Late-night, early-morning trade deadline quickie blog:
• The biggest news is that Carolina and Dallas have the framework of a trade that would send Mikko Rantanen to Texas. After the two teams agreed on the particulars, the Stars began negotiations on an extension with the winger. Getting that done — or close enough to it that Dallas is comfortable — will be critical to completing the trade.
One of the reasons Dallas pursued Rantanen is the belief he’d be willing to sign there. But nothing is done until it is done.
Obviously, everyone wants to know who’s involved. But both teams are tight with details in case it goes sideways.
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Sportsnet’s hockey news breakers, analysts and reporters will have coast-to-coast coverage of all the moves made ahead of this season’s NHL trade deadline. Full coverage on March 7 begins at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
• Brock Nelson is en route to Colorado, filling the second centre slot behind Nathan MacKinnon. The Islanders received a first-round pick and a big-time prospect (Calum Ritchie) for this seemingly perfect Avalanche fit. Among the disappointed: New Jersey, Toronto, Washington and Winnipeg — that competition allowing New York to drive up the acquisition cost.
What to watch for on Deadline Friday:
• Toronto. The Maple Leafs aren’t sure they want to go where St. Louis wishes for Brayden Schenn. Possible they pivot back to Scott Laughton. They are also considering defensive help and may have to move money out to make it all work.
• Winnipeg. The Jets were in on Nelson, so we’re waiting to see Plan B. Could see them re-uniting with old friend Brandon Tanev. He was held out of Seattle’s game in Nashville on Thursday. Tanev signed in Manitoba out of Providence College in 2016. They are also believed to be looking at one, if not two, defencemen.
• Philadelphia. The Flyers made it very clear that a first-rounder (or a prospect of similar value) is required to remove Laughton from their premises.
• Brad Marchand. We never thought we’d see the day, but it is possible the Bruins move him. He might not be back until right before the playoffs, which could mean a more conditional-style return, but there was lots of noise around him on Thursday. There are a few different ways this could go. Extension talks hit a stalemate — with the reminder one call can change everything.
It’s 3:09 am. Time for bed, see you later.
