Nikita Kucherov, Dylan Larkin and the NHL Trade Block Big Board for November 2026

The first month of the 2026-27 NHL regular season is history, but it also came with a pair of big trades.

A blockbuster deal occurred just before we published our October NHL Trade Block Big Board, when the Columbus Blue Jackets shipped Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies. Both had featured in our previous trade boards.

On Oct. 23, a more prominent player from our October board finally moved, as the Winnipeg Jets traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner topped every one of our trade boards since July.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has also featured prominently on our trade boards since he went public with his trade request in June. Recent rumors suggest he could be the next noteworthy star to be moved in an early-season blockbuster, which is becoming the norm this season.

At least, that's how it looked until Oct. 30, when it was reported that Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov wouldn't sign an extension and had requested a trade.

Larkin is among the few players from our previous board to make it onto our November board. Most have dropped out of the rumor mill as speculation focused on other players throughout October. Meanwhile, Alexander Nikishin was dropped after signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Follow along to see which other notable players joined Larkin and Kucherov in the rumor mill over the past month. As always, the players' skills, experience, contracts, and likelihood of being moved factored into our compilation.

15. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks

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As the Vancouver Canucks rebuild their roster, Elias Pettersson has frequently appeared on our previous NHL Trade Boards. However, his declining production over the past three seasons and his expensive contract made the 27-year-old center unlikely to be dealt.

However, Pettersson has looked rejuvenated this season. The Canucks are at the bottom of the standings, but his all-around performance has made him one of their few bright spots. His point-per-game production has made him their leading scorer.

On Oct. 5, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province suggested Pettersson's play could improve his value in the trade market. He also felt that he could be worthwhile for the Canucks to retain, pointing out that he could be helpful in the development of their promising young center.

Sportsnet's Michael Amato felt that Pettersson's $11.6 million average annual value might not be as burdensome because of the rising salary cap. The limited number of available centers in the trade market could also make him more enticing as a trade candidate, provided he's willing to waive his no-movement clause.

14. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski was the subject of trade chatter in late June following reports that he was considering his future. He was reportedly close to being shipped to the Dallas Stars until he and general manager Don Waddell released statements reiterating his commitment to the club.

That silenced the speculation for several months. However, the Blue Jackets' inconsistent performance throughout October prompted Sportsnet's Michael Amato to ponder the effect that another potentially lost season could have on the reigning Norris Trophy winner's future in Columbus.

Werenski is signed through 2027-28, but the Blue Jackets can open extension talks next July. However, Amato thinks they're running out of time to convince the 29-year-old blueliner to stay in Columbus.

Amato envisioned a scenario where Werenski requests a trade before the March 1 trade deadline. That's a possibility worth considering if the Blue Jackets fail to rise among the playoff contenders this season.

13. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild

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Uncertainty over Quinn Hughes' future with the Minnesota Wild earned him a spot on our last two Trade Boards. Wild general manager Bill Guerin said in September that he would give the 27-year-old superstar defenseman all the time he needed to make his decision.

Hughes can become an unrestricted free agent next July and would be among the biggest names in the UFA market. He's in the final season of a six-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.9 million. As an elite NHL defenseman, he could command over $20 million annually on his next contract.

On Oct. 1, Wild beat writers Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic suggested that Guerin would have to consider moving Hughes by the March 1 trade deadline if he remains unsigned. It would be "the nightmare scenario," considering how much Guerin gave up in future assets to acquire Hughes last season.

Fast-forward to Oct. 27, when Guerin told a local radio station he hadn't held contract talks with Hughes for some time, adding that he wasn't going to try to beg the blueliner to sign. That won't mollify nervous Wild fans or silence the conjecture about his immediate future.

12. Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers

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The Philadelphia Flyers' hopes of building on last season's surprising playoff appearance have crashed back to earth following a 3-8-4 record in their first 15 games. That poor start has their followers wondering what general manager Daniel Briere will do to get them back on the winning track.

On Oct. 13, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported that sources claimed some within the organization were frustrated over Konecny's performance. It was suggested the 28-year-old winger could be approached about waiving his no-movement clause if the club failed to improve.

Di Marco followed up a week later, saying the Flyers had to address their logjam of wingers. While Owen Tippett drew the most interest around the league, Di Marco felt that was because of Konecny's NMC, adding that the latter had more value as the better all-around player.

However, Flyers beat writer Kevin Kurz of The Athletic considered it "incredibly unlikely" that Konecny would be traded in the near future, citing his value to the team as well as his contract and no-movement protection. Nevertheless, one can't fully dismiss the possibility given where the Flyers are right now.

11. Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Erik Karlsson frequently appeared on our NHL Trade Block Big Boards over the past two seasons, with the latest in September. At that time, the 36-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman was linked to the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, depending on how the season unfolded for all three clubs.

