NHL Trade Deadline: Šimon Nemec in High Demand

Latest updates on the active trade market as the deadline approaches

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams are scrambling to finalize deals before the 3:00 PM cutoff. The St. Louis Blues are reportedly looking to move several players, but are facing challenges in finding the right trade partners. Meanwhile, Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec has emerged as a hot commodity, with his trade value rapidly increasing.

Why it matters

The NHL trade deadline is a critical time for teams to improve their rosters for the playoff push. The active market and teams' focus on asset management and long-term planning are shaping the landscape of trades, with players' preferences also playing a role in negotiations.

The details

The St. Louis Blues are reportedly looking to move five players, but haven't completed any trades yet. Other clubs are interested, but are waiting to see if the Blues will lower their asking prices. Defenseman Colton Parayko was nearly traded to the Buffalo Sabres, but the deal fell through when Parayko refused to go to Buffalo. Meanwhile, Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec has rapidly climbed the rankings of players most likely to be traded, now fourth on the list behind Robert Thomas (St. Louis), Vincent Trocheck (Rangers), and Nazem Kadri (Calgary).

  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

The players

Šimon Nemec

A Slovak defenseman whose trade value has rapidly increased, making him a central figure in trade discussions.

Colton Parayko

A defenseman for the St. Louis Blues who was nearly traded to the Buffalo Sabres, but the deal fell through when Parayko refused to go to Buffalo.

Doug Armstrong

The general manager of the St. Louis Blues, who is reportedly looking to move five players before the trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“The situation resembles a high-stakes poker game, where teams bluff and wait to see what their opponents will do before revealing their hands.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Canadian journalist

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The increasing focus on asset management and long-term planning is reshaping the NHL trade market, with teams less willing to overpay for rentals and prioritizing the acquisition of young talent and draft picks. The Parayko situation also highlights the growing trend of players having more say in where they are willing to be traded, which can complicate trade negotiations.