Buzz Note: Rumor Chart Spotlight…Mangiapane, Coleman, Garland & Lafreniere Heating Up

Back to a rumor blog today will be back with our series tomorrow, but there’s so much going on behind the scenes despite the fact that we’re in a trade freeze  and the Olympics are happening.  Essentially, what else do the GM’s have to do now but talk to each other. And one GM mentioned to me that there’s a certain freedom being able to talk knowing that the guy can’t be traded out from under you.

So….we continue to update the Rumor Chart, a few names are starting to gain real traction..Here’s the latest movement around four players who are climbing quickly.

On Andrew Mangiapane ….

Destinations (in order): Toronto, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

Mangiapane’s name is popping up more and more as Edmonton weighs its options. He’s exactly the type of playoff-style winger contenders look for…energy, forecheck, secondary scoring, and the ability to play up and down a lineup.  However, he’s fallen well out of favor in Edmonton, but he had his best years in Calgary, under a certain GM who nows runs Toronto…

Toronto makes the most sense right now. They’re constantly looking for middle-six wingers who can bring pace and sandpaper without killing them against the cap. New Jersey is right there as well…they want more edge and playoff-style depth around their young core.

Philadelphia is monitoring quietly. The Flyers like players who play with pace and pressure, and he fits that mold. Pittsburgh remains in the background as they look to keep squeezing value out of the Crosby window with proven NHL wingers.

Destinations: Dallas (hometown pull), Montreal, New Jersey

Coleman is another name gaining momentum on the chart, and this one feels very real. Dallas has long been the obvious landing spot. The hometown connection is strong, and the Stars love versatile, playoff-tested players who can move throughout the lineup.

Montreal is interesting here. They’re looking to add culture-builders and competitors as they continue shaping the next phase of their roster. Coleman checks every intangible box.

New Jersey is also keeping a close eye. They’ve been connected to gritty, two-way forwards for a while now, and Coleman brings exactly that…experience, leadership, and a Stanley Cup pedigree.

Destinations: Carolina (strong interest), Philadelphia monitoring

Garland’s name never seems to stay quiet for long, and that’s because he’s a coach’s player. Carolina loves him. Always has. His motor, puck protection, and ability to tilt the ice fit perfectly with how they play.

Philadelphia is another team watching. And there’s a natural connection there…Rick Tocchet knows Garland extremely well. Familiarity matters this time of year. Coaches trust players they’ve gone to battle with before.

If Vancouver decides to shuffle things, Garland could move quickly because contenders see him as an instant-impact depth add.

Destinations: Detroit (most aggressive), San Jose, Chicago

And then there’s the big one.  Lafreniere’s name is out there again as the Rangers explore another potential major shake-up. This would be a franchise-level decision, and teams are lining up….