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NHL RumorsNHL Trade Deadline

NHL Rumors: Predicting where some of the Top trade targets could end up

Mark Easson 02/16/2026
4 Min Read
A look at eight players who could be traded by the NHL trade deadline, and two predictions of where they could end up.
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) and New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) battle after a face-off during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
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Predicting where some of the top NHL trade targets could end up

Chris Johnston and James Mirtle of The Athletic: Looking at the some of the top NHL trade targets and predicting where they could end up – part 4.

Robert Thomas – C – St. Louis Blues – Johnston predicts the Los Angeles Kings as they look for a top center to replace the retiring Anze Kopitar. Have their first-round picks and young players/prospects. Mirtle predicts the Carolina Hurricanes, who have two first-round picks this year.

Shane Wright – C – Seattle Kraken – Johnston predicts the Winnipeg Jets for a move to improve their longer-term future. May take Cole Perfetti. Mirtle predicts the New York Rangers for their retool, in a deal that could include Vincent Trocheck or Alexis Lafreniere.

Nazem Kadri – C – Calgary Flames – Johnston predicts the Montreal Canadiens. Three years left, his age, and the cost are concerns. Mirtle predicts the Minnesota Wild, who can fit his cap hit in and have a big need.

NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabres, and the Philadelphia Flyers

Dougie Hamilton – RHD – New Jersey Devils – Johnston predicts a reunion with the Carolina Hurricanes. Not a big need for the Hurricanes, but they’re always looking to upgrade. Mirtle predicts the Toronto Maple Leafs despite a source saying the Leafs are unlikely. If it becomes more of a cap dump as opposed to futures, may fit the Leafs as they’ll be looking to rework their blue line.

Chris Johnston and James Mirtle of The Athletic: Looking at some of the top NHL trade targets and predicting where they could end up – part 5.

Vincent Trocheck – C – New York Rangers – Johnston predicts the Minnesota Wild, but do they have the big assets to land him after acquiring Quinn Hughes. Mirtle predicts the Montreal Canadiens who may want to upgrade their 2C. Would he waive to play for a Canadian team?

Bobby McMann – W – Toronto Maple Leafs – Johnston predicts the Edmonton Oilers, who have limited cap space, but brings what the Oilers need. Mirtle predicts the Colorado Avalanche, who could use some depth scoring. Limited draft resources left.

Evander Kane – W – Vancouver Canucks – Johnston predicts the Colorado Avalanche, who would need salary retrained. Could cost a third. Mirtle predicts the Dallas Stars, who would also need salary retention.

NHL Rumors: Red Wings Trade Targets, and the Top Need for Each Team

Jesper Wallstedt – G – Minnesota Wild – Johnston predicts the Ottawa Senators, but finding the right trade package may not easy. Mirtle predicts the St. Louis Blues, who could offer up Brayden Schenn or Robert Thomas. Wild would need to include more.

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TAGGED:Alexis LaFreniereBobby McMannBrayden SchennCalgary FlamesCarolina HurricanesCole PerfettiColorado AvalancheDallas StarsDougie HamiltonEdmonton OilersEvander KaneJesper WallstedtLos Angeles KingsMinnesota WildMontreal CanadiensNazem KadriNew Jersey DevilsNew York RangersOttawa SenatorsRobert ThomasSeattle KrakenShane WrightSt. Louis BluesToronto Maple LeafsVancouver CanucksVincent Trocheck
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2025-26 Critical Dates

Feb. 1: NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium (Lightning vs. Bruins)
Feb. 4-22: Trade Freeze
Feb. 6-16: Teams can’t practice
Feb. 6-24: Olympic break
Feb. 11-22: Olympic Games in Milan
Feb. 25: NHL resumes
Mar. 6: NHL Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)
Apr. 16: Regular Season Ends
Apr. 18: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
TBA: 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
June 21: Last possible day for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft
July 1: Free agency begins (12 p.m. ET)

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