{"id":471086,"date":"2026-02-25T11:58:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/471086\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T11:58:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:58:42","slug":"nhl-trade-board-7-0-its-crunch-time-for-front-offices-across-the-continent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/471086\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL trade board 7.0: It\u2019s crunch time for front offices across the continent"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feb. 25, 2026 6:00 am EST<\/p>\n

The race to the NHL trade deadline is officially on.<\/p>\n

As teams return to action following the Olympic break, there\u2019s very little time left to make some big decisions. Each team has only a handful of games remaining before the trading window closes at 3 p.m. ET on March 6.<\/p>\n

The New York Rangers (Artemi Panarin), Calgary Flames (Rasmus Andersson) and Vancouver Canucks (Quinn Hughes) have already sold prime assets this season, but all three have more players available on the trade market.<\/p>\n

How many other teams end up joining them as aggressive sellers remains to be seen due to the league\u2019s bunched-up standings.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s crunch time for front offices across the continent. With that in mind, it\u2019s time to update the Big Board.<\/p>\n

As always, players are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.<\/p>\n

Note: Net Ratings and market values are via Dom Luszczyszyn\u2019s model and are projected for the full season. Goals saved above expected (GSAx) are via Evolving-Hockey. Contract info is via PuckPedia.<\/p>\n

Team Anaheim Ducks Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks Columbus Blue Jackets Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles Kings Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Toronto Maple Leafs Vancouver Canucks Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

Sort by position Center Defenseman Forward Goalie Left-shot defenseman Right-shot defenseman Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,625,000<\/p>\n

Trocheck demonstrated the kind of role he can play on a winning team while capturing gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics. For Team USA, Trocheck was a monster in the faceoff dot and a key part of a penalty-killing unit that didn\u2019t allow a single goal in the tournament. Known for playing with grit and determination, he\u2019s got the tools to play in all situations and can handle heavy, difficult minutes. That should only bolster his appeal to teams looking for help down the middle. In fact, there\u2019s a sense leading into this trade deadline that the Rangers will likely establish the going rate for a center with their return in a Trocheck deal. Of note: The player\u2019s contract includes a 12-team no-trade list.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,900,000<\/p>\n

The writing is on the wall for Coleman, who spoke openly with reporters in Calgary about the likelihood of being dealt after returning from the Olympic break. The interest in him is described as \u201csignificant.\u201d An excellent skater and defensively sound winger, the puck is usually headed in a positive direction when Coleman is on the ice. He\u2019s a 20-goal scorer who has been dangerous on the penalty kill over the years and ideally slots in on the third line of a top team \u2014 as he did for the Tampa Bay Lightning while winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. He\u2019s the kind of deadline upgrade who can raise the bar for a contender.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$9,000,000<\/p>\n

Trade talk has cooled off since Hamilton returned to the Devils lineup following a healthy scratch in January, but he\u2019s still very much available. New Jersey would like to clear up cap space for other moves, and Hamilton no longer has a full no-trade clause in his contract. He\u2019s a mobile right-shot defenseman who is logging more than 21 minutes per night this season. His offensive prowess isn\u2019t what it once was, but the puck still tends to be moving in the right direction when he\u2019s on the ice. As a bonus, the actual dollars owed on Hamilton\u2019s contract are less than the cap hit attached to the deal.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$6,500,000<\/p>\n

The kind of low-maintenance veteran that contenders typically covet at the deadline, Faulk remains a consistent and durable player and is logging more than 22 minutes per night in his 15th NHL season. Known as a stout five-on-five defender who chips in a bit offensively, he generally keeps things steady. Faulk is also a right shot capable of playing both sides of the ice. As an added bonus, his contract was front-loaded, which means that he\u2019s owed less in actual cash than his cap hit now that he\u2019s down to the final two seasons on it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$7,000,000<\/p>\n

Kadri is a pretty good fallback option for teams who swing and miss on Trocheck. A fierce competitor with a Stanley Cup ring already in his collection, he possesses a rare combination of offensive ability and fearlessness. He never backs down from a challenge and seems to elevate his play when the game\u2019s emotions are highest. The biggest potential deterrent to a move at this deadline is the three years remaining on Kadri\u2019s contract beyond this season, but his unique skillset may make it a gamble worth taking.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,125,000<\/p>\n

