The 2026 NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the rumor mill is spinning at full speed. With playoff positioning taking shape and several teams facing difficult contract decisions, this year's deadline could feature some of the biggest moves in recent memory.
Here is our definitive ranking of the top 10 players most likely to be traded before the deadline.
10. Trevor Zegras — Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks' rebuild has not progressed as quickly as hoped, and Zegras has become a name that keeps surfacing in trade conversations. His creative offensive skillset would make him an attractive addition for any contender looking to add dynamic playmaking ability.
Potential destinations include the New York Rangers, who need a second-line center, and the Minnesota Wild, who have been searching for offensive upgrades.
9. Brady Tkachuk — Ottawa Senators
While trading a captain is always controversial, the Senators' inconsistent play has raised questions about the team's direction. Tkachuk's combination of skill, physicality, and leadership would fetch an enormous return on the trade market.
8. Jakob Chychrun — Washington Capitals
Chychrun has proven he can be a top-4 defenseman when healthy, and several contenders are looking to bolster their blue line for a playoff push. His skating ability and offensive upside make him particularly attractive to teams looking for a left-shot defenseman.
7. Patrik Laine — Montreal Canadiens
Laine's elite shot and scoring ability make him one of the most intriguing trade targets available. The Canadiens could leverage his talent for significant draft capital and prospects to accelerate their rebuild.
6. J.T. Miller — Vancouver Canucks
The situation in Vancouver has become increasingly complicated, and Miller's name has been a constant presence in trade discussions. His versatility and playoff experience make him a highly coveted rental target.
5. Elias Pettersson — Vancouver Canucks
Perhaps the most surprising name on this list, but the Canucks' front office has reportedly entertained offers for their star center. A Pettersson trade would be a franchise-altering move and could net Vancouver a massive haul of assets.
Why Pettersson Could Actually Be Moved
Despite his elite talent, the combination of contract demands and the team's current trajectory has created a scenario where trading Pettersson might make long-term sense for the organization. Multiple teams with significant cap space have already made preliminary inquiries.
4. Ivan Demidov — Montreal Canadiens
The highly touted prospect has been the subject of intense trade speculation. While the Canadiens would prefer to keep Demidov as the centerpiece of their rebuild, an offer that includes multiple first-round picks and an NHL-ready player could be too good to refuse.
3. Mitch Marner — Toronto Maple Leafs
As we've reported extensively, the Leafs are actively exploring trade options for Marner. With contract negotiations stalled and the trade deadline approaching, a deal feels increasingly inevitable.
2. Leon Draisaitl — Edmonton Oilers
Wait, what? Yes, sources indicate that the Oilers have quietly gauged the market for Draisaitl, whose contract situation has created uncertainty. While a trade remains unlikely, the fact that Edmonton is even exploring the possibility speaks volumes about the current state of the franchise.
1. Multiple Rental Players
The biggest category of trade deadline activity will involve pending unrestricted free agents on non-contending teams. Players like veteran defensemen and depth forwards on expiring contracts will be the most actively traded assets in the final days before the deadline.
The Bottom Line
This trade deadline has the potential to reshape the NHL landscape for years to come. With several star players potentially available, teams with cap space and prospect capital are in an enviable position to make franchise-defining acquisitions.
Follow NHL Trade Rumors Talk for real-time updates as the deadline approaches. Bookmark this page — we will be adding live updates as new information becomes available.
