With the Winter Olympics now in the rearview mirror, hockey fans can turn their attention back to the NHL as the league’s trade deadline draws near. This year’s NHL trade deadline falls on March 6, giving teams little time to shore up their rosters before the final stretch of the regular season.
The trade deadline is the last real chance for NHL teams to make significant changes to their lineup and prepare for a potential playoff run. Whether it’s a Stanley Cup contender looking to add the final piece of the puzzle or a bottom-dwelling team hoping to sell off assets, the trade deadline forces teams to choose between pushing forward or planning for the future.
While it may be a stressful time for NHL players and executives, the lead-up to the trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of the year for hockey fans. With rumours flying and new names surfacing daily, the buzz around the NHL trade deadline is palpable.
The countdown to this year’s deadline has already begun, with teams weighing their options as the playoff picture starts to take shape. Here are some of the NHL trades fans would love to see ahead of the March 6 deadline, ranging from realistic deals to headline-grabbing moves.
Minnesota Wild Trade for Vincent Trocheck
The Wild could benefit from adding some depth down the middle as they prepare for what they hope will be a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck is a proven second-line centre with significant playoff experience, and would make for a perfect fit in Minnesota.
Trocheck would address a clear roster need for the Wild, providing some much-needed depth at the centre position. He can help with the team’s lack of secondary scoring, while also providing responsible two-way play. With New York toiling away at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, this move would make a lot of sense for both sides.
Los Angeles Kings Trade for Nazem Kadri
It’s no secret that the Flames are sellers heading into this year’s trade deadline, having already shipped off Rasmus Andersson to Vegas in January. As a veteran centre with a Stanley Cup on his resume, Nazem Kadri should draw plenty of interest on the trade market.
The Kings already made headlines when they traded for Artemi Panarin earlier this season, so it’s clear they’re going all-in on this year’s playoff run. The addition of Kadri would give them a top-six scoring forward who plays a physical brand of hockey that’s tailor-made for the postseason. A move like this would solidify Los Angeles as a serious Cup contender.
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade for Robert Thomas
Blues centre Robert Thomas is an elite playmaker known for his creativity with the puck and ability to drive offence. Having reached the 60-assist plateau in each of the past two seasons, Thomas could help fill the void left by the departure of Mitch Marner. His addition would open the door for more balanced line combinations and provide a boost to a power-play unit that ranks 22nd in the NHL at 18.8%.
It’s been a tough year for Leafs fans, with the Buds struggling to keep pace in a tightly contested Atlantic Division. If Toronto wants to see a major turnaround, they’ll need to acquire a major player. Blues centre Robert Thomas certainly fits the bill. This may not be the most likely of deadline deals, but it would send shockwaves across the league if it came together.
Dallas Stars Trade for Evander Kane
Having lost in the conference finals three years in a row, you can bet the Dallas Stars are looking to add some veteran players to help get them over the hump in 2026. Vancouver’s Evander Kane, a physical, goal-scoring winger with extensive playoff experience, could be just what the Stars are looking for.
The veteran forward offers size, physicality and a strong net-front presence; all things Dallas could use as they look to take the next step and capitalize on their Stanley Cup window. With Kane scheduled to become a UFA at season’s end, this could be a classic rental scenario for the Stars as they attempt to add some grit and toughness heading into the playoffs.
Montreal Canadiens Trade for Jordan Binnington
The Canadiens are a team on the rise, but they still have some big question marks when it comes to goaltending. Between Sam Montembeault’s struggles and the inconsistent play of Jakub Dobes, the Habs could benefit from a stabilizing presence between the pipes as they look to build off last year’s surprising playoff appearance.
Enter Jordan Binnington, fresh off a solid showing for Team Canada at the Olympics. The Blues netminder is a proven NHL starter and would help take some of the pressure off Montreal’s core of developing players. Binnington’s already shown he can handle high-pressure environments and would bring leadership and accountability to a young roster. This may not be the likeliest of trades, but it would signal that Montreal is now ready to prioritize progress over patience.
If you enjoyed this list of potential deals, then our 10 best draft steals in NHL history is just for you. Enjoy.