Top NHL Trade Deadline Targets Remain With Their Teams

Reasons why players like Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, and Sergei Bobrovsky didn't get traded at the 2026 deadline

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Several notable NHL players who were rumored to be trade targets ahead of the 2026 deadline ultimately remained with their teams. This includes centers Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, as well as veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers. The high asking prices set by their teams and contract details like no-trade clauses were cited as the main reasons these players did not get dealt.

Why it matters

The inability to move these high-profile players at the deadline was a surprise to many, as they were widely expected to be on the move. Their continued presence on their current rosters could have significant implications for those teams' futures, whether it's the Blues and Rangers trying to make playoff pushes or the Panthers potentially re-signing Bobrovsky.

The details

The Blues reportedly sought three assets equivalent to first-round picks in exchange for 26-year-old center Robert Thomas, pricing him out of a potential trade. The Rangers also set a high price for 32-year-old center Vincent Trocheck that no team was willing to meet. Meanwhile, 37-year-old Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky's 16-team no-trade list was a major factor in him staying in Florida, though the team is now trying to re-sign him.

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

The players

Robert Thomas

A 26-year-old center for the St. Louis Blues.

Vincent Trocheck

A 32-year-old center for the New York Rangers.

Sergei Bobrovsky

A 37-year-old goaltender for the Florida Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“The Blues maintained a high asking price for the 26-year-old center. They reportedly sought three assets considered the equivalent of first-round picks.”

— Billy Heyen, Writer (The Sporting News)

“The Rangers set a high price for Trocheck that no club was willing to meet. They may have missed a golden opportunity to move the 32-year-old center while his trade value was at its peak.”

— Vincent Z. Mercogliano and Peter Baugh, Writers (The Athletic)

“Bobrovsky's 16-team no-trade list doubtless factored into why he's still in Florida. However, the Panthers are trying to re-sign him.”

— George Richards, Writer (Florida Hockey Now)

What’s next

The Blues and Rangers may revisit trade efforts for Thomas and Trocheck this offseason, while the Panthers' attempts to re-sign Bobrovsky will be worth monitoring.

The takeaway

The inability to move these high-profile players at the deadline highlights the challenges teams face in executing major trades, with factors like contract details, trade clauses, and steep asking prices all playing a role in keeping rosters intact.