Glad Wednesday, Razzball trustworthy!
The Olympics are lastly carried out. And I suppose nothing too thrilling occurred, so let’s not waste any time digging into that stuff…
Oops. Incorrect picture.
Okay. I didn’t assume we’d be capable to get round that one.
Earlier than we get into names to think about for the ultimate 25 video games and the race to the playoffs, a fast recap of Olympic play is so as.
First, congratulations to Staff Canada for his or her clear sweep of SILVER in Italy!
The women mounted a pleasant comeback and performed a significantly better recreation than the 5-0 drubbing they suffered in opposition to the American ladies within the spherical robin.
As for the boys’s aspect?
Did anybody watch? Or care?
As Nathan MacKinnon mentioned within the post-game interview, “You might be the choose of that”…
Beating Canada in each Males’s and Ladies’s hockey is insane. Pretty unfamiliar with the game, is hockey common in Canada?
— MarmosDad (Matt) (@marmosdad.bsky.social) 2026-02-22T16:22:01.381Z
It’s true. I AM lifeless inside. However, it’s okay. I take all of the blame for Sunday’s end result.
I consider my selection of athletic interplay on a chilly Saturday night time in Canada was doubtless what angered the Hockey Gods essentially the most.
At the very least we’ve acquired curling? (Ya, I acquired nothing)
If there’s any tiny solace I can scrape out of this bottom-of-the-shoe fecal stomping of nationwide embarrassment, it’s that the boss paid consideration to our frozen recreation for quite a lot of days.
That’s a win!
However, as they are saying within the huge leagues, “No one ever wins a silver medal. They lose the gold.”
All jokes apart, an enormous and deserving congratulations go to Staff USA’s women and men for his or her gold medal finishes final weekend. Each teams have been over-the-moon ecstatic with their respective wins, and if there’s a silver lining for followers of this recreation, hockey ought to see a bit extra development within the South.
How does that have an effect on our work right here? Are there any gamers who will use this Olympic end result to spice up their rest-of-season output? Ought to we take note of any newsworthy bites from the final couple of weeks of hockey motion?
Properly, I’d say sure on all accounts.
And after we add these items right into a little bit of a rest-of-season salad, we’ll get a good-sized chunk of frozen rubber and knowledge to chew on as we put together our rosters for the ROS dash.
Earlier than we get into the Participant Write-ups under, I’m going to hyperlink my commerce deadline previews right here simply because loads of the names which might be floating across the rumor mill proper now (and might be for the subsequent 10 days) have been already lined in each.
EASTERN CONFERENCE commerce deadline preview
WESTERN CONFERENCE commerce deadline preview
As for the remainder of the names to look out for? Properly, listed below are just a few to bookmark for information and notes out of your favourite sources. Some are commerce fodder, and others are names that ought to come out of the Olympic break with a hearth of their stomach as groups race to the end line!
Connor Hellebuyck – If there was any doubt {that a} man with one win in his final eight NHL begins and a sub-.500 file may nonetheless dominate a recreation; these doubts have been erased together with his efficiency during the last two weeks. Connor Hellebuyck not solely took dwelling a gold medal on Sunday, however he was additionally named the highest goalie from the boys’s match.
For the followers who aren’t sufficiently old to recollect the Staff Canada heyday of goaltending riches, I’ll offer you a fast historical past lesson. The arrogance that these outdated Canadian groups had, figuring out they’d have both Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur as their netminder, was sufficient to spice up any group’s morale and provides them the assumption that they may beat anybody on any given day. The swagger was actual, and it began with Corridor of Fame goaltending within the crease.
Hellebuyck was that for Staff USA. He ought to be that for the Jets, too, however with Winnipeg sitting 11 factors behind Anaheim for the ultimate wild card spot within the West, they may not have sufficient time to make a run. And it won’t matter how nice Hellebuyck is that if they’ll’t pile up wins in a rush.
Jack Hughes – He’s not going anyplace, nor ought to he. I simply thought it was humorous to see this one after he scored the OT winner in that gold medal recreation.
Nothing like an enormous confidence enhance for the younger franchise ahead. Now if solely somebody would train him how one can lower his steak correctly…
Sidney Crosby – Captain Canada acquired crunched, then sumo splashed by Radko Gudas within the recreation in opposition to the Czechs. The knee harm stored him out of the semi-final recreation and out of the gold medal matchup, too. Would a wholesome Sidney Crosby have made a distinction within the medal spherical? Nobody is aware of for positive, however the Canadians positive missed him.
When the NHL resumes its schedule on Wednesday, Sid will nonetheless be listed as “day-to-day” together with his “decrease physique harm”. Penguins followers should be nervous about their crew’s probabilities if the knee harm lingers. They’re sitting in second place within the Metropolitan, only one level forward of the Islanders’ 69 factors (albeit with two video games in hand).
David Pastrnak – It was a tricky recreation to look at as Staff Canada went up in opposition to the Czechs within the quarterfinal spherical. Pastrnak’s 5 factors in 5 GP weren’t as spectacular as teammate Martin Necas’ 8 factors in the identical variety of video games, however on the subject of scorching arms within the final quarter of the season, Pastrnak must be on a brief record.
