Bold opening: The trade clock is ticking, and three teams are racing to shape the playoff picture before the deadline. Now let’s dive into what’s brewing across the NHL.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are exploring every option to boost their roster before Friday’s deadline, GM Chris MacFarland said ahead of a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. He emphasized they aren’t just chasing a third-line center to back up Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson; they’re open to any move that makes the team better.
“We’ll consider a winger, a center, or another defenseman if the fit is right,” MacFarland noted.
Colorado already swung one deal, acquiring defenseman Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a second-round pick in 2028. At 40-10-9, the Avalanche sit atop the league in wins and points.
MacFarland highlighted the club’s prime-age core and the work they’ve invested year-round. He suggested the players deserve assistance if a deal improves the team. He also left room for a potential return for forward Logan O’Connor, who has been out since June 6 due to hip surgery and could be available soon.
Vancouver Canucks
Jake DeBrusk has voiced a clear stance: he doesn’t enjoy the idea of a total rebuild and would consider waiving his no-movement clause to join a true contender. In an interview with The Province, DeBrusk said, “A rebuild isn’t something I’d be OK with or accepting; my game doesn’t fit that.” He is in the second year of a seven-year contract worth $38.5 million ($5.5 million AAV) signed July 1, 2024. This season, he’s recorded 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 59 games, after posting a career-best 28 goals and 48 points last season.
The Canucks, mired at 18-35-7, find themselves at the bottom of the league and could become sellers this week. Defenseman Tyler Myers has been a healthy scratch for the last three games, signaling trade considerations might be on the horizon. DeBrusk urged patience with the rebuild but acknowledged it’s a meaningful hurdle, while also recognizing the opportunity it creates for younger players.
St. Louis Blues
Brayden Schenn acknowledged the period leading up to the deadline has been challenging. The Blues, 22-29-9, sit 13 points behind the Oilers for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference and are under pressure to decide whether to sell assets. Schenn, the Blues’ captain, said the situation is tough but urged his teammates to stay professional, train hard, and stay focused on their jobs.
Schenn, 34, is in the fifth year of an eight-year, $52 million contract ($6.5 million AAV) that began in 2019 and has since reduced from full no-trade protection to a 15-team no-trade clause. He has 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 60 games.
Other players often mentioned in trade chatter include forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman Justin Faulk. Any moves involving Thomas or Kyrou would likely require waiving their full no-trade protections. Blues coach Jim Montgomery stressed the human element of the deadline, noting how conversations can affect players’ focus and performance. He described balancing practice with the realities of potential deals as players navigate a high-stakes period.
Upcoming schedule
The Blues head to Seattle to face the Kraken on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET (Hulu, ESPN+).
Conclusion / Controversy Hook
As the deadline approaches, big questions loom: Which teams will pull off the blockbuster adds, and which ones will pivot for futures? The pressure to win-now clashes with the reality of rebuilding timelines, and fans might disagree about the best path forward for each club. Do you think the Avalanche should push hard for a marquee upgrade, or is the current core enough to carry them through? Is DeBrusk better suited to a contender immediately, or does Vancouver owe it to its young players to stay the course? Share your take in the comments.
