NHL Trades 2026: Key Moves to Watch This Season

The Cap Crunch: Three Star Forwards Poised to Force Trades This Offseason

The NHL salary cap is projected to rise only $4.5 million for the 2026-27 season, the smallest increase in three years. That stagnation will compel several cap-strapped teams to move high-priced talent before the puck drops. The Maple Leafs, with William Nylander carrying an $11.5 million AAV, and the Oilers, with Evander Kane at $5.125 million, are prime candidates to shed contracts. Ottawa’s Tim Stützle ($8.35 million AAV) could also become available if the Senators fail to extend their core amid internal budget limits.

The cap increase is the smallest in three years, forcing teams to offload star salaries or risk non-compliance.

Teams with ample cap space — Anaheim, Chicago, and Columbus — are poised to act as brokers, absorbing large contracts in exchange for draft picks and prospects. This dynamic mirrors the transfer market in European soccer, where financial flexibility dictates player movement. As Bruno Guimaraes’ potential £100m move shows, high-value assets command premium returns.

• William Nylander ($11.5M AAV) is Toronto’s most movable large deal, with several contenders interested in his scoring punch.
• Evander Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit is manageable but essential for Edmonton to address defensive needs.
• Ottawa’s Tim Stützle, if traded, would command a prospect-heavy package, given his age and contract term.

The bidding for these forwards will likely accelerate after the draft, once cap projections firm up and teams finalize their budgets.

Rebuild Accelerators: Teams Like the Sharks and Canadiens Are Ready to Move Veterans

San Jose and Montreal are in distinct rebuild phases and hold veteran assets that contenders covet. The Sharks’ Mikael Granlund, a pending UFA who posted 33 points in 49 games, could fetch a first-round pick at the deadline if retained. Montreal’s Mike Matheson ($4.875 million AAV, one year left) draws interest from teams needing a left-shot puck-mover, and the Habs are motivated to clear a path for prospect Lane Hutson.

Chicago, still two years from contention, will shop Seth Jones — with retained salary — to accumulate futures. The Blackhawks have already signaled their willingness to facilitate trades for the right price, much like baseball clubs in seller mode. As rivalries reset and rosters turn over in MLB, the NHL sees a similar phenomenon where rebuilders prioritize draft capital over immediate wins.

• Mikael Granlund is the top rental forward available; the Sharks expect at least a first-round pick.
• Mike Matheson’s affordable contract and puck-moving ability make him a prime target for playoff teams.
• Seth Jones, with salary retained, would immediately upgrade a contender’s top four, but Chicago insists on a significant futures package.

These moves are designed to accelerate rebuilds without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

The Goalie Shuffle: Two Likely Big‑Name Netminders on the Block

Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina finalist with one year left on his deal, is unlikely to re-sign. That makes him the top rental target for teams desperate for elite goaltending — the Devils and Oilers are the most aggressive suitors. Nashville’s Juuse Saros, with three years at $5 million AAV, could also move if the Predators pivot to youth; his contract is value-friendly, but Nashville will demand a premium return.

Connor Hellebuyck’s rental value is unmatched; a trade could reshape the playoff picture for the next two seasons.

The Kraken’s Philipp Grubauer ($5.9 million AAV, three years) is a potential salary dump. Seattle may attach an asset to move him, freeing cap space for a pending RFA like Matty Beniers. Goalie trades always carry risk, but the returns for elite netminders in recent years — including the 2023 deadline — suggest a robust market.

• Hellebuyck is the top target; expect a return of a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a roster player.
• Saros is a cheaper, longer-term option; the Predators may ask for a young forward plus picks.
• Grubauer’s contract may require Seattle to add a sweetener, but any team needing a veteran backup will consider him.

The goalie market will develop slowly, but a move before training camp is likely.

Key Takeaways

• Salary cap stagnation will force at least three star forwards to be traded this offseason, with William Nylander and Tim Stützle as prime candidates.
• Cap‑rich teams — Anaheim, Chicago, Columbus — will act as brokers, using space to absorb large contracts in exchange for picks and prospects.
• Rebuilding clubs like San Jose and Montreal are poised to convert veteran rentals into draft capital, accelerating their timeline.
• The goaltending market features two franchise-caliber options (Connor Hellebuyck, Juuse Saros) who could alter playoff landscapes for contending teams.
• Retained salary and secondary pieces will be pivotal to facilitate high-value deals, especially for contracts with remaining term.
• Teams like the Devils and Oilers must address goaltending to maximize their competitive windows — expect them to be aggressive.