The Senators could be pursuing Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, plus the latest on the Oilers, Red Wings, Jets, Canadiens, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE SENATORS PURSUE MACKENZIE WEEGAR?
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported league executives claim the Senators and Calgary Flames may have had discussions about Flames right-shot defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
The Senators have been shopping for a right-side defenseman. Garrioch noted the 32-year-old Weegar is an Ottawa native. He carries an AAV of $6.25 million through 2030-31.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman have frequently popped up in recent media trade chatter, but this is the first time Weegar has been mentioned.
Flames GM Craig Conroy is reportedly examining all of his options, but he’s not tearing everything down to the studs. He has been retooling his roster since 2023-24 and would prefer to retain some of his veterans to help the development of the Flames’ promising youngsters.
Weegar carries a full no-trade clause through 2026-27. He has full control over whether he’ll accept being traded and the potential destinations.
THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION
YARDBARKER: Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed possible moves by the Oilers. Both of them suggested Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann might be a great fit in Edmonton.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication that the struggling Maple Leafs are ready to sell, but their recent tumble in the standings is putting them closer to becoming sellers. McMann, 29, is UFA-eligible this summer and could draw attention in the trade market if the Leafs make him available.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers continue to have trade discussions with teams regarding Andrew Mangiapane. They’re being open-minded about the return for the 29-year-old winger, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.
So far, the Oilers haven’t found a fit. Nevertheless, LeBrun wondered if the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, or St. Louis Blues might be interested.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also indicated that the extra year on Mangiapane’s contract has complicated the Oilers’ efforts to move him. However, the biggest sticking point likely remains the decline in his performance over the past couple of years.
RED WINGS SEEKING A CENTER
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Detroit Red Wings are buyers as they jockey for first place in the Eastern Conference. He indicated that GM Steve Yzerman seeks a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman. He would prefer if both players had terms remaining on their contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of projected trade deadline salary-cap space and tradeable assets to address at least one of those areas by March 6.
LATEST ON THE JETS
TSN: Darren Dreger addressed speculation suggesting the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken were discussing a deal involving Kraken center Shane Wright. He claimed, “There’s been no conversation between these two clubs about the potential availability of Shane Wright.”
If the Jets become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline, Dreger believes defenseman Logan Stanley could become a player of interest. The 27-year-old Stanley is UFA-eligible this summer, and there have been no contract extension talks between the two sides.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright has recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid speculation the Kraken could seek a “dynamic scoring forward”. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he had 44 points last season, but his production and playing time have decreased this season.
NO BIG DEADLINE DEALS FOR THE CANADIENS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has no plans of sacrificing assets for quick fixes before the March trade deadline. In a recent podcast, Hughes said he intends to be prudent in the trade market.
LeBrun believes the Canadiens still want to make hockey trades. He cited their creativity in the trade market, and will be on the lookout for a deal that could improve their top-six forwards.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could also be in the market for an experienced penalty killer. The Canadiens are 27th in that department.
BLUE JACKETS STILL DETERMINING IF THEY’RE BUYERS OR SELLERS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have improved under new head coach Rick Bowness, but they’re still six points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Jackets could decide by the upcoming Olympic break in February if they’ll be buyers or sellers. If they sell, pending UFAs such as Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Erik Gudbranson would draw interest.