Although the Olympic roster freeze is in effect until February 22, the March 6th NHL Trade Deadline will leave little time for moves once play resumes. That means the league could see a flurry of moves in a short amount of time, ensuring max chaos and potentially multiple stars donning new sweaters.
Calgary Flames Could Host A Fire Sale Before NHL Trade Deadline 
Feb 4, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Calgary Flames could land the first overall pick in the 2026 Draft. Their recent focus, though, has shifted toward finding new homes for top players Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman.
Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million extension before the 2022–23 season but has surfaced in trade rumors amid a potential Calgary fire sale. The veteran has become a top target recently, leading the team in points and assists through 56 games. Kadri has been rumored to be open to a trade if the Flames can find the right deal. His offensive ability changes the playoff scope if he lands with someone like the Dallas Stars.Â
Like Kadri, Blake Coleman has been at the forefront of trade rumors over the past few weeks. The 34-year-old does have a 10-team no-trade list as part of his contract. The hope, though, is that they will trade him if they can secure the right package. Coleman’s six-year, 29,400,000 dollar deal is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, and there hasn’t been much talk of an extension as of late. There are plenty of teams in need of wingers that can impact the game as much as Coleman does, so his market could be pretty busy as the deadline approaches.
New York Rangers Looking To Offload Ahead Of NHL Trade Deadline 
Jan 28, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers shocked the hockey world when they traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, but it doesn’t seem like they are done flipping players. The team put out a memo two weeks ago, preparing fans for a retooling of sorts to come, which has evidently started with Panarin.Â
The next player that could be on the block for the team is Vincent Trocheck, who will have the ability to improve his stock during the Olympics. The 32-year-old is in the middle of a seven-year contract that expires at the end of the 2028-29 season, giving teams the ability to trade for a long-term deal.
Trocheck, a 13-year veteran, brings a lot to the table for teams who might find themselves in need of a center. Trocheck played in all 82 games from 2022-23 to 2024-25 before being hounded by injury this season, but he can still impact the game at a high level.
The center has seen a dip in production this year (much like the entirety of the Rangers’ roster), but he can still be a valuable asset to a contender. His 36 points through 43 games are tied for the third most in New York behind former teammate Panarin (57) and Mika Zibanejad (52). With that said, Trocheck’s stat line is good enough that the Rangers will be able to sell if they find the right deal.
St. Louis Blues Duo Could Be Traded As NHL Trade Deadline Looms 
Jan 3, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) reacts after scoring a shorthanded goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Blues haven’t had the season they envisioned, hoisting a 20-28-9 record and sitting at the bottom of the Central Division ahead of the break. The team’s unfortunate play could cause them to be sellers at the NHL trade deadline, with Robert Thomas and Justin Faulk drawing attention.Â
Thomas has been one of the best players in St. Louis for a couple of years now. He could, however, be on his way out if the Blues decide to fully commit to a rebuild. The forward is in the midst of an eight-year contract worth $65,000,000, signed in 2022. The longevity of his deal can allow teams to lock down a solid offensive presence for years to come, something St. Louis will want a nice return for.Â
Admittedly, Thomas is having a bit of a down year with 33 points through 42 games; that could very well be due to the Blues’ play. The veteran could be what a few contenders need to push them over the edge offensively, so look for his name to get tossed around more as the deadline gets closer.Â
Like Thomas, Faulk has been named in trade rumors. The defenseman has one-and-a-half seasons remaining on the seven-year deal he signed in 2020. The Blues, therefore, are looking to get something for him before he leaves or retires. The defenseman has been the best blue liner of the team this season with 30 points through 57 games. In addition to his production, Faulk’s off-puck movement makes him a valuable asset to teams that are lacking in that department.
End Of My NHL Trade Deadline Rant Â
The NHL trade deadline this year is going to be chaotic, whether fans like it or not. There are just 12 days between the return to play and the deadline, meaning teams will have to make moves faster than usual. A lot will change between now and the deadline based on the moves that have been made and the names being tossed around, but it could be fun.Â
Trade deadlines have a way of making or breaking teams, and I’m ready to see how everything shakes out afterward. There will be heartbreak, disappointment, and frustration, but those feelings will be accompanied by joy, hope, and excitement. That’s what makes sports so special: you never know what you’re going to get.