Top defensemen and forwards among early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26

The 2025-26 NHL season has barely begun, yet general managers across the league are already scanning the landscape for potential trade opportunities. With the March 6 deadline still months away, several factors are shaping an early market that could prove more restrictive than in previous years. New limitations on salary retention and the introduction of a playoff salary cap under the revised collective bargaining agreement may reduce overall player movement, but the pressure to win remains constant.

Teams struggling out of the gate are facing difficult decisions about their futures, while contenders are eyeing upgrades that could make the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. From veteran stars on underperforming teams to expiring contracts on rebuilding squads, the trade rumor mill is already churning with possibilities. Understanding which players might be available and why can offer valuable insight into how the season’s trade market will ultimately shake out.

Top defensemen among early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26

The blue line always commands premium value at the trade deadline, and this season features several high-quality defensemen who could be on the move. Leading the pack is Calgary Flames right-shot defender Rasmus Andersson, who has been the subject of trade speculation since summer. The 28-year-old pending unrestricted free agent represents the biggest chip the struggling Flames can play if they don’t turn around a disastrous start to the season.

Andersson brings exactly what contenders covet: size, physicality, and the ability to play in all situations. He’s averaged more than 23 minutes per night over the past five seasons while winning puck battles and not shying away from physical engagement. His $4.55 million cap hit is extremely palatable in today’s environment, and his pending free agency means a team could either acquire him as a rental or attempt to lock him down long-term. While Andersson has expressed openness to staying in Calgary, the Flames’ rebuild trajectory suggests a move is increasingly likely.

San Jose’s Mario Ferraro offers a more affordable option for teams seeking defensive depth. The 27-year-old left-shot defender has been no stranger to trade rumors over the past couple of seasons, and with the Sharks firmly in rebuild mode, he profiles as one of their more attractive assets. Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who handles top-four responsibilities despite playing on one of the league’s weakest teams. His $3.25 million cap hit through 2026 makes him an attractive target for budget-conscious contenders.

Seattle’s Jamie Oleksiak represents the physical presence that playoff teams often seek. At 6-foot-7 and nearly 260 pounds, Oleksiak is one of the largest players in the league and brings the kind of intimidating presence that can change the complexion of a playoff series. The 32-year-old can handle second-pairing deployment at even strength while logging significant penalty-kill minutes, and his ability to play either side adds versatility. With his contract expiring in 2026 and the Kraken potentially heading toward another seller season, Oleksiak could find himself in high demand as teams look to add size and toughness for a postseason run.

The Islanders’ Jean-Gabriel Pageau also enters the conversation, though primarily as a center. However, his versatility and ability to play up and down the lineup make him valuable in multiple situations. The 32-year-old right-shot center brings faceoff prowess, penalty-killing ability, and big-game experience, with an affordable $5 million expiring contract and a modified no-trade clause that won’t prevent a deal if the price is right.

Skilled forwards highlighting early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26

Pittsburgh’s situation has put multiple high-quality forwards on the trade block, with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell both generating significant interest. Rust, a 33-year-old winger and beloved member of the Penguins organization, could become one of the deadline’s premier forwards despite his age. His speed, forechecking prowess, and two-way ability have allowed his game to age gracefully, and his cap-friendly $5.125 million contract through 2028 makes him more valuable to a contender than to a rebuilding team.

The removal of Rust’s no-movement clause last summer means his fate rests entirely with Pittsburgh management. His chemistry with Sidney Crosby and proven playoff pedigree would make him an attractive addition to any contender’s top six. Similarly, latest NHL trade rumors and signings ahead of the 2025-26 season continue to swirl around Rakell, who turned back the clock with 35 goals last season. The 32-year-old winger drew considerable interest before last year’s deadline, and with another year of his affordable $5 million contract remaining, he profiles as an ideal rental for a team seeking finishing ability.

