The 2025-26 NHL trade deadline falls on Friday, March 6, with contenders aggressively reshaping rosters for a Stanley Cup push. Deals have accelerated in recent days, featuring veteran defensemen, depth forwards, and draft picks changing hands. This live tracker lists every trade since the regular season began, ordered with the most recent first for easy following.
Teams like the Wild, Ducks, and Sabres have been active buyers, while sellers such as the Flyers, Capitals, and Jets stockpile futures. Expect more movement before the 3 p.m. ET buzzer as playoff positioning tightens.
March 6 trades: Deadline frenzy unfolds
The Minnesota Wild kicked off the final day by acquiring forward Bobby Brink from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman David Jiricek. Brink adds scoring punch to the Wild’s top six, while Jiricek provides the Flyers with a high-upside blueliner for their rebuild.
Anaheim Ducks bolstered their blue line by landing veteran John Carlson from the Washington Capitals for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-rounder. Carlson’s experience could stabilize the Ducks’ defense amid their surprising push.
Buffalo Sabres made a pair of defensive hauls, first grabbing Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from the Winnipeg Jets for Jacob Bryson, Isak Rosen, a 2026 fourth, and 2027 second. Later, they added center Sam Carrick from the New York Rangers for 2026 third- and sixth-round picks. These gritty additions signal Buffalo’s playoff intentions.
Columbus Blue Jackets picked up right winger Conor Garland from Vancouver Canucks for a 2026 third and 2028 second. Garland’s tenacity fits Columbus’s evolving core.
These moves highlight sellers cashing in on demand for proven veterans.
March 5 deals: Depth and rentals move
Detroit Red Wings snagged left winger David Perron from Ottawa Senators for a conditional 2026 fourth. Perron’s veteran savvy boosts Detroit’s wildcard chase.
Dallas Stars added forward Michael Bunting from Nashville Predators via a 2026 third (from Seattle). Bunting’s edge complements Dallas’s firepower.
Ottawa flipped Warren Foegele and a 2026 third to Los Angeles Kings for a 2026 second and third. The Senators continue shedding contracts.
Minnesota Wild continued their spree, getting defenseman Jeff Petry from Florida Panthers for a conditional 2026 seventh. Petry’s puck-moving ability aids the Wild’s transition game.
San Jose Sharks acquired forward Jett Woo straight up for Vancouver’s Jack Thompson. Small tweak for both Pacific clubs.
Colorado Avalanche landed forward Nicolas Roy from Toronto Maple Leafs for conditionals in 2026 and 2027 drafts. Vegas Golden Knights grabbed Nic Dowd from Washington for goalie Jesper Vikman and picks.
These transactions show mid-tier teams fortifying without mortgaging futures.
March 4 action: Defensemen dominate
Edmonton Oilers picked up centers Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach from Chicago Blackhawks, sending Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first the other way. Edmonton’s depth gets a timely upgrade.
Colorado added defenseman Nick Blankenburg from Nashville for a 2027 fifth. Utah Mammoth made waves acquiring MacKenzie Weegar from Calgary Flames in a massive swap involving Olli Maatta, Jonathan Castagna, and multiple 2026 seconds.
Dallas Stars grabbed Tyler Myers from Vancouver for 2027 second and 2029 fourth. Defensive reinforcements abound as playoffs near.
These deals underscore the premium on blueliners league-wide.
Early March and late February moves
On March 3, Vegas added left winger Cole Smith from Nashville for Christopher Sedoff and a 2028 third. Minnesota got Michael McCarron from the Predators for a 2028 second.
March 2 saw Edmonton acquire defenseman Connor Murphy from Chicago for a 2028 second. February 24 featured Colorado landing Brett Kulak from Pittsburgh, sending Samuel Girard and a 2028 second back.
Earlier, February 4 blockbuster: Los Angeles Kings got Artemi Panarin from New York Rangers for prospect Liam Greentree and conditional 2026 third. New Jersey Devils added Nick Bjugstad from St. Louis.
- Key early-year trades:
Date Acquiring Team Player(s) From Feb. 24 Colorado Avalanche Brett Kulak Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 4 LA Kings Artemi Panarin NY Rangers Jan. 28 NY Islanders Ondrej Palat + picks NJ Devils
These swaps set the tone for a active deadline.
Impact on playoff race
Contenders like the Wild, Stars, and Avalanche have clearly gone all-in, adding scorers and stabilizers. Sellers such as the Flyers, Capitals, and Predators amassed picks to fuel rebuilds.
For detailed analysis, check the NHL’s official trade tracker. Grades for major deals highlight winners like Minnesota’s hauls.
Rebuilding teams gained futures, while bubble clubs treaded carefully.
As the deadline dust settles, these rosters will be tested in the postseason grind. Watch how newcomers like Brink and Carlson gel with new squads—what it means for the Cup chase remains the big question.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.