In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the St. Louis Blues are setting a sky-high price for Robert Thomas, Evgeni Malkin is pushing back hard on retirement talk in Pittsburgh, the Edmonton Oilers continue to navigate a tricky forward-market landscape, and rumors swirl around potential long-term futures for Kiefer Sherwood and Artemi Panarin.
Blues Set Firm Conditions for Any Robert Thomas Trade
If the St. Louis Blues are going to move Robert Thomas, it won’t come cheap. According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, the Blues have drawn a very clear line when it comes to trade discussions involving the 26-year-old forward. There are essentially two paths to getting a deal done: either an overwhelming package that’s impossible to refuse, or a younger, elite top-six forward in return.
Friedman suggested the Blues would target a player in the 22–24 age range, likening the process to leasing a car then trading it in for a younger model. Anything short of a franchise-altering offer simply won’t move the needle.
Evgeni Malkin Makes It Clear He Wants to Stay in Pittsburgh
Evgeni Malkin isn’t talking like a player who is thinking about this season being his last. The 39-year-old has been red hot lately, coming off back-to-back multi-point games and playing a major role in the Penguins’ rise to second place in the Metropolitan Division.
When asked about retirement, Malkin openly stated his desire to play at least one more season, emphasizing that he still feels great and wants to prove he remains an impact player.
Malkin said:
“I never say I want to retire, you know, it’s all you. But again, yeah, I feel great. I like how we play — it’s always fun to win. I think we have a great team. If we stay at the same level, we have a chance to win every game. I don’t know, it’s hard to say, but I hope you see. I mean, it’s not easy, but I try to do my best because I know I want to play one more year. I want to show I’m still a good player. I want everybody to see I can play next year. It’s my goal right now.”
His production backs that up, as he’s posted 39 points in just 35 games. The Penguins don’t seem to be eager to change their mind and reportedly want to move on. They’ve yet to make any kind of extension offer.
More on Oilers’ Search for a Top-Nine Forward
The Edmonton Oilers continue to explore the trade market for a top-nine forward, but Pierre LeBrun reports the process is being slowed by internal debate. At the heart of it is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and whether he’s best utilized as a winger or a third-line center.
If Nugent-Hopkins moves back to center, Edmonton gains flexibility and can pursue a winger — a much deeper and more affordable market. If he stays on the wing, the Oilers are forced to chase a true third-line center.
Names like Boone Jenner, Jonathan Toews, Ryan O’Reilly, and even Blake Coleman have surfaced as potential fits, but until Edmonton finalizes its internal structure and more sellers emerge, patience remains the priority.
Sherwood Extension Gap On Sharks Extension
Contract talks between Kiefer Sherwood and the San Jose Sharks appear far from settled. According to Chris Johnston, early negotiations didn’t gain much traction, with a sizable gap between the two sides.
Sherwood reportedly believes he could command up to $30 million on a long-term deal, suggesting he’s comfortable waiting if needed.
Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings?
Meanwhile, Artemi Panarin’s future continues to generate intrigue. Elliotte Friedman reported Panarin would love to play in Florida, though cap complications make that difficult. The Los Angeles Kings, however, have emerged as an interesting potential fit.
With Anze Kopitar nearing retirement and the organization weighing how aggressively to push forward, Panarin could offer elite offense into a post-Kopitar era. Friedman said they like stars; they could use a top winger, Panarin might be good for Quinton Byfield, among other reasons.
Friedman also noted that Panarin reportedly believes he can play at a high level for another five years, potentially targeting a deal in the $50 million range. Whether the Kings are ready to commit remains the big question.