The sniper might be one of many fundamental the explanation why the Bruins sink or swim heading into the playoffs. If Boston can land a official middle to feed him the puck, he ought to be much more of a risk the remainder of the best way.
With apologies to Morgan Geekie, if the Bruins add somebody like Robert Thomas or Brayden Schenn earlier than the deadline, it will be a boon for fantasy managers who roster Pastrnak.
Connor McDavid – It’s a straightforward one to name, and virtually a waste of time drawing any consideration to the participant. With that mentioned, we all know the drill right here. McDavid led all scorers in Italy with 13 factors in 6 video games. That was sufficient to land him the MVP award, however not sufficient to drag within the prime prize.
McDavid must be getting sick of listening to the doubters, particularly after back-to-back Stanley Cup losses. If something, the frustration of placing that silver medal round his neck ought to add some gasoline to McDavid’s fireplace. Count on him to steer the league in scoring the remainder of the best way as he and the Oilers push for the Pacific Division title.
Vincent Trocheck – I discussed just a few weeks in the past that there have been rumblings about Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck within the commerce circles of the NHL. Properly, it didn’t take lengthy for Panarin to get shipped out to California, and loads of his former teammates ought to be able to go earlier than 4:00 PM EST on March sixth, too. It may appear foolish to incorporate the Wild on this record, however Invoice Guerin loves his Staff USA guys. Simply ask Quinn Hughes.
Potential commerce locations embody: Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, LA Kings, and Anaheim Geese.
Nazem Kadri – I’ve talked about him just a few occasions over the previous few weeks, and Viz had him down as certainly one of his “Ten Gamers To Purchase For The Second Half” (you possibly can learn that if you happen to click on there).
Right here’s what Viz mentioned: “I consider that Kadri might be traded on the deadline, and he’ll get to play on a significantly better crew with significantly better linemates and a greater energy play. Even when the minutes barely go down, Kadri ought to be higher.”
I’m totally on board with all of this. I’m no Kadri fan, however I assume he’s nearly as good as gone, and I additionally assume he’ll land in a scenario that offers him much more alternative to place up factors.
Potential commerce locations embody: Florida Panthers (particularly if Barkov isn’t anticipated to return quickly), Montreal Canadiens, and LA Kings.
Robert Thomas – This man goes together with the man under him right here, and I’d add Jordan Kyrou to the record as nicely. I don’t assume the Blues will commerce Robert Thomas OR Jordan Kyrou except they get a type of knock-your-socks-off affords {that a} crew simply can not refuse. That mentioned, if I have been operating a crew that had a official shot at a deep playoff run however wanted a top-flight middle to get me there, I’d be emptying the cabinets and placing one thing collectively that GM Doug Armstrong would have a tricky time turning down.
Potential commerce locations embody: Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Detroit Pink Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken.
Jordan Binnington – First off, I’ve to confess, I’m not a fan. It’s doubtless residual annoyance from the 2019 Stanley Cup last when Binnington rolled into Beantown and decimated the goals of all of New England with a Sport 7 “stand-on-your-head” form of efficiency.
That mentioned, Binnington has not been nice this yr. Positive, a few of the blame for the 8-17-6 file can fall on the efficiency of the crew in entrance of him. However the 3.65 GAA and .864 save proportion? That’s the place he earns the nickname that my children gave him all these years in the past.
Are the “St Poo-is Poos” going to commerce Jordan “Pee-Pee-ton”? Perhaps not. However there should be just a few groups seeking to choose up a goalie with Stanley Cup expertise and the religion of Hockey Canada. I feel it’s a protracted shot that he will get moved, however groups that want a confirmed playoff performer may do quite a bit worse, it doesn’t matter what his numbers recommend this yr.
***The Sergei Bobrovsky rumor mill is heating up, too, so let’s put him in the identical class of “unlikely however not unimaginable” with Binnington right here.***
Justin Faulk – The rumor is that St Louis needs a return that’s “just like the one Calgary acquired for Rasmus Andersson”. Which means anybody seeking to make a transfer for Faulk goes to should pony up a strong NHL common defenseman, a superb prospect, a 1st-round choose, and a conditional 2nd-rounder.
As a Bruins fan, I can actually say…or extra doubtless, shout…
“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”
If Faulk is headed elsewhere, let the Leafs flip no matter they’ve left within the coffers to choose him up for the stretch run.
Potential commerce locations embody: Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Pink Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, and San Jose Sharks.
Jake DeBrusk – CONTROL C, CONTROL V. Apparently, Jake DeBrusk and his $5.5 million wage (for the subsequent 5 years) are on the commerce desk in Vancouver as nicely. The rumored “asking worth” is hefty, and groups in search of secondary-scoring middle-six wingers are beginning to ship out feelers.
