B/R NHL Trade Target Rankings Big Board Featuring Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck for July 2026
It's been a busy summer in the NHL trade market thus far. The rise of the salary cap to $104 million, plus the lack of high-quality unrestricted free-agent talent, accounts for the higher-than-usual trade activity.
Eight players who appeared on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board have changed teams, with seven of those being among our top-10 trade candidates. Among those who were traded were centers Vincent Trocheck and Mason McTavish, winger Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman ล imon Nemec.
Most of those who weren't moved remain on our July ranking. They include such notables as Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Several new names have joined our updated ranking. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson are among those noteworthy additions.
After a frenzy of moves from late June to the July 1 opening date of free agency, business has slowed in the trade market. However, with the number of talented trade candidates available, there could be more moves coming over the course of this summer.
Follow along to find out where they land on our latest ranking. Skills, experience, contracts, and the possibility of being traded factored into this ranking.
15. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Before last month's draft, reports emerged claiming Zach Werenski was unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets next summer.
Rumors of the Jackets gauging the 28-year-old defenseman's value in the trade market landed him on our previous top trade targets ranking.
On June 30, it was reported that the Blue Jackets were on the verge of trading Werenski to the Dallas Stars. However, he vetoed the deal by refusing to waive his no-movement clause.
The following day, Werenski and Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell issued statements claiming it was all a misunderstanding, adding that he was not being traded and wanted to help the Blue Jackets become a contender.
What was missing from those statements was any talk of an extension. While Werenski seems unlikely to be moved for now, it's worth acknowledging what happened and the possibility that this could flare up again at some point this season.
14. Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks
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The Vancouver Canucks' rebuilding process raised questions about winger Jake DeBrusk's future with the club. He's signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $5.5 million and a full no-movement clause, but he indicated his preference was to play for a contender.
DeBrusk frequently appeared in the rumor mill throughout June, earning the No. 4 spot on our mid-June NHL Trade Block Big Board. It seemed that the 29-year-old scoring winger would soon be on the move this summer.
On July 1, TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported there was no dialogue between the Canucks and the DeBrusk camp about waiving his no-movement clause. Nine days later, Thomas Drance of The Athletic speculated that clubs seeking wingers might prefer the remaining options in free agency.
For now, we're keeping DeBrusk on our list. Teams that fail to find a scoring winger at an affordable price in free agency could revisit their interest in him later in the summer.
13. Kirill Marchenko, Columbus Blue Jackets
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The future of Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko was a hot topic of speculation after ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported on June 26 that his representatives informed the club he wasn't interested in a contract extension. He is eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.
On July 2, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said he'd had discussions with the Marchenko camp. While declining to go into details, he said the 25-year-old winger will be with the Jackets when the regular season begins in October.
Since then, the Marchenko trade buzz has quieted down. Waddell is in no hurry to move the young winger because he's still under contract with them through next season. If he goes to arbitration next summer, he'll get a one-year deal with the Blue Jackets that takes him to UFA eligibility in 2028.
Barring a rival club making a major offer, it's doubtful that Marchenko will be moved this summer. Nevertheless, it's worth keeping him on our list for now as we can't rule out the possibility that he'll resurface in the rumor mill.
12. Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins
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Entering last season, trade rumors swirled about Pavel Zacha. The Boston Bruins were retooling their roster after missing the playoffs in 2024-25, and a shaky start to the season stoked the speculation that Zacha could be moved, prompting us to list five potential landing spots last November.
Ultimately, the Bruins righted the ship as the season went on. By January, it was reported that they were unlikely to part with Zacha, who went on to a career-best 30 goals and 65 points, helping the Bruins exceed expectations by clinching a wild-card berth.
Zacha is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. On July 6, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Bruins were believed to be having extension talks with the 29-year-old center. Nevertheless, he believes they've also spoken with other clubs about him.
It remains unlikely that the Bruins will peddle Zacha this summer. Nevertheless, the uncertainty over his contract status after this season makes him a player worth watching during the offseason.
11. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes
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Five years after the Carolina Hurricanes signed Jesperi Kotkaniemi away from the Montreal Canadiens, the 25-year-old center has become the subject of trade rumors.
We had him on our list of potential contract buyout candidates, but NHL insider Frank Seravalli indicated they would try to move him in the trade market.
Kotkaniemi is signed through 2029-30, earning an average annual value of $4.82 million. Injuries and inconsistency sent him dropping down the Hurricanes' depth chart. He was a frequent healthy scratch last season and never played in any of their playoff games during their run to the 2026 Stanley Cup.
