NHL Trade Deadline Player Rankings: Top Targets for 2026 Deadline

Front offices across the NHL have a difficult few months ahead as we near the trading deadline. 

The deadline is usually a hectic period for general managers, but this year’s will be a unique challenge thanks to the Winter Olympics. Rosters will freeze in the NHL from February 4th to the 22nd. That means a typically active period for trades will be completely silent. And it also means that following the roster freeze, there’ll be a 13-day mad dash to get trades done. 

In advance of all that, here’s a look at ten players most likely to be traded and garner the most interest from buyers at the deadline, and a look at their possible destinations. 

NHL Trade Deadline Player Rankings

1. Alex Tuch, RW, Sabres

29 years old, $4.75 million

Alex Tuch has long had the unfortunate task of being a veteran leader on a pretty wayward Buffalo franchise. Unfortunate because you’re not really getting an opportunity to lead a continually last-place team and you’re also always going to be in trade rumors.

The Sabres’ misfortunes have slightly turned around this season. They’re now close to a playoff spot after their 10-game winning streak at the end of December. 

But, to state the obvious, Buffalo is in the middle of a 14-year playoff drought. And despite being a point out of a Wild Card spot, history tells us that the Sabres probably won’t make the playoffs. 

Which leads to the decision on Tuch: do you trade him at the deadline or hold off and hope he can help you end the drought? 

The veteran winger is currently second on the team in overall points with 34. He’d be a massive trade piece at the deadline and could get Buffalo a haul from a real contender in return. 

But Tuch has spent the past five seasons in a Sabres uniform and is a massive veteran presence on the team. Not to mention that he also grew up a Buffalo fan. 

He remains the biggest question mark on this list, but will definitely garner huge interest if the Sabres decide this is the year to cut him loose. 

Destinations: New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings

2. Artemi Panarin, LW, Rangers

34 years old, $11.6 million

In the middle of another year from hell in the Big Apple, the Rangers will likely look to shed some salary, grab some assets, and try to retool. 

Panarin, while still being probably New York’s biggest star, is expensive and aging. His output has dwindled each season in the last three years. He went from a career high of 49 goals in 2024 to 37 last season and is now on pace for 32 goals this season. His best years are likely behind him. 

Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year contract, meaning he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. 

However, according to a report from SportsNet NHL Insider Nick Kypreos, Panarin will not take a pay cut in a new deal this summer. Do the Rangers want to continue paying a 34-year-old Panarin in excess of $11 million? 

If this is his last year in New York, they’ll probably want some return on him at the trade deadline. 

The return will be less for a rental, but it’ll still be something for a Rangers team that needs assets. And there aren’t many forwards in the league who can deliver his output, even if it continues to diminish. 

Destinations: Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings

3. Rasmus Anderson, D, Flames

29 years old, $4.5 million

Calgary’s star defenseman Rasmus Andersson has been a trade candidate for a few years now. Could this be the year that the Flames move on?

Calgary is currently at the bottom of a competitive Pacific Division with an 18-21-4 record. According to Tankathon, the Flames have an 11.5% chance at the first-overall pick and a 39.7% chance at getting the fourth-overall pick. 

Moving on from Andersson would certainly add to their lottery odds. 

Andersson spoke about the possibility of a trade in a December press conference, saying, “I only have a six-team no-trade clause, so there’s a lot I can’t control. I just try to take it day by day, and then we’ll see what happens.”

Destinations: Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders

4. Steven Stamkos, C, Predators

35 years old, $8 million

Steven Stamkos is the first of a number of Nashville players in the top ten for trade consideration.

The Predators is one of my most likely blow-it-up teams at the deadline this year and he’s probably their best trade piece. 

The cap hit is a little high, but he’s still productive at his age. Stamkos has 18 goals and 10 assists through 42 games played this season. His 28 overall points rank him fourth on the Nashville roster. 

He has a no-movement clause in his contract, which could make a deal difficult, but if the Predators can eat some salary, he’ll have plenty of suitors. 

Destinations: New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings

5. Kiefer Sherwood, LW, Canucks

30 years old, $1.5 million

Kiefer Sherwood is probably the most likely to be moved player in the league right now. Between the team, the age, and the cap figure, Sherwood is easy to send to any team. 

He’s certainly not the best player on this list. There are actually a lot more players below him that I would trade for in a vacuum. But all the previously listed biographical details make him a very malleable asset at the deadline. 

He’s also the most mentioned in trade articles, and he’s tied to the most teams. Almost half the league seems to have some interest in Sherwood. 

Sherwood scored 19 goals in 78 games played last season but is on pace to score a whole lot more this year. He has 17 goals already through 42 games. 

Destinations: Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers