B/R Trade Block Big Board Features Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin and Quinn Hughes for October 2026

The 2026-27 NHL regular season got underway earlier this week. As the long quest to the Stanley Cup playoffs begins, trade rumors continue to swirl among the pundits.

The trade market had been quiet since early July, with only two trades involving established NHL players. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs shook things up on Sept. 28, as the Blue Jackets sent winger Kirill Marchenko to the Maple Leafs for winger Matthew Knies in a six-player blockbuster.

That deal could result in more trade activity, especially if injuries strike or a team struggles through the opening weeks of the new season. Our October 2026 Trade Block Big Board has 15 players, some of whom appeared on our September Trade Targets Big Board.

Several new players have surfaced in media speculation. Others who featured on our previous board, like Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, and Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper, were no longer topics of trade conjecture.

Follow along to see which players remain the subject of trade chatter and who the new trade candidates could be for October. Skills, experience, contract, and likelihood of being traded were factored into this compilation.

15. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild

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The Minnesota Wild were engaged in contract extension talks with Quinn Hughes during the offseason. With the 26-year-old superstar defenseman eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer, general manager Bill Guerin is understandably keen to get him signed before then.

Uncertainty about Hughes' future with the Wild generated speculation that he could be traded, perhaps to the New Jersey Devils to reunite with his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes. That chatter landed him at No. 13 on our September Trade Targets Big Board.

Guerin addressed the ongoing negotiations with Hughes on Sept. 25. He said he's trying not to pressure the blueliner to sign, adding that it's a big decision for Hughes and his family. He intends to give Hughes all the time he needs.

For now, that should end the trade speculation that's swirled around Hughes since August. However, the longer he remains unsigned, the more his name could resurface in the rumor mill during this season.

14. Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets

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The ongoing drama surrounding Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has some observers wondering about the fate of other Jets stars, like Mark Scheifele, and their futures in Winnipeg.

On Sept. 24, Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now cited Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, who claimed the Montréal Canadiens were among several teams looking into Scheifele's availability. He noted that Kypreos believed the Jets would demand a high price for the 33-year-old center.

Scheifele is coming off a career-high 103-point performance last season. He's signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million. The high-scoring center also has a full no-movement clause this season, and there's no indication he's willing to waive it or is asking for a trade.

The Jets are trying to find a suitable trade partner for Hellebuyck, but there's no indication they're peddling a core player like Scheifele, who is invaluable to their hopes of rebounding from last season's disappointing campaign. Nevertheless, his status could be worth watching, especially if the Jets struggle this season.

13. Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks

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Before last season's March trade deadline, Jake DeBrusk raised eyebrows when he told reporters that playing for a rebuilding team wasn't something he would be willing to accept.

With the Canucks in the midst of rebuilding, the 29-year-old winger's remarks made him a fixture in the rumor mill.

DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $5.5 million and a full no-movement clause. Nevertheless, he appeared in trade rumors throughout the spring and into the summer, making him a fixture on our NHL Trade Block Big Boards.

However, the conjecture surrounding DeBrusk faded as the summer went on. During a Sept. 9 interview with Sportsnet's Iain MacInytre, the winger indicated that he had quickly clarified his earlier comments, adding that he felt he could still help the Canucks and had never requested a trade.

Nevertheless, the rebuilding Canucks could be sellers again this season, especially if they struggle through the opening weeks of this season's schedule. That could make DeBrusk more open to a trade if a contender comes calling.

12. Alexis Lafrenière, New York Rangers

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The New York Rangers selected Alexis Lafrenière with the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Over the last six seasons, they've waited patiently for the young winger to blossom into a scoring superstar. However, his inconsistency made him the subject of trade speculation in recent years.

As the retooling Rangers embark on the 2026-27 season, Lafrenière has resurfaced in the rumor mill. On Sept. 4, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News included the 24-year-old winger on his list of players who could be traded if their clubs got off to a slow start.

The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta echoed that sentiment during a Sept. 22 appearance on Daily Faceoff's Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast. He felt Lafrenière could be among the high-profile Rangers who could appear in trade chatter if they stumbled through the opening weeks of this season.

Lafrenière is in the second season of a seven-year contract and lacks no-trade protection until 2027-28. However, his $7.5 million average annual value could be a sticking point if the Rangers were to peddle him, especially if his production remains inconsistent.

11. Jared McCann, Seattle Kraken

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This season could be consequential for the Seattle Kraken. They made the playoffs once during their first five NHL seasons. Failing to qualify this season could lead to significant changes.

