{"id":455852,"date":"2026-02-12T17:42:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T17:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/455852\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T17:42:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T17:42:17","slug":"nhl-rumors-oilers-drama-blue-jackets-shift-maple-leafs-and-raddysh-the-hockey-writers-nhl-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/455852\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Oilers Drama, Blue Jackets Shift, Maple Leafs and Raddysh – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are once again<\/a> being linked to a 20-goal winger while Calvin Pickard<\/a>\u2018s agent throws shade at the other two netminders. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are pulling key veterans off the trade market. Connor Murphy<\/a> is emerging as one of the Blackhawks\u2019 top deadline chips, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are being cautioned about a splashy blue-line target.<\/p>\n

Oilers Linked to McMann as Pickard Debate Lingers<\/p>\n

Bobby McMann continues to surface in trade chatter surrounding the Edmonton Oilers. Despite reports that GM Stan Bowman has also explored options like Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, insiders\u2014including TSN\u2019s Chris Johnston\u2014still see McMann as a strong fit in Edmonton.<\/p>\n

Johnston writes: <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Oilers are all-in to chase a championship, but they\u2019re operating with limited cap flexibility while sizing up new pieces. Enter McMann. There won\u2019t be another 20-plus goal man available at this deadline who commands a cap hit below the league\u2019s minimum salary. But the Leafs can get him there with full retention. There\u2019s going to be a premium charged for doing that, but part of being all-in is doing whatever it takes to increase your odds of winning.\u201d<\/p>\n

source \u2013 \u2018NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, part 5\u2019 \u2013 Chris Johnston \u2013 The Athletic \u2013 02-11-2026<\/p>\n

McMann, a pending UFA with 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games, carries a $1.35 million cap hit that could drop to $675,000 with full retention. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Calvin Pickard\u2019s agent stirred conversation by questioning the Oilers\u2019 crease shuffle. Speaking in an interview with\u00a0Sports 1440\u2019s Jason Gregor<\/a>, Ritch Winter suggested Pickard\u2019s playoff r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and locker-room presence compare favorably to Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry, who he believes haven\u2019t proven they can get the job done. Winter asked, \u201cCollectively, they haven\u2019t won 9 games in the playoffs, have they?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

He believes there is still a path for Pickard to make a difference for the Oilers this season. \u201cThese guys know what he did when their season was in tough shape. He delivered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blue Jackets Shift From Sellers to Buyers<\/p>\n

As per a report from\u00a0RG.org\u2019s James Murphy<\/a>, the Columbus Blue Jackets appear to be changing direction ahead of the March 6 deadline. Rather than moving pending UFAs Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment, GM Don Waddell is expected to pursue contract extensions.<\/p>\n

Related: Agent Says Flames Missed Key Stat Before Overpaying Mangiapane<\/a><\/p>\n

The shift follows seven wins in a row under new head coach Rick Bowness, pulling Columbus within five points of a wild-card spot. Trade chatter around the trio has cooled significantly, with sources indicating they\u2019re effectively off the market.<\/p>\n

Connor Murphy Drawing Strong Interest<\/p>\n

In Chicago, defenseman Connor Murphy is shaping up as one of the more intriguing deadline names. The pending UFA carries a $4.4 million cap hit, and as a right-shot defender who kills penalties and brings physicality, he\u2019s exactly the type contenders covet.<\/p>\n

\"ConnorConnor Murphy, Chicago Blackhawks (Jess Starr<\/a>\/The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n

Multiple teams are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Dallas viewed as a natural fit. Buffalo, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Boston, Detroit, and San Jose have also been mentioned as potential suitors.<\/p>\n

Maple Leafs Urged to Pump Brakes on Raddysh<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs are once again being tied to a right-shot defenseman, this time Tampa Bay\u2019s Darren Raddysh. While the fit on paper is obvious, the reality is complicated.<\/p>\n

Morgan Rielly\u2019s no-move clause and $7.5 million cap hit make clearing space difficult. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is unlikely to part with Raddysh cheaply, especially given his strong season and potential long-term value. Rumors suggest he could command $5\u20136 million annually on his next deal.<\/p>\n

For Toronto, the price\u2014both in assets and cap space\u2014may be too steep. The idea is enticing, but some believe this is a swing the Maple Leafs might take that ultimately backfires. <\/p>\n

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