March 6, 2026Updated 9:21 am EST
The Athletic has live coverage of the NHL trade deadline.
Deadline day is here, and the difference-makers are on the move.
To kick off what could be a splashy deadline, the Anaheim Ducks announced a stunner at 1:11 a.m. ET on Friday, acquiring veteran, Stanley Cup-winning defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals.
Another name off the Big Board. But plenty of impact players remain, including a number with term remaining on their contracts, meaning we could see more “hockey moves” than usual.
As of 9 a.m. ET on Friday, six hours until the deadline, here are the top 50 players to watch.
As always, players are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.
Note: Net Ratings and market values are via Dom Luszczyszyn’s model and are projected for the full season based on statistics through March 4. Goals saved above expected (GSAx) are via Evolving-Hockey, also through March 4. Contract info is via PuckPedia.
Team Anaheim Ducks Boston Bruins Calgary Flames Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks Florida Panthers Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils New York Rangers Ottawa Senators Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Toronto Maple Leafs Vancouver Canucks Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets
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Current cap hit
$8,125,000
The trade chatter has really started to pick up around Thomas, and why not? Centers signed to positive-value contracts for several more years don’t come available too often. Especially those with multiple 80-point seasons on their resumes. Thomas is an ideal fit for teams just entering their windows to win, such as the Mammoth and Sabres, who have each taken a run at getting something done already. He possesses strong puck skills and vision, and he can handle the challenge of facing tough competition every night. Any trade involving him will be considered a blockbuster.
St. Louis Blues
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$5,625,000
The biggest question is whether the Rangers will get a big enough offer to act now. Trocheck recently demonstrated the kind of role he can play on a winning team while capturing gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics — dominating in the faceoff dot for Team USA while playing a key role on a penalty-killing unit that didn’t allow a single goal in the tournament. Known for exuding grit and determination, he’s got the tools to play in all situations and can handle heavy, difficult minutes. Trocheck looks like an ideal fit for the Minnesota Wild, but they’re balking at the asking price.
New York Rangers
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$7,000,000
Kadri represents another interesting option for teams chasing a center. 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’s emotions are highest. The biggest potential deterrent to a move at this deadline is the three years remaining on Kadri’s contract beyond this season. Montreal makes sense here if the Flames elect to retain salary.
Calgary Flames
Forward
Center
A skilled puck-mover and former No. 2 pick, Nemec will be in line for a raise when his entry-level contract expires this summer. With the Devils enduring a difficult season and already having plenty of money committed elsewhere on their blue line, they’re listening to offers on the young right-shot defenseman. It will likely take an attractive forward being offered to pry Nemec out of New Jersey.
New Jersey Devils
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$6,500,000
Parayko used his no-trade clause to block a potential trade to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday but indicated a willingness to consider another move elsewhere. Now it’s up to the Blues to cook up another deal. Parayko is a minute-muching defensive defenseman coming off a silver medal with Team Canada at the Milan Olympics. He moves well for a man of his size and plays a premium position as a top-pairing right-shot D.
St. Louis Blues
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$4,500,000
O’Reilly would shoot up the board if the Predators made a firm decision to trade him. So far that hasn’t happened, but multiple teams are keeping tabs here because O’Reilly 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 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner remains a beast in the faceoff circle and has the ability to be a true difference-maker for a contender.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$8,000,000
The future Hall of Famer has been on a heater after a slow start and just hit the 30-goal mark for the 10th time in his career. That’s difficult to ignore. Stamkos recently told reporters he wasn’t looking to expedite his way out of Nashville, but The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported there are multiple destinations he might consider attractive enough to waive his no-movement clause: Minnesota, Dallas, New Jersey and Tampa Bay. A trade involving Stamkos might not materialize until the summer, but given how he’s turned back the clock and filled the net this season, his name is worthy of a long look in the days ahead, too.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Winger
Center
Current cap hit
$3,500,000
The Leafs are seriously gauging the market on “OEL” and have garnered enough interest to justify scratching him for roster-management purposes this week. He’s enjoying a renaissance season. One of the reasons Sweden elected to bring Ekman-Larsson to the Milan Cortina Olympics was because decision-makers noted he played like an “angry old man.” That was a compliment. There’s a welcome edge to the veteran defenseman’s game and he’s currently producing offense at a rate not seen since his days with the Coyotes.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$6,500,000
There’s been plenty of interest in the low-maintenance veteran, who is still 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’s owed less in actual cash than his actual cap hit now that he’s down to the final year and a half remaining.
St. Louis Blues
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$10,000,000
With the “For Sale” now hanging on all expiring players in South Florida, the future Hall of Fame goaltender is available to rent. The Panthers would have preferred to sign Bobrovsky to an extension but didn’t make much headway on a new contract. Even though he’s having a down season by his standards, it’s tough to ignore Bobrovsky’s starring role in Florida reaching the Stanley Cup Final the past three years. While he carries a monster $10 million cap hit, the actual money still owing on it isn’t significant.
