theathleticuk
There are no signs of the NHLs trade market letting up.
Even with a busy week of wheeling and dealing in the rear-view mirror, the top of our latest big board is dotted with perennial All-Stars: Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson and Connor Hellebuyck.
Werenski rockets to the top spot with news going public over the weekend that hes unwilling to commit to the Columbus Blue Jackets beyond the end of his current contract in 2028.
All signs point to him being traded this summer as a result.
Advertisement Larkin continues to wait patiently for the Detroit Red Wings to honor his trade request, while Robertson might be forced to move on from the Dallas Stars after being stuck at a contract impasse.
The Stars attempted to move him in a sign-and-trade to the Seattle Kraken last week.
Hellebuyck, meanwhile, would welcome a move from the Winnipeg Jets.
But hes not the only goalie near the top of the big board.
Teams in need of help in net will be looking to the trade market with a lack of impact goalies available when free agency opens Wednesday.
Thats true at every position with a weak free agent class, though, so expect the trade market is expected to remain busy.
Heres the latest on the top targets.
Weve had some attrition since last time, with players (Mason McTavish, Brandon Carlo, JJ Peterka, Pavel Dorofeyev, Sebastian Cossa and, on Monday, Brendan Gallagher) and picks moved, so were down to 30.
As always, players and assets are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.
(Note: Contract details via PuckPedia.) 1.
Zach Werenski Team: Columbus Blue Jackets Position: Defenseman Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 22 goals, 81 points, 75 games Age: 28 Contract: $9,583,333 AAV through 2028; 10-team trade list The Blue Jackets are in a difficult position with the reigning Norris Trophy winner, especially now that news of Werenskis unwillingness to commit to Columbus long term is out in the open.
The list of suitors includes the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights and Philadelphia Flyers.
Others may join the field, as well.
However, so far the Blue Jackets have been slow-playing talks.
Werenski is one of the best defencemen on the planet an offensive driver who can dominate in tough minutes so it may take some time to come to grips with moving him.
2.
Dylan Larkin Team: Detroit Red Wings Position: Center Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 34 goals, 67 points, 74 games Age: 29 Contract: $8.7 million AAV through 2031; no-trade clause becomes 10-team no-trade list in 2028-29 Advertisement Larkin is a speedy two-way center who is an ever-present threat to score.
He can handle big minutes and tough checking assignments and is known as a competitive player who battles his way to the difficult areas of the ice.
While his playoff experience is limited to just five games, Larkin was a strong performer for Team USA at the Milan Olympics and 4 Nations Face-Off.
His contract makes him an even more attractive asset because hes locked in at a reasonable rate of $8.7 million for the next five seasons.
The Vegas Golden Knights one of his favored destinations could be lurking in the weeds here.
3.
Jason Robertson Team: Dallas Stars Position: Winger Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 45 goals, 96 points, 82 games Age: 26 Contract: Restricted free agent The Stars pivoted to other suitors after the potential sign-and-trade deal with Seattle was shot down last week.
Theres still a world where the RFA forward signs a long-term extension in Dallas, provided the team makes peace with the fact it will have to pay him more than teammate Mikko Rantanens $12 million annual salary.
So far thats been a stumbling block.
Robertson is a big winger who consistently drives offense and still has prime years ahead.
Hes coming off a 96-point season with the Stars and would instantly improve any teams lineup in the league.
4.
Connor Hellebuyck Team: Winnipeg Jets Position: Goaltender 2025-26 stats: 23-23-11, 2.86 GAA, .895 save percentage, 57 games Age: 33 Contract: $8.5 million through 2031; no-movement clause becomes 10-team no-trade list in 2027-28 If the Jets are going to move Hellebuyck, the backbone of their team for a decade, they need to make sure theyre addressing another roster need (such as a second-line center) while creating another one in goal.
After engaging in talks with the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the draft that didnt produce a deal, the Jets may take another run at convincing Hellebuyck to stay.
