Bold headline: The trade deadline scramble is heating up, and big names aren’t packing their bags yet — including Toews and Stamkos — while Tuch stays focused on the next game. But here’s where it gets controversial... a fresh take on the latest chatter around the NHL.
Winnipeg Jets
Jonathan Toews insists he will remain with Winnipeg, despite the team’s slim chances of reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He told The Athletic on Monday, “I wouldn't consider going anywhere. I want to keep playing for this team.” The Jets sit at 22-26-8, with 52 points, trailing the second Western Conference wild-card spot by 11 points. Yet the 37-year-old center, who has a no-movement clause in his one-year, $2 million contract signed July 1, has not entertained the idea of an exit and remains eligible to sign an extension since Jan. 1. He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season, but he’s made clear he isn’t pondering departure. “I’m not thinking about that at all,” Toews said. “I’m obviously thankful the Jets organization and coaching staff have given me an opportunity to play in the NHL again. It was an adjustment period this year, but I want to keep playing for this team.” This season, Toews has recorded 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 56 games, after missing two full seasons due to long-term COVID-19 effects.
Nashville Predators
Stamkos, meanwhile, says he’s not worried about his future with Nashville, even as the team sits outside the playoff picture following the Olympic break. The Predators are 26-24-7, four points behind the Ducks for the second wild-card spot, and could look to move veterans at the trade deadline. “It comes with the territory of being a team on the bubble,” Stamkos told The Athletic. “At the end of the day, I’m not too worried about it. I have a full no-move clause, so I get to make a decision whenever it comes down to that. But I haven’t had any conversations about that.” Stamkos has surged recently, recording 39 points (24 goals, 15 assists) in his past 24 games after an opening stretch of five points in 22 games. He remains under a four-year, $32 million contract with an average annual value of $8 million, signed July 1, 2024. The Predators, who were last in the league in early December, have climbed back into contention with Stamkos’ help. When asked about staying in Nashville, Stamkos emphasized the goal of winning: “We’re in a position where — that’s why I signed here — to play meaningful hockey. It hasn’t happened yet, but that’s the goal for sure.” Nashville hosts the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
Buffalo Sabres
Alex Tuch could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, potentially making him a prime trade candidate, but Buffalo remains focused on the present. The Sabres, 32-19-6 and holding the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot, are striving for their first playoff berth since 2011. Tuch told the Buffalo News that he hasn’t focused on trade talk, instead concentrating on the next game and helping Buffalo win. “I haven’t focused on that,” he said. “Honestly, I’m just focused on playing the next game. I’m focused on being a Buffalo Sabre and doing whatever I can to help our team win.” Tuch, 29, signed a seven-year deal with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018 and was traded to Buffalo in 2021 in the Jack Eichel swap. With Buffalo, he is second on the team in goals (22) and points (48) through 56 games, behind Tage Thompson (30 goals, 59 points). Buffalo will visit the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday evening.
Calgary Flames
Blake Coleman has been activated from injured reserve, and at 34, he recognizes that a trade could be on the horizon as Calgary sits 11 points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aware of everything and keeping up with it,” Coleman admitted. “There are a lot of moving pieces with family and kids, and the dialogue has been open and clear. From Day 1, I’m a Flame until I’m told I’m not, and I’m going to bring my best every day here.” Coleman returned to practice without a noncontact jersey on Feb. 18 after an upper-body injury on Jan. 8. He has 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 games, ranking second on Calgary in goals behind Matt Coronato (14). Coleman noted ongoing conversations with GM Craig Conroy, adding that there’s mutual respect and understanding on both sides as the team navigates this period. The Flames visit the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.
Why this matters now: With the deadline looming on March 6 at 3 p.m. ET, teams are weighing long-term futures against short-term needs. Toews’ loyalty to Winnipeg challenges the notion that veteran stars bolt at the first sign of playoff trouble, while Stamkos’ comments reveal a possible hold-the-line approach for players with no-move protections. Buffalo’s Tuch highlights how a playoff push can complicate trade discussions, as teams balance winning now with rebuilding timelines. Calgary’s Coleman illustrates how players weigh personal circumstance and team plans when deals start to surface.
Controversy prompt: If you were an executive, would you push for a veteran like Toews to stay for a potential late-season surge, or would you explore moves to maximize future odds? And should players with no-move clauses leverage those protections to force a particular outcome, or should they be open to changing scenery for the right opportunity? Share your stance in the comments and tell us which side you’re on.
