Under new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, the Sabres have climbed back into the playoff mix after a rocky start. Tuch has been central to that push, and trading him would almost certainly derail Buffalo\u2019s momentum<\/a>. According to\u00a0NHL insider Elliotte Friedman<\/a>, the organization is effectively treating Tuch as its \u201cown rental,\u201d hoping that by retaining him, they make a long-awaited playoff appearance. The issue is that it means they risk losing him for nothing on July 1. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a bold move, but Friedman notes, \u201c\u2026 if I was in charge, I\u2019d do it. There come times you have to think about the now, reward your players and your fans.\u201d<\/p>\n Canadiens Shift Gears After Crosby Dreams Fade<\/p>\n Any lingering hope that the Montreal Canadiens might land Sidney Crosby has officially been put to rest. NHL insider Chris Johnston confirmed that the idea is now off the table, largely because the Pittsburgh Penguins remain in a playoff spot and have no reason to consider moving their franchise icon. <\/p>\n Johnston writes:<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a time when Montreal might have held out hope Sidney Crosby would become available on the trade market, but that ship has now sailed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in a playoff spot. Surveying the list of other veteran centers available, they might not get a shot to add anyone better than Kadri.\u201d<\/p>\n source \u2013 \u2018NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, part 4\u2019 \u2013 Chris Johnston and James Mirtle \u2013 The Athletic \u2013 02\/10\/2026<\/p>\n Johnston suggests Nazem Kadri has emerged as a realistic Plan B. Despite some concerns about the long-term value of Kadri\u2019s contract, which has three seasons remaining after this one, league sources indicate he\u2019d be open to a move to Montreal\u2014and the Canadiens aren\u2019t on his no-trade list.<\/p>\n Related: NHL Rumors: Kraken Not Done, Oilers One-for-One Swap, Rangers Friction<\/a><\/p>\n Having already added Phillip Danault earlier this season, the Canadiens might not be willing to spend big assets to land Kadri. Still, another proven center could raise their ceiling for a playoff run.<\/p>\n Maple Leafs Still Lurking in Dougie Hamilton Sweepstakes<\/p>\n The Toronto Maple Leafs remain in the Dougie Hamilton sweepstakes, according to at least one source. While chatter around the New Jersey Devils defenseman has cooled in recent weeks, insider James Mirtle believes Toronto is still well-positioned to land him if the Devils decide to sell low.<\/p>\n Hamilton, 32, carries a $9 million AAV through the 2027\u201328 season and has dealt with injuries, but his ability to quarterback a power play makes him intriguing for a Leafs. And, with additional chatter that Morgan Rielly could be a trade piece out of Toronto, the need for someone like Hamilton goes up.<\/p>\n His salary doesn\u2019t make this a slam-dunk move by any means, but the Maple Leafs have been linked to potential trades involving Brandon Carlo, Calle Jarnkrok, and\/or Bobby McMann. Those pieces out the door give GM Brad Treliving room to make the money work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"Sidney](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sidney-Crosby-Penguins.jpg\")
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins (Jess Starr<\/a>\/The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Substack_Banner_2025_Rumors-1200x122.jpg\")
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