NHL Trade Deadline: 6 Players Likely to Move

From Evgeni Malkin to Dougie Hamilton, these are the top names to watch at the NHL trade deadline.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 6:10pm

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is expected to be one of the busier in recent memory, with several high-profile players potentially on the move. Among the names generating the most buzz are Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.

Why it matters

The upcoming NHL trade deadline could significantly reshape the league's landscape, with several contenders looking to bolster their rosters for a Stanley Cup run, while some struggling teams aim to kickstart a rebuild by trading away veteran assets. The potential moves of these six players could have a major impact on the playoff race and the future direction of their respective franchises.

The details

Evgeni Malkin is expected to be traded by the Penguins, ending his long tenure in Pittsburgh. Dougie Hamilton could be moved by the Devils as they look to the future. The Blues are considering trading Robert Thomas, a former 80-point center, as part of a rebuild. The Panthers may deal Sergei Bobrovsky, a proven playoff goaltender, as they struggle to defend their Stanley Cup title. The Canucks are likely to trade Elias Pettersson, their once-promising center, as they reset. And the Rangers could move on from Vincent Trocheck, a veteran center who has not lived up to expectations in New York.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A legendary winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is expected to be traded before the deadline.

Dougie Hamilton

A veteran defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who could be moved as the team looks to rebuild.

Robert Thomas

A 26-year-old center for the St. Louis Blues who is surprisingly being shopped as part of the team's rebuild.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The veteran goaltender for the struggling Florida Panthers, who could be traded to a contender in need of playoff-proven netminding.

Elias Pettersson

The once-promising center for the Vancouver Canucks who could be traded as the team embarks on a rebuild.

Vincent Trocheck

A veteran center for the New York Rangers who could be moved as the team looks to retool its roster.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The upcoming NHL trade deadline could see several high-profile players change teams, with the potential to significantly impact the playoff race and the future direction of their respective franchises. These six players, from veteran stars to promising young talents, are among the most likely to be traded as teams look to bolster their rosters or kickstart a rebuild.