2026 NHL Rumors: Islanders Hold Core While Rangers and Canucks Explore Trades

Calls on the New York Islanders for Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal resurfaced with contracts now valued at 8.5 million and 9.15 million respectively.

Islanders Weigh Retention of High-Value Contracts

Elliotte Friedman reported that multiple teams contacted the Islanders about Horvat and Barzal. The organization concluded that losing either player would create major roster gaps. Horvat’s 8.5 million dollar deal and Barzal’s 9.15 million dollar contract now appear advantageous relative to current market rates for comparable production.

The Islanders compared the cost of replacing those two centers against keeping the existing structure. Retaining both preserves continuity on the second and third lines. Any departure would force the front office to allocate significant assets in free agency or through additional trades.

Contract values cited in recent discussions place these deals below the eight to ten million dollar range now typical for second-line centers. This shift in perception has reduced external pressure to move either player immediately.

Rangers Consider Forward Addition Through Schneider Trade

Chris Drury indicated the Rangers may pursue another top-six forward beyond Oliver Bjorkstrand. Braden Schneider remains available in trade discussions and could be packaged for a proven middle-six option. Schneider’s role on the third pairing has made him the most movable defenseman in the organization.

The Rangers previously traded Will Borgen, which increased the likelihood Schneider stays but did not eliminate him from the market. A deal involving Schneider would target a player who can slot directly into the top nine. Such a move would address depth without exceeding the current cap structure.

Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic noted that Drury has signaled openness to upgrades that improve the forward group. Any acquisition would require the Rangers to balance immediate production against long-term defensive stability.

Canucks Explore Retention to Facilitate Pettersson Trade

David Pagnotta stated that Elias Pettersson’s 11.6 million dollar contract has become more palatable after recent production trends. Teams have shown moderate interest if Vancouver retains between one and three million dollars. A 1.6 million dollar retention would reduce the cap hit to ten million for the acquiring club.

Pagnotta and Blake Price discussed on Sekeres and Price that second-line centers now command eight to ten million dollars. Pettersson’s projected output aligns with that tier once the retained salary is factored in. The Canucks would also need to add a sweetener to complete any transaction.

The combination of retention and asset movement would allow Vancouver to clear space while receiving a return that addresses other roster needs. Without retention the market for Pettersson remains limited to teams comfortable with an 11.6 million dollar commitment.