5 NHL Players Who Need a Trade in 2026

Trades in the NHL are made for several reasons.

Sometimes, a team is trying to address a roster weakness, or a club will build up its depth for the playoffs. Some clubs will move out a veteran who no longer fits into their plans in exchange for draft picks and prospects as they rebuild for the future.

A trade can also be made if a player is struggling and needs a change of scenery. Such was the case on Dec. 19, when the Los Angeles Kings traded two-way center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens ahead of the recent holiday roster freeze.

The 32-year-old netted 43-plus points in each of the past four seasons with the Kings. However, his playing time was reduced as Quinton Byfield took over the second-line center duties. That resulted in Danault's production plummeting to just five points in 30 games.

He could be rejuvenated returning to Montreal. He spent over five seasons with the Canadiens from 2015-16 to 2020-21, helping them reach the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

A more recent example is Yegor Chinakhov, who struggled with injuries and consistency during his nearly five-season tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Traded on Dec. 29 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, he'll try to get his career back on track with his new club.

Given the increase in activity in the trade market throughout December, players such as Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be moved between now and the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

Here's a look at why Marchessault and four other players could benefit from a trade in 2026.

Laurent Brossoit, Chicago Blackhawks

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On July 1, 2024, Laurent Brossoit signed a two-year contract with Chicago. However, injuries sidelined the goaltender throughout 2024-25 and the opening two months of this season. He was finally activated off injured reserve on Dec. 2.

Chicago sent Brossoit to their AHL affiliate in Rockford for a conditioning stint. On Dec. 16, he cleared waivers and was returned to the IceHogs. Despite going unclaimed, he could still draw interest from teams seeking a goaltender.

Before his surgeries, the 32-year-old established a reputation as a reliable backup goaltender during his stints with the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights, winning a Stanley Cup with the latter in 2023.

Chicago brought in Brossoit to add much-needed depth between the pipes. However, they're getting solid goaltending from starter Spencer Knight and backup Arvid Soderblom, leaving Brossoit as the odd man out.

Having worked his way back from injuries, Brossoit is keen to resume his NHL career, but it appears he won't get that opportunity in Chicago.

Given how thin the trade market is for goaltenders, Brossoit should end up landing with another NHL club before the March trade deadline.

Matias Maccelli, Toronto Maple Leafs

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On June 30, 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired winger Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a conditional 2027 third-round pick.

The deal was considered a fresh start for the 25-year-old, who had a career-high 57 points with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24. However, he struggled after the club moved to Utah the following season, with just 18 points in 55 games.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs hoped to fill the gap at right wing on their top line following the departure of Mitch Marner last summer. Maccelli wasn't expected to match Marner's 102-point production from last season, but a return to his 50-point level would've been a decent stopgap.

Things haven't gone well for Maccelli in Toronto thus far. With 13 points in 29 games, his overall play has been disappointing. He was also a frequent healthy scratch in December.

Playing in a market where the spotlight isn't so bright might help Maccelli regain his 50-point form. On Dec. 12, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested the Maple Leafs probably weren't the only team interested in Maccelli last summer and some of those clubs might revisit their interest.

Andrew Mangiapane, Edmonton Oilers

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On July 1, the Edmonton Oilers signed free agent Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million.

Having cut ties with forwards Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, they hoped the 29-year-old winger would provide a boost among their top-six forward depth.

Mangiapane had three 40-plus point seasons with the Calgary Flames earlier in his career, but his production plummeted last season to 28 points with the Washington Capitals.

Playing for the Oilers hasn't improved his stats, as he has only 11 points in 40 games and was a healthy scratch against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 29.

That move prompted speculation that Mangiapane was being held out of the lineup as the Oilers tried to trade him. He has a full no-trade clause for this season, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes he'd be willing to waive it if he can go to a club where he'll get more playing time.

Another change of scenery might not help Mangiapane regain his former 40-point form. His decline since last season suggests his days as an effective middle-six forward are over.

Nevertheless, there could be clubs willing to take the chance. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal suggested the Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins as trade destinations. He also wondered if the Flames might be interested in a reunion.

Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators

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On July 1, 2024, the Nashville Predators signed Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, and Brady Skjei to long-term contracts. They were among the top talent in that summer's free-agent market and were expected to help the Predators become a perennial playoff team.

However, the Predators finished near the bottom of the standings in 2024-25. This season, they've climbed out of the basement of the Western Conference and into contention for a wildcard berth, but it remains uncertain if they can maintain their current pace and clinch a trip to the postseason.

Marchessault was coming off a career-high 42 goals in 2023-24 when he signed with the Predators, but his production has tumbled in Nashville. He had 21 goals and 56 points in 2024-25 and only seven goals and 10 points in 28 games thus far this season.

A lower-body injury has hampered Marchessault this season, but the 35-year-old winger has also been frustrated at times with the Predators' inconsistent play. There was speculation last spring that he might welcome a trade, but general manager Barry Trotz dismissed those rumors.

Nevertheless, Marchessault's struggles prompted The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston to speculate that the veteran winger might waive his no-movement clause to join the Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens. Whether those clubs would be interested is another story.

Ryan Strome, Anaheim Ducks

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On Dec. 12, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested that teams in the market for a center should keep an eye on Ryan Strome. He pointed out that the 32-year-old was sidelined by an injury early in the season and had been in and out of the lineup since his return.

Friedman wondered if there was still a spot for Strome on the surging Ducks. If not, he believed other clubs would be interested in the veteran center.

Strome signed a five-year contract with the Ducks as a free agent in July 2022. It carries an average annual value of $5 million and lacks no-trade protection.

The emergence of youngsters Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, and the additions of Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling, resulted in a reduction of playing time for Strome. It's also adversely affected his production. After three straight 41-point seasons, he has six points in 21 games.

Strome is a 13-season NHL veteran with 37 games of postseason experience under his belt. He could regain his 40-point form with another club where he'd have the opportunity to see regular minutes as a middle-six forward.

Stats and standings (as of Jan. 1, 2026) via NHL.com. Contract info via PuckPedia.