Canadiens de Montréal: Navigating the NHL Trade Landscape
The NHL trade freeze lifted on Monday, February 23, 2026, re-opening the door for teams to wheel and deal with less than two weeks remaining until the trade deadline. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on TSN1050 that he anticipates several trades to be completed this week, as negotiations continued throughout the Olympic break. However, Dreger cautioned that some sellers may attempt to hold onto players, hoping to increase their value before March 6th.
Calgary Flames and the Vincent Trocheck Factor
Dreger specifically mentioned that the Calgary Flames might wait to trade Nazem Kadri until teams potentially miss out on acquiring Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers. Kadri, 35, has 10 goals and 39 points in 56 games this season and is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million contract with a $7 million annual average value.
Trocheck, 32, has 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games for the Rangers this season, fresh off winning a gold medal with the United States at the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games. He’s in the fourth year of a seven-year, $39.365 million contract, carrying a $5.625 million cap hit.
Recent Trades and the Artemi Panarin Deal
The last completed trade before the freeze involved Artemi Panarin going to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick. Panarin subsequently signed a two-year, $22 million contract extension. This acquisition became even more crucial for the Kings after forward Kevin Fiala suffered an injury during the Olympics, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Fiala had 18 goals and 40 points in 55 games.
Panarin is expected to make his Kings debut on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights, having recorded 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games with the Rangers this season. You can find more information about the Kings’ roster and performance on their official NHL website.
Columbus Blue Jackets: A Shift in Strategy?
The Columbus Blue Jackets appeared to be clear sellers in January, but a coaching change and a subsequent winning streak have altered their outlook. Since Rick Bowness replaced Dean Evason, the Blue Jackets have won 10 of their 11 games, and are only four points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand.
General Manager Don Waddell discussed the situation with Jeff Svoboda during the Olympic break. “Three weeks ago before I hired Bowness, I thought we were going to get a lot of assets at the trade deadline. But right now, the team has come back [into the playoff race]. We’ve got five games, big games, before the trade deadline. We’re going to continue to analyze and hopefully get back in the game on a good note. Obviously, we’re not going to go 11-1, but I want us to stay in the race.”
Waddell indicated the Blue Jackets won’t be pursuing players who are pending unrestricted free agents, stating, “One thing we probably won’t do is acquire a future unrestricted free agent. It probably doesn’t make sense to add another future unrestricted free agent and give up assets in return.”
The Canadiens de Montréal will be closely watching these developments as they navigate their own trade strategy. Stay tuned for further updates as the NHL trade deadline approaches!
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