Predicting Landing Spots For NHL’s Top Stars at the 2026 Trade Deadline Pt. 3

In part three of the 2026 NHL trade deadline predictor, we’re going to look at a few more big names that could be on the move. In part two of the series, we predicted Brayden Schenn would land with the Colorado Avalanche, Luke Schenn would return to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third stint, and Andrew Mangiapane would end up with the Anaheim Ducks.

Today, the focus shifts to a few headline names. Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers, and where they could potentially land. As well as Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues in a deal that would shake up both organizations.

---

Artemi Panarin to the Capitals

First up is Panarin to the Washington Capitals, and this one makes a lot of sense when you look at where Alex Ovechkin is at in his career. After their retool, the Capitals have proven they are still very much a playoff team, and adding an elite scorer like Panarin would be a massive boost to their top six.

An inter-divisional trade between the Rangers and Capitals would not be easy to pull off. That said, Washington does have young players and assets that could help make the deal work. If they are also willing to offer Panarin an extension, which he is reportedly seeking, that only increases the likelihood of this coming together.

Vincent Trocheck to the Hurricanes

Next up is Trocheck heading back to the Carolina Hurricanes for the second time in his career. He was originally traded to Carolina on Feb. 24, 2020, and played parts of two seasons there. His style of play fits exactly how Rod Brind’Amour wants his teams to play, and he would add another high-end piece to an already stacked top six.

Unlike many deadline acquisitions, there would be no adjustment period here. The familiarity with the organization and system makes this an easy fit on paper and could allow Trocheck to hit the ground running right away.

Robert Thomas to the Wild

Lastly, we have Thomas heading to the Minnesota Wild in what would be one of the biggest trades of the deadline. This scenario would see the Blues move Thomas in a deal centred around goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. It would not be a one-for-one deal, but rather a true blockbuster that could headline deadline day.

This is a move that actually makes sense for both sides. In my recent article, NHL Trade Watch: Panarin Hurdles, Wallstedt Chatter, McMann to Oilers, I touched on how something like this could come together. With Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington already in the mix, St. Louis has options. If they were to move Binnington at the deadline, they could realistically build a package around someone like Thomas or Jordan Kyrou and bring in Wallstedt as their goalie of the future.

If the Blues were able to pull this off, it would set them up between the pipes for the foreseeable future, while allowing them to shift their focus toward retooling the forward group and the blue line.

Next: Maple Leafs’ Projected Asking Price For Oliver Ekman-Larsson Seems High