As the NHL trade deadline draws nearer, front offices are starting to sift through posturing and realities. While not every team has yet determined whether it’s a buyer or seller, league executives are already circling names they believe could alter the playoff picture. From top-pair defensemen to versatile middle-six forwards, this year’s trade market offers up some intrigue on many fronts.
Here are five players shaping up as legitimate trade bait as the deadline conversation heats up.
Rasmus Andersson, RD – Calgary Flames
Regardless of where the Flames land in the standings, Rasmus Andersson’s name continues to surface in trade discussions. Calgary has quietly listened on the 29-year-old right-shot defenseman, and league consensus suggests he’s more likely to be moved than retained long-term.
Andersson’s value comes from his versatility. He can log heavy minutes, run a power play, and handle tough matchups — all at a manageable $4.55 million cap hit. For contenders seeking a stabilizing presence on the right side, he checks every box.
Potential landing spots:
- Toronto Maple Leafs: A long-term answer behind Morgan Rielly
- New Jersey Devils: Insurance for a playoff push with blue-line inconsistency
- Detroit Red Wings: A playoff-tested upgrade with cost certainty
Kiefer Sherwood, LW – Vancouver Canucks
Kiefer Sherwood is quietly becoming one of the more interesting depth forwards on the market. Vancouver hasn’t wavered in its price, sticking to a first-round draft choice or comparable asset, even as Sherwood is close to becoming an unrestricted free agent.
The allure lies in Sherwood’s ability to play multiple roles. This is a player that can bring quickness, forecheck pressure, and playoff-level physical play—all factors that are often overrated come trade deadline time, not underrated.
Potential landing spots:
- Vegas Golden Knights: Familiar with this type of player and willing to pay
- Colorado Avalanche: Depth scoring and energy for another run
- Boston Bruins: A fit for their bottom-six identity
Dougie Hamilton, RD – New Jersey Devils
Dougie Hamilton is the largest swing on this list. His $9 million cap hit and 10-team no-trade list make things tricky, but New Jersey has explored moving him since the offseason. If New Jersey decides to reshape its roster rather than tweak around the edges, Hamilton could become available to one of his preferred destinations.
He does remain a legitimate top-pair defenseman who can drive offense from the back end when healthy. In any trade, retention or salary moving the other way would likely be involved.
Potential landing spots:
- Dallas Stars: A win-now team with cap creativity
- Carolina Hurricanes: A familiar system and known comfort level
- Detroit Red Wings: Blue-line offense to support a rising core
Alex Tuch, LW – Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres would rather not trade Alex Tuch, but circumstances may leave them no choice. The team’s new general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen, is said to want a resolution with Tuch’s status sooner rather than later and will make him their highest-paid forward with a long-term extension.
If negotiations stall, Buffalo could pivot toward maximizing value. Tuch’s size, speed, and playoff experience make him a coveted winger for teams looking to add punch without sacrificing structure.
Potential landing spots:
- New York Rangers: A power winger fit for playoff hockey
- Los Angeles Kings: Top-six scoring support
- Edmonton Oilers: Added offensive depth
Brayden Schenn, C/LW – St. Louis Blues
Brayden Schenn’s name has circulated since last season’s deadline, and interest hasn’t faded. St. Louis continues to listen, and while Schenn has some control over his future, there’s growing belief that a move could materialize if the right deal presents itself.
His leadership, versatility, and postseason résumé give him strong appeal, especially for teams needing center depth or a matchup forward who can move up and down the lineup.
Potential landing spots:
- New York Islanders: Immediate help down the middle
- Colorado Avalanche: Championship-style depth
- Montreal Canadiens: Playoff experience for a young group
Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Oilers, Canucks, and Big Names on the Trade Board
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