Seravalli reported the Hurricanes still believe the limited number of available centers around the league gives Kotkaniemi some value in the trade market. His affordable salary and cost certainty could also be enticing for teams with limited cap space.
On July 5, Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News cited The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta, who claimed the Hurricanes were telling teams who were interested in defenseman Alexander Nikishin that they'd also have to take Kotkaniemi in the deal. That doesn't speak much for the latter's supposed trade value.
10. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
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The ongoing rebuild of the Vancouver Canucks continued to raise conjecture about where Elias Pettersson fits into their long-range plans. It ensured the 27-year-old center remained a regular denizen on our Trade Boards this season.
Pettersson is four years removed from the career-high 102-point season that earned him an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Since then, his performance and production have steadily declined, making him a fixture in the NHL rumor mill.
During a July 9 appearance on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, CHEK-TV's Rick Dhaliwal mentioned a rumor linking Pettersson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. There was talk that the Canucks sought Ben Kindel in return, but Dhaliwal doesn't see the Penguins parting with a promising young center for Pettersson.
TSN's Travis Jost acknowledged Pettersson's recent struggles and contract. Nevertheless, he thinks any improvement in his play, combined with a steadily rising salary cap, could make some teams that are in the market for a center more willing to take a chance on him.
9. Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators
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Almost a year after signing with the Nashville Predators on July 1, 2024, Jonathan Marchessault was the subject of trade speculation. What sparked the conjecture was his inconsistent performance with his new club following a career-high 42-goal performance with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Then-Predators GM Barry Trotz denied the rumors, and the speculation soon died down. However, another disappointing performance by the 35-year-old winger has his name resurfacing in the rumor mill.
Trotz was recently replaced by former Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, who wasted little time shaking up the roster with trades and free-agent signings. On July 9, Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean speculated that Marchessault could become a trade candidate.
Given Marchessault's age, his no-movement clause, and the three years left on his contract, it won't be easy to trade him. Nevertheless, his affordable $5.5 million annual cap hit could be attractive for teams seeking a scoring winger with Stanley Cup experience.
8. Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Since the March trade deadline, Matthew Knies has been a fixture on our NHL Trade Boards, as well as earning a spot on our previous ranking of the top trade targets. Not even a change of management by the Toronto Maple Leafs quelled the speculation about the 24-year-old power forward.
In our previous ranking, we noted that rumors had Knies tied to the Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks. We also pointed out that it's unlikely that the Maple Leafs will move him now that the draft has passed, as any picks offered up for him would have to be in future drafts.
On June 30, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Toronto Maple Leafs were among several teams believed to be pursuing Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. According to LeBrun, Knies would be part of any trade package that the Maple Leafs would offer.
Since then, Werenski and the Blue Jackets have indicated that he won't be traded, meaning Knies won't be going to Columbus anytime soon. Teams would continue to look into the young winger's availability this summer, but it appears more likely that the Maple Leafs will hang onto him for the regular season.
7. Mason Lohrei, Boston Bruins
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Trade speculation about Mason Lohrei began circulating soon after the Boston Bruins were eliminated from the opening round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. That chatter earned him a spot on our previous two NHL Trade Block Big Boards.
The conjecture over Lohrei's future with the Bruins faded following the NHL Draft Weekend in late June. Nevertheless, the possibility remains that he could be used as a trade chip to address other roster needs before training camp opens in September.
On July 1, Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic speculated that the Bruins could have more roster moves in the works. He mentioned the 25-year-old Lohrei as a potential cost-cutting trade candidate to free up cap space for other acquisitions.
Lohrei has a year remaining on his contract with an affordable cap hit of $3.2 million. He could draw attention from teams looking for a cost-effective puck-moving defenseman.
6. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Toronto Maple Leafs' recent changes to their front office and coaching staff prompted speculation that long-time Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly could be traded. On June 23, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the blueliner's agent submitted a list of four Western Conference teams as trade destinations.
Rielly, 32, sat at No. 14 on our mid-June NHL Trade Block Big Board. He's signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million. The long-time Maple Leafs blueliner also has a no-movement clause.
On July 2, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reported there was nothing imminent regarding a trade for Rielly. His agent was working with Leafs general manager John Chayka to try and get something done, but the defenseman isn't pushing to be moved.