With the Penguins struggling through October, Karlsson has resurfaced in the rumor mill. On Oct. 23, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that general manager Kyle Dubas was listening to offers on some of his veteran players, including Karlsson.

Despite his age, Karlsson could draw some interest in the trade market. He's in the final season of his contract and is having a strong offensive performance with a team-leading 16 points. However, his contract remains a major sticking point, carrying a $10 million cap hit with a full no-movement clause.

Karlsson probably won't be moved this early in the season, but that could change if the Penguins sink lower in the standings. Nevertheless, interested clubs might prefer a trade later in the season when most of his salary has been paid.

10. Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks' rebuilding process made earned winger Jake DeBrusk the No. 13 spot on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board. Given the Canucks' current position at the bottom of the standings, DeBrusk could resurface more frequently in the rumor mill as the season progresses.

DeBrusk, 30, is signed through 2030-31. He carries an average annual value of $5.5 million, which is now an affordable rate for a top-six winger. This is the final season that he has a full no-movement clause, as it shifts to a 15-team no-trade list next July.

With eight points in 14 games, DeBrusk is off to a decent start to this season. On Oct. 12, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province reported that the veteran winger was working on other aspects of his game, including doing more without the puck and using his speed more effectively on the forecheck.

Kuzma suggested that the improvement in DeBrusk's overall game could bolster his stock in the trade market. That could make him a player to watch as teams start shopping for an experienced scoring winger.

9. Zach Whitecloud, Calgary Flames

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The Calgary Flames' ongoing roster rebuild put defenseman Zach Whitecloud at No. 5 on our October NHL Trade Block Big Board. His shutdown defensive game, Stanley Cup experience, and affordable $2.8 million average annual value through 2027-28 made him an enticing trade candidate.

On Oct. 15, Daily Faceoff's Mike Gould had Whitecloud atop his list of the Flames' trade assets. The extra year on his contract meant management could afford to wait for the right offers, but Gould believes the blueliner's trade value will never be higher than it is right now.

Eleven days later, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that Flames general manager Craig Conroy has received calls about Whitecloud. However, he doesn't want to lose the blueliner's experience and skill. He also noted that Whitecloud loves playing in Calgary and has bought into the Flames rebuild.

Conroy could re-sign Whitecloud next summer if the latter remains committed to helping the Flames. However, a significant trade offer could prove too tempting to pass up.

8. Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Trade rumors have dogged winger Rickard Rakell since the summer of 2025. The 33-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins winger earned a spot on our August NHL Trade Targets Big Board.

Given the Pittsburgh Penguins' inconsistent play through October, Rakell resurfaced in the rumor mill. On Oct. 17, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Penguins were willing to move a veteran player in exchange for draft picks.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now speculated that Rakell could be one of those veterans. On Oct. 23, TSN's Darren Dreger mentioned that Rakell was among the veterans the Penguins were willing to move.

Rakell is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million. He also has an eight-team no-trade list. There's no indication yet that he'll be moved soon, but that could change if the Penguins keep struggling in the standings.

7. Morgan Frost, Calgary Flames

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For the past two seasons, the Calgary Flames have shipped out veteran players for younger talent as part of their roster rebuild. That's why center Morgan Frost landed at the No. 10 position on our September NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Frost, 27, is in the final season of his two-year contract. He has an average annual value of $4.4 million and an eight-team no-trade list. His offensive skills could make him a tempting trade target if he plays well this season, especially given the lack of skilled centers in the trade market.

On Oct. 15, Daily Faceoff's Mike Gould placed Frost among the top tier of his ranking of the Flames' trade candidates. He cited Frost's consistency as a 40-point producer, which could draw interest from teams looking for a middle-six center.

However, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on Oct. 26 that Frost is in the age category where he could still have a future with the Flames. General manager Craig Conroy is interested in re-signing Frost, but could shop him at some point before the trade deadline if he intends to go to market next summer.

6. Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh Penguins

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After exceeding expectations by reaching the playoffs last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins entered this season hoping to build on that performance. Instead, they've stumbled through the opening month and are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

On Oct. 17, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Penguins were willing to move a veteran forward for draft picks to provide more room for younger players. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now suggested winger Bryan Rust could be a trade candidate.

Rust, 33, has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill since the summer of 2025, including in our August NHL Trade Targets Big Board. He's signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.13 million and lacks no-trade protection.

On Oct. 23, TSN's Darren Dreger mentioned Rust was among the players the Penguins were listening on. His lack of no-trade protection would make him easier to move than the other teammates on this list.

5. Ivan Miroshnichenko, Washington Capitals

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Thanks to offseason additions Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, the Washington Capitals have considerable depth on their wings this season. However, it's also made it difficult for promising Ivan Miroshnichenko to crack the lineup.

