{"id":389985,"date":"2025-11-19T13:33:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T13:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/389985\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T13:33:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T13:33:11","slug":"nhl-trade-board-2025-26-latest-on-the-top-25-targets-to-watch-stamkos-schenn-oreilly-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/389985\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL trade board 2025-26: Latest on the top 25 targets to watch \u2014 Stamkos, Schenn, O\u2019Reilly and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than one-third of players who have appeared in an NHL game this season own some form of no-trade protection in their contract.<\/p>\n

That helps account for transactions remaining so difficult to complete, even after the salary-cap jump over the summer created extra room for teams to maneuver. The fact that 36 percent of NHLers currently have trade restrictions, according to data compiled by PuckPedia<\/a>, is even more staggering when you factor in that players aren\u2019t eligible to negotiate those clauses for seasons in which they are a restricted free agent.<\/p>\n

It was the league\u2019s general managers who handed out those contracts, but in the early days of this season, more than one has grumbled about how debilitating they\u2019ve been to making moves.<\/p>\n

When you couple that reality with recent changes to the collective bargaining agreement<\/a>, the NHL\u2019s bunched-up standings and multiple teams off to surprising starts, both good and bad, the trade market is frozen.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a long way to go before the March 6 trade deadline. But it\u2019s not too soon to start sketching a rough outline of where things might be headed over the next few months.<\/p>\n

For the first time in 2025-26, it\u2019s the return of the Big Board.<\/p>\n

As always, players are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.<\/p>\n

Note: Net Ratings and market values are via Dom Luszczyszyn\u2019s model and are projected for the full season based on statistics through Nov. 16. Goals saved above expected (GSAx) are via Evolving-Hockey, also through Nov. 16. Contract info is via PuckPedia.<\/p>\n

Team Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Chicago Blackhawks Columbus Blue Jackets Minnesota Wild Nashville Predators New York Islanders New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Toronto Maple Leafs Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Sort by position Center Defenseman Forward Left-shot defenseman Right-shot defenseman Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,550,000<\/p>\n

The subject of trade talk since the summer, Andersson is a pending unrestricted free agent who represents the biggest chip for Flames management to play in a season in which they\u2019ve taken a step back. The right-shot defenseman hasn\u2019t fully closed the door on negotiating an extension with Calgary, but his personal timeline doesn\u2019t appear to align with a retooling organization that will soon be looking toward the future. Andersson is effective at winning puck battles and doesn\u2019t shy away from engaging physically. He\u2019s also averaged more than 23 minutes per night across the past five seasons while playing in all situations. He\u2019s the kind of player teams covet for a playoff run.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,000,000<\/p>\n

This is the last place the future Hockey Hall of Famer expected to find himself within 18 months of signing with the Predators in free agency. However, it\u2019s proven to be an imperfect fit on both sides of the equation, with Nashville lacking the kind of playmaking center needed to maximize Stamkos\u2019s lethal shot and the team now scuffling toward the bottom of the standings for a second straight season. A potential Stamkos trade carries some complications: The player owns a no-movement clause, and the team would likely have to retain salary to make it work. But the potential for a big payoff is there. Stamkos still scored 27 goals last season in a down year, and his intangibles and experience would mean a lot more if he found his way back to a winning environment.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,750,000<\/p>\n

The Sabres expressed interest in extending the Western New York native before he entered the final year of his existing contract, but they couldn\u2019t come to terms on something that made sense in the fall. Those talks were then shelved to focus on a critical season in Buffalo, and it\u2019s been another uphill battle on the ice. Despite that, Tuch continues to produce offense at a rate that\u2019s going to get him paid. He\u2019s a big, fast power forward with a proven ability to put the puck in the net. He\u2019s the kind of player it makes sense to keep around long-term, but he\u2019s also too valuable to potentially lose for nothing, especially if the Sabres aren\u2019t firmly in the playoff race come the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,900,000<\/p>\n