Buffalo’s Alex Tuch presents an intriguing case among the early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26. The 29-year-old Western New Yorker is exactly the type of player the Sabres want to keep long-term—a big, fast power forward with proven scoring ability. However, contract extension talks cooled before the season, and with Tuch’s $4.75 million deal expiring in 2026, Buffalo faces a difficult decision. If the Sabres aren’t firmly in the playoff race come March, Tuch’s value as a trade chip may prove too significant to pass up rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

Seattle’s Jaden Schwartz adds another dimension to the forward market. The 33-year-old left winger brings Stanley Cup championship experience from the 2019 Blues run, along with consistent offensive production—he’s cracked the 20-goal mark six times in his career and posted 26 goals last season. His $5.5 million expiring contract makes him an affordable rental option, and the Kraken’s potential status as sellers for a second consecutive year could make him available. Schwartz’s quick, skilled style combined with his playoff pedigree gives him extra appeal to teams making a championship push.

Nashville’s early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26 situation

The Nashville Predators’ disastrous start to the season has created the most compelling early trade scenario. According to reports, veterans Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are believed to be willing to consider moves to top-tier Stanley Cup contenders, though such deals would likely materialize closer to the deadline. However, Ryan O’Reilly appears to be the most immediate candidate for a trade among Nashville’s veterans.

O’Reilly’s public frustration with his performance—despite leading the team with 13 points in 18 games—signals deeper issues with the Predators’ overall play. The 34-year-old center carries a $4.5 million cap hit through 2026-27, making him an attractive option for contenders seeking a versatile middle-six center who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and contribute offensively. His lack of trade protection combined with Nashville’s 5-9-4 start positions him as potentially the first major domino to fall if the Predators officially pivot to selling mode.

O’Reilly’s advanced metrics underscore his continued value despite playing on a struggling team. Last season, his goals above replacement (GAR) of 7.5 and wins above replacement (WAR) of 1.2 demonstrated that he was far from Nashville’s problem. His Stanley Cup championship experience with St. Louis and proven two-way play make him exactly the type of addition that could stabilize a contender’s bottom six. Several playoff-bound teams are already monitoring his availability, according to industry insiders.

The Predators also have several pending unrestricted free agents who could become trade chips, including Michael Bunting, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Tyson Jost, Cole Smith, and defenseman Nick Blankenburg. While these players don’t carry the same appeal as O’Reilly, they could serve as depth additions for teams looking to fortify their rosters without surrendering significant assets. Nashville’s situation will be one of the season’s most closely watched storylines, particularly if head coach Andrew Brunette’s job security comes into question.

Western Conference shaping early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26

Calgary’s catastrophic start has made them sellers earlier than many anticipated. At 4-12-2, the Flames lead the race for top draft prospect Gavin McKenna and appear ready to accelerate their rebuild. Beyond Andersson, general manager Craig Conroy has multiple veterans who could draw interest. Nazem Kadri, despite carrying a $7 million cap hit through 2029, is coming off a 35-goal, 67-point season and possesses the kind of offensive punch that second-tier contenders need. His 13-team no-trade clause gives him significant control over his destination, but teams like Montreal that need scoring down the middle could push hard for his services.

Blake Coleman represents another intriguing Calgary piece. The physical, two-way winger has long been one of hockey’s most effective middle-six forwards, playing a style that translates perfectly to playoff hockey. His contract runs through next season at $4.9 million, providing term beyond a simple rental. Coleman’s combination of physicality, penalty killing, and scoring ability—he’s potted 29 goals over the past two years in limited usage—will generate significant interest. NHL trade deadline 2025 predictions from earlier in the year didn’t anticipate Calgary’s struggles, but the Flames’ fire sale could reshape the entire market.

St. Louis presents another Western Conference team potentially heading toward selling. The Blues’ goaltending struggles have them sitting at 6-8-3 near the bottom of the Central Division, and GM Doug Armstrong has hinted that changes are coming if results don’t improve. Brayden Schenn, the Blues captain, surfaced in trade rumors last season with New Jersey and Toronto showing interest. While his play has declined—his GAR and WAR have been negative since last season—his $6.5 million cap hit through 2026 suggests he should be more of a cap-clearing move than a high-value trade. Still, some GMs may see value in his veteran presence and physicality.

