.jpg?w=1280 "NHL Trade Block Big Board")
Updated NHL Trade Block Big Board After the 2026 Stanley Cup Final
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is history, and the NHL postseason is now underway. While the action on the ice is over, the business of hockey begins in earnest.
That means the trade market is open for all 32 NHL teams. There have already been two moves, with the Toronto Maple Leafs sending goalie Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers in a multi-player deal, and the Nashville Predators acquiring forward Ross Colton from the Colorado Avalanche.
With the 2026 NHL Draft weekend (June 26-27) fast approaching, and a thin market for free-agent talent, there could be more player movement via trades than in previous offseasons.
With that in mind, it's time to update our NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues were part of our previous trade board. However, Pierre LeBrun reported that Matthews is expected to remain with the Leafs, while Andy Strickland of FanDuel Sports Network reports Thomas is no longer on the market.
We also dropped Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. Neither of them has featured in the rumor mill since our previous Trade Board was published.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse debut on our list. Both made headlines by requesting trades, setting the rumor mill abuzz as pundits ponder potential destinations for the duo.
Larkin and Nurse join such notables as Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, and Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs on our latest board. Skills, experience, contracts, and the possibility of being traded factored into our compilation.
Follow along to see where these players placed in our latest ranking, and check out some of the other new names on our 20-player list.
20. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
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It's been an offseason of change for the Vancouver Canucks. On May 14, they promoted former assistant GM Ryan Johnson to general manager. On June 1, they promoted Manny Malhotra from coaching their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, BC, to head coach.
With sweeping changes already made in the front office and behind the bench, it's expected the next moves will involve their roster. That's ensured that center Elias Pettersson remains the subject of trade conjecture, as his future in Vancouver remains uncertain.
The 27-year-old has frequently appeared on our Trade Boards as speculation persisted that the Canucks could move him. A former 100-point center, he's struggled to meet the expectations that come with a long-term contract paying him an average annual value of $11.6 million.
Those factors also hurt his value in the trade market, but it hasn't stopped pundits from suggesting potential trade destinations. On June 8, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province noted that the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings each need a first-line center. Whether they'd target Pettersson remains to be seen.
19. Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils
2 of 20
Questions about Nico Hischier's contract extension talks with New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta earned the 27-year-old center the No. 15 spot on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Hischier is approaching the final year of his seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.3 million. Given his value to the Devils as their captain, first-line center, and best two-way forward, he's due for a substantial raise on his next deal. He can sign an extension as early as July 1.
So far, there's no indication that talks have stalled or that Mehta is exploring the trade market for Hischier. But Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff suggested it might be worthwhile to gauge the market, especially given the high demand for centers. Larkin believes the Montréal Canadiens would be a good fit.
It remains more likely that Hischier will re-sign with the Devils, but we can't rule out Mehta making a blockbuster move if a new contract seems out of reach.
18. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
3 of 20
After appearing at No. 11 on our May NHL Trade Block Big Board, we dropped Connor Hellebuyck from our previous board.
The Winnipeg Jets goaltender hadn't appeared in trade rumors throughout May, suggesting concerns about his comments over his unhappiness with the club's disappointing season were overblown.
However, media speculation about his future with the Jets recently resumed. On June 15, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claimed there was "a lot of noise" about Hellebuyck, a claim repeated by his colleague Nick Kypreos two days later. TSN's Darren Dreger also mentioned "noise" about the Jets goaltender.
Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press suggested some pundits may be playing connect-the-dots, citing Hellebuyck's Team USA teammates Dylan Larkin's trade request from the Red Wings and Quinn Hughes forcing a trade out of Vancouver.
Neither Hellebuyck nor the Jets have commented on the rumors. Wiebe and McIntyre believe the speculation doesn't mean he's being traded. However, like the other pundits, they aren't fully dismissing the possibility. If he is on the block, everyone agrees the Jets will set a high asking price.
17. Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
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For the past nine seasons, Mathew Barzal has been a key player for the New York Islanders. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2017-18, the 29-year-old forward has been among the few consistent offensive players for the low-scoring Islanders.
On June 1, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun raised eyebrows by reporting that a league executive claimed the Islanders were "exploring the trade market" for Barzal. That prompted considerable buzz around the league, including speculation over potential landing spots for the versatile playmaking forward.
Barzal is under contract until 2030-31 with an average annual value of $9.2 million. He also carries a 22-team no-trade list, which significantly limits the number of potential trade partners for the Isles if they were trying to move him.
Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News pointed out that Garrioch's column didn't state that the Islanders were actively shopping Barzal. He believes they could be getting offers, but it doesn't mean he's available. Still, he could be a player worth keeping an eye on as business starts to pick up in the trade market.
16. Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings
5 of 20
The Los Angeles Kings acquired Darcy Kuemper in a trade with the Washington Capitals on June 19, 2024. Two years later, there's speculation that the 36-year-old goaltender could be on the move again.
Kuemper's inconsistent performance this season cost him the starting job to Anton Forsberg. That led to rumors suggesting he could become a cost-cutting trade candidate, earning him the No. 9 spot on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
With a year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $5.5 million, Kuemper could draw attention from clubs seeking short-term veteran depth in goal. He carries a 10-team no-trade list, but that still gives the Kings 21 teams to choose from as potential trade partners.
One of those clubs is the Edmonton Oilers. On June 12, Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal suggested Kuemper as part of a trade package to the Oilers for defenseman Darnell Nurse, who recently requested a trade.
15. Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
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The St. Louis Blues attempted to ship Colton Parayko to the Buffalo Sabres before the March trade deadline. However, the 33-year-old defenseman scuttled the deal by refusing to waive his no-trade clause.
On June 9, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported the Senators were among the teams to "kick tires" on Parayko before the deadline. However, with the Blues rebuilding their roster, Garrioch wondered if the veteran blueliner might reconsider.
Parayko is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Garrioch noted that the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings were interested in the 6'6", 228-pound defenseman, but the Sabres made the best offer.
If Parayko is open to a trade, it's unlikely the Sabres will revisit their interest given their limited cap space and their efforts to re-sign or replace pending UFA winger Alex Tuch. However, some of the other clubs that were looking at him before the trade deadline could circle back this summer.
14. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs
7 of 20
The Toronto Maple Leafs' hiring of John Chayka as their new general manager sparked conjecture over Morgan Rielly's future with the club. That earned the 32-year-old defenseman the No. 4 spot on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Rielly's performance has declined over the past two seasons, giving rise to speculation that the new Maple Leafs GM could attempt to move his contract. He's signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause.
As noted in our previous trade board, it's believed Rielly is open to waiving his no-movement clause. On June 7, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now indicated the Sharks could be interested in Rielly. They need to add some veteran depth to the left side of their defense corps.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reported on June 15 that Rielly hadn't been asked to waive his NMC, nor has he submitted a list of destinations. That said, TSN's Darren Dreger believes it's likely the longtime Leafs blueliner will have a change of address.
13. Mason Lohrei, Boston Bruins
8 of 20
The Boston Bruins' ongoing need to improve their roster landed Mason Lohrei at No. 8 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board. It's speculated that management could use the 25-year-old puck-moving defenseman as trade bait to bolster their depth at center.
Lohrei has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.2 million. While his defensive game needs improvement, his offensive skills and affordable contract could draw interest from clubs looking to add some youth to their defense corps.
On June 4, Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano mentioned Lohrei as someone who could be part of a trade offer to the New York Rangers for Vincent Trocheck. They noted the Bruins had a prior interest in the 33-year-old center and could try again this summer to land him.
The Bruins could also use Lohrei as a trade chip to address another need if they can't land a center. They could peddle him before the draft to land a higher pick in the first round. The Bruins currently hold the No. 23 pick.
12. Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues
9 of 20
Sitting at No. 7 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, Jordan Binnington remains the focus of ongoing trade speculation. The 32-year-old goaltender has one year left on his six-year contract with the St. Louis Blues at a cap hit of $6 million and a 10-team no-trade list.
Binnington was the subject of media trade chatter throughout this season. With the Blues rebuilding their roster and Joel Hofer getting most of the starts, it could be time for Binnington to move on to another club, perhaps a contender in need of an experienced starting netminder.
On June 12, Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News included Binnington among his three players that he believes have appeared in their final games with the Blues. Despite losing the starter's job to Hofer, Gaudio felt that Binnington's reputation for clutch play in big games still carries weight around the league.
Three days later, Sportsnet's Rory Boylen predicted that Binnington could end up replacing Sergei Bobrovsky as starting goaltender for the Florida Panthers if the latter becomes a free agent on July 1. Even if that doesn't come to pass, there could be other clubs willing to swing a deal for the veteran Blues netminder.
11. Brendan Gallagher, Montréal Canadiens
10 of 20
After spending 14 seasons with the Montréal Canadiens, Brendan Gallagher will be moving on. While the 34-year-old right winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6.5 million, his playing time was reduced this season with the Canadiens, and he was a healthy scratch for all but three playoff games.
A pesky middle-six winger with five 20-plus goal seasons and seven with 40 or more points, Gallagher slowed this season as age and the wear and tear of his physical style took their toll. However, he could draw interest from rebuilding or retooling clubs seeking veteran experience and leadership.
