2027 NHL Free Agents Who Could Be Traded This Offseason

The NHL's free-agent period begins at noon ET on July 1. This season's pool of unrestricted free agents is shallow, as most of the top talent was re-signed by their current teams earlier this season.

Next summer's free-agent market features a much deeper pool of talent. However, the rising salary cap could result in most of those top players being re-signed by their teams when they become eligible to sign contract extensions this July 1.

Meanwhile, this summer's trade market could be quite busy. With the salary cap rising from $95.5 million to $104 million in 2026-27, most teams will be flush with extra cap dollars that they could put toward acquiring talent via trades.

Some of those potential trade candidates could be players slated to become UFA-eligible next July who might not sign contract extensions this summer for one reason or another.

Rather than risk losing those players next summer for nothing, their teams could opt to shop them in this summer's trade market. With a year left on their contracts, their value could be higher this summer instead of at next year's trade deadline, when they will be playoff rental players.

Here's a look at five players eligible to become UFAs next summer who could be traded during the coming offseason.

Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues

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The St. Louis Blues' struggles this season made starting goaltender Jordan Binnington the subject of trade rumors for months. He played well for Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his inconsistent play for the Blues and their high asking price in the trade market ensured he finished the season in St. Louis.

Nevertheless, with few free-agent options for teams seeking goaltending help this summer, the 32-year-old Binnington could become a more attractive trade target. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6 million and a 10-team trade list.

The Blues could opt to start this season with Binnington and Joel Hofer remaining as their goalie tandem. If they improve and Binnington plays well, they could consider signing him to a short-term extension.

However, another season outside the playoff picture could push the Blues to trade Binnington. It could also happen during this summer if a rival club desperate for help between the pipes makes an enticing offer.

The Carolina Hurricanes could be a suitor if they part ways with UFA-eligible starter Frederik Andersen. The Florida Panthers could be another if long-time starter Sergei Bobrovsky hits the open market. The Edmonton Oilers could also be in the mix as they seek stability in goal.

Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres

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On March 6, 2024, the Buffalo Sabres acquired Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche. The move was made to add more puck-moving skill to the left side of their defense corps.

Since then, the 24-year-old has become a key part of the Sabres' blue line.

Trade rumors dogged Byram during the 2024-25 season as the Sabres missed the playoffs for a league-record 14th consecutive season. However, he signed a two-year deal last July worth an average annual value of $6.3 million.

With Byram skating on the left side of their second defense pairing, the Sabres ended their long playoff drought this season, finishing atop the Atlantic Division before falling in the second round of the postseason to the Montreal Canadiens. He had a career-best performance with 48 points in 82 games.

However, conjecture over his future persisted. On Apr. 10, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco speculated the Sabres blueliner might prefer moving on to a team where he'd be the top defenseman.

As Byram approaches his playing prime, his production this season could prompt him to seek a multi-year extension worth over $10 million annually. He could price himself out of Buffalo, turning himself into a trade chip that they could use to add depth to their forward lines.

Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames

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For the past two seasons, the Calgary Flames have been rebuilding their roster. Much of that process involved trading veteran talent in exchange for draft picks, prospects, and promising young NHL players.

As a result, Blake Coleman has regularly appeared in trade rumors. The 34-year-old two-way winger was among the players expected to be moved by the March trade deadline, but the Flames opted to retain him.

Coleman has a year remaining on his six-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $4.9 million. He also has a 10-team approved trade list, which gives him some measure of control over where he could be moved if the Flames find suitable trade partners.

On May 15, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported sources claimed the Flames are expected to be sellers again during this offseason. He believes Coleman is the most likely to be traded among their trade candidates.

Coleman's experience, style of play, and affordable contract earned him the No. 5 spot on our May NHL Trade Block Big Board. Even if he isn't moved this summer, the veteran winger could end up playing elsewhere by next season's trade deadline.

Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils

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Drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 NHL Draft, Nico Hischier established himself as their best two-way forward. The 27-year-old center was named team captain in Feb. 2021, and has consistently finished among their leading scorers since his debut in 2017-18.

Hischier has a year remaining on his seven-year contract with a cap hit of $7.3 million. He's in line for a lucrative contract extension. However, the Devils' recent management change and their difficulties in remaining a playoff contender have cast some doubt over his future in New Jersey.

Before the Devils hired Sunny Mehta as their new general manager, Hischier was noncommittal about whether he'd sign an extension. On May 15, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic had the Devils captain on their list of potential trade targets for the Minnesota Wild.

Mehta is likely to meet with Hischier and his representatives soon to discuss his plans for the team, if they haven't already done so. The new Devils GM could envision keeping his captain among the core players to build around.

However, Mehta might have to consider trading Hischier if the latter decides to test the market next summer. The Wild could be among several clubs seeking a first-line center that could have serious interest if he becomes available this summer.

Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild

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Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in a blockbuster trade last December, Quinn Hughes quickly became a core player for the Minnesota Wild. He helped them finish third overall in the Western Conference with 104 points.

Hughes has one year remaining on his contract with a salary-cap hit of $7.85 million. Following the Wild's elimination from the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 27-year-old superstar defenseman told reporters that he was open to signing a contract extension this summer.

That's music to the ears of Wild general manager Bill Guerin. However, it could be an expensive signing. The Wild already have superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov on their roster, set to earn a league-leading $17 million annually starting next season.

As one of the NHL's elite defenseman, Hughes could command as much as Kaprizov on his next contract. That could leave the Wild squeezed for long-term salary-cap space, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a Stanley Cup contender.

Sportsnet's Michael Amato believes Guerin should consider trading Hughes this summer if he proves too costly to sign. He felt that the blueliner would fetch a greater return this summer with a year remaining on his contract than if he attempted to move him at midseason as a true rental player.

Stats and standing via NHL.com. Salary cap and contract info via PuckPedia. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff.