Canadian Team Rumours Heating Up: Flames, Oilers, and Maple Leafs
The smell of trade season is in the air, and Canadian NHL hockey fans know what that means: rumours, whispers, and a little bit of chaos. Let’s take a look at what’s brewing north of the border.
Calgary’s Huberdeau will miss the rest of the season. Coleman might be traded.
Starting in Calgary, the Flames are dealing with a tough break. Jonathan Huberdeau, one of their marquee forwards, will miss the rest of the season after hip surgery. He’s been playing through pain for months, but at this point, the team believes it’s time to put his long-term health first. With the Flames outside the playoff picture, you can expect management to make some moves to shake things up.
Blake Coleman, for one, could be on the way out if a good trade offer comes along. And while Nazem Kadri’s production has slipped, there might still be interest in the veteran forward. However, the Canadiens, once rumoured to be sniffing around, seem content letting young guys like Oliver Kapanen take the stage.
In Edmonton, Calvin Pickard was sent to the American Hockey League.
Over in Edmonton, frustration is simmering. Leon Draisaitl expressed his frustrations after a loss to Calgary, questioning consistency and leadership across the roster. You get the sense that the Oilers know they can’t coast if they want to chase the playoffs.
On the roster side, goaltender Calvin Pickard cleared waivers and could be sent to the AHL. That might not sound flashy, but it’s a calculated move: it keeps him out of waiver trouble and gives the Oilers some roster flexibility as the trade deadline approaches.
In Toronto, the Maple Leafs could've traded Bobby McMann, but wanted more.
Toronto’s Maple Leafs are playing a bit of hardball right now. Bobby McMann, who has chipped in 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games, has become a valuable trade asset. The Maple Leafs are reportedly holding out for a first-round pick if he’s moved, and honestly, that makes sense. They know his worth and aren’t about to settle for less than what they think he deserves.
Other Canadian team notes.
The other Canadian teams—namely the Canadiens and the Canucks—haven’t been making a ton of noise lately. The Canadiens are holding their own, but with the trade deadline coming up, the pressure’s going to crank up fast. The Canucks are poking around the market too, with some whispers about Evander Kane, though nothing’s really locked in yet.
At the end of the day, every Canadian team faces the same juggling act: staying competitive while keeping players healthy, weighing trade value, and keeping an eye on the playoffs. February’s going to bring a few surprises, maybe some shake-ups, and plenty of chatter from fans watching every move.