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B/R Trade Big Board Two Months Ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline
The NHL's annual trade deadline is March 6. With the big day just two months away, and trade activity recently increasing, it's time to update our monthly Trade Big Board.
Our previous update was on Dec. 19, one week following the blockbuster trade that sent Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild. That move could become the biggest deal of this season, but a lot can happen over the next two months to equal or eclipse that trade.
Phillip Danault sat at No. 6 on our previous list. Hours before the annual seven-day holiday roster freeze was implemented on Dec. 20, the Los Angeles Kings traded him to the Montréal Canadiens.
Several players from our previous list, such as Predators winger Steven Stamkos and Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, carry over onto our updated 15-player board. Meanwhile, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington has resurfaced in the rumor mill.
Ryan O'Reilly drops off our list for now. On Dec. 19, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that teams that were interested in the Nashville Predators center were informed that he wasn't interested in a trade for now. LeBrun suggested it might not happen at all.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland, Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome, and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen also come off our list. They haven't surfaced in any media trade rumors since we published our previous trade board on Dec. 19.
Follow along to see where Stamkos, Andersson, and Binnington sit among our 15 NHL trade candidates. Our ranking is based on skills, contracts, and most importantly, the likelihood they'll be traded.
15. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
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On Dec. 22, the Toronto Maple Leafs were sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. That had Leafs fans and pundits calling for management to do something to improve the club's sagging fortunes.
That same day, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos suggested the Maple Leafs might have to consider approaching Auston Matthews about a trade next summer if they missed the playoffs this season. He doubted that teams would be deterred by the decline in Matthews' production, suggesting the Los Angeles Kings as a destination.
Matthews has a full no-movement clause in his contract, which runs through 2027-28 with a hefty annual cap hit of $13.3 million. Unless he requests a trade, it's unlikely that the Maple Leafs would use the nuclear option by trading their franchise player.
Since Kypreos' comments, the Leafs (led by Matthews) have gone on a six-game points streak (4-0-2), moving back into the chase for a wildcard spot in the tightly packed Eastern Conference. Talk of trading Matthews has faded, but all it could take is another long losing skid for that chatter to flare up again.
14. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
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A year ago, the growing friction between Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller had both players sitting high on our January 2025 Trade Block Big Board. The Canucks opted to trade Miller later that month to the New York Rangers, seemingly settling Pettersson's status with the club.
Pettersson's struggles last season prompted some lingering speculation over his future with the Canucks. However, it mostly faded away as the year progressed.
The Canucks' stunning trade of Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 12 raised questions over the availability of other notable players on their roster. On Dec. 28, Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province stated that a "good source" told him teams were still calling the Canucks about Pettersson.
Johnston indicated that another source questioned what those clubs were willing to offer the Canucks for Pettersson. Considering the 27-year-old center's expensive contract, no-movement clause, and his ongoing offensive difficulties, it's doubtful that he'll be moved before the trade deadline, but still worth keeping an eye on.
13. Jonathan Toews, Winnipeg Jets
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After taking two seasons off to recover his health, Jonathan Toews staged a comeback by signing a one-year, bonus-laden contract with the Winnipeg Jets last July. However, the 37-year-old center could become a trade candidate if he agrees to waive his no-movement clause.
The Jets won the Presidents' Trophy last season for the first time in franchise history, but they entered 2026 stuck at the bottom of the overall standings. On Dec. 30, Jets beat writer Murat Ates of The Athletic speculated they could become sellers if they don't reverse their fortunes soon.
If that happens, Ates believes general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will attempt to peddle his pending unrestricted free agents for draft picks and prospects. Toews would be among that group.
With 12 points in 40 games, Toews is no longer the elite two-way, first-line center that he was during his playing prime in Chicago. Nevertheless, there could be contenders seeking depth at center who would value his experience, leadership and Stanley Cup pedigree.
12. Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators
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The Nashville Predators' struggles during the first two months of this season made winger Steven Stamkos a frequent topic of media trade chatter. He sat at No. 7 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
However, the Predators have surged in the standings since Dec. 2, winning 11 of 16 games and moving into contention for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. The 35-year-old played a key role in that resurgence, with 12 goals and 19 points during that period.
On Dec. 22, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported the Predators' improvement has taken the heat off management to make changes. However, general manager Barry Trotz won't deviate from his plan to add more youth to his roster, adding that he could be open to trade offers for Stamkos and winger Jonathan Marchessault.
Trotz might be willing to entertain trade proposals for the red-hot Stamkos, but it's unlikely he'll move the sniper while he and his teammates are jockeying for a playoff spot. However, that could change if the Predators falter over the next two months.
11. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh Penguins
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Last July, Anthony Mantha signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. They became the fifth NHL team for the well-traveled 31-year-old winger since the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, as injuries and inconsistency plagued his once-promising career as a top-six winger.
So far, Mantha's been a terrific addition for the retooling Penguins as they battle for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. In 40 games, he sits third among their scorers with 14 goals and fourth in points with 29. At this pace, he could break his career-high of 25 goals and 48 points in 2018-19.
On Jan. 2, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now indicated that Mantha has improved his value to the Penguins as a potential trade chip if they become sellers by the March deadline. He also speculated that they could attempt to re-sign him or keep him as an "own rental" for the postseason.
So far, there's no indication that the Penguins will be sellers. Nevertheless, Mantha's improved play this season makes him a player worth monitoring if the Penguins stumble between now and the March trade deadline.
10. Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues
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St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn frequently surfaced in our NHL Trade Boards throughout 2025. The 34-year-old center's most recent appearance was in our December Trade Targets Rankings, sitting at No. 5.
Schenn has one more season remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. His full no-trade clause of last season became a 15-team no-trade list last July, giving Blues management more leeway to peddle him if they're out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline.
Chris Johnston and Jeremy Rutherford included Schenn among their Dec. 19 list of potential Blues trade candidates. However, they speculated that his age and the decline in his performance this season might not make him as enticing a trade target as he was a year ago.
Nevertheless, teams in need of depth at center could come calling. On Dec. 20, Eric Stephens of The Athletic suggested that the Los Angeles Kings use the second-round pick they received from the Montreal Canadiens in the Philip Danault trade to acquire a center such as Schenn or Ryan O'Reilly of the Nashville Predators.
9. Bobby Brink, Philadelphia Flyers
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Approaching midseason, the Philadelphia Flyers remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. They've exceeded expectations, but losing winger Tyson Foerster for five months following a surgical procedure in December is a blow to their scoring depth.
On Dec. 22, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported the Flyers were shopping for a short-term replacement for the sidelined Foerster. He stated that they had been in talks with the Minnesota Wild, claiming they offered Ryan Hartman, who can play center or wing.
Di Marco indicated that the Wild sought Bobby Brink in return. He said the Flyers weren't in a rush to move the 24-year-old Minnesota native, but wondered if Brink fit into their long-range plans given their depth on the wings.
Brink is on pace to reach his first 20-goal season. He's eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He could be worth monitoring if the Flyers continue shopping for a center.
8. Matias Maccelli, Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth last June to fill the gap at right wing following Mitch Marner's departure to the Vegas Golden Knights. It was expected that the 25-year-old winger would regain the form that saw him net a career-high 57 points in 2023-24.
Things haven't worked out for Maccelli and the Leafs thus far. He has 15 points in 30 games and was frequently scratched from the lineup in early December. That's prompted some pundits to ponder his availability in the trade market.
On Dec. 21, Ethan Sears of the New York Post mentioned Maccelli as an option for the New York Islanders to replace sidelined winger Kyle Palmieri. Six days later, Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic suggested the Leafs winger could help the Bruins improve their scoring depth.
Maccelli is in the final season of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $3.4 million and lacks no-trade protection. He is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, but must improve significantly over the remainder of this season to land a more lucrative contract.
7. Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues
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We had St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington at No. 12 on our December Trade Targets Ranking. A lack of trade rumors through early December led us to drop him from our updated December trade board following the Quinn Hughes move.
The 32-year-old Binnington is part of our January Big Board after Chris Johnston and Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic included the netminder among their Dec. 19 list of notable Blues who could be traded this season. They believe Binnington could be moved if they fall further out of contention before the March trade deadline.
Binnington has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Given his struggles this season, Johnston and Rutherford felt he might welcome a move to another club.
The lack of notable goaltending talent in this season's trade market could make clubs willing to overlook Binnington's poor numbers this season. A solid performance for Canada in the Winter Olympics next month could boost his stock before the trade deadline.
6. Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers
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As 2026 dawned, the New York Rangers were sitting out of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. They remain in contention, only three points out of a wildcard berth, but this is not where management expected to see this club in the standings by midseason.
On Dec. 30, Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic speculated over whether Rangers general manager Chris Drury would be a buyer, a seller, or attempt a little of both before the March trade deadline. That could include talking to Artemi Panarin about waiving his no-movement clause if they're out of contention by then.
Panarin could be the biggest name in this summer's free-agent market if he doesn't sign an extension with the Rangers before July 1. The 34-year-old playmaking center is their leading scorer with 44 points in 42 games.
