dawson Mercer, and while the Devils are not actively shopping him, sources suggest a meaningful locker-room shakeup could involve moving a well-liked player with term if management believes it will reset the team’s trajectory.”
Senators Searching For a Big Trade
In Ottawa, general manager Steve Staios is signaling the Senators will be buyers. They’re searching for forward help, though internal solutions remain possible.
The Sens have also shown genuine interest in Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar to bolster the right side — a move that would align with their win-now mindset.
Penguins Weigh Big Swings, Malkin Extension Talks Pending
In Pittsburgh, patience may give way to a more aggressive stance if the right opportunity arises. The Penguins are likely to hold steady for now, but if management decides to chase a major addition — names like Jason Robertson have been floated out of Dallas, and Kyle Dubas might try to move Anthony Mantha due to his contract status.
The Penguins are reportedly reluctant to move Bryan Rust, and Evgeni Malkin has a full no-movement clause and no interest in leaving Pittsburgh. Though extension talks with Malkin didn’t occur during the Olympic break as planned, both sides remain open to a one-year deal, suggesting there’s no panic — yet.
Oilers Coaching Drama After Coffey’s Return
In Edmonton, the spotlight is on Paul Coffey’s return. The Oilers brought him back in a move that reportedly didn’t sit well with parts of the coaching staff. Some believe the decision was driven at the executive level, possibly by owner Darryl Katz, and not universally embraced internally.
The players and existing coaches are saying all the right things, so we’ll see how this plays out.
Nick Kypreos stirred up speculation about head coach Kris Knoblauch’s future. He questioned whether Knoblauch survives the season if expectations aren’t met, especially after public criticism from players and the unusual nature of Coffey’s return.
The move is being framed as an attempt to reset urgency and accountability — but it has undeniably added another layer of intrigue to an already high-pressure season in Edmonton.
