TradeCentre Deadline: Last Chance to Apply

Maple Leafs Shift to Sellers, Blues, Canucks Active Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

Toronto, ON – With just days remaining before the NHL trade deadline on Friday, the market is heating up, though activity remains relatively quiet for the moment. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports a shift in strategy for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who now appear poised to be sellers, while the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks are emerging as key players in potential deals.

Dreger notes that several teams are still seeking to bolster their rosters, giving sellers leverage as they weigh their options. The Blues have multiple players drawing interest, including Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, and Robert Thomas. The Canucks are too active, with Evander Kane expected to be moved and other players potentially available.

For the Maple Leafs, Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit, and Brandon Carlo are all considered potential trade candidates. However, a deal involving Ekman-Larsson appears unlikely at this time as the team has not approached him regarding a waiver. The Leafs are also reportedly unwilling to meet McMann’s contract expectations, making a trade the more probable outcome for the winger.

General Manager Brad Treliving is expected to explore all possibilities, balancing the need to remain competitive with the long-term future of the team, given the presence of stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have expressed interest in acquiring Justin Faulk from the Blues.

NHL Trade Deadline Frenzy: Buyers, Sellers, and Potential Blockbusters

The National Hockey League’s Olympic roster freeze is officially over, and the trade market is heating up as teams prepare for Friday’s deadline. Teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters, and TSN.ca is providing up-to-the-minute coverage of all the latest news and rumors with the daily Countdown to TradeCentre blog.

Deadline Week is Upon Us

The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and while the market remains relatively quiet at the moment, a flurry of activity is expected in the coming days. Darren Dreger, TSN Hockey Insider, reported on Monday that many teams now have a clearer picture of their deadline outlook, signaling an impending increase in trades.

St. Louis Blues a Team to Watch

Several teams are positioning themselves as sellers, and are prepared to move players as early as Monday or Tuesday. The St. Louis Blues are generating significant buzz, with Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, and Robert Thomas all reportedly available. Buffalo Sabres are emerging as a potential suitor for Faulk, as they aim to end their 14-year playoff drought.

Toronto Maple Leafs Shifting Gears

The Toronto Maple Leafs, after three consecutive losses following the Olympic break, appear to be transitioning into seller mode. Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit, and Brandon Carlo have all been listed on the TSN Trade Bait board and could be on the move this week.

Still, as of Sunday night, the Maple Leafs had not approached Ekman-Larsson about waiving his partial no-trade clause, suggesting a deal is currently unlikely. The team is hesitant to meet winger Bobby McMann’s asking price of $5 million per year on an extension, making a trade the more probable outcome for the player.

Darren Dreger believes that Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving should explore all options, recognizing the need to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term asset management, given the presence of stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

Potential Deals and Roadblocks

Toronto reportedly “kicked tires” on Blues forward Robert Thomas, but completing a deal with St. Louis could be challenging, as they are seeking players like Easton Cowan or Matthew Knies in return. The Utah Mammoth have also expressed interest in Thomas, but the price remains high.

Vancouver Canucks Ready to Rebuild

The Vancouver Canucks are also clearly signaling their intention to sell, with a trade involving pending unrestricted free agent Evander Kane appearing imminent. General manager Patrik Allvin is open to considering offers for players throughout the roster.

A trade involving Elias Pettersson remains unlikely, as few teams can accommodate his $11.6 million cap hit through 2031-32.

The Trade Bait Board: Top Players on the Market

The Trade Bait board remains unchanged, with Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames topping the list, followed by Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers and Blake Coleman, also of the Flames.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have shown interest in Kadri, but fitting his $7 million cap hit into their budget for the next three years could prove difficult. Meanwhile, Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators has dismissed reports that he would be willing to waive his no-move clause.

Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane, listed at No. 12, was placed on waivers Sunday and could be claimed by another team. His $3.6 million cap hit through next season has made him difficult to move via trade.

Here’s a look at the top 50 players on the Trade Bait board as of February 27:

Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage of the NHL trade deadline as it unfolds.

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