In today’s NHL rumors rundown, trade chatter is picking up around the Winnipeg Jets, and Artemi Panarin is a name being floated. Meanwhile, Nazem Kadri may be ready for a fresh start away from Calgary. The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing major questions about both Auston Matthews’ future and Bobby McMann’s availability as the deadline approaches.
Panarin to Winnipeg? Jets Linked to Logan Stanley Trade Buzz
Trade chatter is starting to heat up around the Winnipeg Jets, and one name drawing attention is defenseman Logan Stanley. Insider David Pagnotta suggested Stanley’s time in Winnipeg could be nearing an end, with all signs pointing toward a trade. That lines up with other recent rumors that the Jets are among the teams sniffing around on an Artemi Panarin trade.
The idea of Panarin heading to Winnipeg is bold, but it would immediately give the Jets a top winger to help produce offense. Panarin reportedly wants an extension, likely in the $10 million range over four or five years. If the Jets are willing to offer that when other teams are not, Winnipeg’s chances of acquiring him go up. But, should they really go all-in?
A package involving Stanley, picks, and prospects would be massive, and it’s the type of franchise-altering move that could define the Jets’ direction.
Nazem Kadri Open to Waiving No-Trade Clause
Nazem Kadri’s tenure with the Calgary Flames could be nearing its end. While his contract runs through 2028-29, the Flames have failed to contend since bringing him in, and they’re becoming sellers ahead of the Olympic roster freeze and trade deadline. According to Pagnotta via The Fourth Period, Kadri has expressed a willingness to waive his no-trade clause.
Several teams are reportedly interested, including the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars. Some wonder if the Flames will try to get this done ahead of the February 4 Olympic deadline.
Kadri’s production in Calgary hasn’t matched his career-best numbers, but he has remained a popular option for teams. If dealt to a contender, he could become one of the more impactful veteran additions at the deadline.
Auston Matthews Not Looking to Leave Toronto
With the Maple Leafs on the verge of becoming sellers, Auston Matthews trade speculation is inevitably out there. Toronto is falling apart, and Matthews’ long-term future could be in doubt.
Related: Maple Leafs in Limbo: GM, Coach, and the Players in Question
For now, insiders have pushed back hard on that idea. Chris Johnston said he “bets” Matthews wants to stay in Toronto, and there’s no indication the captain is looking for an exit. Matthews himself kept things focused on winning when asked about deadline decisions, saying management would handle them while the team concentrated on the next game.
Johnston also reported active dialogue between Matthews’ agent and the Leafs, with no sense of concern. The bigger worry for Toronto isn’t Matthews leaving, but what can the organization do to change the roster in a meaningful way?
Bobby McMann Drawing Trade Interest
Another Leafs name generating buzz is forward Bobby McMann. Pagnotta noted that if McMann becomes available, he would draw significant interest, especially from teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. Friedman has also linked McMann to Edmonton, calling him a “top-nine guy all day.”
The rumored cost? A second-round pick plus a prospect. Nick Kypreos reported there have been talks between the Oilers and Maple Leafs, though McMann’s status remains unresolved. Kypreos says that Brad Treliving is hunkered down and working on making calls during Toronto’s road trip before the Olympic break. If the Leafs decide to move pieces, McMann could quickly become a popular target for contenders looking for affordable depth scoring.
