NHL Rumors: Tkachuk, McDavid, Rantanen Oilers, Maple Leafs – The Hockey Writers Edmonton Oilers Latest News, Analysis & More

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the NHL season resumes this weekend following the conclusion of the 4 Nations Face-Off, leaving players with little time to shift their focus back to league play. With just two weeks until the trade deadline, teams are not only assessing their rosters but also monitoring how returning players adapt after competing in high-intensity international play. Will Connor McDavid be ready for a game on Saturday morning? Is Matthew Tkachuk going to miss time with an injury? What is Mikko Rantanen’s status ahead of the trade deadline?

One of the interesting storylines coming out of 4 Nations is whether top stars will immediately jump back into NHL action. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid doesn’t plan to miss any time but seemed to lament that his next game was less than 36 hours away. He will have little time to recover, with an afternoon game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. He’s not the only one being asked to switch gears quickly.

Related: Oilers Prospect Matt Savoie Is Finally Getting His Opportunity

For goaltenders Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck, Andy Strickland noted that the Blues and Jets play each other, and it’s not clear if either will play. The Blues have back-to-back games over the weekend, so Binnington may have to suit up quickly despite playing every game for Team Canada.

Matthew Tkachuk’s Injury Concerns for Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk’s limited ice time in the 4 Nations final raised concerns about his health. The Florida Panthers star played just 6:47 before sitting out most of the third period and overtime. After the game, Michael Russo reported that Tkachuk was “limping very badly” as he left the rink.

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan defended the decision to keep Tkachuk in the lineup over someone like Kyle Connor, stating, “Even if he wasn’t 100 percent, his presence on the bench and in the locker room means so much to this group.” His brother, Brady Tkachuk noted:

“Obviously, he battles through absolutely everything, and, yeah, I don’t think it’s too good. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what ends up happening, but I know he was really disappointed.”

source – ‘Injured U.S. star Matthew Tkachuk can’t finish 4 Nations final: ‘He’s all heart’’ – Arpon Basu and Michael Russo – Feb 20, 2025 – The Athletic –

The hope is that Tkachuk doesn’t miss any real time for the Florida Panthers.

Other Injury Updates:

• Igor Shesterkin (Rangers): The Rangers’ top goaltender practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to be available for weekend games against Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
• Mika Zibanejad (Rangers): After competing for Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Zibanejad skated on his own Thursday and is likely to practice Friday.
• Quinn Hughes (Canucks): Hughes (undisclosed injury) will practice Friday, and the team is optimistic he can return against Vegas on Saturday.
• Nico Hischier (Devils): Hischier (oblique injury) could return Saturday against Dallas after missing six games.
• Jeremy Lauzon (Predators): Nashville announced that Lauzon will miss the remainder of the season due to a lower-body injury.

Mikko Rantanen’s Uncertain Future in Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing uncertainty regarding pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen. NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that while Carolina is willing to meet Rantanen’s financial demands—potentially in the $14 million range—there is growing speculation that he may not want to stay long-term.

“There’s a lot of chatter among teams that they’re doubting that’s the case,” Pagnotta said, adding that discussions surrounding Rantanen’s future intensified during the 4 Nations Face-Off. If the Hurricanes believe he won’t commit to an extension, they could explore a move before the deadline.

Nicholas Robertson’s Trade Value Declining

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson’s trade value appears to be plummeting. According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Leafs are “not going to get a whole lot” for the 22-year-old winger.

Mirtle writes:

“Maybe a non-playoff team will take a look for the last 20 games. He doesn’t make much, has been a point-a-game player in the minors and is an RFA at the end of the season, remaining under team control. But you’re looking at a fairly late draft pick as compensation, get excited if it’s a fourth.”

source – ‘Maple Leafs mailbag, part 2: Marner at centre? Robertson’s trade value? Nylander the next Jagr?’ – James Mirtle – The Athletic – 02/20/2025

With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, the Leafs must decide whether to hold onto Robertson or move him for minimal assets.