An excellent skater and defensively sound winger, the puck is usually headed in a positive direction when Coleman is on the ice. He\u2019s a 20-goal scorer who has been dangerous on the penalty kill over the years and ideally slots in on the third line of a top team \u2014\u00a0as he did for the Lightning while winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Coleman is signed through 2026-27, but it\u2019s little wonder so many teams are calling the Flames already to inquire about his services. He\u2019s the kind of upgrade that can raise the bar for a contender.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$2,100,000<\/p>\n

A trade request by the player went unfulfilled over the summer, and the situation hasn\u2019t gotten any better since Chinakhov returned to Columbus this fall. He is currently seeing the fewest minutes per game of his NHL career, which would make this an upside play for any potential buyer. Chinakhov has strong offensive instincts and possesses an intriguing set of tools, including a maximum skating speed that ranks in the 90th percentile among NHL players this season and a hardest shot that ranks in the 98th percentile, according to NHL Edge data. A fresh start is needed.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$6,500,000<\/p>\n

The Blues are off to a dismal start, which has prompted management to take a hard look at what they\u2019ve got. Schenn could be the first player to go. His name was prominent in trade discussions last season, and he\u2019s since seen a full no-trade clause get converted to a 15-team no-trade list, giving him less control in the process. Schenn\u2019s offensive output is well off its usual levels, but he should still carry value as a reliable center capable of impacting the game at both ends of the ice. He\u2019s scored at a 22-goal, 54-point pace across a 17-year NHL career.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,500,000<\/p>\n

O\u2019Reilly doesn\u2019t own a no-movement clause in his contract, but the Predators will treat him as though he does. That means they won\u2019t be trading their top center anywhere unless he\u2019s willing to go. The writing is on the wall in Nashville, though, and the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner will almost certainly have to go elsewhere to play meaningful games again before the end of his contract. O\u2019Reilly is an excellent two-way center who can be counted on to chip in offensively and has the ability to be a true difference-maker for a contender. As an added bonus, he\u2019s a beast in the faceoff circle.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$6,500,000<\/p>\n

A prototypical professional with 1,000 NHL games already under his belt, Faulk is playing more than 23 minutes per night in his 15th season. He is a stout five-on-five defender who chips in a bit offensively and generally keeps things steady. He is also a right shot capable of playing both sides of the ice. As an added bonus, his contract was front-loaded, which means he\u2019s owed less in actual cash than his actual cap hit now that he\u2019s down to the final two seasons on it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,485,000<\/p>\n

Traded from Boston to Toronto ahead of last year\u2019s deadline, Carlo is among a small handful of players who could bring the struggling Leafs back surplus value in a shakeup deal. Of course, they\u2019d also be immediately looking for another sturdy defender who can patrol the right side if they elect to go down that road. Carlo is a 6-foot-5 defenseman who can kill penalties and help shut the game down. He\u2019s not overly physical, but he\u2019s no stranger to big-game hockey with 85 career playoff games on his resume. He\u2019s signed for one season beyond this one, too.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,500,000<\/p>\n

Similar to Stamkos, the fit in Nashville hasn\u2019t been anything close to what Marchessault envisioned when he signed there in July 2024. Still, he scored 21 goals last season \u2014 his lowest total in an 82-game campaign since 2015-16 \u2014 and seems like a good bet to return to previous scoring levels if placed alongside a center who can get him the puck. The 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff games. What\u2019s more, his cap hit should become even more palatable as it ages.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,750,000<\/p>\n

A competitive heart-on-his sleeve center who has spent his entire NHL career in Columbus, Jenner is facing an uncertain future while playing on an expiring contract. He\u2019s unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice and can put the puck in the net, which are attractive attributes to peddle if the Blue Jackets become sellers later in the season. The biggest drag on Jenner\u2019s career has been an inability to remain healthy, so it\u2019s notable that he suffered what was described as a long-term injury on Nov. 12.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$7,000,000<\/p>\n

A hulking winger who makes his living around the net, Lee is ideally equipped for the rigors of playoff hockey. The pending unrestricted free agent is known as a hard worker and remains a threat to score on the power play, which accounts for 25 of the 105 goals he scored in the past four seasons. Lee wears the \u201cC\u201d on Long Island, where he\u2019s spent his entire NHL career, so he\u2019ll only become a serious candidate for trade if the Islanders fade from the playoff picture.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New York Islanders<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,000,000<\/p>\n

