NHL Trade Talk Weekend Rumors: Canucks, Predators, Red Wings

In today’s NHL Trade Talk weekend rumors report, the Vancouver Canucks are not ruling out a trade to the Western Conference for either Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller. Meanwhile, it is being reported that Ryan O’Reilly is being treated as though he’s got a no-trade clause in his contract, which he doesn’t. Finally, are the Detroit Red Wings scouting Buffalo Sabres games and taking a closer look at Dylan Cozens as a trade option?

---

---

Canucks Willing to Trade Pettersson or Miller Within the Western Conference

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported during the Saturday Headlines report that the Vancouver Canucks aren’t excluding Western Conference teams from making trade pitches for centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Teams often don’t want to trade within their conference because it means facing their former players frequently. And, while it’s not clear if they’d be OK trading within the division, they aren’t only working with Eastern Conference teams.

This will open up the best possible odds of maximizing a return. The Canucks might have a premium price for a trade inside the conference, but Friedman didn’t offer an insight into that scenario.

Predators Show Ultimate Respect to Ryan O’Reilly

Friedman also noted that Ryan O’Reilly might generate trade interest this season and while the Nashville Predators could technically trade him anywhere they choose (he lacks trade protection), they won’t. The team has so much respect for O’Reilly that if a move is considered, they’ll get his input.

Friedman suggests the organization is acting as though and telling teams that O’Reilly is being treated like he has a no-move clause in his deal.

---

There was some chatter about how much O’Reilly might be a fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs and that his history with the team could hint at a possible reunion. If GM Barry Trotz is going to ask O’Reilly about any deal in advance, it would be intriguing to see if he was open to coming back to that hockey market. He did choose not to re-sign in Toronto as a free agent, opting for less attention in Nashville.

Red Wings Are Scouting Sabres’ Cozens

During Friday’s “32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman confirmed his report from earlier in the week that the Detroit Red Wings do have interest in Dylan Cozens and are scouting his games with the Buffalo Sabres. It leaked that the Red Wings were among the teams looking at Cozens, but it’s not clear if there have been trade discussions or if GM Steve Yzerman is seriously considering making an offer.

The Sabres are reportedly not shopping Cozens, but they aren’t closed off to having discussions about a possible deal. If the right offer is made, GM Kevyn Adams would likely be open to a trade.

The Red Wings have won six games in a row, and while they’re still outside the playoff picture and looking in, if they keep trending in the right direction, the team might try to take a swing. Yzerman will have to cautiously approach how much change he makes to the roster. A big trade could move pieces out, possibly disrupting team chemistry.

Next: 3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the New York Rangers