Brayden Schenn: A Maple Leaf in the Making?
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, speculation about player moves is heating up, and one name that continues to circulate is that of St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn. The 33-year-old center has been a linchpin for the Blues, but with a week to go, TSN’s Darren Dreger sees a fit for Schenn with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dreger believes the Leafs have the necessary tradeable assets to make a deal happen, pointing to promising prospects like Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan. Schenn’s experience, leadership, and on-ice production make him an attractive target for a team that is looking to solidify its roster and make a deep playoff run.
The Leafs’ Pursuit of Brayden Schenn
The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford and Joshua Kloke have added to the speculation by noting a recent report from their colleagues Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston, which indicates that Schenn is the Maple Leafs’ primary trade target. However, they also emphasize that the Blues aren’t actively shopping their captain. This suggests that the Leafs might need to make a strong offer to entice the Blues. Rutherford and Kloke believe that any deal would likely require the Leafs to include their 2026 first-round pick. They also suggest that the Leafs might offer one of their goaltending prospects. If the Blues are willing to retain some of Schenn’s salary, the Leafs might need to part with a top prospect, such as Minten or Cowan, to seal the deal.
The Blues’ Perspective
Brayden Schenn is signed through the 2027-28 season with an average annual value of $6.5 million, and he holds a full no-trade clause for this season. This contract structure and his no-trade clause give the Blues the leverage to be selective about any potential trade offers. The Blues currently aren’t under pressure to move Schenn at the trade deadline, and they have the luxury of waiting until the off-season if they don’t receive offers that meet their expectations. The March 7 deadline will be a crucial point, but it’s clear that the Blues are in no rush to make a decision unless it benefits them significantly.
The Islanders’ Dilemma
Turning to the New York Islanders, the team is facing a tough season. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Islanders are seven points out of a playoff spot and six points from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Athletic’s Arthur Staple believes it’s time for Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello to sell. The team’s current position suggests that a rebuild might be the best path forward, and several players could be trade bait. One of them is right winger Kyle Palmieri, who has 39 points in 58 games. According to The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner, the Los Angeles Kings are among a few clubs that have inquired about Palmieri. If the Islanders and Palmieri don’t agree on a contract extension in the next week, he could be moved before the deadline.
Other Islanders Trade Candidates
However, the Islanders are not any closer to re-signing pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Brock Nelson. Staple suggests that Lamoriello should start fielding trade offers for the 33-year-old two-way center. Nelson’s veteran presence and strong play make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their roster. Other potential trade candidates for the Islanders include center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and one of their over-30 defensemen. The Islanders are in a position where they need to weigh their long-term prospects against short-term gains, and the trade deadline offers a critical opportunity to do so.
The Flyers’ Rebuilding Efforts
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers are also considering significant moves as they continue their rebuild. Coach John Tortorella has hinted that there could be "trade deadline casualties" as the Flyers look to reshape their roster. Two of their most valuable trade chips are defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and center Scott Laughton. Ristolainen, known for his size, physical play, and right-hand shot, is a player that many teams would covet. However, The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz reports that the Flyers aren’t receiving many calls for the 30-year-old defenseman. This could change as the deadline approaches, but it appears that Ristolainen might remain with the Flyers. Ristolainen’s contract, which has two more years left with an average annual value of $5.1 million, and the Flyers’ high asking price might be deterring potential suitors. Laughton, on the other hand, could be more attractive due to his versatility and younger age, making him a viable option for a rebuild-minded team like the Flyers.
Staying Informed and Engaging in the Conversation
As the trade deadline looms, fans and analysts alike are eagerly following the latest news and rumors. To stay updated on the latest developments, you can follow The Hockey News on Google News and subscribe to their newsletter. The trade deadline is a pivotal time for NHL teams, and every move can have significant implications for the future. Whether it’s the Maple Leafs pursuing Brayden Schenn, the Islanders considering a rebuild, or the Flyers reshaping their roster, the coming week will be filled with excitement and speculation. Share your thoughts and engage in the conversation by leaving a comment below the article on THN.com.
