B/R NHL Trade Block Big Board 1 Month From the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline
The NHL's March 6 trade deadline is only a month away. While the focus of the hockey world is currently on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, trade speculation continues to percolate over which players could soon be on the move.
From Feb. 4 to 22, the NHL is under a roster freeze. General managers can continue to discuss possible deals, but cannot trade players until the freeze is lifted at 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 22.
That will leave 10 days for general managers to make their moves, especially those who choose to wait until after the trade freeze. There will be GMs on playoff contenders seeking to bolster their rosters, while non-playoff teams will attempt to move out players who no longer fit into their plans beyond this season.
Several players from our January NHL Trade Block Big Board find themselves among the trade candidates. They include such noteworthy stars as New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson.
Some of the players on that list are not part of our current roster. They include Artemi Panarin, Rasmus Andersson, and Kiefer Sherwood, who were traded to new clubs. Some of those on this listing could be on the move before our final big board ahead of the trade deadline.
Our ranking features the top 15 players who appeared in media rumors over the past month that we consider most likely to be moved by the trade deadline. It is based on skills, contracts, and the likelihood they'll be traded.
15. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
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The Vancouver Canucks traded away Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood in recent weeks, prompting speculation over Elias Pettersson's future. He has an annual cap hit of $11.6 million and a full no-movement clause. Nevertheless, the rumors about the 27-year-old center landed him at No. 14 on our January Trade Board.
On Jan. 11, Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province raised the possibility of the Canucks trading Pettersson. He noted the Carolina Hurricanes were interested in him before he re-signed with the Canucks in 2024, and also suggested the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks as possible destinations.
During a Jan. 20 appearance on Sportsnet, NHL insider Frank Seravalli said he believed there would be teams willing to take on Pettersson's expensive contract. He cited the thin market for centers and the belief that he could regain his high-scoring ways with another club.
A club with salary-cap space willing to part with a promising young center as part of the return could have a good chance to acquire Pettersson. However, that move seems more likely in the offseason, when teams have more cap space.
14. MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames
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Two years ago, the Calgary Flames shipped out core players Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Nikita Zadorov in what was the start of a rebuilding process. It continued this season, with defenseman Rasmus Andersson shipped to the Vegas Golden Knights.
That's raised speculation that other veterans could be moved by the March trade deadline. While forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman have frequently surfaced as trade candidates this season, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar has recently become the subject of media speculation.
On Jan. 27, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported the Flames and Senators were believed to have held discussions about Weegar. The 32-year-old Ottawa native is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $6.3 million. He also has a full no-trade clause.
A league source told Garrioch that he believed Weegar would be a good fit with the Senators. However, there's no indication yet that the Flames have made him available or that he's willing to accept a trade. Given the Flames' status as sellers, we can't rule out the possibility that he could be moved by the deadline.
13. Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild
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The goaltending tandem of Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt has played a key role in the Minnesota Wild's solid performance this season. The 23-year-old Wallstedt leads this season's rookie goalies (with at least 16 games played) with a 2.72 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and four shutouts.
Nevertheless, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic raised the possibility of the Wild using Wallstedt as trade bait in their Jan. 14th column. They pointed out that their acquisition of superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes in December indicates they're in "win-now" mode.
They believe Wild general manager Bill Guerin will be active in the trade market for a first-line center or a scoring winger. While he could use his depth in draft picks and prospects as trade chips, Wallstedt would be a more enticing asset to address one of those needs.
Guerin's acquisition of Hughes was a bold move, and trading Wallstedt for a first-line center would be equally so. However, he would have to find a suitable backup goaltender or risk jeopardizing his club's hopes for a Stanley Cup run if Gustavsson struggles or is injured.
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12. Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
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The St. Louis Blues' ongoing struggles this season have led to several of their key players becoming the subject of trade rumors. Center and team captain Brayden Schenn, goaltender Jordan Binnington, and defenseman Justin Faulk appeared in our January NHL Trade Block Big Board.
In recent weeks, Robert Thomas has also been mentioned as a trade candidate. The 26-year-old centers the Blues' first line and is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.125 million. He also has a full no-trade clause.
On Jan. 23, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Blues could seek "a stud top-six forward" slightly younger than Thomas. The next day, he said they've set high asking prices for Thomas, winger Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman Justin Faulk.
A week later, Friedman reported Thomas underwent a minor surgical procedure, sidelining him until after the Olympic break. He believes that will slow down the trade talk about the Blues center. Nevertheless, he'll likely remain the subject of trade speculation once he returns to action.
11. Alexis LafreniĆØre, New York Rangers
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On Jan. 16, New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury released a letter to the club's fans indicating that a roster retooling was set to begin. He intends to bring in young NHL players and prospects, and also stated the club could part with some of the players key to the Rangers' previous success.
