Part 2: 5 Other Superstars Who Could Be On The Move In the Foreseeable Future

The Quinn Hughes blockbuster trade is now almost exactly one month old, and early returns suggest both sides have reasons to be pleased. Hughes has hit the ground running in Minnesota, producing at better than a point-per-game pace, while Vancouver has started to embrace a reset, giving young players expanded roles as they position themselves to land a high pick in the upcoming draft.

Seeing a true superstar change teams — and for both organizations to benefit — could have a ripple effect around the league. We explored that possibility in Part 1 of this series, highlighting five superstars who could potentially be next on the move after Hughes. Some of those names remain in play, while others have cooled as circumstances have changed, particularly in places like Buffalo, where a recent surge has altered the outlook.

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That said, the landscape around the NHL changes fast, and for some teams, that can be for better or worse. With that in mind, here are five other superstars who could realistically find themselves in trade speculation at some point in the foreseeable future.

Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)

Whether Panarin is still seen as a superstar around the hockey world can be debated, but his production this season clearly shows he belongs in that category. With 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 45 games, he’s on pace for another 89-point campaign — marking his ninth consecutive season averaging over a point per game.

As a pending UFA, Panarin’s future in New York remains very much up in the air, and the Rangers’ recent skid only increases the likelihood of him being moved before the deadline. Unless the team suddenly goes on a heater, it’s almost certain that GM Chris Drury will look to trade his superstar winger, potentially even before the Olympic break.

There isn’t much of a case that needs to be made for why Panarin could be dealt; it’s pretty self-explanatory given his contractual status and the current state of the Rangers. Potential suitors include just about every playoff contender, with heavyweights like the Avalanche, Stars, Wild, and Hurricanes all mentioned as possibilities. This will undoubtedly be one to keep an eye on as a resolution is nearing one way or another.

Adam Fox (New York Rangers)

Another Ranger makes the list, and this time it’s their superstar defenseman. Fox has been outstanding when healthy in 2025-26, but injuries have hit multiple times now—something that’s been a rarity throughout his NHL career. His absences have highlighted his importance to the Blueshirts, so why would the team even consider trading him?

The relationship between Fox and the organization isn’t perfect. He was passed over by head coach Mike Sullivan for Team USA’s Olympic roster, and the Rangers’ involvement in the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes has raised further questions about their commitment to him as a true number-one defenseman. Arthur Staple echoed this recently on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, proving this is more than just speculation.

Then there’s the broader context of what direction they’re headed in New York. This season has been a disappointment, and the team is edging towards true seller status ahead of the deadline. James Dolan is not a patient owner, and reports have suggested that they want to make a big-time splash to shake up this roster. Given there is some strain in the relationship and Fox has immense value as an asset, this situation is definitely one to monitor in the Big Apple.

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

What is going on in New Jersey? An 8-1-0 start to the season has completely unraveled over the last 20 games, and the situation is starting to look ugly. Jack Hughes has once again missed significant time due to injury—this time from a fluke accident at a team dinner— and while injuries happen, the trend of Hughes struggling to stay healthy is concerning, and the Devils may soon need to seriously reevaluate their plans.

The situation is made even more complicated, knowing they struck out on his brother, Quinn, who we know is thriving in Minnesota. While New Jersey could cling to the hope of reuniting the Hughes brothers in the future, it feels more likely that Jack could actually head to the Wild one day, and if the Devils continue to spiral, that speculation will only get louder.

There remain plenty of good pieces to build around in New Jersey, but things have changed drastically just in the last few months. As a result, Hughes’ future as a Devil feels more uncertain than it ever has. Quinn is in Minnesota, and Luke is being booed by his own fans. What does Jack think of it all? We might find out sooner than later.

Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators)

Speaking of ugly situations, there’s the Ottawa Senators. Their recent struggles on the ice were concerning enough, then factor in the off-ice drama with rumors around Linus Ullmark and the rest of the team and it’s become a mess in the Nation’s Capital. Brady Tkachuk has expressed his disgust with it all, and it’s fair to wonder how it could affect any potential upcoming decisions about his future.

The Senators are just two points ahead of the Blue Jackets at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with their playoff hopes slipping further away with every loss. After this core group made their postseason debut in 2024-25, expectations were for a continued ascent—but instead, they’ve faced significant adversity and taken a step back in 2025-26.

Tkachuk has just two years left on his seven-year, $57,564, 958 contract after this season, so you cannot understate just how pivotal the 2026-27 campaign will be when it comes to his future. A bounce-back year from the Sens and their captain would quiet any concerns about his departure. Conversely, another season of missing the playoffs and it’s hard to envision Tkachuk committing long-term when extension eligible come July 1, 2027. Buckle up, folks. 

William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs)

It’s all sunshine and lollipops in Toronto right now, thanks to a 7-0-2 stretch since just before Christmas. That said, anyone familiar with this market knows how quickly things can turn, so you can’t get ahead of yourself. Even amidst the recent success, Nylander’s name has emerged in trade rumors as the team has thrived in his absence. He returned with a bang on Saturday, though it came against the NHL’s weakest team, so the real test is still ahead.

There’s no questioning that Nylander is absurdly talented and changes the complexion of the Maple Leafs. However, seeing how well the forwards gelled without him raised the question of whether trading him for a haul to strengthen other areas of the roster is worth exploring. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos has already done so by suggesting the idea of a deal would send the Swedish winger to the Seattle Kraken for Brandon Montour and Jamie Oleksiak.

For now, such a trade remains unlikely, but if the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs, then all bets are off. Despite being one of the hottest teams in hockey, Toronto is still on the outside looking in, so making the dance won’t be easy. How the rest of the season unfolds will ultimately determine whether GM Brad Treliving seriously considers moving Nylander, but given the pressure the organization is under, it can’t be completely ruled out.

Next: Why Oilers Trading Darnell Nurse for Dougie Hamilton Is Being Debated