As the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches, several teams are formulating their strategies. Here's a look at the rumored plans for the Edmonton Oilers and potential trade pieces for the Boston Bruins, along with other NHL rumors.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly considering a multi-step approach to bolster their forward group for a deeper playoff run. According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, the team might first look to move an NHL contract before the season begins to create cap space. Then, they would accrue cap space during the season and make a significant move for a top-9 forward at the 2026 trade deadline.

Mattias Janmark is a potential candidate to be traded. Janmark has a $1.45 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause. While Stauffer sees Janmark as a useful player, his limited scoring and the Oilers' crowded forward group could make him expendable. The Oilers might offer their 2027 first-round pick to acquire the right player.

The Oilers may be looking for a more aggressive winger who brings determination and physicality to the lineup. The team also needs to address their goaltending situation. Ilya Samsonov could be a potential target.

Some potential forward targets for the Oilers include Rickard Rakell and Alex Tuch. Rakell is a right-winger with a $5 million cap hit through the next four seasons. Tuch is another right-winger with a $4.8 million cap hit that expires in the summer of 2026.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins were very active at the 2025 trade deadline, with General Manager Don Sweeney trading away several key players. As the Bruins continue their rebuild, several players could be on the move.

• Joonas Korpisalo: It's possible that Sweeney will trade Korpisalo. With the re-signing of Michael DiPietro, the Bruins have three goalies, and they risk losing DiPietro on waivers if he doesn't beat out Korpisalo.
• Pavel Zacha: Zacha's name has been circulating in trade rumors. He could be a valuable addition to a contender seeking veteran depth.
• Casey Mittelstadt: Mittelstadt is also a potential trade candidate. The Bruins may wait to see if he can improve his value before making a move.
• Viktor Arvidsson: Arvidsson, acquired from the Oilers, is in the final year of his contract and could be a trade target for teams seeking scoring depth.
• Andrew Peeke: Peeke could be a trade piece for the Bruins. He is a dependable, stay-at-home defenseman with a low cap hit.

The Bruins made several trades at the 2025 deadline, including trading Trent Frederic and Max Jones to the Edmonton Oilers. They acquired Henri Jokiharju from the Buffalo Sabres and traded Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Other NHL Rumors

Several other players are generating buzz in the rumor mill.

• Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks is drawing interest from multiple teams.
• The Winnipeg Jets are reportedly interested in a defenseman from the Buffalo Sabres.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to trade Erik Karlsson.
• Yegor Chinakhov of the Columbus Blue Jackets has requested a trade.

With the 2026 trade deadline approaching, expect more rumors and potential deals as teams position themselves for the playoffs or the future.