Market value
Not available for goalies
Current cap hit
$4,900,000
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 “significant.” An excellent skater and defensively sound winger, the puck is usually headed 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 slots in on the third line of a top team — as he did for the Tampa Bay Lightning while winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. He’s the kind of deadline upgrade who can raise the bar for a contender.
Calgary Flames
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$1,350,000
The door isn’t closed on McMann remaining in Toronto with a contract extension in place, but it’s currently an either/or situation with the pending unrestricted free agent. 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 — 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.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$8,125,000
Kyrou’s 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: blinding speed, high-end vision and creativity to spare. There are multiple teams that would love to graft his skillset onto their cores because Kyrou is signed through 2031.
St. Louis Blues
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$5,100,000
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’s 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.
Philadelphia Flyers
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$2,750,000
The Flames would have to be blown away with an offer on Whitecloud after already shipping MacKenzie Weegar to Utah, but they’re open to listening. Whitecloud is a big, solid right-shot defenseman with a Stanley Cup on his resume. He’s signed through the 2027-28 season, which is appealing for teams looking to upgrade their blue lines.
Calgary Flames
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$1,500,000
The Leafs won’t be able to recoup the package they gave up to acquire Laughton at last year’s deadline, when they sent a first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin to Philadelphia, but the high-character center still has value. Not only is he a heart-and-soul player who helps set the dressing room culture, he’s also incredibly reliable in the faceoff dot. The Flyers already chopped his cap hit in half, which means Toronto can make him a $750,000 player for any interested team.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forward
Center
Winger
Current cap hit
$1,800,000
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’s more typically known for his speed and ability to take care of his own end as a defensive-minded center, the scoring surge won’t 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.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$3,150,000
A rejuvenated season for the veteran center included a strong showing at the recent Milan Cortina Olympics with Finland. Haula has tremendous speed and penalty-killing chops, and can chip in a bit offensively. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent who the Predators are taking calls on.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Center
Winger
A depth winger with plenty of size, Greer has already established career bests this season with 11 goals and 22 points. He represents a natural piece for the Panthers to flip since he’s due to hit free agency this summer. Greer is a good skater who plays with an edge and carries some added shine after lifting the Stanley Cup in Florida last June.
Florida Panthers
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$9,000,000
Trade talk has cooled off since Hamilton returned to the Devils lineup following a healthy scratch in January, but he’s 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’s a mobile right-shot defenseman who is logging more than 21 minutes per night this season. His offensive prowess isn’t what it once was, but the puck still tends to be moving in the right direction when he’s on the ice. As a bonus, the actual dollars owed on Hamilton’s contract are less than the cap hit attached to the deal.
New Jersey Devils
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$4,000,000
A knee injury kept the big right-shot defenseman on the sidelines until January, and playing time has been tough to come by since. Kovacevic is receiving three minutes less per game compared to last season. Unafraid to engage physically around his net, he’s at his best when keeping the game simple. Kovacevic is under contract for four more seasons.
New Jersey Devils
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$4,037,500
A big winger capable of playing up and down the lineup, Mikheyev brings a fair amount of versatility with his game. He’s 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.
Chicago Blackhawks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$5,125,000
The Canucks are trying to sell Kane’s track record rather than what he’s accomplished this season. A move to his hometown team last summer hasn’t worked out as hoped. Still, multiple playoff-bound teams have interest in Kane’s physical brand of play and are weighing the merits of taking on the perceived baggage that comes with him. He remains an intimidating presence who is unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice, and he played in the past two Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers. Vancouver is willing to sweeten the deal by retaining salary.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$4,820,000
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’s 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.
Carolina Hurricanes
Forward
Winger
Center
Current cap hit
$4,500,000
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’s 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.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$2,600,000
The pending unrestricted free agent has put up solid numbers in Pittsburgh since coming over from Edmonton in a December trade, producing 16.91 saves above expected in the span, per Evolving-Hockey. Skinner is a positionally sound goaltender who excels at remaining square to the shooter. He’s also got plenty of big-game experience from consecutive runs to the Stanley Cup Final with the Oilers.
Market value
Not available for goalies
Pittsburgh Penguins
Goalie
Claimed off waivers from Edmonton in November, the veteran right-shot defenseman became a key contributor for the Leafs. While undersized, he’s a strong skater with decent puck skills who plays with determination. Stecher represents a low-cost depth option for playoff teams and has played the most minutes of his NHL career since arriving in Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$8,700,000
Working his way back from core muscle surgery that’s limited him to just five games this season, Laine’s future lies somewhere other than Montreal. The Canadiens don’t 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.
Montreal Canadiens
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,250,000
Even though he’s more associated with being a playmaker than a goal scorer, it’s hard to ignore the fact Nyquist still hasn’t scored a goal this season. He signed in Winnipeg last summer, and it hasn’t worked out well for either side. Nyquist was traded for a second-round pick at last year’s deadline, going from Nashville to Minnesota, but the price won’t be nearly so steep this time around. He remains a strong skater with offensive flair and may be worth taking a flier on.