Hes the total package in the crease an Olympic champion with size, durability and elite puck-tracking ability.
Its not often you can find a goalie this good on the trade market.
Advertisement 5.
Kirill Marchenko Team: Columbus Blue Jackets Position: Winger Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 27 goals, 67 points, 76 games Age: 25 Contract: $3.85 million AAV through 2027 (RFA) With one year remaining on his contract, and unrestricted free agency looming one year beyond that, Marchenko has started to draw attention beyond Columbus.
Hes already informed the team he wont be staying long term.
Marchenko is a big, talented winger with a knack for putting the puck in the net hes scored 102 goals across his first four NHL seasons and projects as a top-line winger with upside.
The Blue Jackets will need to be blown away with an offer to move him now, but they may get one given how frothy the marketplace currently is.
6.
Alexander Nikishin Team: Carolina Hurricanes Position: Defenseman Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 11 goals, 33 points, 81 games Age: 24 Contract: RFA After winning a Stanley Cup in his first full season with the Hurricanes, Nikishin is an RFA whose name has popped up in trade conversations.
Hes a big man who skates well and scored 11 goals during the regular season.
Carolina must weigh the merits of what he can bring back in a trade with what its going to cost to sign him to his next contract.
Hes believed to be looking for a deal in the $8 million range annually.
7.
Vincent Trocheck Team: New York Rangers Position: Center Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 16 goals, 53 points, 67 games Age: 32 Contract: $5.625 million AAV through 2029; 12-team no-trade list becomes 10-team on July 1 The veteran center spent most of the season at or near the top of our trade board and he remains there now.
After scratching Trocheck for roster management purposes prior to the trade deadline in March, the Rangers opted to hold on to him in anticipation of stronger offers in the summer.
Those conversations have since resumed.
Trocheck is an appealing target for teams looking to get stronger down the middle as a solid faceoff man and penalty killer who can handle heavy, difficult minutes.
Hes one of the few impact players at that position who appears to be truly available right now.
8.
Morgan Rielly Team: Toronto Maple Leafs Position: Defenseman Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 11 goals, 36 points, 78 games Age: 32 Contract: $7.5 million AAV through 2030; no-movement clause Advertisement The Maple Leafs longest-tenured player is open to moving on after 14 years with the organization and has submitted a list of four Western-based teams hed play for.
Rielly had previously been unwilling to consider waiving his no-movement clause but has softened on that stance.
While Riellys skating isnt the separator it once was, he possesses strong puck skills and can help drive a team offensively.
Hes also a high-character player who should be viewed as a dressing room asset.
9.
Darnell Nurse Team: Edmonton Oilers Position: Defenseman Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 7 goals, 24 points, 82 games Age: 31 Contract: $9.25 million AAV through 2030; no-movement clause Nurse requested a trade after spending the past 12 years in Edmonton.
Hes a hard-nosed defenseman who blocks shots, logs minutes and plays with edge.
The only problem? Hes paid like a cornerstone player, not just a really good one, and for an organization operating close to the salary cap in a narrow contention window, theres a significant opportunity cost attached to Nurses inefficient contract.
The player owns a no-movement clause and is believed to have the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers on his list of desired destinations.
If a deal doesnt happen soon, will Nurse expand that list? 10.
Adin Hill Team: Vegas Golden Knights Position: Goaltender 2025-26 stats: 10-9-6, 3.04 GAA, .871 save percentage, 27 games Age: 30 Contract: $6.25 million through 2031; 10-team no-trade list Supplanted by Carter Hart during the Vegas Golden Knights run to the Stanley Cup Final, Hill is a prime candidate to be moved with the team facing a tight cap situation.
Big and experienced Hill earned Conn Smythe Trophy votes when Vegas won the Stanley Cup in 2023 he would represent an upgrade for several teams on their existing situation in the crease.
Moving him would create the flexibility the Golden Knights need to take care of other business.
