5 NHL Stars Who Could Be Traded Before the Deadline

Blockbusters are brewing — here are the names every fan should be watching.

The NHL trade deadline always delivers chaos, heartbreak, and the kind of blockbuster surprises that set social media on fire. And with this season’s playoff race tighter than ever, several big-name players are emerging as potential trade chips — not because their teams want to move them, but because the market is hotter than it’s been in years.

Here are five NHL stars who could realistically be on the move before the deadline and why the hockey world is already buzzing.

1. Mitch Marner — Toronto Maple Leafs

The biggest elephant in the room.
Marner’s future with the Leafs has been debated for months as Toronto faces cap pressures and another “all-in or blow-it-up” decision. With no extension signed and a massive payday looming, rival teams are circling. If Toronto flames out or wants to reshape the core, Marner could headline the biggest deadline trade in years.

Why he could be moved:

• Huge cap hit

• No long-term deal

• Toronto needs defence help badly

Teams monitoring: Nashville, Vegas, Carolina.

2. Jacob Markström — Calgary Flames

Calgary’s retool is well underway, and Markström has quietly become one of the most sought-after goalies on the market. He’s playing well, he’s experienced, and contenders are desperate for stability in net. If the Flames commit fully to a reset, Markström could fetch a major haul.

Why he could be moved:

• Flames shifting into a younger direction

• High demand for elite goaltenders

• His value will never be higher

Teams monitoring: New Jersey, Los Angeles, Ottawa.

3. Trevor Zegras — Anaheim Ducks

Once seen as the face of the Ducks’ rebuild, Zegras now looks like a player who could benefit from a fresh start. Injuries, contract drama, and the team’s new direction have raised real questions about his long-term fit in Anaheim.

Why he could be moved:

• Ducks may prefer a more physical, two-way core

• Friction over role and usage

• His skill set would attract massive interest

Teams monitoring: Montreal, Boston, Chicago.

4. Noah Hanifin — Calgary Flames

Another big name who could headline Calgary’s shake-up. Hanifin is one of the most polished two-way defencemen in the league, and plenty of contenders want exactly that. If no extension is reached soon, the Flames may have no choice but to move him.

Why he could be moved:

• Pending free agent

• Flames don’t want to lose him for nothing

• Market for defencemen is extremely strong

Teams monitoring: Tampa Bay, Dallas, Toronto.

5. Elias Lindholm — Vancouver Canucks

Lindholm has been excellent at times, but contract talks with the Canucks haven’t progressed the way the team hoped. Vancouver wants to go for a Cup run, but keeping Lindholm long-term may not be possible without major cap adjustments. That makes him a high-value trade chip if things go sideways.

Why he could be moved:

• Expensive extension expected

• Vancouver may prioritize other core pieces

• Many contenders want a reliable top-six center

Teams monitoring: Colorado, Boston, Minnesota.

The Bottom Line

This trade deadline has the potential to be one of the wildest in recent memory. Between cap crunches, rebuilding teams, and contenders looking for that one piece to push them over the top, the conditions are perfect for a true blockbuster.