Top 5 NHL Players to Watch Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline
The upcoming 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is scheduled for March 6 at 3 p.m. ET. As teams assess their playoff potentials, several key players are expected to generate considerable interest. Here are five standout players to monitor closely as the deadline approaches.
Top 5 NHL Players to Watch Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline
1. Justin Faulk (St. Louis Blues)
Justin Faulk, a 33-year-old defenseman, is currently under contract until 2026-27. However, his future with the St. Louis Blues is uncertain as the team’s playoff hopes fade. Faulk has accumulated 20 points, comprising four goals and 16 assists, across 45 playoff games over five seasons.
- Goals: 11
- Blocks: 101
- Shots on Goal: 115
Faulk’s advanced stats are impressive. He ranks in the 94th percentile for high-danger shots on goal and boasts significant metrics such as:
- Total Skating Distance: 186.56 miles (91st percentile)
- Max Skating Speed: 22.73 mph (90th percentile)
- Hardest Shot: 96.16 mph (87th percentile)
2. Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames)
Nazem Kadri, a 35-year-old forward and 2022 Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche, is contracted with the Calgary Flames until 2028-29. Despite a playoff exit seeming likely for the Flames, Kadri remains a pivotal player, leading the team with 41 points and 172 shots on goal this season.
- Career Points with Avalanche (2021-22): 87 in 71 games
- Goals since 2021-22: 128
- Shots on Goal since 2021-22: 1,242
Kadri excels in midrange shots, ranking seventh in offensive zone start percentage at 46.5% for 5-on-5 situations. His skating statistics are also noteworthy:
- Total Skating Distance: 188.23 miles (96th percentile)
- High-Danger Shots on Goal: 53 (92nd percentile)
- Midrange Goals: 5 (81st percentile)
3. Player Profiles
| Player Name | Position | Team | Contract Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Faulk | Defenseman | St. Louis Blues | 2026-27 |
| Nazem Kadri | Forward | Calgary Flames | 2028-29 |
4. Trade Speculations
As the trade deadline nears, both Faulk and Kadri could find themselves in the middle of trade discussions. Their impressive statistics and past performances make them valuable assets for playoff-contending teams.
5. Conclusion
With March 6 approaching, keep an eye on these players as their futures could shift dramatically. The NHL landscape is ever-changing, making this trade deadline one of the most intriguing yet.