The Canucks are marketing Kane\u2019s track record rather than what he\u2019s accomplished this season. A move to his hometown team last summer hasn\u2019t worked out as hoped. Still, multiple playoff-bound teams have interest in Kane\u2019s physical brand of play and there\u2019s a sense something could come together quickly coming out of the Olympic break. He remains an intimidating presence who is unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice, albeit one who comes with some baggage. Kane played in the past two Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers. Vancouver is willing to sweeten the deal by retaining salary.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,600,000<\/p>\n

The Oilers have spent months trying to find Mangiapane a new home and will need to clear out his cap room to make other deadline moves. It\u2019s been an imperfect fit as Mangiapane became a routine scratch in Edmonton. His 35-goal season from 2021-22 is a distant memory now and his defensive impacts are cause for concern. He did score 13 even-strength goals in Washington last season, though, and was also deployed as a penalty-killer on the league\u2019s fifth-best unit. Mangiapane holds a full no-movement clause but will be open-minded about helping the Oilers find him a new opportunity.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,500,000<\/p>\n

The best season of Foegele\u2019s career has been followed by one of the worst. He was made a healthy scratch for a game in January after being unable to find a groove and replicate his prior level of productivity. At his best, Foegele plays with speed and is an effective forechecker who helps keep plays alive in the offensive zone. He\u2019s got a great shot and the percentages haven\u2019t been in his favor\u00a0\u2014 hinting at a bounce-back to come. The puck tends to be moving in the right direction when he\u2019s on the ice. The Kings are committed to finding him a new home.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,500,000<\/p>\n

O\u2019Reilly would shoot up the board if the Predators made a firm decision to trade him. So far that hasn\u2019t happened, but multiple teams are keeping tabs here because O\u2019Reilly is defying the aging curve with strong two-way results, including a bounce-back offensive performance that has already seen him eclipse last season’s point total. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner remains a beast in the faceoff circle and has the ability to be a true difference-maker for a contender.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Binnington burnished his reputation as a big-game goalie for Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics, delivering a strong performance for the silver medallists despite arriving at that tournament with some of the worst numbers among NHL starters. That had to catch the eye of competitive teams looking for an upgrade in goal. The trade market is thin on viable options at the position. Binnington\u2019s contract includes a 14-team no-trade clause and runs through the end of next season.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Market value<\/p>\n

Not available for goalies<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$11,600,000<\/p>\n

There was some renewed trade interest in Pettersson before the Olympic break. He has played at a higher level than last season, when his name first circulated in trade rumors, but remains a long way off the performer he was when Vancouver signed him to a $92.8 million, eight-year extension in March 2024. That obviously impacts his trade value. However, the fact that Pettersson has previously been an elite offensive play-driver makes him an enticing proposition for some, especially since the price tag to land him shouldn\u2019t be too steep. The biggest concern for the Canucks in considering a Pettersson trade is the fact that he may blossom again in a new environment.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Rival scouts started hearing Wright\u2019s name in the rumor mill during World Juniors earlier this month. The 2022 No. 4 pick is still in a developmental phase but has seen his offensive production dip from last season’s 19-goal, 44-point campaign. Wright profiles as an intriguing two-way center and will likely only be moved in a trade that sees a player with similar upside going back to Seattle. The Kraken like their organizational depth down the middle and are looking for a game-breaking winger.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$6,500,000<\/p>\n

There was plenty of interest in Schenn ahead of last year\u2019s deadline, and the Blues now appear more inclined to move the veteran center amid a disappointing season. What was once a full no-trade clause in Schenn\u2019s contract is now a 15-team no-trade list, giving him less control of the process. He\u2019s had a difficult season that mirrors what his team has endured, as evidenced by some concerning defensive metrics, but Schenn should still carry value as a reliable center capable of impacting the game at both ends of the ice. He\u2019s scored at a 22-goal, 54-point pace across a 17-year NHL career.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$2,750,000<\/p>\n

As the Jets continue to scrape along near the bottom of the NHL standings, Schenn should be one of their easiest pieces to move. While the sturdy right-shot defenseman may not return the same value Winnipeg gave up for him at last year\u2019s deadline \u2014 they dealt second- and fourth-round picks to Pittsburgh \u2014 he still has plenty of utility as a depth defender. Schenn is a veteran of 1,100 NHL games who effectively protects the area around his net and consistently puts his body on the line as a shot blocker. He\u2019s also a two-time Stanley Cup champion.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,750,000<\/p>\n