One of those players could be winger Alexis LafreniĆØre. Chosen first overall in the 2020 draft, he seemed poised to emerge as a scoring forward after netting 28 goals and 57 points in 2023-24. That performance earned him a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million.
Since then, LafreniĆØre's performance has regressed, making him the subject of trade chatter. On Jan. 17, Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reported the 24-year-old winger was drawing interest in the trade market.
On Jan. 22, The Athletic's Peter Baugh stipulated that if Drury traded LafreniĆØre, he'd want young talent in return. Two days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted there was some speculation linking the young winger to his hometown Montreal Canadiens.
10. Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames
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For the past two years, the Calgary Flames have been rebuilding their roster. That's made center Nazem Kadri a frequent subject of trade rumors. The 35-year-old center topped our November 2025 NHL Trade Targets Big Board, but ownership's insistence that they didn't want to move him seemingly ended the speculation.
The Flames' trade of defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights last month revived the Kadri trade conjecture. He is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade list. Those factors could make it difficult to find suitable trade partners during this season.
On Jan. 18, Daniel Austin of the Calgary Sun suggested it may be time for the Flames to peddle Kadri for draft picks or young assets. Ten days later, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico reported Kadri and teammate Blake Coleman were mentioned as trade candidates, but the Flames aren't in a hurry to move them.
Kadri has surfaced so often in trade rumors that it's easy to dismiss the latest speculation. Nevertheless, a playoff contender seeking an experienced center with Stanley Cup experience could make the Flames an irresistible offer by March 6.
9. Charlie Coyle, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Entering January, the Columbus Blue Jackets were losing ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They seemed certain to become sellers by the trade deadline, with pending unrestricted free agents such as Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Charlie Coyle considered the likely trade candidates.
However, the Blue Jackets replaced Dean Evason with Rick Bowness as head coach on Jan. 12, which sent them surging in the standings. On Jan. 28, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that managementĀ must decideĀ whether to remain sellers, become buyers, or stand pat by the March 6 trade deadline.
Meanwhile, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico reported the Blue Jackets were getting calls about Jenner and Coyle, given their experience and ability to play center. Three days later, his colleague James Murphy indicated GM Don Waddell would love to re-sign Coyle, but could move him if the Jackets fall out of contention.
Waddell is going to spend the Olympic break attempting to re-sign Coyle and Jenner. Given that the latter is a long-time Blue Jacket and the team captain, he could become Waddell's priority, which would make Coyle a more likely trade candidate.
8. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes
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On Sept. 6, 2021, the Carolina Hurricanes successfully signed away Jesperi Kotkaniemi from the Montreal Canadiens with a one-year, $6.1 million offer sheet. Six months later, on March 21, 2022, they signed him to anĀ eight-year contractĀ extension averaging $4.8 million per year.
The Hurricanes envisioned Kotkaniemi blossoming into their second-line center, but he's struggled to meet those expectations over the past four seasons. The 25-year-old center has seen fourth-line duty this season as an ankle injury and inconsistent play have hampered his performance and reduced his playing time.
On Jan. 9, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Hurricanes were considering trade offers for Kotkaniemi. Two days later, Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province cited the Hurricanes' prior interest in Canucks center Elias Pettersson and mentioned they were trying to move Kotkaniemi.
The Kotkaniemi trade speculation has died down of late, but that doesn't mean he's off the trade block. With the Hurricanes having a recent history of making big moves before the trade deadline, he could become part of a trade package if they attempt to land another scoring forward.
7. Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken
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Four years ago, Shane Wright was a young center with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, projected to be the first overall pick in the 2022 draft. Instead, he was chosen fourth overall by the Seattle Kraken.
Wright made his full NHL debut with a promising 44-point performance in 79 games last season. However, a coaching change during the offseason resulted in the 22-year-old center dropping down the Kraken depth chart. That has affected his production, as he has 20 points in 55 games.
The Kraken are jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Jan. 24 that management was considering trading him. Four days later, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico indicated they would be open to moving Wright for a game-breaking forward.
Despite Wright's struggles this season, some clubs could be willing to gamble on a change of scenery helping him get his once-promising career back on track. If the Kraken are seeking an established scorer, they'll have to bundle Wright with another asset or two to make it happen.
6. Evander Kane, Vancouver Canucks
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The well-travelled Evander Kane could soon be on the move again. Traded last June from the Edmonton Oilers to the Vancouver Canucks, the 34-year-old winger has become the subject of trade rumors as the Canucks flounder at the bottom of the standings.
Kane is in the final season of a four-year contract with a cap hit of $5.125 million. He also carries a 16-team trade list. While his production is down this season with the struggling Canucks, his physical style and playoff experience could make him an enticing rental depth player for postseason contenders.
