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.
Key Player Profiles
| Player | Position | Team | Current Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Stamkos | Forward | Nashville Predators | $8M |
| Brandon Tanev | Forward | Calgary Flames | $4.55M |
| Ryan O’Reilly | Center | Nashville Predators | $6.5M |
| Brayden Schenn | Forward | St. Louis Blues | $4.5M |
As teams assess their positions, expect trade talks to intensify. Those teams desperate for a playoff run will closely monitor the availability of these high-profile targets. In these next few months, the landscape of the NHL could shift drastically with each trade brought to the table.
