Top 25 NHL Trade Targets 2025-26: Stamkos, Schenn, O’Reilly Lead List

As the NHL approaches the 2025-26 trade deadline on March 6, trade discussions are heating up, despite a challenging market influenced by contract restrictions, team standings, and recent collective bargaining agreement changes. With over one-third of NHL players possessing no-trade protection, teams are finding it increasingly difficult to make significant moves. Here’s a look at the top trade targets for this season, featuring prominent names that could change jerseys before the deadline.

Top 25 NHL Trade Targets 2025-26: Players to Watch

The upcoming trade season is expected to feature several star players, some of whom are facing uncertain futures. Here’s a list of the most significant targets, grouped by their current teams:

• Steven Stamkos (Nashville Predators) – Current cap hit: $8 million
• Brandon Tanev (Calgary Flames) – Current cap hit: $4.55 million
• Alex Tuch (Buffalo Sabres) – Current cap hit: $4.9 million
• Ryan O’Reilly (Nashville Predators) – Current cap hit: $6.5 million
• Brayden Schenn (St. Louis Blues) – Current cap hit: $4.5 million
• Andersson (Calgary Flames) – Current cap hit: $4.55 million
• Joonas Korpisalo (columbus Blue Jackets) – Current cap hit: $6.5 million
• Johnny Gaudreau (Columbus Blue Jackets) – Current cap hit: $6.75 million
• Kirby Dach (Montreal Canadiens) – Current cap hit: $3.633 million
• Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks) – Current cap hit: $6.65 million
• Victor Olofsson (Buffalo Sabres) – Current cap hit: $4.75 million
• Adam Henrique (Anaheim Ducks) – Current cap hit: $5.825 million
• P.K. Subban (New Jersey Devils) – Current cap hit: $9 million
• Mark Giordano (Toronto Maple Leafs) – Current cap hit: $4 million
• Jacob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes) – Current cap hit: $4.6 million
• Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles Kings) – Current cap hit: $6 million
• Jason Zucker (Pittsburgh Penguins) – Current cap hit: $3.5 million
• Matt Duchene (Nashville Predators) – Current cap hit: $8 million
• Jesse Puljujarvi (Carolina Hurricanes) – Current cap hit: $3 million
• Tyler Toffoli (Calgary Flames) – Current cap hit: $4.25 million
• John Moore (Boston Bruins) – Current cap hit: $2.75 million
• Colin Miller (Buffalo Sabres) – Current cap hit: $3.875 million
• Luke Schenn (Vancouver Canucks) – Current cap hit: $850,000
• Markstrom (Calgary Flames) – Current cap hit: $6 million

Trade Market Challenges

Trade difficulties stem from various factors, including the high percentage of players with no-trade clauses. These clauses complicate trades by limiting teams’ options, especially amidst fluctuating standings. Some players, like Stamkos and O’Reilly, are crucial for a playoff push and are expected to draw significant interest.