NHL Trade Deadline Rumors: Rielly to Sharks? Blue Jackets Stay Put

Hurricanes eyeing major acquisition, Blue Jackets working to retain key players, Sharks show interest in Rielly

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The NHL trade deadline is heating up with several key storylines emerging. The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly pursuing a major acquisition, potentially targeting Montreal Canadiens center Robert Thomas. The Columbus Blue Jackets are working to retain key unrestricted free agents Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Charlie Coyle through contract extensions. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have expressed interest in acquiring defenseman Morgan Rielly from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Why it matters

These NHL trade deadline rumors represent significant potential changes that could affect playoff races and team dynamics across the league. The Hurricanes' pursuit of Thomas could bolster their offensive capabilities, while the Blue Jackets' efforts to retain their core players suggest a commitment to contending this season. The possibility of Rielly departing Toronto for San Jose could signal a shift in blue-line strategy for both franchises.

The details

According to reports, the Carolina Hurricanes are preparing to make a significant move at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, with interest in Montreal Canadiens center Robert Thomas heating up. The Columbus Blue Jackets seem poised to hold onto their crucial unrestricted free agents Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Charlie Coyle via contract extensions, effectively removing them from trade speculation. Rumors linking Morgan Rielly to the San Jose Sharks have been gaining traction, with the Sharks having formally conveyed interest to the Toronto Maple Leafs, though no formal trade discussions or player exchanges have commenced as of yet.

  • The NHL is currently on its Olympic break.
  • The NHL Trade Deadline is on March 6, 2026.

The players

Robert Thomas

A center for the Montreal Canadiens who is reportedly being targeted by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Eric Tulsky

The general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes who is intent on pursuing top talent to strengthen the team's core long-term.

Boone Jenner

An unrestricted free agent for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is reportedly in contract extension talks with the team.

Mason Marchment

An unrestricted free agent for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is reportedly in contract extension talks with the team.

Charlie Coyle

An unrestricted free agent for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is reportedly in contract extension talks with the team.

Morgan Rielly

A defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs who is reportedly being targeted by the San Jose Sharks.

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What they’re saying

“Something tells me that Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky is going to keep swinging on the biggest fish until one is reeled in for the long term. Thomas would be (a great) fit as a center, given he'd allow Logan Stankoven to shift to the wing and give Carolina two higher-end scoring lines. His exceptional vision and two-way ability would fit in well under coach Rod Brind'Amour.”

— Jonas Siegel, Reporter (The Athletic)

“Those talks should be underway by next week at the latest. With the way the team has played since [Rick] Bowness got hired and where they are in the standings now, I'm hearing a lot less chatter around Coyle, Marchment, and Jenner. Regardless of whether they're signed to extensions before the Olympic break ends, they're off the trade market heading into the trade deadline. Waddell is just going to ride with them and add to the roster so they can make it into the playoffs.”

— Source (RG Media)

“According to my source, the Sharks have formally expressed interest in Rielly to the Leafs organization. The request was to circle back when Toronto is ready to pull the trigger on moving the defender. It is my understanding that, at this time, no specific names have been exchanged, and Rielly has not yet been approached regarding a potential move. However, in the NHL, situations remain fluid.”

— Source (HockeyBuzz)

What’s next

As teams position themselves ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 6, further developments are expected in these storylines. The Hurricanes may push hard to add a high-impact player like Robert Thomas, the Blue Jackets will continue their contract extension talks, and the Sharks' interest in Morgan Rielly could lead to formal trade discussions with the Maple Leafs.

The takeaway

These NHL trade deadline rumors highlight the fluid nature of the league's roster moves as teams seek to bolster their lineups for the stretch run and playoff push. The Hurricanes' pursuit of Thomas, the Blue Jackets' commitment to retaining their core, and the potential Rielly-to-Sharks trade all represent significant shifts that could impact the competitive landscape of the NHL in the coming months.