As the 2025-26 NHL regular season wraps up, attention shifts to the upcoming 2026 offseason where teams may look to reshape their rosters. Despite a busy trade deadline, several notable players remain with their current clubs but are expected to be prime candidates for trade talks between the Stanley Cup Finals in June and the start of the 2026-27 season in October. These NHL 2026 offseason trade candidates represent players who could be moved due to contracts, performance, or strategic changes within their franchises.
Players on the Fringe of the 2026 Trade Window
Some players narrowly avoided moves at the trade deadline but remain under scrutiny for the summer shuffle. Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with a streak of nine consecutive seasons scoring double-digit goals, stayed put despite the Flames’ struggles in the Western Conference. With one year left on a $4.9 million contract, he remains a solid prospect for trade consideration.
Ryan O’Reilly, a seasoned center and Nashville Predators veteran known for his Stanley Cup victory as well as individual honors like the Conn Smythe, Lady Byng, and Selke Trophies, expressed a desire to stay with Nashville as they jostled for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. His experience and leadership make him a notable name should circumstances shift.
Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks holds a hefty $92.5 million contract with a no-movement clause, complicating potential trades despite the team’s difficult season. Though moving him would be challenging, a deal could be feasible if both GM Patrik Allvin and Pettersson find mutual interest.
The Philadelphia Flyers’ defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is another notable name. With his size, right-hand shot, no-movement clause, and another year on his contract, there has been interest from multiple teams. Flyers GM Daniel Briere opted to keep him after exploring offers, but a pre-draft trade might still be on the table should a compelling proposal come forward.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington’s Future with the Blues
St. Louis Blues fans have witnessed Jordan Binnington’s descent to second-string behind Joel Hofer. Despite a Stanley Cup win and an Olympic silver medal, Binnington’s role diminished during the season. With one year remaining on his $5.1 million deal, several teams needing dependable goaltending expressed interest at the deadline, yet no trade materialized. If Hofer maintains his position, Binnington is likely to be a key goalie target for offseason moves.
Vancouver’s Offense: Brock Boeser Highlights Next Season’s Trade Possibilities
Following Vancouver’s active deadline moves that saw Quinn Hughes, Tyler Myers, Kiefer Sherwood, and Conor Garland traded, Brock Boeser stands out as a probable trade candidate. Boeser’s contract is more manageable at $7.25 million annually through 2029-30, and his consistent production with four seasons of 25 or more goals makes him valuable. GM Patrik Allvin’s rebuild strategy means moving Boeser could free salary and open opportunities to add new assets.
New Jersey’s Dougie Hamilton and Contract Challenges
Dougie Hamilton’s injury history and increasing salary demands place the New Jersey Devils defenseman in a precarious position. Since signing a seven-year, $63 million contract in 2021, Hamilton has missed significant playing time due to injuries. At $9 million per year, GM Tom Fitzgerald might seek to trade him if a partner willing to assume the payroll emerges.
Darnell Nurse’s Role in Edmonton’s Future Plans
Edmonton Oilers’ Darnell Nurse remains a focal point of speculation. Locked into an eight-year, $9.25 million per season contract since 2021, Nurse was once viewed as a cornerstone alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Yet inconsistencies and salary cap constraints have frustrated fans and management alike. With a no-move clause still in effect, a trade is complicated, but Nurse’s recent admission of dissatisfaction with his own performance suggests openness to change.
St. Louis Blues’ Colton Parayko and No-Move Clause Impact
Despite expectations that Colton Parayko would be traded to the Buffalo Sabres, the defenseman used his no-move clause to block the deal. The 32-year-old Cup winner signed an eight-year, $52 million contract in 2021, giving him control over his destination. Blues GM Doug Armstrong may continue exploring trade options at the offseason, targeting a location acceptable to Parayko as part of St. Louis’s ongoing roster adjustments.
Toronto Maple Leafs Defenseman Morgan Rielly’s Trade Prospects
Morgan Rielly’s large contract and no-movement clause complicate Toronto’s efforts to adjust its roster after a steep drop from last season’s Atlantic Division title to current underperformance. At 31 years old, with $7.5 million per season through 2029-30, Rielly remained with the Leafs past the trade deadline despite speculation. GM Brad Treliving, who recently transitioned from Calgary to Toronto, faces the challenge of finding a willing trade partner and convincing Rielly himself that a change of scenery would be beneficial.
Veteran Forwards Steven Stamkos and Vincent Trocheck
Nashville Predators veteran Steven Stamkos stayed with the team through the trade deadline, although several supporting pieces were moved as GM Barry Trotz prepared for his departure. Stamkos has two seasons left on his $8 million deal and could attract interest from rebuilding teams seeking experience and scoring depth in the offseason.
Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers was widely rumored to be on the move but remained in New York heading into the summer. The 32-year-old forward, effective on both ends of the ice and a strong face-off specialist, is signed for $5.63 million annually through 2028-29 and has a no-movement clause. His moderate salary and versatility make him a highly appealing asset on the trade market leading into the 2026-27 season.
What the 2026 Offseason Could Mean for NHL Teams and Players
The 2026 offseason promises a significant reshuffling for NHL rosters, with teams looking to improve after the trade deadline confirmed some missed opportunities. Players like Jordan Binnington, Brock Boeser, and Morgan Rielly, tied to substantial contracts and evolving team strategies, are expected to be at the center of trade discussions. The interplay of no-movement clauses, team rebuilding modes led by GMs such as Patrik Allvin, Tom Fitzgerald, and Doug Armstrong, and player willingness will shape the deals that unfold.
For franchises seeking a competitive edge, acquiring players with playoff and veteran experience like Steven Stamkos or Colton Parayko could provide immediate impact, while others aim to shed salary or add younger talent. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the 2026 NHL offseason develops, anticipating moves that could redefine team identities and the league’s competitive landscape for the 2026-27 season and beyond.
