Devils and Flames The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is heating up as rumors swirl around New Jersey’s Dougie Hamilton and Calgary’s Nazem Kadri. Discover why the Devils are eyeing a massive roster shake-up and whether the Canadiens will finally pull the trigger on a veteran center to bolster their playoff push.
With the 2026 Olympic break nearing its end, the NHL trade market is reaching a fever pitch. General managers across the league are returning from Milano Cortina with one goal in mind: refining their rosters before the March 6 deadline. In New Jersey, the talk of the town is a potential “hockey trade” to wake up a struggling locker room. Meanwhile, in Calgary, the Flames are fielding calls on their veteran stars as they navigate a transition period. The next few weeks promise to be some of the most chaotic in recent memory.
NHL Trade Deadline 2026: Rumor Spotlight
| Player | Team | Rumored Suitors | Key Factor |
| Dougie Hamilton | New Jersey Devils | Toronto, Detroit | High cap hit ($9M), massive offensive upside |
| Nazem Kadri | Calgary Flames | Montreal, Dallas | 13-team no-trade list; $7M AAV through 2029 |
| Dawson Mercer | New Jersey Devils | Various | RFA status, high trade value, youth |
| Nick Bjugstad | New Jersey Devils | Acquired | Added size and depth at center |
New Jersey Devils: Is Dougie Hamilton Back on the Block?
The NHL rumor roundup has been dominated by the New Jersey Devils for weeks. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald made it clear that he isn’t afraid to move big pieces after acquiring veteran center Nick Bjugstad from St. Louis just before the Olympic freeze. Devils and Flames While Bjugstad adds much-needed size, the real “shake-up” could involve defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Earlier this season, Hamilton was reportedly being shopped to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. However, when star youngster Luke Hughes went down with a shoulder injury in late January, the Devils pulled Hamilton off the market. Now that Hughes is nearing a return post-Olympics, the NHL rumor roundup suggests Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit could be back on the table. Moving him would be a clear message to a team sitting nine points out of a wildcard spot: no one is safe.
The Dawson Mercer Dilemma
If the Devils decide that Hamilton’s contract is too difficult to move, attention may shift to Dawson Mercer. Unlike Hamilton, Mercer is only 24 and carries a more digestible $4 million cap hit. While the Devils aren’t “actively shopping” the young forward, insiders suggest that multiple teams have inquired about his availability.
Mercer represents exactly the kind of “hockey trade” asset Fitzgerald is looking for—someone who can return high-end talent or draft capital to help the team either win now or reload for 2027. Fans are divided, but in the world of the NHL rumor roundup, Mercer remains one of the most intriguing names to watch as the March 6 deadline approaches.
Calgary Flames: The Nazem Kadri Connection
North of the border, the Calgary Flames are the focus of intense speculation regarding Nazem Kadri. The 35-year-old center remains a productive offensive force, but the Flames appear open to a “futures” deal as they slide in the standings. According to the latest NHL rumor roundup, the Montreal Canadiens are the primary landing spot being discussed.
Kadri’s modified no-trade clause includes 13 teams, but sources indicate that Montreal is not on that list. In fact, reports suggest Kadri would welcome a move to the Habs. The sticking point? His contract runs through 2029 at $7 million per year. NHL rumor roundup While the Canadiens have a young core, adding a Stanley Cup champion like Kadri could provide the leadership needed for a deep run—provided the Flames are willing to retain some salary.
Montreal’s Evolving Needs: Kadri or a Winger?
While the NHL rumor roundup has tied the Canadiens to Kadri for months, the situation in Montreal is changing. The emergence of Oliver Kapanen and the reacquisition of Phillip Danault have stabilized their center depth. Some analysts now believe Montreal might pivot their focus toward a top-six right winger instead.
Contenders like the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild have also been linked to Kadri, creating a potential bidding war. If Calgary wants to maximize their return, they may need to decide between a “futures” package involving picks or a “hockey deal” NHL rumor roundup that brings back a roster player who can help them immediately.
Conclusion
As the Olympic flame fades, the heat of the trade market only intensifies. Whether it’s the Devils making a bold move to save their season or the Flames officially starting a new era by moving a veteran, the NHL rumor roundup proves that no roster is truly set in stone. Keep your eyes on the waiver wire and the transaction logs—the road to the Stanley Cup Playoffs goes through the trade desk this March.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline? The deadline is March 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
2. Why did the Devils pull Dougie Hamilton from the market earlier? He was taken off the block primarily due to a shoulder injury to Luke Hughes, which forced Hamilton into a more vital role on the blue line.
3. Does Nazem Kadri have a no-trade clause? Yes, Kadri has a modified no-trade clause with a 13-team list. Recent reports suggest Montreal is a destination he would accept.
4. Who did the Devils acquire recently? Just before the Olympic break, the Devils acquired 6-foot-6 center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues.
5. Are the Canadiens still interested in Kadri? While they have “modest interest,” their priorities may have shifted toward adding a winger following the strong play of their current centers.
