Toronto Maple Leafs Actively Seeking Defensive Help
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been exploring the trade market for defensemen for weeks, even before Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s injury in Wednesday’s game. Reports also suggest Brandon Carlo may have tweaked something, though he finished the contest. The team awaits official updates on Friday.
With Chris Tanev sidelined on an uncertain timeline—potentially season-ending—the Leafs’ blue line is in flux. Management has been doing due diligence on potential trade targets.
Winnipeg Jets pending UFA Luke Schenn has emerged as a realistic option, offering a known quantity on the back end. A more ambitious target is New Jersey’s Dougie Hamilton, though his $9 million cap hit through two-and-a-half more seasons complicates matters. The Devils would likely need to retain salary, and Toronto is believed to be on Hamilton’s approved trade list.
Given the Leafs’ limited assets, a veteran like Schenn appears more feasible. With the team resurgent and back in the playoff race, reinforcing the defense is a priority ahead of the March 6 deadline.
Sweden Facing Major Injury Concerns Ahead of Olympics
Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s injury adds to Sweden’s growing list of concerns, though early indications are positive for his Olympic availability. Head coach Sam Hallam is planning without Jonas Brodin and Leo Carlsson. Brodin, a premier shutdown defenseman, is expected to miss six to eight weeks, while Carlsson is sidelined three to five weeks.
Sweden is monitoring several other key players currently injured—including Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, Gabe Landeskog, Joel Eriksson Ek, and William Nylander—hoping most will recover in time for the Games.
Edmonton Oilers Targeting Top-Nine Forwards
The Oilers recently held pro scouting meetings and identified a list of top-nine forwards to pursue via trade. GM Stan Bowman has begun preliminary discussions with other teams, though no deals are imminent due to limited sellers in a parity-filled league.
Most activity is expected post-Olympics. An internal debate centers on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ best position—center or wing alongside Connor McDavid—with more wingers likely available on the market.
Florida Panthers Exploring Upgrade Options
After a strong recovery earlier in the season, the Florida Panthers have slipped and now sit five points out of a playoff spot in the tightly packed Eastern Conference.
GM Bill Zito has increased outreach to teams, keeping an open mind for upgrades without forcing a move. Cap constraints remain a challenge, especially with injuries and the need to preserve space for Aleksander Barkov’s potential playoff return. Matthew Tkachuk is back, but Seth Jones is still about a month from full health.
New York Rangers: Key Players Staying Put
Rangers GM Chris Drury met individually with players holding full no-move clauses to discuss the organization’s re-tooling direction. J.T. Miller, Vladislav Gavrikov, Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Mika Zibanejad have shown no interest in waiving their clauses so far.
Captain J.T. Miller, acquired last year, intends to stay through the transition and has no plans to waive. The Rangers remain committed to him. Artemi Panarin, also with a full no-move and a pending UFA, has been informed the team will not re-sign him and will work on a trade before the deadline.
