.jpg?w=2560 "Connor Hellebuyck and Erik Karlsson Trade Block Big Board")
Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin and the Updated NHL Trade Targets Big Board for August 2026
It's August, which means we've reached the dog days of the NHL offseason.
The summer's business has slowed considerably. The 2026 NHL Draft is history, along with the wheeling and dealing that occurs in the trade market during that period. The last significant trades involving NHL players occurred during the first two days of July.
With the free agent market largely picked clean of what little talent was available, and the salary arbitration period over, perhaps we'll see more noteworthy trades occur during this month, especially with training camps due to open in mid-September.
Despite the lull, the rumor mill continues to buzz about possible trade scenarios.
Some of the chatter involves several players from our previous Trade Targets rankings, such as Connor Hellebucyk of the Winnipeg Jets, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Several other players who've appeared on our earlier lists and rankings also resurfaced in the rumor mill. They include Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks.
Meanwhile, a handful of players who appeared in our previous ranking didn't make the cut this time. Some, like Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, were re-signed to new contracts. Others, like Morgan Rielly and Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, didn't appear in any recent media conjecture.
Follow along as we examine the players we consider to be the top NHL trade targets for August. Our ranking is based on skill, contracts, experience, and, of course, the likelihood of getting traded.
15. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
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Trade rumors have dogged Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson since 2024-25. His expensive contract (with a no-movement clause), his declining production, and the Canucks' rebuilding process landed him at the No. 10 spot among our previous Trade Targets ranking.
Despite those issues, Pettersson continues to surface in trade rumors as some observers feel the rising salary cap could embolden a club to take a chance on him. There was some recent speculation linking the 27-year-old center to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
However, on July 20, Josh Yohe of The Athletic dismissed that rumor, pointing out the Penguins would do so only if the Canucks retained a substantial portion of Pettersson's contract. He also noted that everything he'd heard about the struggling center suggested he had no interest in leaving Vancouver.
Pettersson could resurface in the rumor mill in August. However, it seems increasingly unlikely that he'll be traded during this offseason.
14. Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins
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A frequent subject of trade speculation last summer, Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins seemed likely to face another offseason of trade speculation. However, on March 24, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas indicated he had no plans to trade the 36-year-old defenseman.
Dubas has good reasons to retain Karlsson. The veteran puck-moving blueliner enjoyed a bounce-back performance last season, helping the Penguins exceed expectations and qualify for the playoffs. He also carries a full no-movement clause and has not indicated that he wants out of Pittsburgh.
However, Josh Yohe of The Athletic stated on July 20th that he'd be surprised if the Penguins re-signed Karlsson before his UFA eligibility next summer. That had Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast predicting Karlsson could be traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs or Ottawa Senators before the start of this season.
The Penguins will likely retain Karlsson this season, but he could be moved if they struggle and fall out of playoff contention. His status will be worth monitoring in the coming months.
13. Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings
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Most of this summer's speculation concerning the Detroit Red Wings has focused on whether they'll honor center Dylan Larkin's trade request. However, their current efforts to replace Steve Yzerman as general manager have raised questions over Alex DeBrincat's future with the franchise.
The 28-year-old DeBrincat is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Since being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in 2023, he's been among their most reliable scorers, including a 41-goal performance last season. He carries a cap hit of $7.9 million and a 16-team no-trade list.
DeBrincat's scoring abilities would make him an enticing trade target if he becomes available. On July 15, Max Bultman of The Athletic speculated that DeBrincat would be among several trade candidates if the new Red Wings GM decides to rebuild the roster.
On July 27, Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now felt that DeBrincat would stay put if the Wings offered him fair market value on his next contract, citing the winger's Michigan ties. Time will tell about that. For now, however, his future with the Red Wings will be worth monitoring as this season progresses.
12. Kent Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Questions about the futures of defenseman Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko dominated all other Columbus Blue Jackets news this summer. However, they weren't the only Blue Jackets to surface in the rumor mill.
Kent Johnson has occasionally popped up as a trade candidate this summer. The versatile 23-year-old is coming off a difficult season that saw his production drop from a career-best 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in 68 games in 2024-25 to seven goals and 22 points in 76 games last season.
Chosen fifth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Blue Jackets, Johnson is in the final season of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $1.8 million. Some observers wonder if clubs seeking depth among their middle-six forwards might look into his availability.
On July 15, Vincent Z. Mercogliano included Johnson on his proposed list of trade targets for the New York Rangers. Two weeks later, Marco D'Amico of The Starr & D'Amico Show dismissed speculation suggesting the Montreal Canadiens could target Johnson if their efforts to land Marchenko failed.
11. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
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The Vancouver Canucks' status as a rebuilding club made Brock Boeser the subject of trade rumors earlier this year. On Apr. 5, we examined potential trade destinations for the 29-year-old winger. Three months later, he made our list of 8 NHL stars who could request a trade this season.
Boeser surprised the hockey world last summer by signing a seven-year contract following a season where he was dogged by trade speculation. Since then, the Canucks traded away several core players and overhauled their front office and coaching staff.
On July 17, Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province reported that league sources claimed the Canucks ownership wanted to reduce its player payroll by $20 million, adding that they're already down $12 million from last season.
Boeser has a full no-movement clause and an AAV of $7.3 million. Nevertheless, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News suggested he'd make an ideal trade option for the Ottawa Senators if he's willing to move on. Vincent Z. Mercogliano included Boeser on his list of possible trade options for the New York Rangers.
10. Arber Xhekaj, Montrรฉal Canadiens
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The Montrรฉal Canadiens were expected to make a significant trade for a second-line center or winger this summer. So far, however, that deal hasn't happened yet. If it does, they could use defenseman Arber Xhekaj as part of a trade package.
Xhekaj, 25, is a restricted free agent after completing a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $1.3 million. The 6'4", 240-pound blueliner is popular among his teammates and Canadiens fans for his physical style. He should be an affordable re-signing but has yet to ink a new deal.
The presence of promising defensemen David Reinbacher and Adam Enstrom, and Xhekaj's limited ice time, has some Montrรฉal pundits suggesting he could be the odd man out. During the July 20 episode of the DFO Rundown, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claimed the Philadelphia Flyers were interested in Xhekaj.
The Hockey News' Karine Hains cited Xhekaj's agent, Brian Bartlett, telling TSN radio 690 that his client loves Montrรฉal, insisting there was "no panic" about their negotiations with the Canadiens. Nevertheless, until the big blueliner is re-signed, he could surface more often in trade rumors.
9 and 8: Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh Penguins
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Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell were frequently mentioned last summer as trade candidates. The club was retooling, and both veterans were believed to be trade bait as part of that process. However, the rumors died away as the Penguins exceeded expectations last season by reaching the playoffs.
Both forwards are signed through 2027-28 with average annual values at or just above $5 million. The 34-year-old Rust matched his career high of 65 points from the previous season. Rakell, 33, was hampered by injuries, but still tallied 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games.
On July 27, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas thought he could move up in the first round of this year's draft, speculating that he might have used Rust or Rakell as trade bait. However, he thinks Dubas misjudged the value of his trade assets or how challenging the market would be.
Rust and Rakell could still be trade chips if Dubas continues to seek younger talent this summer. Rakell carries an eight-team trade list, while Rust lacks no-trade protection. Either winger could be worth watching in the trade market over the next couple of months.
7. Braden Schneider, New York Rangers
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Following the March 2026 trade deadline, it was reported that the New York Rangers received trade offers for Braden Schneider. It was later suggested that the 24-year-old defenseman could be used as trade bait to land a scoring forward, earning him the No. 6 spot on our May 2026 NHL Trade Block Big Board.
However, Schneider all but vanished from the rumor mill in the following weeks. A restricted free agent on July 1, he filed for salary arbitration on July 5 and inked a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Rangers eight days later.
On July 29, Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic was asked if the Rangers might offer up Schneider to the Seattle Kraken for center Shane Wright. He believes they could use the blueliner as bait to add a forward, but thinks they're content to stick with Schneider until the right deal comes along.
The Rangers could still use Schneider as a trade chip to land an established scorer. If so, their search could carry over into the regular season, ensuring he remains the focus of trade conjecture.
6. Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins
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Entering the final season of his four-year contract with the Boston Bruins, Pavel Zacha is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Uncertainty over whether the 29-year-old center will be re-signed landed him at No. 12 on our previous Trade Targets ranking.
Zacha was a frequent subject of trade conjecture last summer, which increased as the Bruins started poorly last season. However, they rallied and qualified for the playoffs, with Zacha reaching career highs with 30 goals and 65 points.
It's believed the Bruins and Zacha's camp have discussed an extension, but nothing has happened yet. Meanwhile, a June 19 report by The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun claimed the Bruins were fielding calls about Zacha, though he cautioned that didn't mean they were shopping him.
One of those clubs could be the Ottawa Senators. On July 23, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News included Zacha on his list of trade options for the Senators. However, the Bruins' lack of depth at center could see them retain Zacha for this season while keeping their options open if a new contract isn't possible.
5. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
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Having requested a trade this spring, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings has been considered among the players most likely to be moved this summer. While his request landed him at No. 2 on our previous Trade Target rankings, there's no indication that the 29-year-old center is any closer to changing teams.
The Red Wings announcement last month that Steve Yzerman was being replaced as general manager sparked speculation over whether Larkin would rescind his request. Thus far, that has yet to happen as the Wings continue to search for Yzerman's replacement.
Larkin's four-team list of preferred trade destinations included the Minnesota Wild, who were believed to be the front-runners to acquire him. However, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic suggested the Red Wings' management change complicates the Wild's efforts to land Larkin.
On July 20, MLive.com's Ansar Khan wondered if a new Wings GM might repair the relationship with Larkin and convince him to stay. For now, however, his situation remains in limbo until the management situation is sorted out.
4. Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes
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Shortly after the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in June, reports emerged that they were considering trading Alexander Nikishin rather than re-signing him. That earned the 24-year-old restricted free agent the No. 4 spot on our previous NHL Trade Targets ranking.
Nikishin completed his entry-level contract and is ineligible to sign an offer sheet. He was once considered to be a future star on the Hurricanes blue line. The young defenseman had a solid NHL debut last season with 33 points, but his playing time was reduced during the postseason.
The New York Rangers were thought to be an early suitor, but they've since added Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi to their defense corps. The St. Louis Blues were believed to be interested, which was confirmed on July 21 by Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic.
On July 30, Nikishin told RG Media's Daria Tuboltseva that he's leaving his contract negotiations with his agent, adding that he wasn't concerned about the trade rumors. Given the ongoing uncertainty over his future in Carolina, Nikishin remains a subject of interest in the rumor mill.
3. Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken
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Reports that the Seattle Kraken were working with Shane Wright's agent to facilitate a trade landed the 22-year-old center at No. 5 on our previous NHL Trade Targets list. As the summer progressed, he remained a fixture in the rumor mill.
Wright is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He had a promising NHL debut in 2024-25 with 44 points, but his production and playing time declined last season under new Kraken head coach Lane Lambert.
On July 13, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province reported the rebuilding Canucks were Wright's preferred destination because of their potential. A week later, Josh Yohe of The Athletic stated that the Pittsburgh Penguins were intrigued by Wright.
Given Wright's status as the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Kraken have reportedly set a high price. They're willing to wait until they get a suitable offer, meaning Wright could remain the topic of trade conjecture for some time.
2. Kirill Marchenko, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Sitting at No. 13 on our previous Trade Targets ranking, Kirill Marchenko became the focus of trade rumors following a report by ESPN's Kevin Weekes claiming the 26-year-old winger was unlikely to sign an extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's slated to become a restricted free agent next July.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell insisted that Marchenko wasn't going anywhere, but that hasn't kept him out of the rumor mill. A recent report by RG Media's Daria Tuboltseva claimed a source close to the winger said the Blue Jackets were working on trading him.
That prompted speculation that the Montrรฉal Canadiens were the potential trade partner. However, Waddell refuted the rumor, saying he hadn't spoken to rival GMs about Marchenko in weeks.
Nevertheless, the uncertainty over Marchenko's future in Columbus, combined with his value as a top-six winger, has moved him up in our current ranking. He's likely to remain the focus of trade conjecture heading into the 2026-27 regular season.
1. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
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Rampant trade speculation regarding Connor Hellebuyck made the Winnipeg Jets goaltender the No. 1 player on our previous Trade Targets ranking. Given the media buzz at the time, it seemed likely that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner would be on the move this summer.
The Jets held trade talks with the Buffalo Sabres before the NHL Draft Weekend, but nothing materialized. The conjecture continued, with Murat Ates and Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic suggesting a return of center Ryan McLeod and a "substantial secondary piece" would be considered a win for the Jets.
Meanwhile, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press speculated that getting promising defenseman Radim Mrtka from the Sabres would be a good addition. The Sabres would also have to include one or two good young forwards, but Wiebe doesn't see them parting with Zach Benson or Konsta Helenius.
Since mid-July, the rumors about Hellebuyck have died down. With the goalie signed through 2030-31 and carrying a full no-movement clause, the Jets can afford to wait for the right offer. Nevertheless, Hellebucyk remains the player we consider most likely to be moved among this summer's notable trade targets.
Stats via NHL.com. Contract and salary-cap info via PuckPedia.
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