Boston Bruins

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Sabres, Flames, Sens, Penguins & Leafs

NHL Trade Talk Recap Feb. 3: Sabres lack response to Thompson hit, Flames after center, Senators still seeking trade, Maple Leafs Cowan move?

by
Old Prof
February 3, 2025

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (Feb. 3), the Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Hartman has been suspended 10 games for roughing Tim Stützle. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are exploring trade options, with GM Craig Conroy eyeing a right-shot center and potential changes to improve their depth. Yegor Sharangovich, Dan Vladar, and Jonathan Huberdeau starred as the Flames beat the Kraken last night.

The Pittsburgh Penguins remain open to trades as GM Kyle Dubas works to shake things up. Two forwards, Michael Bunting and Rickard Rakell, are drawing interest. The New York Islanders are also in the spotlight. Will Mathew Barzal’s injury push them to become deadline players? Across the league, the Boston Bruins’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.

Meanwhile, could the Maple Leafs’ looming salary cap issues complicate contract talks, particularly with Mitch Marner? The Ottawa Senators are eyeing trades for forward Ryan Donato and others, while the Buffalo Sabres are facing questions about their lack of response to Tage Thompson‘s hit.

Top NHL Trade Talk Recap Story

Sabres Under Scrutiny After Lack of Response to Hit on Tage Thompson

When Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson was hit by the New Jersey Devils’ Stefan Noesen, no one on the Sabres team retaliated. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff defended the Sabres’ decision, suggesting that the game situation affected the team’s retribution. When the Sabres canceled practice, was it due to growing criticism about the team’s lack of response?

Read More About the Incident Here:

Senators Actively Pursuing Trade for Top-Six Forward

Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios is seeking trade options and is rumored to be after Ryan Donato (Blackhawks) and Brandon Tanev (Kraken). If the rumors are correct, Donato is a top target. However, will the Senators hold off on making a trade with the recent return of David Perron? [BTW, Perron scored his first goal tonight as the Senators won on the road in Nashville.]

Penguins Open to Trading Michael Bunting or Rickard Rakell

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas (as always) remains active in trade discussions. Two players who are drawing interest are Rickard Rakell and Michael Bunting. However, the team won’t rebuild this season because Sidney Crosby is in the fold. Instead, it is concentrated on NHL-ready talent. Might the Penguins move productive players, even if they go for the playoffs?

Why Easton Cowan Could Be Called Up to the Leafs This Season

The Toronto Maple Leaf’s top prospect, Easton Cowan, has an impressive 64-game point streak with the London Knights. As he’s wearing out junior hockey, he’s also developing a well-rounded game and improving defensively. Could Cowan become a “Black Ace” if the Maple Leafs need a playoff boost?

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