Miroshnichenko, 22, was chosen 20th overall by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Draft. The additions of Tuch and Kyrou, and the emergence of wingers Aliaksei Protas and Ryan Leonard, have limited him to three games this season. He's in the second year of a two-year contract worth an affordable $925,000 annually.

On October 24, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Capitals permitted Miroshnichenko and his agent to speak with other NHL clubs. Four days later, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claimed the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, and Seattle Kraken were interested.

Rebuilding teams like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Calgary can give Miroshnichenko more playing time. Meanwhile, the Kraken are on the lookout for players who can help them offensively.

4. Dmitri Voronkov, Columbus Blue Jackets

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On the eve of the opening night of this regular season, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Matthew Knies in a blockbuster deal. However, that move did little to improve their fortunes, as their play was inconsistent in October.

Those difficulties sparked speculation that another Blue Jackets winger could be a trade candidate. On Oct. 22, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that some teams had called to express interest in Dmitri Voronkov.

The 26-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. He's in the second season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.18 million. The 6'5", 230-pounder is a big, physical forward who had a career high of 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 2024-25.

LeBrun couldn't say if Voronkov would be traded, but he claimed the Blue Jackets were listening. His situation bears watching as November rolls along, especially if the Jackets struggle to gain ground in the standings.

3. Simon Edvinsson, Detroit Red Wings

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Contract talks between the Detroit Red Wings and Simon Edvinsson took an ominous turn on Oct. 3, when Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the restricted free-agent defenseman preferred a trade.

It's been frequently reported that Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff's priority is re-signing the 23-year-old Edvinsson. Nevertheless, Horcoff is also reportedly fielding calls from clubs interested in the skillful young blueliner.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun claimed the Sharks and Boston Bruins were among 10 teams pursuing Edvinsson. The Hockey News' Eric Cruickshank listed the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential suitors. Sportsnet's Frank Seravalli felt he'd be a good fit with the Philadelphia Flyers.

On Oct. 30, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Sharks, Blues, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, and Seattle Kraken "took a long look" at Edvinsson. He also reported that the Sharks made a serious offer that was rejected by the Red Wings.

The 5 pm ET deadline on Dec. 1 for signing restricted free agents hangs over this situation. If Edvinsson remains unsigned by then, he'll be eligible to play in the NHL for the remainder of the season.

2. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

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The first month of this season has had its share of surprises, from the Marchenko-for-Knies blockbuster move on the eve of opening night, Connor Hellebuyck's trade to the New Jersey Devils, and Dylan Larkin sitting out on the Detroit Red Wings awaiting a trade.

However, no one saw Nikita Kucherov's trade request coming. The day before Halloween, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the 33-year-old superstar winger didn't intend to sign an extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning and asked to be traded.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kucherov is also a two-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy (including last season) and the Ted Lindsay Award, and a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner. He's in the final season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a 10-team trade list.

Friedman also noted a statement from Lightning general manager Julian BriseBois claiming his club "unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita." Meanwhile, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that Kucherov intends to continue playing with the Lightning while this situation plays out.

LeBrun's colleague Chris Johnston stated that sources claimed Kucherov sought a six-year contract extension worth a $20 million AAV. Evidently, the Lightning aren't comfortable paying that much for that long. LeBrun said his trade request is not a ploy to make the Bolts meet his price.

Despite the Lightning's statement, we can't rule out the possibility that they'll change their minds by the March 1 trade deadline. Given Kucherov's stature among the league's elite stars, his first-ever appearance on our trade boards earns him the No. 2 spot.

1. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

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Following Connor Hellebuyck's trade from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings takes over the top spot on our NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Throughout October, Larkin's trade request made him a frequent subject of media speculation. On Oct. 29, the Red Wings announced they had suspended him without pay, saying he had informed the team that he would no longer play for the organization. His agent, Pat Brisson, separately said Larkin had "had enough of the situation" and had been "very professional and cooperative" throughout the process.

Larkin expanded his trade list to 10 teams in October. They include the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Minnesota Wild have pushed the hardest to acquire him. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that they've offered center Danila Yurov, a veteran player, and several first-round picks.

LeBrun doesn't see the Capitals as a fit, while the Panthers haven't made any inquiries. His colleague, Chris Johnston, said most of the teams on Larkin's list either have enough centers, lack salary-cap space, or don't believe that it's the right time to make that sort of move.

According to LeBrun, there are teams not on Larkin's list, like the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens, that are interested in Larkin. On Oct. 31, Friedman said it's believed he could make changes to his list by removing some teams or adding others.

Stats and standings (as of Nov.1, 2026) via NHL.com and Hockey-Reference.com. Contract and salary-cap info via PuckPedia.