Gallagher has a six-team no-trade list in his contract. However, that's unlikely to be much of a hindrance for a veteran who wants to prove he still has plenty of hockey left in him.
On June 9, Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre reported Gallagher is open to being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. His agent was permitted to speak with them, and they're reportedly interested. However, MacIntyre believes both sides have work to do to make this deal feasible.
10. Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs
11 of 20
The Toronto Maple Leafs' changes to their management and coaching staff generated plenty of headlines this spring. It's also prompted considerable speculation about possible roster moves through trades.
Matthew Knies has been the focus of most of those rumors. The 23-year-old power forward has been a fixture in the rumor mill since the March trade deadline, earning him the No. 6 spot on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Most of the Knies conjecture had him linked to the Montréal Canadiens, who reportedly attempted to acquire him at the trade deadline, but the deal fell through because the paperwork wasn't filed by the 3 PM deadline. With the Leafs under new management, that deal is now considered off the table.
The Maple Leafs are more likely to retain Knies, who is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $7.8 million. Even so, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos and TSN's Darren Dreger reported that teams (including the Canadiens) are still inquiring about Knies' availability.
9. Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils
12 of 20
On June 19, 2024, the New Jersey Devils acquired Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames for defenseman Kevin Bahl and a first-round draft pick. Two years later, the 36-year-old goaltender is the subject of trade speculation again.
According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes, sources claimed the Devils were gauging interest in Markstrom in the trade market. He indicated that a deal wasn't imminent, but the lack of goaltending depth in this summer's free-agent market could make the Devils' netminder a trade target.
Markstrom's 3.07 goals-against average and .883 save percentage were among the worst for goalies with at least 25 games played. He's coming off a six-year contract with a no-movement clause, but begins a two-year extension on July 1 with an annual cap hit of $6 million and a 20-team no-trade list for 2026-27.
Despite Markstrom's subpar stats this season, he has a 2.73 GAA and .907 SP for his overall NHL career. He was also a runner-up for the Vezina Trophy in 2021-22. While his best seasons may be behind him, he could still be enticing for teams seeking depth between the pipes.
8. Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames
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Sitting at No. 2 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, Blake Coleman remains among the players most likely to be moved this summer despite his slide down our updated list. The 34-year-old winger has one year left on his six-year contract with a cap hit of $4.9 million and a 10-team trade list.
For the last two seasons, Flames general manager Craig Conroy has been rebuilding his roster by swapping veteran players for younger assets. That trend is expected to continue this offseason, with Coleman a prime trade candidate.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported on June 16 that the Flames will gauge the trade market for Coleman. However, they're also open to signing a contract extension. Coleman would have more value now with a full season left on his contract than he would as a rental player at the trade deadline.
On June 8, Patrick Present of The Hockey News included Coleman on his list of potential trade targets for the Anaheim Ducks. He felt that the veteran winger's tenacious two-way play could be enticing to the Ducks as they attempt to build on this season's improvement.
7. Šimon Nemec, New Jersey Devils
14 of 20
Chosen second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Šimon Nemec appeared to have a long future ahead of him with the New Jersey Devils. However, the 22-year-old defenseman has been the frequent subject of trade rumors, landing him at No. 3 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Nemec is completing his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights, giving the Devils plenty of leverage to sign him to a team-friendly deal. However, the youngster could dig in his heels and demand a salary similar to the $9 million average annual value that teammate Luke Hughes signed last fall.
If the Devils decide to trade Nemec, he'll draw plenty of suitors. While the 6'1", 196-pound blueliner's defensive game still needs work, his youth, offensive skills and right-hand shot would make him a valuable trade chip.
On June 15, Adam Vingan of Sportsnet included Nemec among his three players who might benefit from a trade. While he might be willing to stay with the Devils, new general manager Sunny Mehta could use him as trade bait for a return that bolsters his top-six forward lines.
6. Darnell Nurse, Edmonton Oilers
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After 12 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Darnell Nurse has decided it's time for a change. On June 11, Sportsnet's Mark Spector and Elliotte Friedman reported that the 31-year-old defenseman had requested a trade.
Signed through 2029-30, Nurse earns an average annual value of $9.25 million and a full no-movement clause. Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal speculated the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings could be on his list. Jim Matheson suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers.
Nurse's expensive contract has earned criticism from Oilers followers as his performance has failed to meet expectations. Leavins indicated the 6'4", 215-pound blueliner isn't as physical as he once was, while Spector suggested his lack of hockey sense was an issue.
