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Three Centers Who Could Be Traded As Freeze Approaches

As the 2025-26 NHL season unfolds and the March 6th trade deadline approaches, a handful of veteran centers are drawing increased attention…. With the center market thin and teams desperate for depth down the middle, players like Brayden Schenn, Steven Stamkos, and Ryan O’Reilly could be valuable additions for contenders….and valuable departures for rebuilding clubs.

Brayden Schenn has long been a stalwart two-way player.  He won a Cup with the Blues in 2019…He combines size, grit, and leadership with dependable defensive instincts and the ability to still chip in offensively.

Blues GM, Doug Armstrong, has reportedly been “testing the market” quietly  as St. Louis struggles near the bottom of the standings With a He is their captain and has 15-team no-trade list.  However if there’s one thing you can say about Armstrong is that he’s not afraid to make a move and loves to move players before it’s too late.  Mollys reminded of the Kevin Shattenkirk trade.  You’re still a major player at the time but they weren’t going to re-sign him.   Many people thought he wouldn’t be moved though because the blues were in a playoff spot at the time of the deadline…  Doug Armstrong had no problem moving him because losing him for nothing was not worth the risk of a possible playoff run.

 mid-round pick + prospects

Toronto(e2), NJ(e3), Philly(e2), and NY Islanders(e3), Kings (e2)

Once one of the NHL’s premier scorers, his game has entered a twilight phase. For the best thing you can say about him is he is still Steven Stamkos.   He is a relentless leader who could teach a team with young players to take the next step. He definitely plays better at the more competitive things get at this point in his career.  Still a finisher with a deadly one-timer and power-play presence… If I had a young team that was in the playoffs right now I would jump all over Stamkos…W

Rumors this season have linked Stamkos to teams like Montreal and Carolina…as clubs look to add finishing talent, but it’s unclear whether he’ll waive his no-movement clause…Vancouver had interest before the Hughes deal…

A second, a roster player and more depending on retention…

Montreal(e4), NY Rangers(e3), Flyers (e2), Capitals (e4), Canes (e3)

Ryan O’Reilly remains one of the league’s most respected two-way centers. A Conn Smythe Trophy winner, he offers a rare blend of shutdown ability, faceoff expertise, playoff experience, and leadership — qualities that contenders covet in the postseason. His *$4.5M cap hit* through 2026-27 makes him especially attractive on the trade market.([Bleacher Report][2])

With Nashville sliding and the organization looking to get younger, O’Reilly has generated consistent trade interest, and rival teams have been watching closely. A lot of scouts…. Nashville should be able to get a first round pick for him, and my guess is the Press are going to hold out till the trade deadline to get the most possible because he really is a unicorn right now among players that could be available

A first, a prospect and maybe even a roster player…

Detroit(e4) Minnesota (e3), Florida (e2), Ottawa (e2), Flyers (e3)

9NY Rangers(e3), Florida (e2), Ottawa (e2)