Of note: Hill is owed a $7 million signing bonus payment as part of his compensation for the 2026-27 season and should have even more value if hes traded after thats already been paid out.
11.
Jake DeBrusk Team: Vancouver Canucks Position: Winger Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 23 goals, 42 points, 81 games Age: 29 Contract: $5.5 million AAV through 2031; no-movement clause A player who doesnt fit the mold of the rebuilding efforts underway in Vancouver.
DeBrusk is a strong skater with a nose for the net, having potted 28 and 23 goals during two trying seasons for the Canucks.
Theres a lot of meat left on the bone, but theres also a contract that includes a no-movement clause, which definitely complicates things.
DeBrusk is at an age where getting back to a competitive team remains a priority.
Advertisement 12.
Jordan Binnington Team: St.
Louis Blues Position: Goaltender 2025-26 stats: 13-20-7, 3.33 GAA, .873 save percentage, 41 games Age: 32 Contract: $6 million AAV through 2027; 14-team no-trade list becomes 10-team on July 1 One year out from potential unrestricted free agency, the Blues face a decision on Binnington.
Hes coming off a season where his numbers cratered, but his reputation as a big-game goalie was still burnished during a strong performance for Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Binnington should hold appeal for teams that can offer him a better playing environment and are looking for an experienced player in the crease to help push them over the top.
His competitive nature remains a major asset.
13.
Jacob Markstrom Team: New Jersey Devils Position: Goaltender 2025-26 stats: 23-19-1, 3.07 GAA, .883 save percentage, 44 games Age: 36 Contract: $6 million AAV through 2028; 20-team no-trade on July 1 The Devils are gauging the marketplace on the veteran goalie, who owns a 20-team no-trade list as of July 1.
While Markstrom struggled last season producing an .883 save percentage, the lowest of his NHL career hes got a strong track record of above-average results.
Hes a big man who covers a lot of net and is considered elite at the position when hes at his best.
14.
Matthew Knies Team: Toronto Maple Leafs Position: Winger Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 23 goals, 66 points, 79 games Age: 23 Contract: $7.75 million AAV through 2031 Knies tumbles down the board after the Toronto Maple Leafs were unable to deal him for a top-10 pick at the draft.
Still, that doesnt completely remove the possibility that hes moved.
Knies is a young power forward with an ideal blend of size and skill who is signed until his late 20s.
Hes a rare commodity on the trade market, and Toronto seems focused on taking advantage of that scarcity.
15.
Elias Pettersson Team: Vancouver Canucks Position: Center Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 15 goals, 51 points, 74 games Age: 27 Contract: $11.6 million AAV through 2032; no-movement clause Advertisement The Canucks are still charting their direction under a revamped front office, but there can only be so much patience with Pettersson.
While new GM Ryan Johnson has spoken about wanting to wipe away all expectations, the fact remains that the Swede is a long way off the performer he was when Vancouver signed him to a $92.8 million, eight-year extension in March 2024.
And the Canucks are in the early stages of a rebuild.
Pettersson has a massive amount of salary owing and a no-movement clause in his contract, but it wouldnt surprise anyone if a fresh start was in order here.
16.
Pavel Zacha Team: Boston Bruins Position: Center Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 30 goals, 65 points, 78 games Age: 29 Contract: $4.75 million through 2027; 8-team no-trade list Zacha is fresh off his strongest NHL season, which included 30 goals and 65 points, and he holds the hammer with the possibility of hitting the free-agent market next summer.
Thats forced Boston to at least listen to offers in the absence of an extension with its top center.
Zacha is a big man (6-foot-4, 211 pounds) who is difficult to contend with in the offensive zone, and hes consistently found the back of the net, even in seasons that dont feature the kind of shooting percentage bender he enjoyed in 2025-26, when 22.9 percent of his shots went in.
A late bloomer, hes developed into a reliable faceoff man.
17.
