The NHL rumor mill is churning as teams assess their needs and explore potential trades with the season underway. Recent headlines have been dominated by the Edmonton Oilers' goaltending change, the Pittsburgh Penguins' potential fire sale, and the aftermath of the Quinn Hughes trade to the Minnesota Wild.
Oilers Reload in Net
The Edmonton Oilers made a significant move by acquiring goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, they sent Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to Pittsburgh. The Oilers also acquired defenseman Spencer Stastney from Nashville for a 2027 third-round pick.
Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman indicated that Calvin Pickard would remain with the team. Jarry has two seasons remaining on his contract with a $5.375 million cap hit. Skinner, who backstopped the Oilers to two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances, was well-respected in the Oilers' locker room but faced criticism for inconsistency.
Insiders suggest that the Oilers may not be done making moves. With the trade deadline approaching, the Oilers are looking to add pieces for a playoff run. However, they have limited assets, including a lack of high-end prospects and a 2025 first-round pick. Potential trade targets for the Oilers include players who can contribute in the playoffs and have term remaining on their contracts.
Penguins' Potential Sell-Off
The Pittsburgh Penguins, after trading Tristan Jarry, are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, regardless of their standing in the Eastern Conference. General Manager Kyle Dubas is focused on the future and intends to jettison veterans. According to sources, no player is safe in Pittsburgh, except for those with full no-trade protection, such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Several Penguins players are rumored to be on the trade block, including Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson. Rakell was a popular name in trade rumors during the summer, while questions have arisen regarding Karlsson's future in Pittsburgh. The Penguins are projected to have over $53 million in cap space this summer. The team may use the opportunity to call up prospects, such as goaltender Joel Blomqvist.
The Penguins may consider flipping recently acquired players such as Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak. Insider Elliotte Friedman believes that Dubas' phone will be ringing with teams inquiring about Skinner and Kulak. Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, and Carolina Hurricanes, may be looking for goaltending help.
Quinn Hughes Trade Fallout
The Vancouver Canucks traded star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. In return, the Canucks received Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a first-round pick in 2026. Hughes' agent, Pat Brisson, stated that there were no guarantees made regarding a contract extension with Minnesota. Hughes' contract carries a $7.85 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season.
Hughes reportedly informed the Canucks before American Thanksgiving that he would likely not sign a contract extension. Several teams, including the New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers, made legitimate offers for Hughes.
Hughes has stated that he is open-minded about signing an extension with the Wild, citing the team's "amazing core" and proximity to Michigan as factors. There has been speculation that Hughes may want to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, on the New Jersey Devils when he becomes a UFA in July 2027.