With no apparent progress toward a contract extension with Tuch, the Sabres are facing a decision. While you can imagine why new general manager Jarmo Kek\u00e4l\u00e4inen won\u2019t want to disrupt the mood around his surging club with the Sabres chasing a long-overdue return to the playoffs, Tuch is an important asset. He\u2019s a big, fast power forward with a proven ability to put the puck in the net. And he\u2019s looking for a big raise on his next contract.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,820,000<\/p>\n

Kotkaniemi has seen a significant decline in his role with the Hurricanes, which makes him an interesting trade candidate given his age and the position he plays. The biggest red flag is that a player once prized for his 200-foot game has seen a big dip in his ability to drive play this season. Kotkaniemi\u2019s typically inconsistent offensive numbers have trended hard in the wrong direction as well. He still has four seasons remaining on his contract beyond this one, albeit at a reasonable cap number, and only has limited control of the situation courtesy of a 10-team no-trade list.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,750,000<\/p>\n

A competitive, heart-on-his-sleeve center who has spent his entire NHL career in Columbus, Jenner is facing an uncertain future while playing on an expiring contract. He\u2019s unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice and can put the puck in the net, which are attractive attributes to peddle if the Blue Jackets become sellers. The biggest drag on Jenner\u2019s career has been an inability to remain healthy, so it\u2019s notable that he missed 14 games earlier this season with an upper-body injury.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,350,000<\/p>\n

Closing in on a second straight 20-goal season, McMann could still have a future in Toronto if a contract extension can be worked out. The Leafs certainly haven\u2019t closed the door on that possibility. But he also represents an appealing trade chip for them to play if they pivot toward a retool. McMann skates extremely well for a man of his size, is unafraid to take the body and get in on the forecheck, and has authored a great story of perseverance \u2014 going undrafted before working his way up from the ECHL. He also carries the unofficial distinction of having the most team-friendly contract among players available at this deadline, which will be important to contenders as the NHL institutes a playoff salary cap for the first time.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,100,000<\/p>\n

Coming off a strong Olympic tournament for Finland, his first national team assignment in nearly a decade, Ristolainen is once again available on the trade market. The Flyers can stick to their guns in terms of an ask due to the fact that he\u2019s under contract for another season beyond this one. A big right-shot defensemen who plays with some edge, Ristolainen has taken steps toward being more reliable on the defensive side of the puck since arriving in Philadelphia. Some scouts believe he could be a reliable second pair option if slotted into the right system.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,250,000<\/p>\n

The Jets have invested nearly a decade in Stanley\u2019s development and seen him blossom with a surge in scoring to go with the stout physical play you\u2019d expect from a 6-foot-7 defenseman. Unafraid to drop his gloves to defend teammates and with a reach that\u2019s basically unmatched across the league, Stanley is in position to cash in this summer with a contract that could be worth $25 million or more. That leaves Winnipeg with a decision to make: Does it want to be the team offering that deal, or is it time to cash in on its investment by putting him on the trade market?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,400,000<\/p>\n

Right-shot defensemen are always in demand and Murphy is at a stage in his career when he\u2019d like to play for a more competitive team. Rangy and strong, the pending unrestricted free agent has posted strong defensive results under less-than-favorable conditions with the Blackhawks in recent years. His contract should be fairly easy to move, particularly in light of how few options are likely to be available in free agency this summer. Chicago also has two remaining retention spots and could use one to boost the return.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,125,000<\/p>\n

Nothing is off the table in St. Louis, including a potential deal involving the team\u2019s top-line center. How likely that is depends on how you interpret the fact that his name has started to circulate again in chatter with rival teams. Thomas has experienced a slight dip in production this season, but he is coming off consecutive campaigns where he exceeded 80 points. He possesses strong puck skills and vision, and he can handle the challenge of facing tough competition every night. It would take a serious offer to land Thomas in the prime of his career, but the Blues are open for business.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,000,000<\/p>\n

The future Hall of Famer has been on a heater after a slow start and is already approaching the 30-goal mark for the 10th time in his career. How that impacts his trade value remains to be seen. The Predators are hanging around the Western Conference playoff race, but that doesn\u2019t change the fact that they\u2019re planning to start skewing younger with the roster. The fact that Stamkos is still filling the net with his lethal shot is promising for potential suitors, especially since he lacks the kind of playmaking center best suited to maximizing his scoring ability in Nashville. A potential Stamkos trade carries some complications, though. The player owns a no-movement clause, and the team would likely have to retain salary to make it work.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,500,000<\/p>\n

The well-traveled perennial 20-goal man has a penchant for getting under the skin of opponents with a high-energy game. Bunting is unafraid to engage in puck battles and is well-suited to playing alongside high-end teammates because he can help win it back for them. He\u2019s also a pending unrestricted free agent who is having a reasonably productive season. Expect Nashville to shop him even if it remains in the playoff hunt.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,250,000<\/p>\n

A big center who recently hit the 1,000-game milestone, Coyle has had a nice bounce-back season in Columbus. A return to the kind of production that\u2019s in line with his best years in Boston has helped fuel a fair amount of interest in the pending unrestricted free agent. Coyle is a matchup center who can handle difficult assignments and brings plenty of Stanley Cup playoff experience. There\u2019s already been expressions of interest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,037,500<\/p>\n

A big winger capable of playing up and down the lineup, Mikheyev brings a fair amount of versatility with his game. He\u2019s been deployed as a penalty-killer throughout his NHL career and is a threat to score short-handed. Not only is Mikheyev a pending UFA, 15 percent of his contract was retained by the Vancouver Canucks in a previous trade, so the cap hit on his deal is eligible to be reduced further.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$2,750,000<\/p>\n

The Bruins took a serious run at landing Rasmus Andersson, which almost certainly would have forced Peeke out of town as a pending unrestricted free agent. He remains a trade chip for an organization retooling on the fly. Peeke is a mobile right-shot defenseman who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. While big at 6-foot-3, he isn\u2019t known for being overly physical.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,250,000<\/p>\n

The Sharks have explored a short-term contract extension with Ferraro, but he remains a pending unrestricted free agent. They\u2019ll have to weigh the merits of trading him ahead of the deadline if that doesn\u2019t change. Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who appears capable of producing much better numbers on a more complete team. He\u2019s also a decent puck mover and penalty killer with a competitive streak to match.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,500,000<\/p>\n

A strong skater with a nose for the net, DeBrusk is a difference-maker when on his game. But the Canucks have also made him a healthy scratch this season. DeBrusk scored 28 goals during his first season in Vancouver but hasn\u2019t seen the puck find the net at nearly that same rate in Year 2. There\u2019s a lot of meat left on the bone with a contract that includes a no-movement clause, which definitely complicates things, but DeBrusk is at an age where missing the playoffs won\u2019t sit well. There are competitive teams out there sizing up the potential fit.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$6,000,000<\/p>\n

Garland signed a six-year extension with the Canucks last summer, but he has since seen the team pivot to a rebuild. He is a strong skater who is unafraid to skate through opponents despite his diminutive size. More of a playmaker than a goal-scorer, he\u2019s an excellent complementary piece who can be counted on to produce at a 50-point pace. Teams are interested in the player, but moving this kind of contract might be better tackled in the offseason.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old is having a superb season as part of the tandem in Minnesota but finds himself on this list because of the tremendous value he could potentially bring back in a trade. The Wild have Filip Gustavsson under contract through 2031 and will at least listen to interest in Wallstedt, according to The Athletic\u2019s Michael Russo. Minnesota is going to need to get a front-line player back in order to make this work. But after parting with their other A-plus assets in order to land Quinn Hughes in December, the Wild are willing to take another big swing before the deadline.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Market value<\/p>\n

Not available for goalies<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,700,000<\/p>\n

Working his way back from core muscle surgery that\u2019s limited him to just five games this season, Laine doesn\u2019t appear to have a future with the Canadiens. They don\u2019t have an obvious spot for him in the lineup and seem inclined to move off his contract in order to clear cap room needed for other moves. While Laine is no longer the game-breaking talent who took the NHL by storm a decade ago, he still possesses a wicked shot and remains a serious power-play threat. The Canadiens have the ability to retain salary on his expiring contract in order to help facilitate a move.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,250,000<\/p>\n

Even though he\u2019s more associated with being a playmaker than a goal scorer, it\u2019s hard to ignore the fact that Nyquist still hasn\u2019t scored a goal this season. He signed in Winnipeg last summer, and it hasn\u2019t worked out well for either side. Nyquist was traded for a second-round pick at last year\u2019s deadline, going from Nashville to Minnesota, but the price won\u2019t be nearly so steep this time around. He remains a strong skater with offensive flair and may be worth taking a flier on.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,250,000<\/p>\n

