Jan 28, 2026
3 min read
The action has accelerated as the NHL goes into an Olympic trade freeze and teams have not shipped out players.
NHL players are all sold.
They helped generate a steady decline in business activity ahead of the 18-day freeze on the Olympic schedule for the Cortina Games in Milan, which begin on February 4.
The New York Rangers are expected to trade Carson Soucy across town to the New York Islanders on Monday.The Vancouver Canucks dealt unrestricted free agent Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks last week.And the Calgary Flames traded Rasmus Anderson to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Each of those teams has additional units to play and sits comfortably on our big board, which includes nine new goals to bring the total to 40.
As always, players are asked how close to look based on their potential impact and the amount of current that can be heard around them.
Note: Network ratings and market values by dom luszczyzyn's formula are indicated for the entire season based on statistics until January-Hockey, until PUCKPEDIA.
Players of this quality are rarely traded mid-season in the NHL, but the Rangers have made it clear they will not sign the pending unrestricted free agent to a new contract and want to move him to a destination of his choosing.He has been New York's leading point producer in each of the seven seasons since arriving on Broadway and remains one of the NHL's elite playmakers.Panarin is also a serious scoring threat, as evidenced by his recent '37 and '49 seasons.He's got devastating offensive power, plain and simple.Thanks to the no-movement clause included in his contract, he also gained full control over the commercial process.
An impact center on both sides of the puck, Trocheck's game has been on a level that earned him a spot on the USA team for the Olympics next month.Known for playing with grit and determination, he has the tools to play in all positions and can handle tough, tough minutes.He is considered the leader of the Rangers and represents the first chip to play in the retool.His contract includes a list of 12 unsold clubs, however.
Kane has been bitten since leaving his home team in the Offseason, and his departure now appears to accelerate.Among teams facing the second chance, Kane has the most interest in his physical brand of play, where the Dallas Stars roam.He remains a scary presence that he is not afraid to go to difficult areas of the ice, although it brings some bags.It was also played in the two finalists of the Stanley Cup.
Rival scouts started hearing Wright's name in the rumor mill during the Junior Championship earlier this month.The 2022 fourth-round pick is still in development, but his offensive output has dipped since a 19-goal, 44-point campaign last season.Wright profiles as an intriguing two-way center and is likely to be moved only if a player with similar upside returns to Seattle.The Kraken like their organizational depth in the middle and are looking for a game-breaking winger.
Nothing is off the table in St. Louis, including a potential deal that would involve the team's top center.How likely that is depends on how you interpret the fact that his name is starting to float again in conversations with competing teams.Thomas has taken a bit of a dip in production this season, but he is coming off back-to-back campaigns in which he topped 80 points.He has strong talent and vision., and he can face tough competition every night.Thomas would need a serious offer to land him early in his career, but the Blues are open for business.
An excellent skater and defensively solid winger, the puck is usually directed in a positive direction when Coleman is on the ice.He's a 20-goal scorer who has been dangerous on the penalty kill over the years and ideally sits on the third line of a top team — as he did for the Lightning while winning Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.It's the kind of improvement that raises the bar for a contender.However, the Flames are not sure they are ready to part with him.
Trade talks have cooled off since Hamilton returned to the Devils lineup earlier this month after being healthy, but he still has plenty of opportunities.New Jersey is looking to free up cap space for other moves, and Hamilton no longer has a full trade clause in his contract.He's a mobile right-shooting guard who's playing over 21 minutes a night this season.His passing ability isn't what it used to be, but the puck is still going in the right direction.Moves when he's on the ice.As a bonus, the actual amount in Hamilton's contract is less than the cap price associated with the deal.
As the Jets continue to scratch near the bottom of the NHL standings, Schenn should be one of the easiest pieces to move on.The big right-shooting defenseman may not return the value Winnipeg placed on him at last year's deadline (second- and fourth-round picks were given to Pittsburgh), but he still has plenty of utility as a depth defenseman.Schenn played in 1,100 NHL games, effectively protecting the area around the net and always putting his body into action as a shot blocker.Bada is a veteran.He is also a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Kadri is a fierce competitor who already has a Stanley Cup ring with a rare combination of aggressiveness and fearlessness.He doesn't back down from adversity and seems to elevate his game when he's at the top of his game.It's no wonder the Flames have no interest in the center who has three seasons left on his contract.However, Kadri is high up and still has a lot to contribute, so the big question here is whether he can be patient on the show.reconstruction.
The 23-year-old is coming off a great season as part of the duo in Minnesota but finds himself on this list because of the tremendous value he could bring back in a trade.The Wild have Philip Gustavson signed through 2031 and will at least listen to interest in Volstadt, according to The Athletic's Michael Russo.For this to work, Minnesota will need to bring back a front lineman.But after parting ways with other A+ assets to acquire Kevin Hughes in December, the Wild are looking to make another big move before the deadline.ready to do
A big center who recently hit the 1,000-game milestone, Coyle had a nice comeback season in Columbus.Returning to the type of production consistent with his best years in Boston has helped generate a lot of interest in the pending unrestricted free agent.Coyle is an adaptable center who can handle tough assignments and brings plenty of Stanley Cup playoff experience.There are already expressions of interest.
Kotkaniemi has lost control of his everyday roster spot with the Hurricanes, which makes him an interesting trade candidate given his age and the position he plays.The biggest red flag is that after a player was evaluated based on his 200-foot ability, he saw his driving decline significantly this season.Kotkaniemi's often inconsistent offensive numbers are going in the wrong direction.
The well-travelled 20-goal man has a penchant for getting under opponents' skins with high-energy play.Bunting isn't afraid to get involved in puck battles and is suited to play alongside high-profile teammates because he can help win it back.He is a pending unrestricted free agent who is having a pretty productive season.
Big, strong and experienced, Murphy has produced strong defensive results under less than favorable conditions for the Blackhawks in recent years.The ideal deal comes with an expiring contract that should be easy to move, especially given the few options available in free agents next summer.This is a time of change in Chicago, so roster flexibility is paramount.
The Jets have invested nearly a decade in Stanley's development and have seen him thrive with an uptick in scoring to back up the gritty, physical game you'd expect from the 6-foot-7 defenseman.Unafraid to drop the gloves to protect teammates and basically unmatched across the league in range, Stanley is in position to cash in with a contract worth $25 million or more this summer.That's why Winnipeg has a decision to make: does it want to be the team that offers that deal, or is it time to cash in on its investment by putting him on the market?The Jets still haven't gotten very far in contract negotiations.
McMahon is on pace for a second straight 20-goal season and will be looking for a raise in his next contract, possibly above what the Leafs are happy to pay.He skates very well for a guy his size and has written a great story of perseverance that he hadn't written before his promotion from the ECHL.As the Leafs move further away from the playoff fence and head toward a sale, he will be one of the more easily converted players into future assets.
Fit does not work in Edmonton, where Mangiapane becomes a habit to start with little success.His 35-goal scoring season in 2021-22 is now a fond memory and his defensive influence is a cause for concern.However, he scored a solid 13 goals in Washington last season and was also deployed as a penalty taker on the league's fifth-best unit.Mangiapane has a completely immobile phrase but will be open to helping the Oilers find him new opportunities.
A heart-on-contest center who has spent his entire NHL career in Columbus, Jenner faces an uncertain future as he plays out an expiring contract.He is not afraid to go to difficult areas of the ice and can put the puck in the net, which are attractive traits to sell if the Blue Jackets are later sellers.Bodies
A big wing with the ability to play up and down the lineup, Mikheev brings a fair amount of versatility to his game.He has been used as a penalty killer throughout his NHL career and has short-handed scoring potential.Mikheyev is not only a pending UFA, but 15 percent of his contract was carried by the Vancouver Canucks in a previous trade, so the cap on his contract is eligible to be reduced.
Nashville's form is nowhere near what Marchessault envisioned when he signed with the club in July 2024. Still, he scored 21 goals last season - his lowest tally in the 2015-16 season, spanning 82 games - and it looks like he'll be a good bet to return to his previous goalscoring levels if paired with a center who can score.A 2023 Conn Trophy winner, Smythe boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff appearances.Additionally, hitting Marchessault's cap should become even more enjoyable with age.
Before Kiro's name became official on July 1, which had been floating around in the rumor mill, he suddenly resurfaced in November with a healthy streak.Although his production is a shadow of his usual level, Crowe is still a weapon to covet – a brilliant playmaker with coverage speed, vision and creativity.So far he doesn't seem to want a change of scenery, and this could be a season of sea change in St. Louis.
The Bruins are serious about landing Rasmus Anderson, which would almost certainly force Peeke out of town as an unrestricted free agent.He remains a trade chip for a rebuilding organization on the fly.PK is a shifty right tackle who excels in the defensive aspects of the game.Although he is 6-foot-1, he is not known for being overly physical.
Falk has remained a consistent and durable player and is still logging more than 22 minutes per night in his 15th NHL season.Known as a five-on-five defender who is quite offensive, he usually keeps things moving.Falk is a right shot capable of playing on both ends of the ice.As an added bonus, his contract is front-loaded, meaning he is owed less from the cap hits he now has over the past two seasons.has come down
Returning from muscle surgery that limited him to just five games this season, Laine does not appear to have a future with the Canadiens.They don't have a clear spot for him on the roster and appear ready to opt out of his contract to free up needed room for other moves.Although Laine is no longer the revolutionary talent that took the NHL by storm a decade ago, he still possesses an excellent shot and remains a serious threat on the power play.
Pettersson played at a higher level than last season, even though his name was first floated in trade rumors, but he remains a far cry from the player he was when Vancouver signed him to an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in March 2024.This obviously affected his trade value.Still, Petersson's former elite offensive lineman makes him an attractive proposition for some, especially given that his asking price shouldn't be too high.The Canucks' biggest concern when considering a trade for Petterson is whether he can flourish again in a new environment.
