NHL Rumor: Insiders float blockbuster $27.5M star winger to Maple Leafs & $3.4B giant trade by the deadline

We are heading towards the middle of the 2025-26 season, and trade talks are on the rise due to contending teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs facing depth needs. The NHL trade deadline is March 6, and there's the Olympic break in February. So, it's high time for any team to get any deal done that could help them improve their standings.

One name linked to a possible move is Jonathan Marchessault. Insiders have connected him to the Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. Marchessault plays for the Nashville Predators and is signed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract. That gives him an annual average salary of $5.5 million, but he is 35, and his contract runs through the 2028-29 season.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote in his column that the Maple Leafs are exploring options to improve their top six. Taking on Marchessault’s remaining contract could lower the trade cost, and Nashville would benefit from moving a long-term salary.

"The Leafs don’t have many assets to trade. For the Predators... moving the remainder of the contract... [For] The Leafs... it wouldn’t be as costly as other trade targets they’ve looked at. Marchessault would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but... he would consider the Leafs... [for] top-six role skating alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares."

The Maple Leafs’ season has taken a hit, with the team sitting with a 17-15-5 record. They are placed eighth in the Atlantic Division, with an offense that averages 3.30 goals per game. However, their defense has failed to give them support as they are allowing 3.38 goals per game. Their special teams remain inconsistent, with a struggling power play.

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Chris Johnston believes Montreal (valued at $3.4 billion by Forbes) is also a possible fit. The Canadiens are 20-12-6, third in the division, and they are one of the league’s youngest teams. Marchessault could add experience and scoring depth.

"This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he’s got that NMC in his contract... should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top-six forward group. Facilitating a trade... [requires] some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go."

So, as the deadline nears, Marchessault’s situation would be exciting to watch.

Reason behind Predators' potential move of Marchessault to either the Maple Leafs or the Canadiens

The Nashville Predators still face uncertainty months after summer comments from coach Andrew Brunette about Jonathan Marchessault. Brunette believed his veteran forwards would feel more settled this season, but that progress has been limited so far.

"I've been a player," Brunette said, via NHL.com. "I was in Minnesota for quite a long time, and when you leave, it's hard. It takes some time."

Nashville holds a 16-17-4 record, and its scoring remains an issue at 2.78 goals per game. Trading Marchessault would further reduce their offensive depth. However, they are facing issues in every area of the game. Defensively, they are allowing 3.35 goals per game, and despite securing good wins, they have not looked like a contender.

So, a rebuild around young players could be their only option here, considering Steven Stamkos is also 35.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar