7 Big-Name Players Emerging as Trade Candidates After Tkachuk Deal

Brady Tkachuk‘s stunning trade to the Florida Panthers — reuniting him with brother Matthew — has sent shockwaves through the NHL. The move proves once again that no captain, no contract, and no “fully committed” verbal promise guarantees a player stays put. Players are taking control of their own fate and more and more stars are maneuvering themselves into situations they prefer.

With the salary cap rising fast and the trade market hotter than ever, here are the players most likely to be next in line to force their way out.

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1. Dylan Larkin, C — Detroit Red Wings

Like Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin wears a C and reportedly wants out of Detroit. The Red Wings captain has a no-trade clause, meaning Detroit can’t move him without his sign-off — but if he decides he’s done in Motown, which it has been reported he has, he holds all the leverage.

There are three teams said to be on his trade list. Some reports speculate that the list has expanded slightly. The expectation is that this deal could get done at the NHL Draft.

2. Darnell Nurse, D — Edmonton Oilers

Darnell Nurse is likely to be traded. Following a second attempt to talk to him about waiving his no-move clause, the veteran blueliner has asked out of Edmonton. His trade protection means the Oilers are stuck until he gets what he wants, which is to go out east to one of a handful of teams on his list.

It is believed that the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins are on that list of acceptable destinations. The question becomes the return. Can the Oilers move his entire contract without retaining salary or taking a contract back?

3. Connor Hellebuyck, G — Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck’s situation in Winnipeg feels a bit like a powder keg ready to blow. The Vezina Trophy winner reportedly made pointed remarks to Jets management after the season. Everyone seems to think he wants out and that a trade is coming.

He has a full no-movement clause, making any trade entirely on his terms. The Florida Panthers were expected to be on that list, but it will be interesting to see how they pull off a trade after giving up three first-rounders to Ottawa in the Tkachuk deal.

4. Jordan Kyrou, RW — St. Louis Blues

St. Louis is believed to be looking to shed salary, and Jordan Kyrou may be part of that plan. With a full no-trade, Kyrou can veto any deal he doesn’t like, giving him total control over where — or whether — he goes.

Kyrou’s time in St. Louis has included its share of ups and downs. He’s not always been beloved by the fans and a fresh start might be on his radar.

5. Zach Werenski, D — Columbus Blue Jackets

There’s been trade speculation swirling around the offensive defenseman, and whispers that he could ask out of Columbus. Part of that has to do with how the Brady Tkachuk situation played out: a player said he wanted to stay, but everyone knew that was lip service. There’s a bit of a worry that Werenski may feel the same way, even though he’s never hinted at leaving.

He has a no-movement clause — so if he ultimately pushes, Columbus has little choice but to listen.

6. Auston Matthews, C — Toronto Maple Leafs

What if Auston Matthews pulls a Hughes or a Tkachuk? If he tells Toronto he won’t be re-signing, they’ll have no choice but to explore a trade.

The Leafs’ franchise center has a full no-movement clause and has given little indication of wanting out — but at the start of the offseason, that’s what everyone was worried might be coming, and that’s exactly what they said about Tkachuk two months ago. If Matthews decides he’s had enough in Toronto, the fallout would be devastating.

Friedman reports that Toronto is operating under the assumption that Matthews won’t be giving them bad news. They think he’s committed, and they’re making moves under that belief.

7. Connor McDavid, C – Edmonton Oilers

The biggest name on this list, the Oilers might be afforded one more bad season before Connor McDavid decides he’s given all he can give to Edmonton. He’s got two more seasons on his current contract and if the 2026-27 campaign is a mess, no one will be surprised if he tells the team he won’t be signing another extension.

That could trigger the biggest trade in modern NHL history. The Oilers would need the time it takes to gather offers, talk to any team on McDavid’s list and get the best possible return. The only hope for Edmonton is that McDavid gives them options.

Next: Senators to Flip Picks From Brady Tkachuk Trade for Huge Return