Early NHL Trade Buzz: The Top Players Likely on the Move This Season
The NHL season may have only just started, but trade talk is already heating up across the league. With the 2026 trade deadline set for March 6, teams are beginning to assess where they stand — and who might be on the move before things get serious. Every year, franchises hovering outside the playoff picture start selling off valuable assets, and this season seems to be shaping up no differently. Let’s dive into some of the key names already making waves in early trade chatter.
At the top of nearly every insider’s list is Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames. After the Flames’ rocky start — just one win in their first nine games — Andersson’s future in Calgary looks uncertain. The 29-year-old defenseman, known for his strong physical presence and ability to log heavy minutes, is in the final year of his $4.55 million contract. Talks of an extension have stalled, and with unrestricted free agency looming next summer, his name continues to circulate as a prime trade target. Despite Calgary’s struggles, Andersson’s value remains high — he’s the kind of dependable blueliner any contender would love to add for a playoff run.
Another player whose stock is trending upward is Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks. San Jose remains in a rebuild mode, and Ferraro — at 27, with solid defensive reliability — could be the next veteran shipped out. The Sharks have been open to hearing offers, and his reputation as a steady, shot-blocking defender makes him attractive to playoff-bound teams in need of depth on the blue line.
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Over on Long Island, Anders Lee , the long-time New York Islanders captain, might also find himself part of trade discussions. Lee’s been a loyal Islander for 14 seasons and is in the final year of a seven-year, $7 million deal. With unrestricted free agency ahead, both sides have taken a “wait and see” approach on an extension. Lee’s leadership and scoring ability — he’s hit 20 goals or more eight times — could make him a valuable short-term pickup if the Islanders slide out of contention.
On the other hand, Pittsburgh Penguins wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are facing slightly tougher odds. Both have been mentioned in trade rumors for months, but injuries and inconsistent starts have affected their stock. Rakell, after a 35-goal season, recently underwent hand surgery, sidelining him for up to eight weeks. Rust, meanwhile, is easing back from an early-season injury and hasn’t quite found his rhythm yet. Still, if Pittsburgh’s retooling accelerates, both veterans could draw serious interest later in the year.
Meanwhile, Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is another big name to watch. The Sabres are desperate to end their playoff drought, but if they stumble again, the 29-year-old power forward could become one of the most sought-after trade pieces. Tuch’s blend of size, speed, and scoring ability makes him exactly the type of player contenders love to rent for a postseason push.
As October wraps up, one thing is clear — the NHL trade market is starting to stir. Some players are boosting their value with hot starts, others are waiting for a rebound, but all eyes are already turning toward March. The season is young, but the chessboard is being set for what could be a very active trade deadline.
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