The 2026-27 NHL season is still in its opening weeks, but the trade market is already generating considerable attention. From established stars requesting changes of scenery to veteran players potentially becoming available, several organizations could be preparing for significant roster moves before the trade deadline.
The Winnipeg Jets continue to face uncertainty surrounding Connor Hellebuyck, while Dylan Larkin‘s situation in Detroit and contract disputes involving two promising young defencemen could reshape the market. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins have indicated a willingness to move established veterans as they transition toward a younger roster.
Several names have already surfaced on early-season NHL trade watch lists, highlighting how quickly the market could develop. With contenders looking to address weaknesses and rebuilding teams weighing their options, here are 10 players worth monitoring, the latest developments surrounding their futures and the teams that could emerge as potential destinations.
1. Connor Hellebuyck — Winnipeg Jets
Age: 33 | Position: G | Cap hit: $8.5 million
Interested teams: Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers.
Hellebuyck remains the biggest name on the early-season trade market. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner requested a trade during the offseason and has yet to report to Winnipeg, with his team-issued suspension scheduled to expire Friday.
The latest ESPN trade update indicates at least three teams remain involved in discussions, although a deal is not guaranteed before his suspension expires. Carolina, Buffalo, Utah and Los Angeles have emerged in discussions surrounding potential destinations, while the Rangers have also contacted Winnipeg.
Hellebuyck’s full no-movement clause gives him considerable control over the process. His ability to transform a team’s goaltending makes him the most consequential player potentially available.
2. Dylan Larkin — Detroit Red Wings
Age: 30 | Position: C | Cap hit: $8.7 million
Approved destinations: Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth and Washington Capitals.
Larkin’s future in Detroit remains uncertain after requesting a trade during the offseason. The former Red Wings captain has expanded his list of acceptable destinations from three teams to 10, potentially giving Detroit more flexibility to negotiate.
The expanded list was first detailed by the Detroit Free Press, with ESPN subsequently confirming the development.
Minnesota and Carolina are particularly intriguing destinations given their potential need for an established top-six centre. However, Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit and Detroit’s asking price remain significant obstacles. The expanded list represents destinations he would accept rather than confirmed negotiations with all 10 organizations.
3. Simon Edvinsson — Detroit Red Wings
Age: 23 | Position: LHD | Contract: Unsigned RFA
Potential destinations: Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks and other teams seeking a young top-pairing defenceman.
Edvinsson could become one of the most valuable trade assets available if Detroit’s contract stalemate continues. The 6-foot-6 defenceman remains unsigned after averaging approximately 22 minutes per game last season, and his future has become increasingly uncertain.
Elliotte Friedman revealed in October that Edvinsson prefers a trade, although Detroit has maintained that signing him remains its priority.
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff subsequently made it clear that he has no interest in moving the young defender. With the December 1 signing deadline approaching, however, the situation remains worth monitoring. Boston and San Jose are hypothetical fits rather than confirmed suitors, and acquiring Edvinsson would likely require a substantial package of NHL talent, prospects and draft picks.
4. Rickard Rakell — Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 33 | Position: RW/LW | Cap hit: $5 million
Linked or potential destinations: Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken.
Rakell remains one of Pittsburgh’s most intriguing trade candidates as the organization looks to create opportunities for younger players. Elliotte Friedman recently indicated the Penguins are willing to move established veteran forwards in exchange for draft picks and prospects.
Pittsburgh previously explored moving Rakell to Columbus through a three-team arrangement connected to the Kirill Marchenko trade, although the proposed deal never materialized.
Edmonton could also be an interesting destination given its need for another proven top-six winger. Rakell’s versatility, finishing ability and manageable contract make him an appealing option for contenders. However, Pittsburgh’s asking price could determine whether a deal happens early in the season or closer to the deadline.
5. Bryan Rust — Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 34 | Position: RW | Cap hit: $5.125 million
Potential destinations: Edmonton Oilers and other playoff contenders seeking top-six scoring.
Rust remains one of Pittsburgh’s more intriguing trade candidates as the Penguins look to create opportunities for their younger players. Elliotte Friedman’s recent comments suggest the organization is open to moving veteran forwards in exchange for draft picks and prospects.
While Rust has reportedly attracted interest, no specific suitors have emerged publicly. Edmonton could be a potential destination, particularly if the Oilers decide to bolster their top-six forward group with an experienced, proven scorer.
6. Alexander Nikishin — Carolina Hurricanes
Age: 25 | Position: LHD | Contract: Unsigned RFA
Interested teams: Multiple undisclosed clubs; no publicly confirmed shortlist.