David Kämpf’s situation in Toronto requires resolution sooner rather than later. After clearing waivers and being sent to the AHL, the fourth-line center left the Marlies to ponder his future, resulting in a suspension without pay. His $2.4 million AAV (though only $1.25 million against the cap due to signing bonuses) runs through next season, and the Maple Leafs need to find a trade partner willing to take on his contract. Kämpf has been a decent bottom-six contributor throughout his career, and a team needing depth might view this as an opportunity to acquire a reliable checker at reduced cost.

Young prospects among early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26

Not all early-season trade candidates are veterans looking for one last playoff run. Several young players in need of fresh starts could become available as teams assess their organizational depth. Toronto’s Nick Robertson finds himself in familiar territory—once again the subject of trade speculation despite being just 24 years old. The winger’s slow start to the season, failing to score in his first seven games, hasn’t helped his case, but his track record of 29 goals over the past two seasons in limited ice time demonstrates legitimate offensive ability.

Robertson’s crafty style and deadly shot are offset by his smaller frame, which puts him at a disadvantage in physical battles and leads to defensive inconsistencies. Still, a change of scenery to an organization willing to give him consistent top-nine minutes could unlock the potential that made him a second-round pick. His $1.825 million cap hit through 2026 makes him affordable for any team, and his restricted free agent status next summer means an acquiring team would maintain control.

The Rangers have similarly signaled openness to moving prospects, with Brennan Othmann drawing interest from around the league. The 22-year-old winger, selected 16th overall in 2021, possesses a dangerous shot and strong puck-retrieval skills but hasn’t shown consistency in limited NHL opportunities. After being sent to AHL Hartford before the season, Othmann could benefit from a fresh start with an organization that has a clearer path to NHL minutes. His $863,333 cap hit makes him essentially free from a salary cap perspective, meaning any trade would be purely asset-based.

These younger players represent a different type of trade target—teams aren’t acquiring them for immediate playoff impact but rather as buy-low opportunities on former high draft picks who need different development environments. For rebuilding teams or those with organizational depth concerns, taking a chance on a Robertson or Othmann could pay significant dividends if a change of scenery reignites their development trajectory. The Rangers’ surplus of wingers and the Maple Leafs’ perpetual cap constraints create opportunities for creative GMs to acquire talented young players at discounted prices.

Market dynamics affecting early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26

The Eastern Conference’s remarkable parity is delaying the identification of clear buyers and sellers. With the first-place Devils holding just a six-point lead over the 15th-place Maple Leafs, nearly every team remains in realistic playoff contention. This bunching of the standings means fewer teams are ready to commit to selling, which could suppress early trade activity compared to the more clearly defined Western Conference hierarchy.

Eventually, separation will occur, and when it does, several interesting scenarios could develop. Buffalo’s situation with Tuch isn’t unique—the Sabres have been in playoff contention before only to fade, and if that pattern repeats, they may need to make the difficult decision to trade a core piece rather than lose him for nothing. Pittsburgh’s improved play under new management has surprised many, but if they fade from contention, the flood of veteran talent they could make available—Rust, Rakell, and potentially Erik Karlsson—would dramatically alter the market landscape.

The Islanders also possess desirable veterans like Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau who would draw interest if New York falls out of the race. The new CBA provisions limiting salary retention to three total retained contracts (reduced from six) and capping individual retention at 50% (down from no limit) will impact how trades are structured. Teams that have already used their retention slots will find themselves at a disadvantage, potentially limiting competition for certain players and affecting return value.

The introduction of a playoff salary cap, which will use the highest cap hit from the regular season to determine playoff eligibility, could also influence deadline strategy. Recent analysis suggests these changes might reduce overall player movement as teams become more cautious about cap management. However, the fundamental pressure to win remains unchanged, and history suggests that GMs will find creative ways to work within the new restrictions to improve their rosters.

As October gives way to November and the season’s first quarter concludes, the picture of who’s buying and selling will sharpen considerably. The early-season NHL trade candidates 2025-26 landscape is just beginning to take shape, but the names already circulating represent some of the most intriguing potential moves in recent memory. From proven veterans seeking one more championship opportunity to skilled players needing fresh starts, the coming months promise significant roster movement across the league. General managers who act decisively could find themselves with the pieces needed for a deep playoff run, while those who wait too long may miss opportunities that won’t come around again.