The NHL Trade Rumors deadline is heating up with blockbuster rumors involving Jesper Wallstedt, Owen Tippett, and Warren Foegele. Discover which stars are on the move and who is targeting them.
The 2026 Olympic break in Milan hasn’t stopped the NHL rumor mill from churning at full speed. While the world’s best are competing for gold, general managers back in North America are working the phones to finalize season-altering deals. From the Minnesota Wild’s search for a top-tier center to the Philadelphia Flyers’ potential firesale, the landscape of the league could look very different by the March 6 deadline.
Key Players in the 2026 Trade Spotlight
| Player | Current Team | Primary Suitor | Contract Status |
| Jesper Wallstedt | Minnesota Wild | Florida Panthers | RFA 2027 ($2.2M) |
| Owen Tippett | Philadelphia Flyers | St. Louis Blues | Signed through 2032 |
| Warren Foegele | LA Kings | Edmonton Oilers | Signed through 2027 |
| Vincent Trocheck | NY Rangers | Minnesota Wild | Signed through 2029 |
The Jesper Wallstedt Dilemma: A Future Star for a Current Need?
Perhaps the most shocking name to surface in recent NHL Trade Rumors is Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. The 23-year-old rookie sensation has been elite this season, boasting a .914 save percentage and four shutouts. However, after the Wild’s blockbuster acquisition of Quinn Hughes, GM Bill Guerin is reportedly “all-in” and desperate for a top-line center.
Insiders Michael Russo and Elliotte Friedman have noted that Wallstedt is the Wild’s most valuable trade chip. Rumors have intensified linking Wallstedt to the Florida Panthers, who are seeking a long-term successor for Sergei Bobrovsky. In exchange, NHL Trade Rumors Minnesota is eyeing 24-year-old center Anton Lundell. While trading a potential franchise goalie is risky, the Wild believe a core of Hughes, Kaprizov, and a new elite center is their best shot at a Stanley Cup.
Owen Tippett and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Tumble
The Philadelphia Flyers appeared to be playoff contenders early in the season, but a disastrous slide in January has changed the front office’s tune. Now sitting eight points out of a wildcard spot, GM Danny Briere may be forced to become a seller. While Travis Konecny remains a “core leader,” NHL Trade Rumors suggest that Owen Tippett could be the piece moved to accelerate the team’s retool.
Tippett is a high-volume shooter signed to a reasonable $6.25M AAV, making him an attractive target for teams like the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are reportedly looking for a scoring winger to pair with their young core, and a package involving Robert Thomas has even been whispered in hockey circles. If the Flyers decide to “swing big” for a true No. 1 center, Tippett is likely the first name out the door.
A Familiar Face: Could Warren Foegele Return to Edmonton?
In Los Angeles, GM Ken Holland is dealing with a “good problem.” Following the acquisition of Artemi Panarin from the Rangers, the Kings have a massive surplus of forwards. To balance the roster and free up cap space, the Kings are reportedly shopping Warren Foegele.
The most intriguing of the current NHL Trade Rumors involves an Edmonton Oilers reunion. Scribes in Edmonton have proposed a one-for-one swap of Foegele for Andrew Mangiapane. Both players carry nearly identical cap hits ($3.5M vs $3.6M) and provide similar depth scoring. For the Oilers, Foegele brings familiarity and speed that were missed during their recent struggles. NHL Trade Rumors For the Kings, Mangiapane offers a fresh start in a different system.
The Vincent Trocheck Sweepstakes Heat Up
With the New York Rangers officially entering a rebuild/retool phase, Vincent Trocheck has become the league’s most sought-after center. Unlike Panarin, who had a strict no-move clause, Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list gives the Rangers more flexibility.
The Minnesota Wild are considered the front-runners here, especially given Trocheck’s connection to Bill Guerin through Team USA. During an Olympic photo session in Milan, Trocheck was even spotted jokingly “photobombing” Wild players, NHL Trade Rumors adding fuel to the fire. However, the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings have recently joined the pursuit, hoping to snag the gritty center to bolster their own playoff hopes.
Conclusion
The next three weeks will define the 2025-26 NHL season. Whether it’s a young star like Wallstedt being flipped for a veteran center or a fan favorite like Foegele returning home, the NHL Trade Rumors we are seeing today are setting the stage for a chaotic deadline. Stay tuned as the “Azzurri” flame fades in Italy and the trade fires ignite across North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why would the Wild trade a rookie like Jesper Wallstedt?
The Wild are in a “win-now” window with Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov. They lack a top-tier center and believe flipping a goalie asset is the fastest way to fill that void.
2. Is Owen Tippett definitely leaving the Flyers?
Not necessarily. While his name is in NHL Trade Rumors, he is signed long-term. The Flyers will only move him if they get a massive return, likely involving a top-line center.
3. What is the deadline for NHL trades in 2026?
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is Friday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
4. Why are the Kings looking to move Warren Foegele?
After acquiring Artemi Panarin, the Kings have too many wingers. Trading Foegele allows them to clear cap space or acquire assets in other areas of need.
5. Which teams are interested in Vincent Trocheck?
The Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings are currently the top three teams linked to the Rangers’ center.