Now, I do know that is Razzball, so I ought to have some leeway to share some sarcasm, criticism, and ship a ‘normal arduous time or grind the gears’ with just about anybody. However consider me after I say that I’m talking for any Bruin fan who watched them play during the last 10 years.
In order for you a winger that hustles and provides 100% vitality and energy each recreation…don’t encourage your favourite membership to make a transfer for this man. I’d be clamoring for Evander Kane earlier than surrendering something greater than a Seventh-round choose for one of many rusted crown jewels of that notorious 2015 Bruins entry draft.
Potential commerce locations embody: Edmonton Oilers (his dad is the colour analyst for dwelling broadcasts), Detroit Pink Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes. If Mikko Rantanen’s Olympic harm is extra critical than initially thought, we are able to add Dallas to the record right here as nicely.
Mackenzie Weegar – In case your favourite crew is in search of a right-shot defenseman and also you don’t need them to give up the form of ransom that the Blues are asking for Justin Faulk, Calgary ought to be prepared to loosen its grip on the 32-year-old Weegar for a bit much less.
Potential commerce locations embody: Detroit Pink Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators, and Utah Mammoth.
Rasmus Ristolainen – It’s lazy to piggyback Weegar right here, however the line of thought is similar. In case your favourite crew wants a right-handed defenseman and isn’t prepared to pay up for one of many premium choices, the Flyers could be comfortable to ship you Risto for a modest return. I assume a 2nd/third spherical choose and an honest prospect would get a deal carried out, particularly if mentioned crew is prepared to eat the remainder of his deal (his $5.1 million AAV expires after subsequent yr).
Alex Tuch – He’s a UFA on the finish of the yr, and I wrote up a reasonably intensive bit in my Jap Convention commerce deadline preview. I can’t see the Sabres promoting anybody because the crew NEEDS to push all in simply to remind their followers of how explosive that enviornment can get throughout a playoff run.
If Jarmo will get foolish, although, Tuch would land them a superb haul in prospects and picks, together with at the least one NHL-ready participant.
Bobby McMann – I do know I throw shade on the Leafs as usually as I can, however it’s a goal as huge because the CN Tower on most days. Bobby McMann is a UFA on the finish of the yr, and he’s the kind of participant the Leafs ought to be seeking to lock in on a multi-year deal. The child hustles and performs with some physicality.
If it’s a superb transfer, sadly for followers, the Leafs’ entrance workplace usually zigs when they need to be zagging.
To be truthful, the powers that be at Scotiabank Area can’t do something proper (if you happen to learn the media in Toronto). If the Leafs promote gamers like McMann, writers will criticize the crew for delivery out strong gamers and never pushing for a playoff run.
In the event that they don’t, and the crew falls in need of expectations once more, the native media will crucify the crew for dropping a man like McMann for nothing.
For what it’s price, if a crew like Edmonton or LA can land McMann and provides him a daily shift in its Prime 6, he ought to produce sufficient to be a worthwhile gamble for the remainder of the season.
Potential commerce locations embody: Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, LA Kings, Detroit Pink Wings, Colorado Avalanche, and Montreal Canadiens.
Blake Coleman – Yet one more Flame together with his luggage packed and a ticket ready for him on the airport. The one query is which metropolis will get printed on the entrance when March sixth rolls round. Coleman is a confirmed performer with scoring potential and expertise (two Stanley Cups). The contract is favorable, too – he has only one extra yr remaining at $4.6 million. A number of playoff groups in the hunt for that ever-elusive “secondary scoring” might be lining as much as take a crack at this man.
Potential commerce locations embody: Tampa Bay Lightning (the place he received each cups), Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Geese, and San Jose Sharks (lengthy shot).
Steven Stamkos – The writing is on the wall for Stamkos. He’s on an expiring contract, and the Predators, regardless of being simply 4 factors out of a wild card spot, are wanting like a crew that’s prepared to drag the plug.
As I mentioned above, with DeBrusk and Bobby McMann, there might be no scarcity of groups in the hunt for secondary scoring. And every a type of might be inquiring about the price to make a transfer for Stamkos. I wrote him up in my “Contenders or Pretenders” part of the Western preview.
Potential commerce locations embody: LA Kings, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins (relying on Crosby’s well being), and, simply because it will be a enjoyable story, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Jonathan Toews – I mentioned it final week, however it was confirmed immediately. Regardless of Jonathan Toews’ standing as a pending UFA, he won’t conform to a transfer out of Winnipeg. If something, the total no-trade clause means he received’t be heading anyplace, however it also needs to sign that he’s in search of an extension forward of the 2026-2027 season.
AND as one tiny aspect word, whereas I used to be scripting this up, the Pittsburgh Penguins shipped Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche for Sam Girard and a 2nd spherical choose. If that’s any indication of what a pending UFA defenseman will web a vendor, March sixth may make for an fascinating commerce deadline day!
That’s all, of us! I hope you loved it. Be at liberty to drop any questions or feedback under. I’ll be again subsequent week with the Tuesday night time round-up!.
Comply with me @marmosdad on Twitter/X and Bluesky @marmosdad.bsky.social