Nikishin’s future in Carolina remains uncertain following a difficult offseason of contract negotiations. The young defenceman recorded 33 points, including 11 goals, during his first full NHL season before helping the Hurricanes capture the Stanley Cup.
Despite his promising development, Nikishin has been unable to agree to a new contract, creating speculation that his rights could be moved. Nick Kypreos previously identified interest from multiple organizations, with potential contract demands reportedly reaching $7 million to $8 million annually.
Carolina retains considerable negotiating leverage because of Nikishin’s restricted free-agent status. Any acquiring team would need to surrender significant assets while also negotiating a potentially expensive long-term extension.
7. Zach Whitecloud — Calgary Flames
Age: 29 | Position: RHD | Cap hit: $2.75 million
Teams linked: Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers.
Whitecloud is emerging as an attractive defensive trade candidate as teams evaluate their early-season weaknesses. Toronto has reportedly made exploratory inquiries about the Flames defenceman, with David Pagnotta discussing the organization’s interest.
Philadelphia has also been identified as a potential destination, particularly as the Flyers search for an experienced, physical defenceman.
Whitecloud’s $2.75 million cap hit makes him especially appealing in a market where reliable right-shot defenders are difficult to acquire. However, Calgary is not under immediate pressure to move him, and his affordability could allow the Flames to demand a premium return. Toronto’s need for defensive reinforcements makes this situation worth monitoring.
8. Jake DeBrusk — Vancouver Canucks
Age: 30 | Position: LW | Cap hit: $5.5 million
Potential destinations: Teams seeking established top-six scoring; no confirmed current bidders.
DeBrusk could become one of Vancouver’s most attractive trade assets as the organization continues reshaping its roster. The veteran winger has surpassed the 20-goal mark five times during his NHL career and brings strong skating, net-front scoring ability and playoff experience.
His contract runs through the 2030-31 season, and this is the final year in which he holds a full no-movement clause.
Nick Kypreos previously included DeBrusk among Vancouver’s potential trade candidates as the organization moved toward a rebuild.
With salaries increasing around the league, his $5.5 million cap hit could become attractive to contenders looking for established scoring without paying the premium associated with unrestricted free agents.
9. Travis Konecny — Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 29 | Position: RW | Cap hit: $8.75 million
Potential destinations: Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and Utah Mammoth.
Konecny remains a player worth monitoring as Philadelphia evaluates its difficult start. While there is no confirmed indication the Flyers are actively shopping him, questions surrounding the organization’s direction could eventually lead to conversations about significant roster changes.
Edmonton would benefit from another established right-shot winger capable of playing in its top six, while Montreal and Utah could offer younger assets in a potential blockbuster.
However, Konecny’s full no-movement clause gives him control over his destination, and his long-term contract makes any deal complicated. Philadelphia would likely require a substantial package to consider moving one of its most established forwards. For now, these destinations remain speculative rather than confirmed expressions of interest.
10. Erik Karlsson — Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 36 | Position: RHD | Cap hit: $10 million
Potential destinations: Toronto Maple Leafs and other contenders seeking offensive defence.
Karlsson could become another name to monitor if Pittsburgh expands its willingness to move veterans beyond its forward group. The former Norris Trophy winner remains a dangerous offensive defenceman, although his age, defensive limitations and substantial cap hit complicate a potential trade.
Karlsson is entering the final season of his contract, making him a potential rental option for a contender seeking another puck-moving defender.
Toronto could be an interesting fit given its need to improve its blue line, but there is no confirmed indication of advanced negotiations. Pittsburgh would likely need to retain salary or take money back to facilitate a deal. His future could become clearer as the Penguins determine whether to prioritize immediate competitiveness or longer-term assets.
Which NHL Trade Rumours Are Most Likely to Develop?
Hellebuyck and Larkin remain the two most significant names because both have requested trades and their respective organizations are exploring potential solutions.
Edvinsson and Nikishin represent different situations, with contract disputes creating uncertainty around two young defencemen who could command enormous returns. Neither organization appears eager to lose a potential cornerstone player.
Pittsburgh’s willingness to move veteran forwards makes Rakell and Rust realistic candidates, while Whitecloud could become a sought-after option if Calgary decides to capitalize on the demand for right-shot defenders.
DeBrusk, Konecny and Karlsson are more dependent on their organizations’ long-term plans and the offers that materialize.
With injuries mounting and teams already assessing their weaknesses, the NHL’s trade market could become active well before the traditional deadline rush.
Next: 30-Goal Forward’s Time May Finally Be Winding Down with Penguins
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