Four defensemen who could reshape NHL rosters in 2026

Nurse carries a $9.25-million cap hit through 2029-30 after posting just 24 points and a minus-12 rating in 82 games.

Nurse’s full no-trade clause narrows buyer pool

Edmonton must absorb a long-term $9.25-million obligation to move Nurse. The Oilers received a three-to-five-team list from the 2013 first-round pick. Only those clubs can realistically complete a deal before July 1.

Nurse remains a top-four puck-mover with extensive playoff minutes. His 82-game workload last season shows durability despite the minus-12 rating. Teams needing left-shot depth may overlook the down year when the alternative UFA class offers Ryan Shea and Mario Ferraro.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the restricted list, confirming Nurse controls destination. Edmonton’s cap situation forces action rather than retention. A trade therefore becomes the only path to roster flexibility.

Rielly’s $7.5-million deal offers more flexibility than Nurse

Toronto already executed early offseason moves and now weighs moving Rielly. The $7.5-million cap hit runs through 2029-30, lighter than Nurse’s obligation. Rielly supplied a Western Conference-heavy list to the Maple Leafs per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

The 82-game sample from last season produced offense from the left side that few UFAs match. Logan Stanley and Brett Kulak remain the thin free-agent alternatives. Western teams seeking top-four production gain a clearer path if Rielly accepts relocation.

Rielly’s full no-movement clause requires consent, yet the Leafs’ prior roster changes signal willingness to explore further deals. The manageable cap figure widens potential suitors beyond Nurse’s limited list.

Byram’s 42-point breakout creates trade leverage for Buffalo

Buffalo recorded a strong 2025-26 campaign and now holds Byram after his career-high 42 points in 82 games. The 22-year-old top-four defenseman becomes a pending RFA whose extension talks carry leverage.

If Byram declines an extension, the Sabres gain a young asset that can address wing depth. A trade would convert his offensive production into immediate forward help rather than risk losing him for nothing later.

Buffalo’s crowded prospect pipeline favors immediate roster upgrades over retaining every young blueliner. Byram’s age and recent output therefore position him as the clearest trade chip among the four names.

Nemec’s 22-year-old pedigree draws interest despite crowded Devils blue line

New Jersey already fielded deadline rumors around Nemec, the 2022 second-overall pick. The pending RFA has yet to secure a consistent top-pair role on a crowded roster. A change of scenery remains the likeliest route to top-pairing minutes.

At age 22, Nemec retains upside that teams will pay to acquire. The Devils can package him for established forward help without losing future first-round capital.

Nemec’s limited 2025-26 ice time underscores the logjam in New Jersey. Trading him now converts potential into tangible assets before his RFA window narrows options further.

The 2026 offseason therefore hinges on these four contracts and the thin UFA market. Two trades appear inevitable before training camp.