3 Huge Names Who May Finally Waive Their No-Trade Clauses This Summer

Every season, there are players in the NHL who are asked to waive their no-trade or no-move clauses and decline. Either settled into a city or wanting to stay with a contender, these players have earned the right via their contract negotiations to control their fate and dictate where they play. It’s only fair.

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At the same time, teams that employ many of these players find that situations change. Either a team is stuck financially, not as competitive as they once were, or the player didn’t live up to expectations and the production that was anticipated when the deal was signed. That these players are asked when NHL clubs need to do some internal housekeeping shouldn’t come as a surprise.

This offseason, there are some big names who may find themselves forced to make a choice. Do they accept a trade if the situation is right or stay put? Here are three players who might finally soften their stance about being traded.

Morgan Rielly (Toronto Maple Leafs)

As the Maple Leafs organization enters a new era under GM John Chayka, the future of defenseman Morgan Rielly isn’t entirely clear. After a down 2025-26 season, Rielly’s name has resurfaced in trade discussions, and management appears open to the idea of moving him, with former GM Brad Treliving noting that “sometimes, a change is good for everybody.”

While Rielly holds a full no-move clause and ultimately controls his future, the Leafs are expected to explore options — particularly to gain salary cap flexibility. Moving his $7.5 million cap hit could be more valuable than the return itself, especially as Toronto looks to reshape its roster.

Potential fits like the San Jose Sharks offer both financial relief and a fresh start for Rielly in a less intense market. The Sharks are rumored to have interest, and there are certainly less competitive teams that Rielly could join. The appeal of jumping in to help a team on the rise, with a player like Macklin Celebrini leading the way, must be strong.

Brendan Gallagher (Montreal Canadiens)

Brendan Gallagher’s time with the Montreal Canadiens may be coming to an emotional end as the team looks ahead to its next phase. Following their playoff elimination, reports suggest Gallagher has “probably played his last game” for the Canadiens, highlighting the difficult reality of players getting older and no longer fitting the team’s shift in direction.

Related: The Canadiens’ Core Is Real: Now What Comes Next?

With a $6.5 million cap hit entering the final year of his deal, Montreal is expected to explore trade options to create flexibility and continue improving the roster. Because Gallagher’s role has diminished — including limited usage in the playoffs — it seems fair to assume he’d be open to a move if the right situation presented itself.

A team that wants a gritty, north-south forward who doesn’t mind driving the net might like Gallagher. And, if he has a solid season, he’s the type of player who could be flipped at the trade deadline for future assets to a competitor. That would give him the chance to win again.

Ultimately, a combination of cap considerations, a reduced role, and the Canadiens’ long-term direction make a trade increasingly likely.

Colton Parayko (St. Louis Blues)

Colton Parakyo blocked a move to the Buffalo Sabres, but how much is he looking back at that opportunity and kicking himself? Maybe he’s not. But if his goal was a playoff push and a chance for a Stanley Cup, Buffalo made a run and might have pushed even further if he’d been on their blue line.

Is this the kind of player who, if given another crack at playing for a contender, would say no a second time? He’s got four seasons left on his contract and at $6.5 million, there will be teams that see him as a solid value. Whether that’s the Sabers again or another team remains to be seen.

Next: Is the NHL Setting a Dangerous Standard for the Stanley Cup Final?