NHL Trade Deadline: Who Won and Lost

A look at the winners and losers from this year's NHL trade deadline

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The 2026 NHL trade deadline saw a total of 41 trades, with over $135 million in salary moved around the league. Some teams made great moves, bringing in players to complement their rosters while keeping the value given up reasonable. Other teams made questionable moves where the value acquired did not meet expectations. This article examines which teams came out on top and which ones fell short at this year's deadline.

Why it matters

The NHL trade deadline is a critical time for teams looking to bolster their rosters for a playoff push or rebuild for the future. How teams navigate this period can have a significant impact on their success in the short and long term. Analyzing the winners and losers provides insight into the strategies and decision-making of NHL franchises.

The details

The St. Louis Blues were able to capitalize on the value of players like Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, acquiring two additional first-round picks, two third-round picks, and prospects Dmitri Buchelnikov and Marcus Gidlöf. The Colorado Avalanche added center Nazem Kadri and forward Nicolas Roy, giving them one of the most formidable center groups in the league, though at the cost of depleting their draft capital and prospect pool. The Calgary Flames also did well as sellers, trading veterans Nazem Kadri and Mackenzie Weegar for a haul of draft picks and prospects. On the other hand, the Carolina Hurricanes made only a minor trade for depth forward Nicolas Deslauriers, despite being expected to be more active. The Ottawa Senators made confusing moves, both buying and selling at the deadline, while the Vegas Golden Knights gave up significant draft capital to acquire depth players Nic Dowd and Cole Smith.

  • The 2026 NHL trade deadline was on March 3, 2026.

The players

Brayden Schenn

A forward for the St. Louis Blues who was traded at the deadline.

Justin Faulk

A defenseman for the St. Louis Blues who was traded at the deadline.

Nazem Kadri

A center who was traded from the Calgary Flames to the Colorado Avalanche.

Nicolas Roy

A forward who was traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Colorado Avalanche.

Mackenzie Weegar

A defenseman who was traded from the Calgary Flames.

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The takeaway

This year's NHL trade deadline saw a mix of shrewd moves and questionable decisions from teams around the league. The St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and Colorado Avalanche appear to have come out on top, while the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators made puzzling choices. The deadline is a critical time for teams to position themselves for the playoffs or the future, and the outcomes of these trades will have lasting impacts on the franchises involved.