Four days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Maple Leafs weren't interested in giving up more assets than they needed to trade Rielly. A deal could happen at some point this summer, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's still with the Leafs when training camp opens in September.
5. Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken
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On July 5, reports indicated the Seattle Kraken were working with the agent for winger Shane Wright to facilitate a trade. That prompted us to list five potential landing spots for the 22-year-old center, who is in the final season of his entry-level contract.
Wright was chosen fourth overall by the Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft. He had a promising 44-point rookie performance in 2024-25, but his production and playing time declined last season. It's believed the Kraken seek a "fair price" for Wright and won't be forced into a trade they don't want to make.
On July 4, James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now suggested Wright as a Plan B option for the Devils after failing to sign away Barrett Hayton from the Utah Mammoth. A week later, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now reported the Kraken's asking price was so high that it chased away the Vancouver Canucks.
Regardless, Wright's youth and potential will draw interest from clubs seeking a promising middle-six center. We could be hearing more about him in the rumor mill as the summer goes on.
4. Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes
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The Carolina Hurricanes were crowned this season's Stanley Cup champions on June 14. Ten days later, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Hurricanes were considering moving Alexander Nikishin.
Nikishin, 24, is a promising defenseman who had a respectable NHL debut last season with 33 points in 81 games. However, his production and playing time declined during the postseason. He's a restricted free agent lacking arbitration rights and is ineligible to sign an offer sheet.
Dreger indicated the Hurricanes were weighing trading Nikishin versus a contract extension. On June 29, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said he'd heard the New York Rangers were interested in the young blueliner. However, that may have since changed following their acquisitions of Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi.
A week later, Friedman indicated the St. Louis Blues were also interested in Nikishin. Given his youth and potential as a top-four defenseman, the Hurricanes blueliner should remain a subject of interest in this summer's trade market.
3. Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
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On June 26, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Dallas Stars had a deal in place that would send Jason Robertson to the Seattle Kraken.
However, the trade fell through because the 26-year-old winger refused to sign an eight-year contract with the Kraken worth an average annual value of $15 million.
A restricted free agent, Robertson filed for salary arbitration on July 5. His hearing is scheduled for July 25, unless he and the Stars agree to a new contract beforehand. Otherwise, he'll receive a one-year contract through arbitration, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.
Trade rumors continue to swirl about Robertson. On July 1, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested, possessing the salary cap space and tradeable assets to acquire him. A week later, Yohe claimed the Penguins remain "very much open" to acquiring Robertson.
Yohe acknowledged that league sources said Robertson wanted to re-sign with the Stars. However, a sign-and-trade to Pittsburgh (or another NHL club) is possible if he changes his mind before his arbitration hearing.
2. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
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It's been over a month since Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin's trade request was first reported. It landed the 29-year-old center on our mid-June NHL Trade Block Big Board and our previous ranking of the top trade targets.
Larkin initially listed the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers as trade destinations. However, the Panthers have already made their big moves, acquiring Brady Tkachuk and Jacob Markstrom, while the Golden Knights lack the cap space and tradeable assets.
On July 5, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos claimed the Red Wings would ship Larkin to the Wild if they could get scoring winger Matt Boldy in return. Four days later, MLive.com's Ansar Khan reported Larkin expanded his list to include the Dallas Stars, but they're unwilling to move center Wyatt Johnston.
On July 15, the Detroit Red Wings surprised the hockey world by announcing that Steve Yzerman was stepping away from his role as general manager. That prompted Ansar Khan to speculate whether Larkin might rescind his trade request. Until he does, he remains high on our ranking of trade candidates.
1. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
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On June 26, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres were in deep negotiations regarding a trade that would've sent goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the Sabres. While those talks cooled, the speculation about his future landed him atop our ranking of post-draft trade targets.
Four days later, Massimo De Luca-Taronno of The Winnipeg Sun speculated that the Sabres remained in the running for Hellebuyck, along with the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman doubted the Devils would pursue him because of his expensive contract.
Mark McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press puts the odds of Hellebuyck being traded at "north of 95 per cent," suggesting the Sabres, San Jose Sharks, and the Hurricanes as destinations. De Luca-Taronno is skeptical, suggesting it's "increasingly likely" that Hellebuyck will report to the Jets' training camp in September.
Hellebuyck carries an average annual value of $8.5 million, which could become harder to absorb as teams use up their cap space in offseason additions. His full no-movement clause gives him full control of this situation. Nevertheless, the ongoing rumors make this elite goalie this summer's top trade candidate.
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