As the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 6 at 3 p.m. ET, fantasy hockey managers should keep an eye on several players who could be involved in trades before the cutoff. Monitoring these potential moves is crucial for making timely additions to fantasy rosters and gaining an edge in competitive leagues.
Key Forwards to Target Before the Deadline
Among forwards to consider is Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, a restricted free agent candidate in 2026 who could be dealt to a contending team. Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks remains under contract through 2031-32; however, the team’s non-playoff status might make him movable. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers also fits a similar profile with a contract until 2028-29 on a team currently outside the playoff hunt.
At the Nashville Predators, Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly, both with contracts extending into the late 2020s, face a team outside playoff contention, making their availability a possibility. Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames also play for rebuilding teams, increasing trade speculation. Similarly, Jake DeBrusk in Vancouver and Blake Coleman in Calgary have multi-year deals but play on teams struggling to compete this season.
Other forwards worth watching include Jonathan Marchessault in Nashville, Viktor Arvidsson in Boston, and Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz with the Seattle Kraken, all potential unrestricted free agents in 2026. Brayden Schenn, who is under contract with St. Louis until 2028, and Bobby McMann from Toronto, also a potential UFA, round out the group of forwards who could see movement ahead of the deadline.
Defensemen with Trade Potential
On defense, John Carlson of the Washington Capitals stands out as a potential unrestricted free agent in 2026, making him a candidate for teams looking to bolster their blue line depth. Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils and Justin Faulk from St. Louis, both signed through the following seasons but with teams out of playoff contention, might be available. Additionally, Jacob Trouba of Anaheim is also considered a possible trade asset given his upcoming free agency status.
Goalies to Monitor for Deadline Activity
Goaltending options that could change teams include Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, who remains under contract until 2032-33 but plays for a team not currently in the playoff mix. Jordan Binnington from St. Louis, contracted through 2026-27, and Pittsburgh’s Stuart Skinner, a potential 2026 unrestricted free agent, are also notable names to track for possible trades as teams reassess their rosters before the deadline.
With the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline set to reshape several rosters, fantasy hockey participants who stay informed about these players’ statuses and team situations will be better positioned to strengthen their lineups. The moves made leading up to March 6 could significantly impact fantasy league outcomes, making vigilance vital in this critical period.