Ilya Lyubushkin Team: Dallas Stars Position: Defenseman Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 1 goal, 9 points, 53 games Age: 32 Contract: $3.25 million through 2027 With the Stars navigating a tight cap situation, Lyubushkin is a candidate to be moved for improved roster flexibility.
Hes a physical defenseman best-suited for a third-pairing role.
Lyubushkin kills penalties, finishes checks and keeps the play in front of him.
Hes got one season remaining on his contract.
18.
Rasmus Ristolainen Team: Philadelphia Flyers Position: Defenseman Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 1 goal, 14 points, 44 games Age: 31 Contract: $5.1 million through 2027 Ristolainens game has come a long way and included a standout Olympic performance for Finland earlier this year.
A big right-shot defensemen who plays with some edge, Ristolainen has taken steps toward being more reliable on the defensive side of the puck since arriving in Philadelphia.
Some scouts believe he could be a reliable second pair option if slotted into the right system.
Hes a pending UFA.
Advertisement 19.
Danila Yurov Team: Minnesota Wild Position: Center Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 12 goals, 27 points, 73 games Age: 22 Contract: $2.95 million through 2028 (RFA) The Wild have dangled Yurov as part of packages aimed at landing bigger fish.
The No.
24 pick in 2022 is coming off his rookie NHL season and demonstrated deft stickhandling skills and strong instincts while lining up as a third-line center by the end of his first year in North America.
Yurov is a shifty player with upside who is cost-controlled with an entry-level contract covering the next two seasons, which is an attractive set of attributes.
20.
Rickard Rakell Team: Pittsburgh Penguins Position: Winger Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 24 goals, 48 points, 60 games Age: 33 Contract: $5 million AAV through 2028; 8-team no-trade list With two seasons remaining on a contract where hes delivered an outsized amount of production for the Penguins, Rakells trade value may never be higher.
It also helps that his no-trade list is limited to eight teams.
The right-shot winger is an above-average finisher who has a history of holding his own when playing alongside highly skilled linemates.
While he hasnt shown any apparent sign of slowing down, Pittsburgh is looking at the big picture.
21.
Tomas Hertl Team: Vegas Golden Knights Position: Center Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 24 goals, 58 points, 82 games Age: 32 Contract: $8.1375 million AAV through 2030; 3-team trade list becomes 15-team trade list in 2028 Hertl is another potential salary cap casualty in Vegas.
However, hell have a huge say in whatever happens because of a three-team approved trade list.
The veteran center is coming off an up-and-down season that saw him endure a 29-game goalless drought before rediscovering his touch in the later rounds of the playoffs.
Hertl is a big man who protects the puck well and can create havoc around the net.
His cap hit ($6.75 million) is lower than his AAV because the San Jose Sharks retained salary when they traded him to the Golden Knights.
22.
Shane Wright Team: Seattle Kraken Position: Center Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 12 goals, 27 points, 74 games Age: 22 Contract: $886,666 AAV through 2027 Advertisement Its still not clear what Wrights high-water mark will look like as an NHL player, but theres reason to believe he might help bring Seattle back the kind of scoring boost its looking for in a trade.
For starters, hes still got one year remaining on his entry-level contract and presumably levels of growth still to come in his game.
And even coming off a dip in his offensive production going from 44 points to 27 points he profiles as an intriguing two-way center, which is a commodity in demand right now.
23.
Blake Coleman Team: Calgary Flames Position: Winger Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 20 goals, 35 points, 69 games Age: 34 Contract: $4.9 million AAV through 2027; 10-team trade list Coleman is another player who attracted interest ahead of the trade deadline that could still be moved this summer.
The rebuild is on in Calgary even if theyre not officially using the R word after Rasmus Andersson (Vegas Golden Knights), MacKenzie Weegar (Utah Mammoth) and Nazem Kadri (Colorado Avalanche) were dealt in-season, and Coleman has one year left on his existing deal.
Hes an excellent skater and a defensively sound winger who usually sees the puck headed in the right direction when hes on the ice.
