NHL trade rumors are officially turning up the heat during the Four Nations Face-Off starting on February 12! After a crazy few weeks of action, things are about to get spicy, with teams gearing up for potential trades before the deadline and some players possibly on the move. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman dropped some major insights on the 32 Thoughts Podcast on February 10th, sharing that we could be in for a serious shakeup.

Friedman dropped a pretty wild tidbit on the latest episode of 32 Thoughts on 10th February: “So I had one player who, he told me I could use the situation, but not his name. He told me and this is a player who doesn’t have a contract for next year. He thinks he’s gonna get traded over the Four Nations. He’s not playing in them. He thinks he’s getting traded over this break. I guess some players have been told, I don’t know by their teams or their agents or who it is, but they think there’s gonna be action.” Yup, you heard it right. Potential trades are happening right in the middle of the 4-Nations Face-Off. The action could come fast, and players might be getting moved.

But that’s not the only juicy tidbit from Friedman. He went on to add an emotional aspect: “He said that he walked out of his dressing room after their last game, and they closed at home, and he said it was very bittersweet. He said him and some guys were looking at each other like, ‘Is this it?’ You know, the players don’t return to practice until the eighteenth. Right? So they have a week off, and there certainly is that feeling around there that some guys will not return to where they are.” So yeah, players are already starting to feel like things might be changing soon, and the trade rumors are legit.

Now, with some serious trades likely happening over the break, dive in to look at which players might get moved and which teams are on the clock. Hold tight, ‘cause it’s about to get really messy and exciting in the trade market! And though the rumors aren’t official yet, possibilities are.

The potential trade-off rumored players

One name that keeps coming up is Rickard Rakell. Friedman mentioned that one unnamed player shared he expects to get traded during the Four Nations break. Though not directly tied to Rakell, many see the Penguins looking at their roster to make moves. Rakell, a key forward for Pittsburgh, has been a standout with 24 goals and 46 points this season. His contract runs for three more seasons at an AAV of $5 million, making him a highly valuable asset.

It’s possible Pittsburgh might explore trade opportunities for Rakell to strengthen other areas of their roster. But here’s the thing: If the Penguins decide to pull the trigger, it’s going to take a lot to pry him away. He’s been a core piece for Pittsburgh’s offensive depth, and with the Penguins still fighting for a playoff spot, moving Rakell could shake up their postseason hopes. So, while this is a possibility, it’s not a guarantee unless the right offer comes in.

Meanwhile, Bryan Rust is another name who’s been caught in trade talk. There’s always a chance that Rust could join Team USA during the Four Nations if there’s an injury or last-minute change. The winger was one of the final cuts on December 4th, but we all know how quickly things can shift. If there’s an opportunity for him to shine in the tournament, it could elevate his value. Rust has a solid relationship with coach Mike Sullivan and brings experience, which makes him a potential trade chip down the line.

The Four Nations Face-Off is bringing a ton of uncertainty for players and teams alike. If Rakell is dealt, it’ll be a major move for the Penguins, but there’s also the possibility that they hold onto him if the right trade doesn’t come through. It’s an exciting time for the trade market as we look ahead to the action that’ll unfold after the break, but players like Rakell and Rust could definitely be on the move if the right deal is made.