In today’s NHL rumor roundup, there’s continued speculation about Brady Tkachuk’s future in Ottawa, the New York Rangers’ growing cap flexibility, and the potential for the Anaheim Ducks to move Jacob Trouba as the trade deadline nears.
Brady Tkachuk’s Trade Speculation Continues
Although rumors suggesting a potential trade of Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to the New York Rangers have been denied, they still continue to pop up. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman commented on the ongoing speculation, pointing out that, with three years left on Tkachuk’s current contract, as long as the Senators struggle, rumors about a potential move will persist.
Tkachuk has made it clear that he has no desire to leave Ottawa. His commitment is to the Senators, and he hopes to be a key figure in turning the franchise into a contender. However, with the team continuing to face challenges, the talk surrounding his future is unlikely to fade anytime soon, especially if Ottawa’s playoff chances diminish.

Rangers Looking to Make Moves with Salary Cap Flexibility
After the New York Rangers traded Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and Igor Shesterkin’s contract extension, they now find themselves with approximately $22 million in salary cap space heading into the trade deadline. This gives them considerable financial flexibility and opens the door for potential moves as they prepare for the March 7 deadline.
Peter Baugh of The Athletic highlighted several players the Rangers could target to strengthen their roster. On defense, Ivan Provorov from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins are two names that have surfaced as potential additions to their blue line. For added scoring depth, the Rangers might also consider rental forwards such as Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano or Seattle’s Yanni Gourde. Additionally, Minnesota Wild’s Marco Rossi has been mentioned as a potential target for the Rangers’ forward group.
However, despite their newfound cap space, Baugh emphasizes that flexibility doesn’t guarantee success in landing major additions. To make a significant move, the Rangers will likely need to part with key assets, such as draft picks, prospects, or perhaps even current roster players. They have the means to make moves, but finding the perfect fits for their needs may prove challenging.
Could the Ducks Move Trouba at the Deadline?
With Jacob Trouba now part of the Anaheim Ducks, rumors are circulating about whether the Ducks could move him again if they aren’t in playoff contention. Luke Fox of Sportsnet speculates that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek could retain some of Trouba’s salary and trade him to a contender. It’s suggested that such a move could bring the defenseman closer to the Eastern Conference, where his wife is currently doing her hospital residency.
Trouba was a sought-after player, but several teams were hesitant to take on his full salary. The Ducks, however, had the cap space to absorb the contract and could look to retain part of his salary, making him a more attractive option for other teams in need of a veteran defenseman. If Anaheim finds themselves outside the playoff race, this could be a way to flip Trouba for assets while relieving some of their salary cap burden.
As the trade deadline approaches, speculation continues to swirl around key players like Brady Tkachuk, Jacob Trouba, and the New York Rangers’ potential moves. For Tkachuk, the trade rumors will likely continue as long as the Senators struggle, while the Rangers are in a prime position to make some bold moves with their significant cap space. Meanwhile, the Ducks might look to move Trouba again if they are not in playoff contention, making him a potential trade piece for a contender seeking a strong defenseman.
As we move toward the March 7 trade deadline, expect these rumors and potential moves to evolve as teams look to position themselves for a playoff push or set themselves up for the future. Stay tuned for more updates as these situations develop.