Nevertheless, a club seeking experienced left-shot blueline depth could gamble on Nurse improving with a change of scenery. However, the Oilers could end up retaining part of his salary or taking back another expensive contract to facilitate a deal.
5. Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues
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Sitting at No. 5 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, Jordan Kyrou continues to surface in trade rumors.
Despite a decline in his production this season due in part to injuries, the 28-year-old St. Louis Blues winger could draw interest from clubs seeking speed and scoring at right wing.
On June 9, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported Kyrou was among the players linked to the Senators in the rumor mill, but he doesn't believe that speculation makes sense. That could be because Kyrou has a full no-trade clause and an average annual value of $8.13 million through 2030-31.
Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News believes Kyrou has played his final game with the Blues. Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic suggested the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders as potential trade destinations, while James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now suggested him as a trade target for the Devils.
Those destinations depend on whether Kyrou will waive his no-trade clause. Any interested teams must also be willing to pay what could be a high price from the Blues to get him.
4. Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks
17 of 20
On July 1, 2025, Jake DeBrusk signed a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks worth an average annual value of $5.5 million. At the time, he thought he was joining a club on the rise, as the Canucks were coming off one of the best regular-season performances in franchise history.
However, things swiftly fell apart for the Canucks, landing them at the bottom of this season's standings. It led to a series of trades, followed by changes in management and the coaching staff. With the Canucks rebuilding, the 29-year-old DeBrusk could be on the move if he's willing to waive his no-movement clause.
DeBrusk's reluctance to be part of a rebuild landed him at No. 3 on our May NHL Trade Block Big Board. While a streaky scorer, he's netted 20-plus goals five times and 40 or more points six times, including his 23-goal, 42-point performance on the talent-depleted Canucks this season.
The Ottawa Senators are a team that could use another top-six winger. On June 10, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported that two league sources claimed the Senators were interested in DeBrusk. Other clubs could come calling now that the trade market is fully open for business again.
3. Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks
18 of 20
A lengthy contract negotiation between Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek and Mason McTavish resulted in the young center surfacing in the rumor mill, in turn landing him on our August and September NHL Trade Boards.
McTavish eventually signed a six-year deal last September worth an average annual value of $7 million. That ended the trade speculation, dropping the 23-year-old forward from our trade boards.
However, McTavish struggled to meet expectations that came with his new contract. His production dropped to 41 points this season, and he was a healthy scratch from two games in March and two playoff games.
On May 27, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic speculated that McTavish could become a trade candidate. TSN's Chris Johnston followed up by suggesting he could become a cost-cutting candidate if the price of re-signing forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier proves expensive.
2. Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
19 of 20
For the first time since January, Vincent Trocheck is no longer the player we consider most likely to be traded. That doesn't mean the New York Rangers won't be shopping the 32-year-old center, but those efforts could be affected by the presence of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin in the trade market.
On June 9, Mollie Walker of the New York Post indicated that Larkin's recent trade request means Trocheck is no longer the top center in the market. But she believes he'll remain an enticing trade option for teams that fail to land Larkin or aren't on his list of preferred destinations.
Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now suggested the Red Wings could have their eye on Trocheck as a possible replacement for Larkin. Earlier this month, Walker reported the Toronto Maple Leafs reached out to the Rangers about the veteran center.
Trocheck's contract could also work in his favor. He's signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.63 million, making him more affordable against the salary cap than Larkin. He also has a 12-team no-trade list that becomes a 10-team list on July 1, making him easier to move.
1. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
20 of 20
For the first time since January, a new player sits atop our NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Dylan Larkin rocketed to No. 1 when Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman broke the news that the 29-year-old center submitted a trade request to the Detroit Red Wings. TSN's Darren Dreger indicated this had been building for some time, as Larkin had grown weary of the Wings' inability to end their 10-year playoff drought.
On June 8, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported that Larkin sought a trade to the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, or Florida Panthers. Two days later, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman asked the Larkin camp to expand their list of trade destinations.
Larkin's request has shaken up the trade market, instantly making him the top player available. He's a strong two-way forward with considerable first-line center experience. Captain of the Red Wings since January 2021, he also has plenty of leadership ability.
The reason Larkin can determine where he can go is that he has a full no-trade clause in his contract. He has four years left on that deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million.
Yzerman asked Larkin to expand his list because several teams have contacted him to express interest. According to Friedman, the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning could be among the suitors.
The Red Wings will set a high asking price for Larkin, which could include a top-six center. That could result in a third team getting involved in the deal to come up with the necessary trade assets. Yzerman could also accept a return of futures from one team and flip them to another for a better return.
Stats via NHL.com. Salary cap and roster info via PuckPedia.
