In today’s NHL rumors rundown, William Nylander comments on his rumored injury, the Utah Mammoth could shake up the trade market at center, an insider looks at Bobby McMann‘s real value at the deadline, and Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini are already sparking lighthearted speculation after the Olympics.
Nylander Eyes Olympic Gold Despite Injury
William Nylander has been one of the Maple Leafs’ most productive players this season, but injuries have been a bit of an ongoing concern. Now that he’s taking time off during skates at the Olympics, there is growing chatter about how serious his issues are.
In a TSN postgame interview with Mark Masters, Nylander was asked about any groin issues: “No, not today.” In another update tied to his Olympic participation, he told reporters he’s “all-in” and managing it well: “Good. I feel good. I’m just managing. But I’m feeling good. It’s just to make sure it stays that way.”
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In Sweden’s 5-2 win over Italy, he scored the game-winner on a Rasmus Dahlin feed. On Friday, he assisted on Sweden’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss to Finland. While his focus is on the Olympics, Toronto will need Nylander healthy for the stretch run if they hope to climb back into postseason contention.
Utah Mammoth Eyeing Center Depth
The Utah Mammoth could be active in trade discussions ahead of the deadline, sources tell RG.Org. With first-line center Logan Cooley sidelined since December, the team is reportedly exploring ways to strengthen its depth down the middle. Rumors point to potential targets such as Calgary’s Nazem Kadri, Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson, or St. Louis’ Robert Thomas.
With over $29 million in projected deadline cap space and a stockpile of draft picks, prospects, and young players to offer, the Mammoth have the ability to make a splash. That said, all three potential targets carry some form of no-trade protection.
Nothing is imminent, but Utah could be a team to watch coming out of the Olympic break.
McDavid-Celebrini Olympics Spark NHL Daydreams
Even after just one Olympic game, the pairing of Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini has fans and analysts having some fun imagining NHL possibilities. TSN analysts Jeff O’Neill and Bryan Hayes jokingly suggested scenarios like McDavid joining San Jose or Celebrini eventually heading to Edmonton to chase a Stanley Cup together.
While the odds of an NHL connection remain slim, McDavid recently signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers and seemed to make it clear this is the window he’s giving them to get over the Stanley Cup hump. Celebrini is in the second year of his entry-level contract. The Sharks would be an attractive destination for players over the next few seasons.
Observers are already excited by what could happen over the rest of the tournament, and any sustained dominance could fuel fan speculation about potential future team-ups.
Bobby McMann Trade Value Remains in Question
Toronto’s Bobby McMann continues to draw trade interest, but the return remains uncertain. Analyst reports suggest McMann’s value is closer to a $4 million player than a $5 million one, which could translate into two second-round picks rather than the first-rounder the Maple Leafs are rumored to be seeking.
Many teams in the market lack the available first-round pick, and others simply won’t part with it. The belief is that the Leafs might have to settle for a strong package over their ideal return.
McMann’s salary means teams don’t need Toronto to retain salary cap space. That will impact what they’re willing to give up, knowing they can add a reliable contributor without major roster surgery.