A slow start to the season put Hartman\u2019s name in trade rumors \u2014 at least until both he and teammate Marco Rossi went down with injuries. Still, the veteran center is a candidate to be moved and only has partial control of the situation courtesy of a 15-team no-trade list. Hartman is an agitator who often finds himself straddling the line of acceptable on-ice conduct, and he can be trusted defensively. He\u2019s mixed in a couple big offensive seasons for the Wild in recent years, too.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,125,000<\/p>\n

A surprisingly strong start in Pittsburgh has sent this beloved Penguin tumbling down the trade board. But what hasn\u2019t changed is the fact that the organization is focused on getting younger and Rust is a prime asset who could be used to help that process along. His speed, forechecking prowess and two-way ability have allowed his game to age gracefully, and the 33-year-old is playing on a cap-friendly contract. He also saw the no-movement clause in his deal disappear last summer, which means that his fate rests entirely in the hands of Penguins management.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,400,000<\/p>\n

Dvorak has had a nice start to his tenure in Philadelphia, where he signed a one-year contract as a free agent in July. That makes him a deadline asset for the Flyers to flip if they again become sellers. While Dvorak has yet to hit 40 points in an NHL season, he\u2019s a strong faceoff man and penalty killer, and he\u2019d be a natural bottom-six fit for a team looking to bolster its depth. The biggest question is whether he can stay healthy after his first ever 82-game campaign in Montreal last year.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,000,000<\/p>\n

A second-line center in San Jose, Wennberg profiles as an all-situations player best suited for a role lower in the lineup with a deeper team. He\u2019s a pending unrestricted free agent who has been through this before \u2014 getting traded from the Kraken to the Rangers before the 2024 deadline \u2014 and carries value because he can be trusted across 200 feet of ice. Wennberg is more of a playmaker than a shooter, although his offensive impacts are somewhat limited.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$1,500,000<\/p>\n

After scoring a career-best 19 goals last season, Sherwood is on pace to smash that total in 2025-26 thanks to a torrid start. He\u2019s an excellent skater with a good work ethic \u2014 well-suited to disrupt opponents on the forecheck. The Canucks haven\u2019t shown any inclination to sign the pending unrestricted free agent to an extension, but signing him with a new contract in place would maximize his trade value.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$5,500,000<\/p>\n

An OG member of the Kraken who is among a group of intriguing forwards playing out the final years of their contracts with Seattle \u2014 joining captain Jordan Eberle, Mason Marchment and Eeli Tolvanen, among others \u2014 Schwartz will carry trade value if the Kraken become sellers for a second straight year. A quick, skilled winger coming off a 26-goal season, he has a little extra shine thanks to his Stanley Cup bona fides, earned during the 2019 run in St. Louis. He\u2019s cracked the 20-goal plateau on six occasions during his career and is off to a strong start this season.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$4,400,000<\/p>\n

Big, strong and experienced, Murphy has posted strong defensive results under less-than-favorable conditions with the Blackhawks in recent years. The right shot comes with an expiring contract that should be fairly easy to move. This is a time of transition in Chicago so roster flexibility is paramount.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$8,125,000<\/p>\n

Kyrou\u2019s name circled through the rumor mill before his no-trade protection officially took effect on July 1, and it resurfaced abruptly in November when he was made a healthy scratch by the scuffling Blues. While his production is a shade off its usual level, Kyrou remains a highly skilled winger who possesses an enviable toolkit \u2014 blinding speed, high-end vision and creativity to spare. As much as he doesn\u2019t seem to want a change of scenery, this could be a sea-change season in St. Louis if the fortunes of the team don\u2019t change quickly.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$7,000,000<\/p>\n

A fierce competitor with a Stanley Cup ring already in his collection, Kadri possesses a rare combination of offensive ability and fearlessness. He never backs down from a challenge and seems to elevate his play when the game\u2019s emotions are highest. It\u2019s little wonder that the Flames aren\u2019t eager to part ways with a center who still has three seasons left on his contract after this one. However, Kadri plays a premium position and still has a lot left to offer, so rival teams are bound to express interest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Center<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$3,250,000<\/p>\n

