In today’s NHL Rumors Rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are staring down a nightmare season that could force major offseason decisions. Could William Nylander’s going out be part of the changes? Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are linked to multiple forward moves as they try to reshape their roster, and the New York Rangers may have an unexpected defenseman drawing serious trade interest.
Could William Nylander Be the Next Big Maple Leafs Shakeup?
The Maple Leafs’ season is quickly slipping away after a brutal 0-4-1 homestand that has left their playoff chances hanging by a thread. With around a 4.5% chance of making the postseason, the team could become a seller ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.
While pending UFAs like Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton will draw attention, TSN insider Darren Dreger hinted that a much bigger move could be explored this summer — involving William Nylander. OverDrive host Bryan Hayes said:
“Willy, possibly. Maybe you trade him, and maybe that’s a conversation you need to have to really spark something different.”
Dreger responded, “In the offseason, yep.”
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
Nylander is in year two of an eight-year, $92 million deal and still leads Toronto in scoring despite missing time. Any trade would require him waiving his full no-movement clause, but if the Leafs miss the playoffs, nothing may be off the table.
Oilers Linked to Bobby McMann as Trade Target
Edmonton is also active in trade chatter, with Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussing Toronto winger Bobby McMann as a possible fit. Both praised McMann’s speed and competitiveness, with Friedman saying he’d “look good” in Edmonton’s lineup.
Related: Oilers’ Joshua Samanski Shows Promise in NHL Debut
McMann carries a bargain $1.35 million cap hit and could slot into the Oilers’ top nine, but it would cost the Oilers something to acquire him. Stauffer suggested it could take at least a second-round pick and a prospect to make it happen.
McMann is also a pending UFA, meaning Edmonton could view him as a rental — or potentially a longer-term piece if an extension follows.
Andrew Mangiapane Trade Talks Still Ongoing in Edmonton
The Oilers are also still trying to sort out Andrew Mangiapane‘s future. Pierre LeBrun reports in a recent column for The Athletic that Edmonton continues to push for a move, but no trade has come together yet.
LeBrun notes:
“… to some degree, it’s surprising he hasn’t been traded yet. My understanding is that the Oilers are having ongoing conversations with teams open-minded about a return. But there hasn’t been a fit so far.”
source – ‘NHL rumblings: Landeskog’s timeline, Point’s status and a swing team for the trade deadline’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 01-28-2026
Mangiapane has just six goals this season and carries a $3.6 million cap hit through next year, which complicates things. Contenders may hesitate unless salary is retained. LeBrun notes that GM Stan Bowman has remained in steady contact with both teams and Mangiapane’s agent, Allain Roy, keeping talks constructive.
Potential landing spots could include the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, or St. Louis Blues.
Braden Schneider Emerging as Rangers Trade Chip
Finally, Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider is gaining traction in league-wide trade buzz. During a recent interview, Friedman reported that teams are calling about the 24-year-old right-shot blueliner, and New York is at least willing to listen.
Schneider has no trade protection and is heading toward restricted free agency, making him an easier piece to trade than someone like Artemi Panarin or Vincent Trocheck. While Schneider’s production has dipped recently, he remains a physical defender capable of handling tough minutes — exactly the type playoff teams covet.
