The NHL Rumors Heating Olympic break is over, and the NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching! From Ristolainen rumors to the Blues’ firesale, we break down the biggest moves and player targets to watch this March.
The jet lag from Milano Cortina hasn’t even worn off yet, but NHL general managers are already glued to their phones. With the Olympic roster freeze officially lifted, the countdown to the March 6th Trade Deadline has begun. It’s that chaotic time of year where one phone call can change a franchise’s entire future.
Quick Look: Top Trade Targets and Rumors
| Player | Current Team | Status | Primary Suitor(s) |
| Rasmus Ristolainen | Philadelphia Flyers | Likely Seller | Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins |
| Nazem Kadri | Calgary Flames | Veteran Leader | Contending buyers |
| Robert Thomas | St. Louis Blues | High-Value Asset | Teams seeking a center |
| Jordan Kyrou | St. Louis Blues | Change of Scenery | Summer or Deadline move |
The Philadelphia Flyers and the Ristolainen Sweepstakes
It NHL Rumors Heating feels like déjà vu in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves on the outside looking in, which means they are primed to be active participants in the Trade Deadline festivities. The name on everyone’s lips right now is Rasmus Ristolainen.
Fresh off a bronze medal with Finland, the 6-foot-4 defenseman is exactly what playoff-bound teams crave. He’s big, he plays the right side, and he isn’t just a “rental” since his contract runs through next season. The Dallas Stars are reportedly leading the hunt, looking to add Ristolainen to their “Finnish Mafia” of Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell. If Dallas wants to push deep into May, securing a deal before the Trade Deadline might be their missing piece.
Calgary and St. Louis: A Tale of Two Sellers
In Calgary, the rebuilding process is in full swing. After moving Rasmus Andersson to Vegas, the Flames are looking at veteran Nazem Kadri. While Kadri is keeping his “feet where they are,” his playoff experience is a gold mine for any buyer at this Trade Deadline. He’s handled the rumors with class, acknowledging internal chats with leadership, but in the NHL, no one is safe when a rebuild is calling.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues are facing a full-blown identity crisis. Sitting at the bottom of the standings, they have put a “for sale” sign on almost everyone. While Robert Thomas would require a massive package to move, Jordan Kyrou is the name most likely to benefit from a fresh start. Whether these blockbusters happen now or during the summer, the Blues will undoubtedly be the biggest “movers and shakers” as the Trade Deadline clock ticks down.
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ Surprising Dilemma
Usually, the Blue Jackets are clear sellers, but a seven-game win streak before the break changed everything. They are suddenly sniffing a wild card spot. General Manager Don Waddell has a unique philosophy: if the players want to stay and win, he’ll find a way to keep them.
With key veterans like Boone Jenner and Charlie Coyle hitting free agency soon, the next ten days will determine if Columbus buys help for a playoff push or sticks to the traditional route of selling expiring assets. It’s a high-stakes poker game that will conclude only when the Trade Deadline expires.
Why This Year’s Market is Extra Volatile
The 2026 Trade Deadline is unique because the “middle class” of the NHL is so crowded. There are at least six teams in the Eastern Conference within a few points of a wild card spot. This creates a “wait and see” approach that drives GMs crazy.
When teams aren’t sure if they are buyers or sellers, the prices for players like Ristolainen or Kadri skyrocket. Every win or loss this week acts as a data point that could trigger a massive trade. If you’re a fan of a bubble team, keep your notifications on—this Trade Deadline is going to be a wild ride.
Conclusion
The post-Olympic landscape has set the stage for a dramatic finish. Whether your team is hunting for a veteran defenseman or clearing cap space for a rebuild, the Trade Deadline remains the most pivotal day on the hockey calendar. As March 6th approaches, expect the rumors to turn into reality. The quest for the Stanley Cup starts with the signatures on these trade papers, and this year, nobody is playing it safe. Keep a close eye on the Trade Deadline—it’s about to get loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What day is the NHL Trade Deadline in 2026?
The deadline is set for Friday, March 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.
2. Why is Rasmus Ristolainen so popular right now?
He is a 31-year-old, right-shot defenseman with size and a manageable $5.1 million cap hit. Since he has another year on his deal, he provides more value than a standard two-month rental.
3. Will the St. Louis Blues trade Jordan Kyrou?
It’s highly possible. Reports suggest both the team and the player are open to a “change of scenery,” though his large contract might make a summer trade more realistic than a mid-season move.
4. Are the Columbus Blue Jackets buyers or sellers?
They are currently “undecided.” Their recent winning streak has moved them close to a playoff spot, making them an intriguing team to watch as they decide whether to extend their pending free agents.
5. How did the Olympics affect the Trade Deadline?
The Olympics created a “roster freeze,” meaning no trades could happen for several weeks. This has led to a massive backlog of rumors that are all being negotiated at once now that the freeze is over.
