In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are once again connected in trade chatter, Toronto faces mounting pressure to consider selling at the deadline, Olympic break signings could shake up the market, and Team Canada’s crease remains a hot topic as Jordan Binnington emerges as a likely starter.
Oilers and Maple Leafs Remain Linked in Trade Talks
The Oilers and Maple Leafs have been linked in trade speculation over the last few weeks. If it’s not one player, it’s another. First, it was pending UFA Bobby McMann, but now reports are out there that discussions between Edmonton and Toronto center on Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
It was David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period who first raised the idea, and then another source floated a swap involving Andrew Mangiapane ($3.6 million AAV) for Roy ($3 million AAV). With both teams navigating cap constraints, any deal would likely require creativity—and compromise.
When it comes to Ekman-Larsson, the ask reportedly starts with top prospect Isaac Howard. Pagnotta said:
“The Leafs aren’t trading him for Mangiapane and a pick. So, sorry, that’s not going to happen. You’re probably looking at something like an Isaac Howard in a deal to get OEL out of Toronto. It’s going to be a high price. Because it’s a combination of his cap hit, the term remaining, and the fact that he’s really good—or at least has been really good this season. If it gets to that point, expect it to be a larger type of deal. You’re not just pawning off Mangiapane to Toronto because the kids are from there. I don’t see that aligning.”
Ekman-Larsson, 34, is in year two of a four-year, $14 million deal signed in 2024. He’s enjoying a strong 2025-26 campaign, posting 34 points (eight goals, 26 assists) in 57 games—tracking toward one of the most productive seasons of his career.
Olympic Break Signings Could Shift the Market
While Olympic hockey grabs headlines, NHL business hasn’t paused. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer that teams are actively working behind the scenes on extensions and roster decisions ahead of the trade deadline. One GM even cautioned him not to “take his eye off the ball,” hinting that deals could materialize during the roster freeze.
Related: 3 Potential Trade Partners for the Canadiens at the 2026 Trade Deadline
Friedman didn’t name names, but one has to assume that he’s referring to players like Alex Tuch in Buffalo, Bobby McMann in Toronto, and Boone Jenner in Columbus, among others.
Oilers Will “Look Different”, Says Friedman
As for Edmonton’s deadline plans and rumored moves coming out of the break, Friedman believes the Oilers will “look different” before the trade deadline, though perhaps not immediately.
Rumors that Paul Coffey will rejoin the coaching staff persist, though nothing has been confirmed. Some believe such a move would signal deeper organizational change. Jason Gregor noted on Sports 1440, “Paul Coffey probably isn’t coming back, but if he does, you probably have to change the head coach. I think he’s more of a GM than a coach”.
Is Jordan Binnington Starting in Goal for Team Canada?
Meanwhile, Team Canada’s goaltending situation has fans intrigued. Jordan Binnington appears poised to start, but head coach Jon Cooper would not confirm. There is debate about whether he’s the guy to go with, given his uneven NHL numbers this season.
Still, his résumé in high-pressure tournaments, including a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off, gives him credibility in short-form competition. Cooper has stopped short of officially naming a starter, confirming only that two different goalies will play the first two games.
