Key Highlights
- The NHL’s trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.
- Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames and Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres are considered “Stock Up” candidates due to their potential value as free agents.
- Artemi Panarin and Rickard Rakell of the New York Rangers, and Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are listed as “Stock Down” due to their current performance or team’s standings.
NHL Trade Deadline 2026: Evaluating Potential Candidates
The National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline is drawing near, with the annual event scheduled for March 6, 2026. As teams look to fortify their rosters or prepare for a potential rebuild, several players are already in the conversation as potential trade chips.
Stock Up: Calgary Flames’ Rasmus Andersson
The Calgary Flames, after narrowly missing the playoffs last season, find themselves at the bottom of the standings early in the 2025-26 season. This situation has placed more attention on key players like 29-year-old defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Andersson is slated for unrestricted free-agent status next July and carries an average annual value of $4.55 million over his final year with the Flames.
“Approaching November, there is no indication that he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension,” noted Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. Andersson’s recent production has declined since reaching a career-best 50 points in the 2021-22 season, but his physical presence as a right-shot defenseman makes him valuable for any team looking to bolster their defense corps.
Stock Up: Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks
General manager Mike Grier’s rebuilding process with the San Jose Sharks has seen several veterans move on in recent years. Mario Ferraro, a 27-year-old defenseman signed through next season, could be another player to watch as the trade deadline approaches. With an average annual value of $3.3 million and solid defensive skills, Ferraro’s availability would draw considerable interest from teams seeking a reliable blueliner.
Stock Up: Anders Lee of the New York Islanders
The 35-year-old winger Anders Lee is among the New York Islanders’ franchise leaders in games played (849) and goals (291). However, with an eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next July, Lee’s value as a trade candidate has increased. His captaincy and recent improvement after a slow start suggest he could fetch high interest if the Islanders decide to sell assets.
Stock Down: Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are off to a disappointing start, with just three wins in nine games. Among those facing scrutiny is Artemi Panarin, the 33-year-old playmaking center who carries an $11.642 million cap hit and is set for unrestricted free-agent status next July. Despite his career-best scoring output last season, Panarin’s current slow start and unwillingness to waive his no-movement clause could affect his trade value.
Stock Down: Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Rickard Rakell, a 32-year-old winger with a slightly lower cap hit of $5 million and an eight-team no-trade list, was off to a strong start before sustaining a hand injury. His scoring rate, although down from his career-high 35 goals in the previous season, made him a valuable trade candidate for teams seeking additional depth. However, his current absence due to recovery will likely impact his marketability.
Stock Up: Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres’ inconsistent start has raised questions about their playoff prospects. Among those considered potential sellers is 29-year-old winger Alex Tuch, who carries an average annual value of $4.8 million and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. His recent scoring contributions make him a prime target for teams in need of additional scoring.
Stock Up: Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins
The versatile 28-year-old forward Pavel Zacha remains signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.8 million. Despite the Bruins’ strong start, their desire to rebound from a poor previous season keeps Zacha’s trade prospects alive. His affordability and versatility make him a valuable asset for teams looking for a center or wing.
The NHL’s 2026 trade deadline is set for March 6, with these players among the top candidates for deals that could significantly reshape team rosters. Teams will be watching closely as they prepare to make strategic moves in the coming months.