Winnipeg Jets
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$1,750,000
A tough customer who will never hesitate to drop the gloves to defend a teammate, Deslauriers is one of the few remaining fighters left in the NHL. A high-energy player with 700 games of NHL experience on his resume, he’s the kind of depth forward counted on to help shift momentum in his team’s favor. A pending unrestricted free agent, Deslauriers won’t come at a high price.
Philadelphia Flyers
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$6,500,000
There was plenty of interest in Schenn ahead of last year’s 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’s contract is now a 15-team no-trade list, giving him less control of the process. He’s 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’s scored at a 22-goal, 54-point pace across a 17-year NHL career.
St. Louis Blues
Forward
Winger
Center
Current cap hit
$5,500,000
The fit in Nashville hasn’t been anything close to what Marchessault envisioned when he signed there in July 2024. Still, he scored 21 goals last season — his lowest total in an 82-game campaign since 2015-16 — and has seen yet another decline in his on-ice results this season. The 2023 Conn Smythe 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.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,000,000
A depth contributor on Florida’s back-to-back championship teams, Rodrigues’ name is circulating with the Panthers in danger of missing the playoffs. He possesses a good shot and has shown himself capable of producing a second wave of offense from the bottom six. Rodrigues is under contract through the end of next season.
Florida Panthers
Forward
Center
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,250,000
The Sharks have explored a short-term contract extension with Ferraro, but he remains a pending unrestricted free agent. They’ll have to weigh the merits of trading him ahead of the deadline if that doesn’t change. Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who appears capable of producing much better numbers on a more complete team. He’s also a decent puck mover and penalty killer with a competitive streak to match.
San Jose Sharks
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$2,750,000
A recent healthy scratch and the Bruins’ failed pursuit of Rasmus Andersson don’t exactly bode well for the future of the right-shot defenseman in Boston. The pending unrestricted free agent is a trade chip for an organization retooling on the fly. He is a mobile skater who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. While big at 6-foot-3, he isn’t known for being overly physical.
Boston Bruins
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Rival scouts started hearing Wright’s 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.
Seattle Kraken
Forward
Center
Winger
Current cap hit
$1,350,000
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.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$6,000,000
Binnington burnished his reputation as a big-game goalie for Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics, delivering a strong performance for the silver medalists despite arriving at the 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’s contract includes a 14-team no-trade clause and runs through the end of next season.
Market value
Not available for goalies
Current cap hit
$5,000,000
The emergence of Anaheim’s higher-end forward talent has marginalized Strome’s impact on the lineup this season and he’s 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.
Anaheim Ducks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$5,500,000
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’t seen the puck find the net at nearly that same rate in Year 2. There’s 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’t sit well. There are competitive teams out there sizing up the potential fit.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,000,000
Currently seeing the lowest ice time from his six seasons in Washington, van Riemsdyk is a strong candidate to be moved by the deadline. The veteran right-shot defenseman is a decent skater known for his defensive impacts. He’s best used in a depth role.
Washington Capitals
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$4,050,000
A pending UFA who had hip surgery last offseason, Jensen is a veteran puck-mover who can comfortably handle third-pair duty. He isn’t overly physical and is a modest offensive contributor, but he’s produced steady underlying numbers for Ottawa while starting less than half of his shifts in the offensive zone.
Ottawa Senators
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$1,100,000
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. Kämpf is ideally suited to be a fourth-line center. He’s 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.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$1,750,000
A veteran right-shot center who was already flipped from St. Louis to New Jersey this season, Bjugstad will likely be on the move again. He’s ideally suited for a fourth-line role at this stage of his career. He is a big man who can handle himself in the faceoff dot and brings 800 games of NHL experience.
New Jersey Devils
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$3,200,000
Lohrei’s name circulated in trade rumors when the Bruins engaged in discussions on Rasmus Andersson. He’s signed through next season at a reasonable cap number and has one year of team control remaining as a restricted free agent beyond that — 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’s also made strides defensively.
Boston Bruins
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$2,200,000
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’s definitely still room for improvement in his game.
New York Rangers
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
The Rangers’ system is stocked with wingers, including the 16th pick from 2021, and they’re 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’s yet to show with any consistency in limited looks at the NHL level. He didn’t 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.
New York Rangers
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$2,100,000
Playing time has been difficult to come by for Järnkrok, who has been routinely scratched by Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube and is averaging a career-low 11:28 when he dresses. That’s coming off a season nearly lost entirely to groin and sports hernia surgeries. Järnkrok is an undersized forward who doesn’t play with any physicality — 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.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$2,200,000
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’s 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.
Market value
Not available for goalies
Current cap hit
$11,600,000
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 affects his trade value. However, the fact 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’t 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.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Center
Mar 6, 2026
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