In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing difficult decisions in goal and on the blue line, the Edmonton Oilers are being loosely connected to a top-nine forward trade and a veteran center with a championship pedigree, and the Seattle Kraken may be open to moving a former top draft pick as they try to solidify their playoff push.
Maple Leafs Weigh Options with Anthony Stolarz
The Toronto Maple Leafs sent goaltender Anthony Stolarz to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on a conditioning stint earlier this week, and head coach Craig Berube noted there is no firm timeline for Stolarz’s return.
At the same time, Toronto’s goaltending situation has become increasingly complicated. Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby have performed well as a tandem, sparking speculation that Stolarz could become a trade candidate ahead of the deadline. While Stolarz’s numbers this season have been underwhelming, his strong play over the past two years could still draw interest.
Maple Leafs’ Blue Line Hit Hard by Injuries
Toronto’s injury problems extend beyond the crease. The Maple Leafs are once again dealing with issues on the back end after Oliver Ekman-Larsson exited a recent game with a lower-body injury expected to sideline him for some time. Adding to the concern, Brandon Carlo is also dealing with a potential issue, leaving Toronto dangerously thin on defense.
With Dakota Mermis on long-term injured reserve and Chris Tanev already out and possibly done for the season, the Leafs are in a position where they either need to find replacements or they could become sellers if the season turns.
Oilers Want Top-Nine Forward as Jonathan Toews Emerges as Option
Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the Oilers came out of the GM meetings with a plan to go hunting for a top-nine forward on the trade market. It’s unclear if they’ll be looking at a center or a winger, but the market might make finding a winger less costly, with the option to move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins down to the third-line center spot.
If the Oilers target a center, Jeff Marek recently floated an intriguing scenario involving Jonathan Toews during an appearance on Oilers Nation Everyday. The idea hinges on what happens if the Winnipeg Jets fall out of the playoff race and become sellers ahead of the deadline.
Toews has struggled this season, but continues to trend in the right direction and remains one of the league’s most reliable faceoff men, winning close to 70 percent of his draws. That skill alone makes him an appealing playoff addition for a contender.
For Edmonton, the fit is obvious: the Oilers are searching for a dependable third-line center who can win draws, provide veteran leadership, and add some offense without costing much against the cap. If Toews is available, the one red flag is the playoff bonuses worked into his contract. A deep run for the Oilers could prove costly.
Kraken Open to Moving Shane Wright for Right Price
The Seattle Kraken may be willing to consider a major move involving former fourth-overall pick Shane Wright. According to reports from David Pagnotta’s appearance on the DFO Rundown, Seattle is open to including Wright in a trade package if it helps land a legitimate top-six forward.
Wright showed promise last season with 44 points in his first full NHL campaign, but his production has dipped significantly this year. With just 17 points through 49 games, he’s struggled to take the next step offensively.
Questions about his tendency to play on the perimeter continue to follow him. Still, at just 22 years old, Wright holds value around the league. With the Kraken sitting just outside a playoff spot, they may decide a bold move is necessary to push them over the edge in a tightly contested Pacific Division.
The Kraken may also sell other pieces, as Jamie Oleksiak is garnering some attention in trade rumors.