The future Hall of Famer has been hot after a slow start and has already surpassed the 20 goal mark for the 16th time in his career.It remains to be seen how that affects his trade value.The Predators are hanging around in the Western Conference playoff race, but that doesn't change the fact that they plan to start getting younger with the roster.Stamkos filling the net with his lethal shooting is promising for potential prospects, especially a center in Nashville.because he is not in the best position to maximize his scoring ability.A potential Stamkos trade comes with some complications: He owns a no-movement clause, and the Predators would have to retain salary to make it work.
Schnider is a free messenger in the same, that is the one who claims a rangers to separate ways with a player in the club.But they open those conversations now.Schnider's right handed with a great deal of good and all his eyes need to be a fourth option on top.A big shop in using this package to do something about the stats defensive, so there is a place to improve his game.
A prototypical defensive player who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing physical, Benoit has endured some rough times lately.The Leafs have plenty of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value on a friendly deal next season.This is the main reason why his name has been floating around recently.What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has a lot of anger.
Dickinson, a defensive-first center adept at crushing opponents, is ideal for a back-six role in a strong team.He put up strong baseline metrics for the Blackhawks this season despite getting a steady diet of starts in the defensive zone.While Dickinson doesn't draw much offense, he can solidify the line of stoppage and add value as a penalty killer.He plays even after his contract expires.He was.
There has been no progress on a contract extension since Jarmo Kekalainen was named Sabers GM, but there is no reason to do anything to dampen the mood around the club.As a result, Tuch could find himself "his hire" as Buffalo chases its first playoff appearance in 15 years.He is a big and fast striker with the ability to put the ball in the net.The unrestricted free agent is looking for a big raise and can't be completely ruled out as a trade candidate.
Binnington hit a late January start with the NHL's worst goaltending total, including a 16.9 shutout that held the record until Jan. 26, the last time in the league.It was also a bad reflection for the Blues.It includes 14 non-commercial teams and runs until the end of the following season.
The veteran projects as a solid defensive lineman.Traded midseason to Pittsburgh as a cap casualty in the Tristan Jarry-Stuart Skinner deal, he was a strong candidate to be re-signed at the trade deadline as an unrestricted free agent.What you see is what you get from Kulak, who has played a key supporting role in Edmonton's playoff run for the past four seasons.He is a penalty enforcer and has been deployed at both ends of the ice in the past.
The Sharks have explored a short-term contract extension with Ferraro, but so far those talks have not progressed much.If that doesn't change they will need to evaluate their eligibility to trade before the deadline.Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who has the ability to produce good numbers on a more complete team.He's a good puck mover and penalty killer with a competitive streak to match.
Garland signed a six-year deal with the Canucks last summer, but saw the team need to rebuild.He is a strong skater and is not afraid to slide down on opponents despite his small size.More of a playmaker than a scorer, he's very good at putting together pieces that can be counted on to produce a 50-point pace.Teams want a player, but the way this type of contract works out works better over time.
Schenn's name was the focus of trade discussions last season, and since then he has turned his no-trade clause into a 15-team no-trade list, giving him little control over the process.Schenn's offensive output is higher than usual, but he should maintain value as a reliable center who can impact the game at both ends of the ice.He has 22 goals and 54 points in 82 games in his 17-year NHL career.
The Rangers' roster is full of wings, and they are evaluating the market for these players, including Othmann, the 16th pick in the 2021 draft. While they don't have the ability to move him, they would be willing to part with him at a good price.Othmann was unable to complete training camp with the Rangers before being sent to Hartford of the AHL, and could use a new opportunity elsewhere.
A member of the Kraken's OG, Schwartz is in the promotion group for his final year with Seattle — along with captain Jordan Eberle and Elie Tolvanen, among others.It will carry the trade-in value if the Kraken goes on sale for the second straight year.A speedy, skilled winger coming off a 26-goal season, Schwartz played a little outside of his brilliance as he earned Stanley Cup honors in St. Louis.He broke the 20-point mark six times.
The Czech Olympian found the playing time he was looking for when he was signed by Vancouver in November, but the Canucks aren't going anywhere fast.Kämpf is a great fit as a fourth line center. He wins games and is a low maintenance defensive player.Neither team does much offensively during his minutes.
A strong skater with a nose for the net, Debrusk is a difference maker when he's on the game.But in quieter times these spaces have been reconsidered.Debrusk scored 28 goals in his first season with the Canucks, but he hasn't seen the net this year.Too much to eat on the bone is left with a contract that includes a no-movement clause, which certainly complicates things, but DeBrusk is at an age where players don't sit well.Competing teams are eligible for due diligence
O'Reilly does not have a no-movement clause, but the Predators will treat him as if he does.That means they won't trade their top center anywhere unless he's ready to go.O'Reilly is a great two-way center who can be counted on to contribute on offense and is capable of being a real differentiator for a contender.As an added bonus, he is a beast in the showdown circle.Where he goes will largely depend on whether Nashville can stay in the playoff race by the trade deadline.
