Insider Insights: What Every NHL Team is Saying as Trade Deadline Week Approaches

General managers are buzzing with anticipation. They are in talks, looking for the right deals as the playoff deadline approaches. As the clock ticks toward the Friday 3 p.m. ET cutoff, many teams are feeling the pressure, but the market is still quiet, with most teams still in contention for playoff spots.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks are hanging near the playoff race after struggling for years. GM Pat Verbeek might trade veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin, but he doesn’t seem eager to sell. There’s also some chatter about goaltender John Gibson, who is open to being moved, particularly to Edmonton, though the Oilers aren’t looking for a goalie right now. This could mean a calm deadline for Anaheim.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are in a strange spot; they’re usually buyers but might have to sell this time. Trent Frederic’s injury complicates things, yet there’s still a chance he and rental player Justin Brazeau get traded. Meanwhile, captain Brad Marchand’s contract talks continue, but they likely won’t let him go.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo is ready to make some changes after missing the playoffs for many years. While they have interest in young talents like Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram, they haven’t found the right trades. Likely, they’ll move some rentals like Jordan Greenway as they look to rebuild.

Calgary Flames

The Flames are trying to hold on to a wild-card spot and aren’t likely to make any moves that would hurt their chances. There’s been interest in Rasmus Andersson, but he will probably stay unless they get an irresistible offer. GM Craig Conroy might also be looking for younger talent to grow with the team.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have likely made their key moves, including acquiring veteran Taylor Hall. They are listening to offers on Mikko Rantanen but seem inclined to keep him for the playoff run.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks recently moved defenseman Seth Jones, giving GM Kyle Davidson room to maneuver. With Ryan Donato enjoying a solid season, he could be a valuable rental on the market.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have already strengthened their defense by acquiring Ryan Lindgren. They might look to make further adjustments to their forwards as the deadline looms.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Having been potential sellers, the Blue Jackets are shifting toward being buyers after remaining competitive in the playoff race. They’re looking to add younger players with term left on their contracts.

Dallas Stars

Injury updates on Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen remain vague, but the Stars have room to make moves. After acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci, they are positive about their recent trades.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings see a chance at the playoffs and might make moves to strengthen their lineup. Although they have cap space, they aren’t guaranteed to make big headlines.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers need defensive reinforcements after inconsistent play. They might explore trades involving Evander Kane, as his status could complicate their cap situation.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers have room to make trades after bringing in Seth Jones. With Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR, they have nearly $8 million to work with, allowing for potential strategic signings.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings hope to add a middle-six winger. Talks with Carolina about Mikko Rantanen haven’t progressed, but they’re looking for depth rather than a blockbuster deal.

Minnesota Wild

With injuries impacting their roster, the Wild are unlikely to make significant moves. They added Gustav Nyquist but face financial limits on further trades.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens plan to sell but may package Jake Evans and Joel Armia for the right offer. They’re also considering trading David Savard, but only with a solid return in mind.

Nashville Predators

After a rough season, the Predators are keeping an eye on potential trades. They’re open to deals involving Ryan O’Reilly, but only if a promising young player is included in return.

New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes’ injury status will impact the Devils’ moves. They need help in the middle, but Hughes could reshape their deadline strategy depending on his recovery.

New York Islanders

The Islanders might keep players like Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri despite the deadline creeping up. There’s uncertainty about which direction GM Lou Lamoriello will take.

New York Rangers

The Rangers have seen better days, and with multiple UFAs, they may focus more on selling current players than bringing someone new in.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators aim for a playoff return but face financial constraints. They could add a winger, potentially Ryan Donato, if it fits within their budget.

Philadelphia Flyers

With some players gaining interest, the Flyers are in a position to listen but not actively seek sales. They have assets like Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen, who might be valuable if traded.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are looking to refresh their roster while keeping core members like Sidney Crosby. They want to be active but are focused on young players and draft picks.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are in a rebuilding phase and will likely focus on acquiring draft picks and prospects as they prepare for the future.

Seattle Kraken

The Kraken have rental assets to move, such as Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev, as they look to balance their roster heading into the off-season.

St. Louis Blues

With the playoffs still within reach, the Blues are listening to offers but might not make drastic changes. They have veterans like Brayden Schenn, but trading them is not guaranteed.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning are focusing on adding forwards rather than defensemen after some players returned to health. They could look to bring in Yanni Gourde again.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are under pressure to find a third-line center while managing a tight cap situation. They’re assessing multiple options before the deadline hits.

Utah Hockey Club

Despite having multiple UFAs, Utah shows no signs of trading. Recent wins may keep them motivated to stick together as they aim for the playoffs.

Vancouver Canucks

For the Canucks, the future of player Brock Boeser is uncertain, while GM Patrik Allvin seeks to boost the team as they look to stay competitive.

Vegas Golden Knights

Despite a solid roster, the Golden Knights are looking to make noise before the deadline, potentially adding another key forward to fortify their lineup.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals appear set to keep their successful roster intact at the deadline, looking for depth forwards but not making big changes as they prepare for the playoffs.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are also looking for depth but aren’t expected to alter their winning lineup significantly. They plan to target players who can enhance their playoff run.