No stranger to trade rumors the past couple of seasons, Ferraro is poised to again hear his name circulate around the league\u2019s hotstove. The Sharks are off to a better start in 2025-26, but they are still likely to end up as sellers, and the 27-year-old profiles as one of their more-attractive assets to sell. Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who appears capable of producing much better numbers on a more complete team. He\u2019s also a decent puck-mover and penalty-killer with a competitive streak to match.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Rangers system is stocked with wingers, and they\u2019re gauging the market on those players, including Othmann, the No. 16 pick from the 2021 draft. While certainly not in a position where they feel they have to move him, they\u2019d be willing to part with him at the right price. His dangerous shot and ability to win back the puck are considered strengths, albeit traits he\u2019s yet to show with any consistency in limited looks in the NHL. Othmann didn\u2019t make it to the end of training camp with the Rangers before being sent down to AHL Hartford and could benefit from a fresh opportunity elsewhere.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Market value<\/p>\n

Not available<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/p>\n

Forward<\/p>\n

Winger<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$10,000,000<\/p>\n

The start of Karlsson\u2019s third season in Pittsburgh has been a step up from the previous two, which may reduce some of the trade focus on him. However, the three-time Norris Trophy winner still hasn\u2019t appeared in the playoffs in six years and represents another big piece the Penguins could play to grab younger assets. Karlsson\u2019s contract has been a hurdle but should only get easier to move with each passing day. While there are mistakes that creep into Karlsson\u2019s game, few right-shot defensemen move the puck as well as he does.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Right-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Current cap hit<\/p>\n

$7,500,000<\/p>\n

The longest-tenured member of the Maple Leafs owns a no-movement clause and no apparent desire for a change of scenery. However, a tough start to the season in Toronto has left management looking at all options. Rielly had a heart-to-heart with GM Brad Treliving in May and responded with a big summer, but the team is still searching for the right mix on its blue line. While Rielly\u2019s skating may not be the separator it once was, he still does a strong job of getting his team playing offense and is a high-character player.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

Defenseman<\/p>\n

Left-shot defenseman<\/p>\n

\"Connections:\"Connections:<\/p>\n

Nov 19, 2025<\/p>\n

Connections: Sports Edition<\/p>\n

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms<\/p>\n

Find the hidden link between sports terms<\/p>\n

Play today’s puzzle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"More than one-third of players who have appeared in an NHL game this season own some form of…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":389986,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[3115,3103,1720,3113,3107,291,2995,3110,1320,2993,2997,1323,2081,3112,3104,3111,2994,1301,1302,293,3105,3108,1334,1328,2999,62,2996,3106,1304,67,132,68,2082,3114,3116,3109,292],"class_list":{"0":"post-389985","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nhl","8":"tag-anaheim-ducks","9":"tag-boston-bruins","10":"tag-buffalo-sabres","11":"tag-calgary-flames","12":"tag-carolina-hurricanes","13":"tag-chicago-blackhawks","14":"tag-colorado-avalanche","15":"tag-columbus-blue-jackets","16":"tag-dallas-stars","17":"tag-detroit-red-wings","18":"tag-edmonton-oilers","19":"tag-florida-panthers","20":"tag-los-angeles-kings","21":"tag-minnesota-wild","22":"tag-montreal-canadiens","23":"tag-nashville-predators","24":"tag-new-jersey-devils","25":"tag-new-york-islanders","26":"tag-new-york-rangers","27":"tag-nhl","28":"tag-ottawa-senators","29":"tag-philadelphia-flyers","30":"tag-pittsburgh-penguins","31":"tag-san-jose-sharks","32":"tag-seattle-kraken","33":"tag-sports","34":"tag-st-louis-blues","35":"tag-tampa-bay-lightning","36":"tag-toronto-maple-leafs","37":"tag-united-states","38":"tag-unitedstates","39":"tag-us","40":"tag-utah-mammoth","41":"tag-vancouver-canucks","42":"tag-vegas-golden-knights","43":"tag-washington-capitals","44":"tag-winnipeg-jets"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=389985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389985\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/389986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=389985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=389985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=389985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}