Jared McCann was among the players chosen by the Kraken in their 2021 expansion draft. Entering this season, he holds the team's single-season records with 40 goals and 70 points (2022-23) and is their all-time leader with 138 goals and 283 points.

On Sept. 4, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News included McCann on his list of players who could be traded if their teams got off to a slow start this season. He speculated that the 30-year-old winger could be on the move if management decides to rebuild.

McCann is in the final season of his five-year contract with a cap hit of $5 million and a 10-team no-trade list. His ability to play center or wing and his scoring ability could draw plenty of interest from contenders if he becomes available in this season's trade market.

10. Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins

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Earlier this summer, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said his goal was to re-sign Pavel Zacha. The 29-year-old center had a career-best 30-goal, 65-point season and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

However, training camp opened without a new contract for Zacha. While Sweeney indicated that talks were ongoing with the center's agent, uncertainty about his future prompted us to examine six possible landing spots for Zacha if he becomes available before the March 1 trade deadline.

Zacha is in the final season of a four-year contract with a cap hit of $4.8 million. He also has an eight-team no-trade list. Another 30-goal, 65-point season could put him in line to earn $10 million annually on his next contract.

The Bruins will start this season with Zacha in the lineup. However, his name could surface again in the rumor mill if they struggle through October.

9. Ryan O'Reilly, Nashville Predators

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On Sept. 4, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News included Ryan O'Reilly on his list of players who could be moved if their teams got off to slow starts this season. The 35-year-old two-way center is in the final season of his four-year contract with the Nashville Predators.

O'Reilly has enjoyed considerable success in his 17-season NHL career, taking home several individual awards and helping the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019. He's entering the twilight of his career, but could still have value to contenders

We had O'Reilly on our list of pending free agents who could be traded this season, and players on bad teams who could help contenders. On Sept. 29, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that two league executives believe he'll be a player to watch in the trade market if the Predators don't re-sign him.

O'Reilly lacks a no-trade clause, but former Predators management treated him as though he had one. It remains to be seen whether new GM Chris MacFarland has the veteran center as part of his plans beyond this season. Nevertheless, O'Reilly could be worth keeping an eye on in the rumor mill.

8. Mason Lohrei, Boston Bruins

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Mason Lohrei surfaced in the rumor mill after the Boston Bruins were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The trade chatter carried on until July, making the 25-year-old defenseman a fixture on our NHL Trade Target Boards.

However, the rumors faded as the offseason continued. In August, Lohrei told The Boston Globe that he was focused on improving his game to remain a full-time roster player with the Bruins.

Lohrei was still with the Bruins when training camp opened last month, but the trade rumors had resurfaced. On Sept. 7, RG.org's James Murphy reported that multiple sources claimed the blueliner was again drawing interest in the trade market.

A restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, Lohrei could become a trade chip if he's no longer part of the Bruins' plans. His situation could be worth monitoring as this season progresses.

7. Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken

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Reports claiming the Seattle Kraken were working with Shane Wright's agent to move the 22-year-old center had him on our August and September trade target boards. It seemed he would be with a new club when training camp opened in September.

However, training camp arrived with Wright still a member of the Kraken. Kate Shefte of The Seattle Times reported the club's high asking price and Wright's spotty NHL record hurt his value in this summer's trade market.

Wright was the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 draft. He seemed on the verge of a breakout performance after scoring 44 points in 79 games in 2024-25. However, his production and playing time declined last season under head coach Lane Lambert.

On Sept. 29, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Edmonton Oilers took a long look at Wright this summer but couldn't get a deal done. He's a restricted free agent next summer and might not fit into the Kraken's plans, which could keep his name in the rumor mill this season.

6. Samuel Montembeault, Montréal Canadiens

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At the end of last season, it seemed that Samuel Montembeault had played his final games with the Montréal Canadiens. His struggles cost him the starter's job to Jakub Dobes, and then he lost the backup role to promising Jacob Fowler.

Montembeault was considered a trade candidate during the summer, but his poor 2025-26 campaign hurt his value to other clubs. Following a strong camp and preseason, the 29-year-old Montembeault remained with the Canadiens while Fowler was sent down to their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Nevertheless, trade speculation still dogged Montembeault during training camp. During a Sept. 17 appearance on The Jason Gregor Show, NHL insider Frank Seravalli boldly predicted the Canadiens goalie would be the first player traded this season.

Seravalli's prediction didn't pan out, but that doesn't mean Montembeault won't be moved this season. He's slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and a strong performance could improve his value as a rental player in the trade market.

