3 NHL Veterans Who Could Use a Change of Scenery

Whether it's getting healthy scratched or seeing a significant decrease in ice time, these NHL veterans look like they could use a spark via trade.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The NHL's Olympic break and roster freeze are getting closer, but the March 6 trade deadline will come quickly afterward. There will likely be plenty of veterans who get moved as the deadline approaches, either from seller to contender or for a new look and change of scenery. This article highlights three NHL veterans over the age of 30 who could use a change of scenery ahead of the trade deadline this year.

Why it matters

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams will be looking to make moves to improve their rosters for the final stretch of the regular season and playoffs. Some veteran players may be looking for a change of scenery to get their careers back on track, whether it's due to decreased playing time, lack of production, or their team's struggles. Identifying these veterans could lead to some impactful trades that benefit both the player and the acquiring team.

The details

The three NHL veterans highlighted in the article are Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, and Nino Niederreiter of the Winnipeg Jets. Hamilton has seen a significant decrease in production this season and was even made a healthy scratch, while the Devils are struggling to make the playoffs. Strome has seen his ice time plummet in Anaheim, and he's on pace for the lowest point total of his career. Niederreiter is also having a down year in Winnipeg, with his ice time and production both declining compared to previous seasons.

  • The NHL's Olympic break and roster freeze are getting closer.
  • The March 6 trade deadline will come quickly after the Olympic break.
  • Earlier this month, the Devils decided to make Hamilton a healthy scratch.

The players

Dougie Hamilton

A 32-year-old defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who is on track to produce one of his lowest-scoring campaigns in a season where he's been healthy for the most part. He is the joint-highest paid player on the team alongside defenseman Luke Hughes, earning $9 million against the salary cap.

Ryan Strome

A 32-year-old center for the Anaheim Ducks who has spent most of his career as a second-line center or a middle-six forward. He has seen his ice time plummet this season, averaging only 12:05 per game, and is on pace for the lowest point total of his career.

Nino Niederreiter

A 33-year-old right wing for the Winnipeg Jets who is having a forgetful season, with only 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 52 games. His average ice time of 13:58 per game is the lowest of his NHL career since his rookie season.

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The takeaway

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, these three veteran players could benefit from a change of scenery to help get their careers back on track. Whether it's due to decreased playing time, lack of production, or their team's struggles, a trade could provide a fresh start and opportunity for these players to regain their form and contribute to a contending team.