The NHL rumor mill is churning as teams assess their needs and explore potential trades as the season progresses. Here's a look at some of the latest buzz surrounding Quinn Hughes, Patrick Kane, and Jordan Binnington.
Hughes and the Maple Leafs
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly open to trading veteran players, sparking speculation about the availability of defenseman Quinn Hughes. Despite the Canucks' willingness to listen to offers for veterans, the team has made it clear that trading Hughes is not a priority. However, that hasn't stopped analysts from proposing potential blockbuster trades. TSN analyst Bryan Hayes suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider acquiring Hughes, even if it means trading forward Matthew Knies plus draft picks. Hayes believes Hughes' "elite skating and offensive upside" would fill a significant organizational need for the Leafs, given their "win-now core".
Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canucks are open to offers for veteran players as part of a strategy to acquire younger and more dynamic players. However, Friedman stated that Hughes is not on the list of players the Canucks are looking to trade. One executive said that trading Hughes "is not their priority right now". Hughes has two years remaining on his six-year, $47.1 million contract. In 451 career NHL games, Hughes has 430 points and won the Norris Trophy in 2023-24. Knies is currently signed to a six-year, $46.5 million contract with the Leafs and has accumulated 22 points in 19 games this season.
Kane Trade Speculation
Patrick Kane, currently with the Detroit Red Wings, has quietly emerged in trade rumors. The 36-year-old winger signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Detroit for the 2025-26 season, a contract that provides flexibility for both the player and the team. Kane will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, opening the door for a potential move if the Red Wings find themselves outside the playoff picture. Several teams could be potential suitors for Kane, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers.
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic suggested the Oilers should consider acquiring Kane. Mitchell admits Kane isn't a replacement for the injured Evander Kane. However, Kane's "skill set and offensive upside is hard to ignore". There are hurdles to acquiring Kane, including his no-trade clause and Detroit's playoff hopes.
Oilers and Binnington
The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation remains a significant concern, leading to speculation about potential trades. Veteran NHL insider Nick Kypreos suggested that the Oilers could explore a trade centered around Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Edmonton's Stuart Skinner. The idea revolves around a "change-of-scenery scenario" for both goaltenders. The Oilers have reportedly shown interest in Binnington, and a potential deal could involve Skinner going to St. Louis. The Oilers are also trying to get a defenseman out of St. Louis as part of the deal.
However, there are questions about whether Binnington would be an upgrade over Skinner. There is a "very real possibility" that the Oilers could get worse goaltending as a result of the trade, at a higher cap hit. Binnington has one year remaining on his contract, paying him $6 million per year. The Oilers would need to clear roughly $3 million in cap space to make the deal work. The speculation ties Binnington to Edmonton, and the Oilers are also seeing if they can get a defenseman out of St. Louis at the same time.
