Top 5 NHL trade candidates for 2026 offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NHL trade deadline has officially passed, and it was a bit underwhelming. While the NHL saw multiple players moved, many of the top names in the rumor mill stayed put.
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While this is the case, there is a real chance that things could change on that front during the offseason. Sometimes teams have an easier time moving big-name players during the summer, and there will undoubtedly be some trade candidates to keep an eye on this summer because of it.
Due to this, let’s look at five players who have the potential to be dealt during the 2026 NHL offseason.
Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues
Robert Thomas was the biggest name in the rumor mill leading up to the deadline. The St. Louis Blues star center generated plenty of interest around the league, but he ultimately stayed put.
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Yet, with the Blues embracing a rebuild, it is very likely they will listen to offers for Thomas again this summer. Teams in need of a first-line center upgrade should be in the mix for the 26-year-old star.
Vincent Trocheck, C, New York Rangers
It was certainly surprising to see Vincent Trocheck not get traded by the New York Rangers ahead of the deadline. He was the Rangers’ top trade candidate and was even scratched for roster-related reasons before the deadline. However, he will be finishing the year with the Blueshirts.
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While the Rangers did not trade Trocheck at the deadline, they are likely to do so this summer. The Rangers are in a retool, and the 32-year-old Trocheck is their best trade chip. Thus, he will be a player to keep an eye on this summer.
Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks
It’s clear that Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson requires a change of scenery. The 27-year-old center has been the subject of trade speculation for multiple seasons now and could bounce back next season if given a fresh start elsewhere.
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Pettersson’s contract is a big obstacle in a potential offseason trade, though. This is because the skilled center has an $11.6 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-32 season. With this, the Canucks may need to retain some of his salary to move him. If they are open to it, teams in need of a top-six center could consider taking a chance on the former 102-point star.
MORE:Â Did Elias Pettersson get traded? Why Canucks decided on this path forward with Swedish center
Jordan Binnington, G, St. Louis Blues
Jordan Binnington has been the subject of trade rumors for a long time, including at the deadline. While the Blues decided to hang on to him for the rest of the season, he is another trade candidate on their roster worth paying attention to this summer.
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Teams in need of help between the pipes could consider pursuing Binnington, as he is well-known for stepping up in big moments. However, he has also had a nightmare 2025-26 season, as evidenced by his 9-18-6 record, .868 save percentage, and 3.55 goals-against average.
Dougie Hamilton, D, New Jersey Devils
It would not be surprising at all if the New Jersey Devils traded Dougie Hamilton this offseason. It is no secret that Hamilton wants a change of scenery, while the Devils would benefit by moving on from his $9 million cap hit.
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Teams looking for more offense from the point for their top four and power play could consider pursuing Hamilton. He is still an impactful defenseman when playing at his best, so he has the potential to generate interest this summer.
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