A defense-first center who specializes in smothering opponents, Dickinson is ideally suited for a bottom-six role on a strong team. He\u2019s produced strong underlying metrics for the Blackhawks this season despite being fed a steady diet of defensive-zone starts. While Dickinson doesn\u2019t produce much offense, he can anchor a shutdown line and bring added value as a penalty killer. He\u2019s also playing on an expiring contract.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$2,750,000<\/p>\n

The Flames aren\u2019t in a position where they have to move Whitecloud, who was recently acquired from Vegas in the Rasmus Andersson trade. He\u2019s signed through the 2027-28 season and could yet become a fixture in Calgary. However, the Flames need to listen on everybody, and a big, solid right-shot defenseman such as Whitecloud is bound to draw interest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,200,000<\/p>\n

Lohrei\u2019s name circulated in trade rumors when the Bruins engaged in discussions on Rasmus Andersson. He\u2019s signed through next season at a reasonable cap number and has one year of team control remaining as a restricted free agent beyond that \u2014 making him an attractive asset. Lohrei is incredibly mobile for his size and will chip in with a bit of offense from the back end. He\u2019s also made strides defensively.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$2,200,000<\/p>\n

Schneider is a pending restricted free agent, which means that someone is really going to have to compel the Rangers to part with a player still under team control. But they’re open to having those conversations right now. Schneider is a right-shot defenseman with good size and all the raw tools needed to become an effective top-four option. A big bump in usage this season has produced some concerning defensive metrics, so there\u2019s definitely still room for improvement in his game.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,800,000<\/p>\n

Blueger is fresh off an appearance at the Milan Olympics for Latvia and has been filling the net in Vancouver since returning from a three-month absence due to a lower-body injury. While he\u2019s more typically known for his speed and ability to take care of his own end as a defensive-minded center, the scoring surge won\u2019t hurt his trade value. Neither will the fact that Blueger won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023 and is playing on an expiring contract.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,500,000<\/p>\n

There\u2019s mutual interest between the Leafs and Laughton in extending their relationship, but the ultimate decision is going to come down to what he can fetch in assets as a trade chip and how much he wants to be paid on his next contract. Laughton could bring back some value despite being deployed almost exclusively as a fourth-line center in Toronto. Not only is he a heart-and-soul player who helps set the dressing room culture, but he\u2019s also incredibly reliable in the faceoff dot.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,500,000<\/p>\n

The fit in Nashville hasn\u2019t been anything close to what Marchessault envisioned when he signed there in July 2024. Still, he scored 21 goals last season \u2014 his lowest total in an 82-game campaign since 2015-16 \u2014 and has seen yet another decline in his on-ice results this season. The 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff games, though, and his cap hit should become even more palatable in a rising-cap environment.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,125,000<\/p>\n

Kyrou\u2019s name circled through the rumor mill before his no-movement clause officially took effect on July 1, and it resurfaced abruptly in November when he was made a healthy scratch by the scuffling Blues. While his production is a shade off its usual level, Kyrou remains a highly skilled winger who possesses an enviable toolkit:\u00a0blinding speed, high-end vision and creativity to spare. As much as he doesn\u2019t seem inclined to want a change of scenery, this could be a sea-change season in St. Louis.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,000,000<\/p>\n

The emergence of Anaheim\u2019s higher-end forward talent has marginalized Strome\u2019s impact on the lineup this season and he\u2019s seen a significant reduction in minutes as a result. Even with his production dipping, the Ducks should be able to find a taker for a center who has consistently produced at a rate higher than 0.5 points per game throughout his NHL career. Strome is a smart player capable of playing a quick game and is under contract for one more season beyond this one.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,375,000<\/p>\n

Consistency remains elusive for a center with excellent playmaking skills and the ability to make an impact across 200 feet of ice. As a result, the Flames are still figuring out which course to chart with a player eligible to test unrestricted free agency in 2027. Frost hasn\u2019t yet been able to replicate the 19-goal, 46-point season he had three years ago in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,500,000<\/p>\n

An OG member of the Kraken, Schwartz is among a group of intriguing forwards playing out the final years of their contracts with Seattle \u2014 along with captain Jordan Eberle and Eeli Tolvanen, among others. He will carry trade value if the Kraken become sellers for a second straight year. A quick, skilled winger coming off a 26-goal season, Schwartz has a little extra shine thanks to his Stanley Cup bona fides, earned during the 2019 run in St. Louis. He\u2019s cracked the 20-goal plateau on six occasions.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,600,000<\/p>\n