Coleman is also 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, as he did for the Tampa Bay Lightning while winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.
24.
Connor Zary Team: Calgary Flames Position: Winger Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 12 goals, 25 points, 74 games Age: 24 Contract: $3.775 million AAV through 2028 (RFA) A strong skater with high-end speed, Zary profiles as a depth forward who can chip in a little bit offensively at five-on-five.
The Flames are shopping the 24-year-old for a future mid-range draft pick.
Zary is under contract for the next two seasons.
25.
Bryan Rust Team: Pittsburgh Penguins Position: Winger Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 29 goals, 65 points, 72 games Age: 34 Contract: $5.125 million AAV through 2028 Rusts name has circulated again with the Penguins focused on getting younger and looking to build off a return to the playoffs.
His speed, forechecking prowess and two-way ability have allowed his game to age gracefully, and the 34-year-old is playing on a cap-friendly contract.
The fact that Rust scored 60 goals across the past two seasons should be appealing to rival teams.
Advertisement 26.
Mason Lohrei Team: Boston Bruins Position: Defenseman Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 7 goals, 26 points, 73 games Age: 25 Contract: $3.2 million AAV through 2027 Lohreis name circulated in trade rumors when the Bruins engaged in discussions on Rasmus Andersson last season.
Hes signed through next year at a reasonable cap number and has one year of team control remaining as a restricted free agent beyond that, making him an attractive asset.
Lohrei is incredibly mobile for his size and will chip in with a bit of offense from the back end.
Hes also made strides defensively.
27.
Devon Levi Team: Buffalo Sabres Position: Goaltender 2025-26 stats: Played in AHL Age: 24 Contract: $812,500 AAV through 2027 The Sabres used three goaltenders last season, and Levi wasnt one of them.
Hes been surpassed in the organization after making 23 NHL appearances in 2023-24.
A 2020 seventh-round pick who had a stellar NCAA career at Northeastern, Levi is still viewed favorably by other NHL teams.
While on the smaller side for a top-level goaltender, he compensates with agility and athleticism.
28.
Ryan Hartman Team: Minnesota Wild Position: Center Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 23 goals, 43 points, 76 games Age: 31 Contract: $4 million AAV through 2027; 15-team no-trade list becomes 10-team on July 1 The Wild are going to need to get creative to strengthen themselves down the middle, and it could mean parting with one of their existing centers.
Hartman is a potential UFA in 2027 and should bring back value in a trade.
Hes versatile, affordable, can handle top-six deployment and got his game back on the right side of the line last season after previously drawing attention from NHL disciplinarian George Parros.
Theres a two-way element to his game as he can be trusted defensively.
29.
Owen Tippett Team: Philadelphia Flyers Position: Winger Shoots: Right 2025-26 stats: 28 goals, 51 points, 81 games Age: 27 Contract: $6.2 million AAV through 2032; 10-team no-trade list Advertisement Signed for six more seasons to a positive-value contract, Tippett is not a prime candidate to be moved.
But his name has started to appear in trade chatter because of the potential haul he could bring back to a Flyers team trying to take the next steps toward contention.
Tippetts biggest weapon is a lethal and accurate shot thats had him knocking at the door of a 30-goal season.
His contract includes a 10-team no-trade list that kicks in July 1.
30.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi Team: Carolina Hurricanes Position: Center Shoots: Left 2025-26 stats: 2 goals, 9 points, 42 games Age: 25 Contract: $4.82 million AAV through 2030; modified no-trade list Kotkaniemi has fallen right off the map in Carolina, where he was a healthy scratch throughout the teams entire run to the Stanley Cup.
That followed a regular season in which a player once prized for his 200-foot game saw a big dip in his ability to drive play.
Kotkaniemis typically inconsistent offensive numbers trended hard in the wrong direction, too.
Still, hes a reclamation project worth considering due to his age and ability to play a premier position.
He still has four seasons remaining on his contract at a reasonable cap number if he can recapture his previous form.