5. Zach Whitecloud, Calgary Flames

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The Calgary Flames are continuing their rebuilding program as they enter this season. That's made Zach Whitecloud a frequent subject of trade rumors since the 29-year-old defenseman was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in January.

Sitting at No. 8 on our September NHL Trade Targets Big Board, Whitecloud's defensive skills and experience make him the Flames' most valuable trade chip. He's signed through 2027-28 with an affordable average annual value of $2.8 million and lacks no-trade protection.

On Sept. 4, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News included Whitecloud on his list of players who could be moved if their teams struggle early this season. He would certainly draw attention from contenders looking for shutdown defensemen with Stanley Cup experience.

Whitecloud remains invaluable for the Flames as a mentor for promising defensemen like Zayne Parekh and Simon Nemec. Nevertheless, we can't dismiss the possibility of a contender making a big early pitch if the Flames stumble through October.

4. Kirby Dach, Montréal Canadiens

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Emerging from a four-year rebuild, the Montréal Canadiens have several promising young players pushing for roster spots.

With forward Florian Xhekaj cracking the lineup in training camp, veteran forward Kirby Dach could be battling to retain his spot on the roster.

Dach, 25, was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2022 draft. A big, skilled forward who can play center or wing, he's been hampered by injuries throughout his seven-season NHL career. Signed to a one-year contract, he faces an uncertain future in Montréal.

Writing for Casino.org, NHL insider Frank Seravalli stated that the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames were interested in Dach. He claimed the Oilers' interest "bordered on drooling," pointing out that Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman drafted Dach in 2019 during his tenure as Chicago's GM.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Oilers' interest in Dach stemmed from their lack of a right-shot center. However, the Canadiens could prefer to use Dach as a trade chip in a larger package offer for a scoring forward or right-shot defenseman.

3. Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes

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Defenseman Alexander Nikishin regularly appeared on our NHL Trade Boards since July, following reports that the Carolina Hurricanes were mulling over whether to trade or re-sign the 24-year-old restricted free agent.

It seemed unusual that the Hurricanes were considering moving a promising blueliner who lacked arbitration rights and was ineligible to sign an offer sheet. However, on Sept. 14, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that Nikishin had requested a trade.

Because of his RFA status, Nikishin missed training camp and preseason play as the Hurricanes attempted to move him. On Sept. 17, LeBrun wondered if the young defenseman might be part of a trade pitch to the Winnipeg Jets for Connor Hellebuyck.

However, on Sept. 25, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Nikishin wasn't interested in signing with the Jets. Friedman also reported that the New York Rangers and Hurricanes had the framework of a trade in place earlier this summer, but the Rangers and Nikishin could not agree on a contract.

2. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

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For the second straight month, Dylan Larkin sits at No. 2 on our Trade Block Big Board. The 30-year-old center requested a trade during the off-season, but his narrow list of trade destinations and the Detroit Red Wings' ongoing search for a new general manager have hampered efforts to move him.

Larkin initially asked to be traded to the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the veteran center expanded his list to eight teams. Friedman believes they included the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The problem is that none of those clubs have the salary cap space to take on Larkin's $8.7 million average annual value through 2030-31. Most also lack suitable trade assets to meet the Red Wings' high asking price, as they reportedly sought Matt Boldy from the Wild.

Unless the Red Wings lower their price, it could take weeks, perhaps months, before they finally move Larkin. That means he could remain a prime trade candidate for the foreseeable future.

1. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

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For the fourth straight month, Connor Hellebuyck tops our trade candidates.

The 33-year-old goaltender revealed in August that he requested a trade earlier in the offseason. He's currently suspended by the Winnipeg Jets for not reporting to training camp.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said the door is open for Hellebuyck to return. However, he also said he would keep searching for a trade that would benefit both sides. On Sept. 17, Paul Friesen of The Winnipeg Sun reported that Cheveldayoff wants a return that provides immediate help for the Jets.

On Sept. 8, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth were among possible trade destinations. Two days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said he'd heard mixed messages about the New Jersey Devils, but James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now was skeptical.

Friedman reported on Sept. 23 that he'd heard the San Jose Sharks had "kicked tires" with the Jets. So far, however, it doesn't appear that they're working on a potential deal for Hellebuyck.

Cheveldayoff has a well-earned reputation for patience and driving hard bargains in trade talks, so this situation could take a while to resolve. Hellebuyck's contract could also be a stumbling block. He's signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a full no-movement clause.

Stats via NHL.com. Contract info via PuckPedia.