On Nov. 5, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reported Panarin informed the Rangers that he wouldn't accept a pay cut from his current annual cap hit of $11.642 million. If that hasn't changed, Drury could approach Panarin about a trade by the end of February.
5. Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues
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The St. Louis Blues have been keeping their options open in the trade market this season. On Dec. 19, Chris Johnston and Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic included Justin Faulk among the noteworthy players they believed could be peddled by the Blues before the March 6 trade deadline.
Faulk, 33, has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also carries a 15-team no-trade list.
Johnston and Rutherford noted that Faulk's performance has improved this season, with 11 goals and 21 points in 43 games. He's on pace to exceed his career-high of 17 goals with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016-17 and he could exceed 40 points for the fourth time in his NHL career.
A right-shot defenseman, Faulk would draw plenty of interest in the trade market. Johnston and Rutherford suggested the Florida Panthers, Utah Mammoth, and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible destinations. Their colleague, Max Bultman, included Faulk among potential defense options for the Detroit Red Wings.
4. Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames
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Trade rumors swirled around Blake Coleman in mid-November, earning him the No. 3 spot on our December Trade Targets Ranking. That speculation persisted through early December, placing him at No. 5 on our updated Trade Block Big Board following the Quinn Hughes trade.
The Flames have improved since early December, winning nine of 13 games and moving into contention for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, speculation persisted, with Coleman remaining a trade target.
On Dec. 19, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported his sources said 20 teams had contacted the Flames about Coleman. He said they weren't in a hurry to move the 34-year-old winger, adding that it would take something good to tempt them.
Coleman is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.9 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Seravalli wondered if the Dallas Stars might attempt to acquire Coleman (a Dallas native) and teammate Rasmus Andersson, but doubted the Stars had sufficient assets to pull off that deal.
3. Andrew Mangiapane, Edmonton Oilers
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On July 1, the Edmonton Oilers signed Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million. Having parted company with forwards Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson in the offseason, the 29-year-old winger was expected to provide additional offense among their top-six forwards.
However, Mangiapane managed only 11 points in 40 games. He was a healthy scratch during the Oilers' Dec. 29th game against the Winnipeg Jets, prompting David Staples of the Edmonton Journal to suggest that a trade could be in the works.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believed the two sides could be working on moving him to a club where he'd get more playing time. He also said Mangiapane would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for the right club. Friedman followed up on Jan. 3, saying the Anaheim Ducks were among a few teams "poking around."
The decline in Mangiapane's production over the past two seasons, combined with his no-trade clause, could complicate the Oilers' efforts to find a suitable trade partner. However, as injuries pile up around the league because of the shortened schedule, they could eventually find a new home for him.
2. Kiefer Sherwood, Vancouver Canucks
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The Vancouver Canucks surprised the hockey world by trading superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 12. As they remain near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, they might not be done peddling players before the March 6 trade deadline.
Kiefer Sherwood remains their most likely trade candidate. The 30-year-old winger is a physical forward who leads the Canucks with 17 goals, putting him on pace for a 30-goal season. Sherwood is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July and carries an affordable cap hit of $1.5 million.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Jan. 3 that the Canucks have made another contract offer to Sherwood. However, he could be moved if the two sides fail to get a deal done before the trade deadline.
On Dec. 21, Ethan Sears of the New York Post suggested Sherwood might make sense as a short-term replacement for sidelined New York Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri. During a Dec. 29 appearance on The Fan Hockey Show, Friedman speculated that the San Jose Sharks could be interested in Sherwood.
1. Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames
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We've had Rasmus Andersson atop our previous two NHL trade boards because we've considered him the player most likely to be moved before the March 6 trade deadline. With the trade deadline two months away, we see no reason to drop the 29-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman from this lofty perch.
He is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and would be the top defenseman on the open market. He's in the final season of a six-year contract with a cap hit of $4.6 million and a six-team no-trade list.
The Flames have improved over the past month, moving to within striking distance of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Andersson has played a significant role in that improvement, sitting second among Flames' scorers with 27 points, but there's no indication he or the Flames are discussing a contract extension.
On Dec. 19, NHL insider Frank Seravalli said there had been "a lot of tire-kicking" on Andersson. He indicated there was an increase in calls to the Flames following the Quinn Hughes trade on Dec. 12. However, teams aren't ready yet to make genuine offers, especially when they don't know if he'll consider a contract extension.
Stats and standings via NHL.com. Contract info via PuckPedia. Additional info via Hockey-Reference.com.
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