Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Jets

Plenty of teams around the NHL are limping toward the Olympic break, and in some cases, the situation is so dire that it could soon force trade activity just to keep seasons afloat. The Edmonton Oilers are looking to add a top-nine forward, the Toronto Maple Leafs have to find defensive help given their depleted blue line, and who could be part of a potential sell-off in Winnipeg?

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We’ll dive into that in the latest edition of NHL trade buzz.

Oilers Searching for Top-Nine Forward

GM Stan Bowman has zeroed in on his top priority ahead of the deadline: adding a top-nine forward. They’re willing to entertain adding either a center or a winger, given the flexibility of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who can play on Connor McDavid’s wing while also capable of manning the middle on the third line.

Nothing is imminent for the Oilers as they wait for the market to play out; however, potential targets that fit the mold include Vincent Trocheck, Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner, Conor Garland, Jake DeBrusk, and Michael Bunting, all of whom were included on Chris Johnston’s latest trade board and would, of course, come at varying costs in a trade.

Other names that haven’t even been mentioned are likely to pop up in the coming weeks as well, which is part of the reason Bowman is willing to be patient and see what’s truly available before March 6.

Maple Leafs Desperate for Help on Defense

A Maple Leafs defense corps already down Chris Tanev will now be without Oliver Ekman-Larsson and possibly Brandon Carlo, so for GM Brad Treliving, who was looking to upgrade his blue line even before these injuries, the urgency has ramped up significantly.

TSN insider Pierre LeBrun singled out Luke Schenn as a player of interest. He also mentioned that Dougie Hamilton has Toronto on a list of teams he’d approve a trade to, so while his contract would be a difficult fit under the salary cap, it perhaps shouldn’t be ruled out entirely.

Simon Benoit was another name that surfaced on Johnston’s latest trade board, though given the injuries, Treliving can’t afford to move him until some bodies return or reinforcements are brought in.

What Will Winnipeg Do?

There might not be a team in the NHL that’s had a more disappointing season thus far than the Winnipeg Jets. Last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners are currently tied for second-last in the league with 46 points, so where do they go from here?

Don’t expect wholesale changes, but there is potential for some nibbling around the edges. Pending UFAs Logan Stanley and the aforementioned Schenn are both candidates to be moved before the deadline and should draw interest from contenders league-wide. Another expiring contract, Jonathan Toews, is far more complicated, given his full no-movement clause, though Jeff Marek recently speculated about a potential fit in Edmonton. It ultimately comes down to whether Toews would waive to pursue a fourth Stanley Cup.

Lastly, according to insider David Pagnotta, the Jets are also looking to do some buying if possible, with a second-line center being the ideal target. Teams have been asking about Cole Perfetti, an intriguing young player who’s had a very tough 2025-26 season so far.

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