Top NHL Players Likely to Move Before Trade Deadline

Casey Halston

Published: March 5, 2026 4:50 PM ET

NHL general managers are racing against the clock as the trade deadline approaches. They have until 3 p.m. ET on Friday to finalize deals. As the deadline nears, several notable players are likely to move. This article highlights key NHL players who may change teams.

Top NHL Players Likely to Move Before Trade Deadline

Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri, a 35-year-old center for the Calgary Flames, is highly sought after. He played a crucial role in winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. This season, he has tallied 12 goals and 41 points in 60 games. With three years remaining on his contract, Kadri has an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million.

Robert Thomas

Robert Thomas is only 26 years old and brings significant value. As a two-way center for the St. Louis Blues, he has five years left on his contract, which carries an AAV of $8.125 million. This season, he has recorded 13 goals and 37 points in 44 games. Given the Blues’ current rebuild, Thomas could be on the move.

Vincent Trocheck

Vincent Trocheck, a 32-year-old center for the New York Rangers, had a strong showing at the recent Milan Cortina Olympics. With 12 goals and 39 points in 2025-26, he is another name to watch. His contract has an AAV of $5.625 million for the next three seasons, making him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their rosters.

Bobby McMann

At 29 years old, Bobby McMann is a pending unrestricted free agent who has showcased his talent with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has scored 19 goals and accumulated 32 points in 60 games this season. Notably, McMann has participated in 200 NHL games, netting 91 points. His speed and power could make him a valuable addition elsewhere.

Blake Coleman

Blake Coleman, a 34-year-old winger, may not fit the Flames’ rebuilding plan. He has one season remaining on his deal at $4.9 million, with 13 goals and 22 points over 48 games. Coleman is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.

Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Ristolainen, a 32-year-old right-shot defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, has had a challenging season. He has tallied just one goal and five assists while dealing with injuries. With one year left on his contract at $5.1 million, Ristolainen could strengthen a contender’s defense.

Justin Faulk

Justin Faulk, another right-shot defenseman, could also be on the trade block. The 33-year-old has 11 goals and 32 points this season and is seen as an important asset for the St. Louis Blues. His contract runs through next season at an AAV of $6.5 million.

Scott Laughton

Scott Laughton, the gritty 31-year-old center, may be exiting Toronto as he approaches free agency. Laughton has recorded eight goals and four assists while facing injuries this season. The Maple Leafs paid a significant price to acquire him last year, but a trade seems likely.

Conor Garland

Conor Garland, a 29-year-old winger for the Vancouver Canucks, has five seasons remaining on his contract, with an AAV of $4.95 million. He has scored seven goals and notched 26 points in 50 games this season. As the Canucks enter a rebuild, Garland could be traded.

Evander Kane

Evander Kane, a 34-year-old winger and pending unrestricted free agent, has been a key player for the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs. After being traded to Vancouver last off-season, he could find a new home again. This season, Kane has 11 goals and 27 points in 59 games.

The NHL trade deadline is a critical moment for teams looking to improve their chances of success. Keep an eye on these players as the deadline approaches.