Early NHL trade candidates: 10 players to watch ahead of the deadline in 2025-26

As the NHL trade market simmers toward the March 6 deadline, several veterans — affordable goal-scorers and big-bodied defensemen — could be moved. Betting takeaway: punters should monitor contenders acquiring finishers or heavy defenders; deadline additions can shift team totals and moneyline value, so expect fluctuations in over/under and futures markets after key trades.

NHL Trade Watch: 10 Players Who Could Move Before the Deadline

The NHL’s trade market has been largely stagnant since mid-July, with most deals limited to cap maneuvers or minor-league swaps. New collective bargaining constraints — tighter salary-retention rules and a playoff salary cap — may further suppress movement, but pressure to win ensures names will surface as March 6 approaches. Below are 10 players likely to draw interest, how they fit on the market and what contenders might seek.

Why the Market Is Tighter This Season

CBA changes and cap constraints

New limitations on salary retention and the introduction of a playoff salary cap complicate deals, reducing teams’ flexibility to absorb contracts. That makes affordable, term-controlled players and short-term rentals especially valuable.

Front-office pressure remains

Despite structural constraints, GMs still face pressure to improve rosters. Expect clubs in or near contention to pursue ready-made contributors, while rebuilding teams will shop valuable expiring or affordable assets.

Players to Watch

Rasmus Andersson — Calgary Flames (28, RHD) — Contract through 2026, $4.55M cap hit

A rugged, right-shot defenseman who logs big minutes and plays all situations. Pending UFA status makes him Calgary’s top chip if the Flames falter. Teams needing a physical top-four righty will pay for his minutes and shutdown ability.

Bryan Rust — Pittsburgh Penguins (33, Winger) — Contract through 2028, $5.125M cap hit

A speedy, two-way winger and Crosby linemate on a cap-friendly deal. Pittsburgh’s youth tilt and his vanished NMC make Rust a prime deadline target for contenders seeking dependable scoring and forechecking. His move would impact short-term title odds.

Rickard Rakell — Pittsburgh Penguins (32, Wing) — Contract through 2028, $5M cap hit

A natural finisher who posted 35 goals last season. Affordable and proven as a top-six scorer, Rakell could fetch futures and assets from contenders looking for finishing ability on the wing.

Alex Tuch — Buffalo Sabres (29, Wing) — Contract through 2026, $4.75M cap hit

A big, fast power forward with scoring touch. Buffalo has hesitated on an extension; if the Sabres aren’t in firm contention, Tuch could be moved to avoid losing him for nothing, making him attractive to teams needing size and goal-scoring.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau — New York Islanders (32, C) — Contract through 2026, $5M cap hit

A faceoff specialist, penalty killer and versatile bottom-six scorer on an affordable expiring deal. Pageau projects as a classic rental for teams seeking defensive depth and reliability in playoff matchups.

Jaden Schwartz — Seattle Kraken (33, Wing) — Contract through 2026, $5.5M cap hit

A quick, skilled winger with playoff experience and a recent 26-goal season. If Seattle sells again, Schwartz’s scoring and experience will draw interest from contenders needing secondary scoring.

Jamie Oleksiak — Seattle Kraken (32, LHD) — Contract through 2026, $4.6M cap hit

A 6-foot-7, physical defenseman who can play either side and eat penalty-kill minutes. Contenders covet his size and defensive reliability, making him a steady trade target as teams seek toughness for the postseason.

Mario Ferraro — San Jose Sharks (27, LHD) — Contract through 2026, $3.25M cap hit

A heavy-minute, shot-blocking defenseman who could post better numbers on a stronger team. San Jose’s rebuild makes Ferraro an attractive movable asset for clubs needing defensive depth and PK competency.

Nick Robertson — Toronto Maple Leafs (24, Wing) — RFA through 2026, $1.825M cap hit

A crafty scorer with a proven touch but size limitations and inconsistent play. Toronto is exploring options for a fresh start; Robertson could be flipped for draft capital or pieces that better fit the Leafs’ roster construction.

Brennan Othmann — New York Rangers (22, Wing) — RFA through 2026, $863,333 cap hit

A dangerous shot and puck-winner with upside but limited NHL consistency. The Rangers have depth on the wing and may test the market; Othmann could attract suitors looking for a high-upside depth piece.

Betting Implications and What Punters Should Monitor

Watch contenders’ activity: acquiring proven finishers or heavy defenders typically nudges team totals and moneylines. Expect movement in over/under lines and playoff futures after marquee additions. Punters should monitor injury reports, teams’ cap flexibility and whether sellers prefer short-term rentals or longer-term pieces — each drives different betting angles.

Conclusion

The trade deadline will be dictated by cap mechanics and playoff ambitions. With a mix of affordable vets and promising youngsters available, the next wave of moves could shift playoff landscapes and betting markets. Keep an eye on contract terms and cap room — they’ll determine who can move and who becomes an attractive target for contenders.

Rasmus Andersson, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell and Alex Tuch highlight our first wave of players to watch ahead of the March trade deadline.

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