{"id":464633,"date":"2026-02-20T15:49:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T15:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/464633\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T15:49:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T15:49:24","slug":"nhl-rumors-crosby-out-bobrovsky-to-canadiens-kyrou-change-coffey-talk-the-hockey-writers-edmonton-oilers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/464633\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Crosby Out, Bobrovsky to Canadiens, Kyrou Change, Coffey Talk – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s NHL rumors rundown, Team Canada will be without its captain in a crucial Olympic semifinal, trade chatter is swirling around a star goaltender and the Montreal Canadiens, and questions continue to surface about behind-the-scenes dynamics with the Edmonton Oilers\u2019 coaching staff. Finally, is Jordan Kyrou<\/a> open to a change of scenery?<\/p>\n

Sidney Crosby Ruled Out; Connor McDavid Takes the \u2018C\u2019<\/p>\n

After suffering a lower-body injury in Canada\u2019s quarterfinal win over Czechia, Sidney Crosby<\/a> has officially been ruled out for the semifinal against Finland\u2019s men\u2019s national ice hockey team. According to Emily Kaplan, it was not considered a worst-case scenario, and Crosby pushed to play. She adds<\/a>, \u201cHe is still hopeful to play in the gold medal game should Canada advance, but it\u2019s unclear as of now if he\u2019ll be able to.\u201d Elliotte Friedman added<\/a> that Hockey Canada explored every possible option \u2014 even assembling a custom brace \u2014 but ultimately he could not go.<\/p>\n

\"ConnorConnor McDavid, Team Canada, Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games (Mike Segar\/Reuters via Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

In his absence, McDavid will wear the captain\u2019s \u2018C,\u2019 with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates. Per IIHF rules, Team Canada was required to name a captain, and the letter couldn\u2019t remain with Crosby while he was sidelined. With McDavid already leading the tournament in scoring, the spotlight now shifts squarely to him in what many see as a symbolic passing of the torch.<\/p>\n

Sergei Bobrovsky to Montreal Canadiens? Mostly Speculation<\/p>\n

An intriguing rumor surfaced this week linking Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> of the Florida Panthers to the Montreal Canadiens ahead of the NHL trade deadline. While the Canadiens could use help in goal and Florida\u2019s playoff positioning remains uncertain, most of the chatter appears to be speculative.<\/p>\n

Related: How Canadiens\u2019 Pending RFAs Could Shape the Trade Deadline<\/a><\/p>\n

Several online reports and social media posts suggest Montreal would be \u201call in\u201d if the Panthers decide to sell, even outlining hypothetical salary retention scenarios on Bobrovsky\u2019s $10 million cap hit. However, no major insiders from top-tier outlets have confirmed legitimate talks. One anonymous account claimed preliminary discussions had occurred, though that source has a shaky track record.<\/p>\n

Bobrovsky also holds a 16-team no-trade clause and is a pending unrestricted free agent, further complicating any potential deal. For now, league sources indicate this rumor lacks credible traction, though that could change if Florida\u2019s standing worsens.<\/p>\n

Edmonton Oilers Drama: Did Paul Coffey Return With a Veto Twist?<\/p>\n

The Oilers officially welcomed Paul Coffey back to the bench this week, but debate continues<\/a> about how the decision unfolded. On Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos questioned<\/a> whether head coach Kris Knoblauch can survive the season amid mounting pressure, suggesting this could be a Stanley Cup-or-bust scenario.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Jason Gregor reported<\/a> that while owner Daryl Katz initiated the idea of Coffey\u2019s return, Knoblauch technically had veto power but chose not to use it. That detail adds intrigue. If Coffey\u2019s presence fixes Edmonton\u2019s defensive issues, does it mean Knoblauch is more likely to stay or go after the season?<\/p>\n

Adding to the tension, Tom Gazzola said on Edmonton Sports Talk<\/a> that not everyone in the organization is thrilled about the move. Coffey has reportedly reshaped roles behind the bench and taken over duties when he doesn\u2019t like what he\u2019s seeing. With Edmonton chasing a championship in the final stretch, the internal dynamic will be just as closely watched as the on-ice results.<\/p>\n

Is Kyrou Open to a Change of Scenery?<\/p>\n

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period shared the latest on what\u2019s going on between the St. Louis Blues and forward Jordan Kyrou.<\/p>\n

Pagnotta said<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other big guy that I\u2019m looking at is Jordan Kyrou. I would be surprised if Kyrou is a member of the Blues next season. I\u2019m not sure where those conversations are going to go over the next two and a half weeks before the deadline. But I believe he, as well, is open to a change of scenery and is kind of just waiting to see when that happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that he wasn\u2019t solid on whether a trade would happen before March 6, or if this would be something the Blues might look at more seriously over the summer and around the draft. Kyrou has a full no-trade clause, \u201cbut every indication I\u2019ve been given is that he\u2019s open to waiving it for the right situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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