As the NHL's March 6 trade deadline approaches, the Winnipeg Jets are leaning toward selling amid a struggling season, while the Montreal Canadiens contemplate buying to strengthen their playoff position. Both teams face roster challenges, injuries, and the upcoming Olympic break, fueling speculation around key players. These developments highlight the league's shifting dynamics in early February 2026.
The Winnipeg Jets are at a crossroads with their season faltering. Holding a record below .500 and near the bottom of the Central Division, the team has shifted focus from playoff contention to potential selling. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring trades for veteran assets to acquire draft picks and prospects before the March 6 deadline.
Trade rumors center on defenceman Logan Stanley, who has shown recent offensive improvement despite defensive lapses, as well as forwards Nino Niederreiter, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Gustav Nyquist. On a brighter note, centre Mark Scheifele is performing strongly, motivated by his omission from Team Canada's 2026 Olympic roster. Veteran Jonathan Toews, who joined the Jets this season after health-related absences, has provided stability at centre.
However, injuries plague the blue line, with Neal Pionk, Haydn Fleury, and Colin Miller sidelined, straining the defensive depth. The Jets face a busy schedule from February 1 to 8, 2026, before the league pauses for the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
In contrast, the Montreal Canadiens, sitting third in the Atlantic Division, are in playoff contention and may act as buyers. General manager Kent Hughes is linked to gritty forwards like Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames or centre Ryan O'Reilly from the Nashville Predators to add depth. Yet, a roster logjam complicates matters, with pending unrestricted free agent Patrik Laine emerging as a trade candidate due to cap issues and fit concerns.
Laine, sidelined since late October after core muscle surgery, is skating and nearing a return, which could boost scoring but exacerbate salary constraints. Speculation also involves defenceman Jayden Struble and forward Kirby Dach in potential deals. The Canadiens have just two games this week before the Olympic break, resuming in late February, with Laine possibly pushing for pre-break action to audition for Finland's Olympic team.
These storylines underscore the high stakes as teams balance immediate needs with long-term planning amid the looming deadline and international tournament.
