The NHL trade market is expected to heat up this summer as several teams weigh major roster decisions around stars, cap pressure and contract timing. While Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk all have just two years left on their deals, they are not yet strong trade-board candidates because there has not been enough noise around their futures. Even so, their situations will be closely monitored as Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa begin planning for life after those franchise cornerstones.
Two names drawing more immediate attention are Minnesota defenseman Quinn Hughes and Dallas forward Jason Robertson. Hughes is entering the final year of his contract, and Minnesota is prepared to make a major offer to keep him. But if the Wild sense he may be headed for free agency in 2027, they could explore a summer trade rather than risk losing leverage later. Dallas faces a similar urgency with Robertson, a restricted free agent who could command a deal of at least $12 million per season. With the Stars under cap pressure, a contract extension or trade seems more likely than a lengthy arbitration process.
Other veterans are also in play. New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, St. Louis winger Jordan Kyrou, and Blues goalie Jordan Binnington are all viewed as possible summer trade chips. St. Louis may also revisit its past attempts to move defenseman Colton Parayko. In Toronto, Morgan Rielly remains a player to watch despite his no-move protection, as the Maple Leafs continue to explore their options.
Edmonton’s cap situation could force changes as the Oilers try to make room for key free agents while still improving around McDavid. Defenseman Darnell Nurse is a notable candidate, though his contract and no-movement clause could complicate any deal. New Jersey is also under pressure, with Dougie Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit making him difficult to move unless the Devils retain salary or find a creative partner. If New Jersey pursues a trade for Quinn Hughes, young defenseman Simon Nemec could also become part of the discussion.
In Vancouver, Elias Pettersson remains on the trade board after another disappointing season by his standards, and management is open to moving anyone at the right price. Teammate Jake DeBrusk also could draw interest from clubs looking for scoring help. Minnesota may ultimately keep both Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson, though one of its goalies could eventually be moved as the Wild continue searching for a top centre.
Other possible summer moves include Rasmus Ristolainen in Philadelphia, Blake Coleman in Calgary, Mason McTavish in Anaheim, Michael Kesselring in Buffalo, Mason Lohrei in Boston and Kaapo Kakko in Seattle. The common thread is clear: teams are heading into a summer where salary-cap constraints, contract extensions and roster resets could trigger a wave of trades across the league.