On Jan. 23, Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province reported a source told him the Canucks received calls about Kane from several teams. Meanwhile, ESPN's Kevin Weekes stated that multiple sources believed the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars were among the likely destinations for Kane.
Three days later, Rick Dhaliwal of Vancouver's CHEK-TV reported the Canucks had permitted Kane's agent to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade for his client. That could mean that the Canucks might have to retain part of his salary to make it easier to move him.
5. Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames
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Trade speculation has dogged the Calgary Flames throughout this season. With the club sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, it's expected they'll become sellers, especially after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights last month.
Blake Coleman could be among the trade candidates. His frequent appearance in media rumors landed him at No. 4 on our January Trade Block Big Board. The 34-year-old winger's two-way style and Stanley Cup experience could make him an enticing target for postseason contenders.
Coleman is signed through next season with an average annual value of $4.9 million and a 10-team no-trade list. An upper-body injury suffered on Jan. 8 has sidelined Coleman until after the Olympic break, but that hasn't kept him out of the rumor mill.
On Jan. 15, TSN's Darren Dreger claimed the Flames weren't in a hurry to move Coleman. Nevertheless, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico reported on Jan. 28 that he was still being mentioned as a trade candidate. Kent Wilson of the Calgary Sun believes Coleman will be highly prized in the trade market.
4. Bobby McMann, Toronto Maple Leafs
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After nine straight seasons as a playoff team, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves struggling to contend for an Eastern Conference wildcard berth. If they lose more ground in the postseason chase, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could become a seller by the trade deadline.
Treliving could focus on moving pending unrestricted free agents such as Scott Laughton, Calle JƤrnkrok, Troy Stecher, and Bobby McMann. Of this group, McMann could attract attention in the trade market if he no longer fits into management's plans beyond this season.
A hardworking middle-six winger with a decent scoring touch, the 29-year-old McMann is in the final season of a two-year contract with a $1.4 million cap hit. He had a career-best 20 goals and 34 points in 74 games in 2024-25. He's on pace to exceed those totals, with 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games this season.
On Jan. 28, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun suggested McMann might fetch the best return among the Leafs' UFA-eligible players. A week later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox reported the Leafs winger had been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, and Ottawa Senators.
3. Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils
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Starting last summer through December 2025, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils frequently surfaced in media trade speculation. He sat at No. 4 on our December NHL Trade Block Big Board, but entering the new year, it seemed the trade chatter had died away.
That changed on Jan. 10, as the Devils announced that they were scratching Hamilton from their Jan. 11 game against the Winnipeg Jets. That didn't sit well with the 32-year-old defenseman's camp, as his agent, J.P. Barry, told TSN's Pierre LeBrun that they felt the move was business-related rather than performance-related.
Barry confirmed last summer's rumor that the Devils attempted to trade Hamilton, who has a 10-team trade list. He indicated that his client was willing to be flexible to facilitate a mutually beneficial trade. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman subsequently reports Hamilton rejected a trade to the San Jose Sharks last summer.
On Jan. 13, LeBrun reported that trade wasn't imminent, indicating that Hamilton's contract was a complicating factor. Nevertheless, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was reportedly working the phones in search of a deal. That increases the likelihood that Hamilton could be moved before the March 6 deadline.
2. Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues
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This season has been one to forget for the struggling St. Louis Blues. Mired near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, they're expected to be sellers at the March 6 trade deadline.
Justin Faulk has been among the Blues considered to be trade candidates, joining goaltender Jordan Binnington and centers Brayden Schenn and Robert Thomas. The 32-year-old defenseman sat at No. 5 on our January NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Despite the Blues' struggles, Faulk is having a solid performance this season. With 30 points in 57 games, he could reach 40 points for the first time since his 50-point performance in 2022-23. He's signed through next season with an annual salary-cap hit of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list.
On Jan. 24, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic suggested that Faulk could be among those moved by the Blues at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Blues seek a return for Faulk comparable to what the Calgary Flames received from the Vegas Golden Knights for Rasmus Andersson.
1. Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
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The New York Rangers' intention to rebuild their roster raised speculation about which veterans they could move by the March 6 trade deadline. Given the limited number of quality centers in the trade market, Vincent Trocheck has become a subject of interest in the rumor mill.
On Jan. 17, Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reported the Rangers were open to offers for Trocheck. The 32-year-old center is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $5.6 million and a 12-team no-trade list.
Mercogliano's colleagues, Michael Russo and Joe Smith, speculated on Jan. 26 that the Minnesota Wild could be interested in Trocheck. Meanwhile, Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News suggested the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes as possible destinations.
Former Rangers star Artemi Panarin dominated the rumor mill before his trade to the Los Angeles Kings. Trocheck's affordable cost certainty, his all-around skills at center, and his postseason experience could draw almost as much attention as the trade deadline approaches.
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