One of the largest men in the league at 6-foot-7 and nearly 260 pounds, Oleksiak represents the kind of depth contenders crave. He has seen his usage decline the past couple seasons in Seattle but remains capable of taking a regular five-on-five shift while chipping in on the penalty kill. The pending unrestricted free agent is also comfortable playing both sides of the ice.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,350,000<\/p>\n

A prototypical defensive defenseman who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing opponents physically, Benoit has endured some recent scratches. The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has extremely limited offensive impacts.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Rangers’ system is stocked with wingers, including the 16th pick from 2021, and they\u2019re willing to part with players from that cohort. Othmann’s dangerous shot and ability to win back the puck are both considered strengths, albeit traits he\u2019s yet to show with any consistency in limited looks at the NHL level. He didn\u2019t make it to the end of training camp with the Rangers before being sent down to AHL Hartford and hasn’t made much of an impact since being recalled to the big club this season.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$2,100,000<\/p>\n

Playing time has been difficult to come by for J\u00e4rnkrok, who has been routinely scratched by Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube and is averaging a career-low 11:28 when he dresses. That\u2019s coming off a season nearly lost entirely to groin and sports hernia surgeries. J\u00e4rnkrok is an undersized forward who doesn\u2019t play with any physicality \u2014 not exactly traits generally prized by Berube. Age and health-related decline may also be catching up to him. However, his biggest attribute has always been his ability to read the ice and consistently make good decisions with the puck.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,100,000<\/p>\n

The Czech Olympian found the playing time he was looking for when he signed in Vancouver in November, but the Canucks are going nowhere fast. K\u00e4mpf is ideally suited to be a fourth-line center. He\u2019s a low-maintenance player who kills penalties, wins faceoffs and consistently remains on the safe side of the puck. Neither team tends to get much done offensively during his minutes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,000,000<\/p>\n

Now 17 years into his career, all of them with Washington, Carlson is facing an uncertain future as a pending unrestricted free agent. The Capitals are on the wrong side of the playoff cut-off line and could be in position to move him for a nice return if their fortunes don\u2019t improve by the deadline. Carlson remains a strong puck mover with a shot that opponents need to respect. He\u2019s still putting up eye-catching numbers at this stage of his career, especially since he\u2019s doing most of his damage at even strength.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Washington Capitals<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n


\n\"Connections:\"Connections:<\/p>\n

Feb 25, 2026<\/p>\n

Connections: Sports Edition<\/p>\n

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms<\/p>\n

Find the hidden link between sports terms<\/p>\n

Play today’s puzzle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Feb. 25, 2026 6:00 am EST The race to the NHL trade deadline is officially on. As teams…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":471087,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5128],"tags":[233,95,229,26,894,29,96,144,230,147,93,146,276,57,5,145,38,21,231,151,159,35,4,25,56,100,168,234,84,92,31,3154,893,27,5313,39,109,18],"class_list":{"0":"post-471086","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-vancouver-canucks","8":"tag-anaheim-ducks","9":"tag-boston-bruins","10":"tag-buffalo-sabres","11":"tag-calgary-flames","12":"tag-canucks","13":"tag-carolina-hurricanes","14":"tag-chicago-blackhawks","15":"tag-colorado-avalanche","16":"tag-columbus-blue-jackets","17":"tag-dallas-stars","18":"tag-detroit-red-wings","19":"tag-edmonton-oilers","20":"tag-fantasy-hockey","21":"tag-florida-panthers","22":"tag-hockey","23":"tag-los-angeles-kings","24":"tag-minnesota-wild","25":"tag-montreal-canadiens","26":"tag-nashville-predators","27":"tag-new-jersey-devils","28":"tag-new-york-islanders","29":"tag-new-york-rangers","30":"tag-nhl","31":"tag-ottawa-senators","32":"tag-philadelphia-flyers","33":"tag-pittsburgh-penguins","34":"tag-san-jose-sharks","35":"tag-seattle-kraken","36":"tag-st-louis-blues","37":"tag-tampa-bay-lightning","38":"tag-toronto-maple-leafs","39":"tag-utah-mammoth","40":"tag-vancouver","41":"tag-vancouver-canucks","42":"tag-vancouvercanucks","43":"tag-vegas-golden-knights","44":"tag-washington-capitals","45":"tag-winnipeg-jets"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/471086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=471086"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/471086\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/471087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=471086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=471086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=471086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}