Top NHL Stars on the Trade Block: Who Will Be This Season’s Biggest Move
The NHL landscape is gearing up for a significant shift as the 2025-26 season unfolds. With the trade deadline approaching and a promising free-agent class ahead, several top players could be on the move. The following outlines key individuals anticipated to be traded and the prospects of their transitions.
Key NHL Stars on the Trade Block
This season’s biggest moves are expected to revolve around several high-profile players. Below are the contenders likely to change teams before the 2026 NHL Draft in June.
Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin, currently with the New York Rangers, is seen as a prime candidate for a trade. Analysts suggest that Panarin’s long-term fit with the Rangers is in question. Given the team’s disappointing performance, GM Chris Drury may opt to trade the star winger as a rental to a contending team. This move could yield a substantial return in picks or prospects, while freeing up significant cap space for the Rangers, who would save over $11 million.
Dougie Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils is another player rumored to be on the trade block. With salary cap issues looming, the Devils might need to trade Hamilton to accommodate key additions, like Johnny Kovacevic. While trading a player with a $9 million salary poses challenges—including his no-trade list—Hamilton’s talent makes him an attractive option for teams seeking a defenseman.
Evgeni Malkin
Veteran center Evgeni Malkin, entering the last year of his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is also in the spotlight. Although his impact has diminished, teams may still view him as a valuable asset. Malkin’s future remains uncertain, but the Penguins might explore trading him to a rival seeking depth in the center position.
Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson, another prominent Penguin, is generating buzz for potential trades. Despite being a future Hall of Famer, Karlsson’s age and contract may complicate matters for Pittsburgh. With a full no-movement clause, he holds significant leverage over his destination. Any trade involving Karlsson could influence the Penguins’ rebuilding efforts.
Mario Ferraro
Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks could also be a strategic playoff acquisition for a contender. As a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), Ferraro has demonstrated his worth on the ice and may serve as an essential asset for teams looking to enhance their defensive lineup.
Rasmus Andersson
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson may be another noteworthy trade candidate. With a challenging previous season behind him, Andersson’s potential to attract offers stems from his status as one of the few right-handed defensemen available. The Flames will likely explore trade options to maximize assets amid ongoing roster management.
Conclusion
The coming months will be pivotal for these NHL stars as teams weigh the benefits of trades against the potential to build for the future. The excitement surrounding the upcoming trades and the impact on team dynamics adds a layer of intrigue to the fast-approaching 2026 NHL Draft.
