As the NHL trade deadline on March 6, 2026, approaches, several intriguing storylines are developing around potential player movement. Here's a look at the latest rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs, Artemi Panarin, and Shane Wright.
Maple Leafs Considering Selling
With the Toronto Maple Leafs sitting ten points out of a playoff spot, the team may be inching toward selling off some assets at the deadline. Recent reports suggest that forwards Matias Maccelli and Max Domi could be on the move. According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, Maccelli hasn't consistently fit into the Leafs system, while Domi, who has two years left on his contract at $3.75 million per season and a 13-team no-trade list, could be a cap casualty. Additionally, Bobby McMann has become an attractive trade chip, despite previous talks of a contract extension, with the Edmonton Oilers reportedly showing interest. Sportsnet analysts Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne have suggested the Maple Leafs should move McMann and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for draft picks. Kypreos also proposed trading a goaltender, either Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz.
Artemi Panarin's Complicated Situation
New York Rangers star winger Artemi Panarin is another major focus of trade speculation. However, Panarin's situation is complicated by his full no-move clause and reported demand for a four- or five-year, $50 million contract extension. Several teams, including the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, have been linked to Panarin. However, his contract demands may limit the number of teams that can realistically acquire him. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet suggested the Detroit Red Wings could be a potential landing spot, as General Manager Steve Yzerman typically avoids trading for rental players. The Philadelphia Flyers have also been surprisingly linked to Panarin, though it is unclear how serious their interest is. Friedman has also mentioned the Vegas Golden Knights and New York Islanders as teams that could have interest in Panarin. A potential sleeper team could be the Seattle Kraken who might offer Shane Wright in a package for Panarin.
Shane Wright on the Move?
The Seattle Kraken are reportedly open to trading Shane Wright, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, in order to acquire a top-six forward. Wright's development has seemingly stalled this season, with just seven goals and 18 points in 52 games. This is a significant drop from his respectable rookie season where he scored 19 goals and 44 points in 79 games. Several teams could be interested in acquiring the 22-year-old center, including the Montreal Canadiens. Some analysts have suggested a potential trade involving Wright and Alexis Lafrenière of the New York Rangers. The Calgary Flames could also use some improvements and could be a potential destination for Wright. However, the Philadelphia Flyers are unlikely to trade for Wright due to their existing depth at the center position.
