In the ever-shifting landscape of the NHL, the 2026-27 season promises to be a pivotal one for several stars who may seek new horizons. As the league's trade deadline approaches, the air is thick with speculation about which players might request a move, driven by a desire for change, a chance to win, or simply a fresh start. Among the names that have been thrown around, eight stand out as potential candidates for a trade. Each of these players brings unique circumstances and motivations to the table, making their futures with their current teams uncertain. Let's take a closer look at each of them and the factors that could influence their decisions.
Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Brock Boeser's journey with the Vancouver Canucks has been a rollercoaster. Signed to a seven-year contract in 2025, he was part of a team that had just experienced its third-best regular season in franchise history. However, the 2024-25 campaign turned out to be a disappointment, with the Canucks finishing last in the overall standings. This led to a full-scale rebuild, including the trading of core players and changes to the management and coaching staff. Despite the upheaval, Boeser has remained loyal to the Canucks, and there's no indication that he wants out. But another difficult season could change his mind. Now 29, with six seasons remaining on his contract, he might decide that his chances of playing for a winning club are better elsewhere.
Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings
Alex DeBrincat's future with the Detroit Red Wings is a topic of much speculation. Signed to a four-year contract in 2023, he quickly became one of the team's top scorers, leading them with 41 goals and 85 points in the 2025-26 campaign. However, the Red Wings' playoff drought and the tension between DeBrincat and general manager Steve Yzerman could influence his decision. If the Wings are out of contention by the end of February, DeBrincat could decide his future lies elsewhere and request a move by the March trade deadline. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July, adding another layer of complexity to his situation.
Adam Fox, New York Rangers
Adam Fox, one of the NHL's best puck-moving defensemen, has been the linchpin of the New York Rangers' defense corps. However, the club's collapse since its 2023-24 Presidents' Trophy season could have him pondering a change of scenery. Fox's noncommittal answers to media questions about his long-term future raised eyebrows. Signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $9.5 million, he's in no danger of being traded unless he wants out. Nevertheless, the Rangers' struggles under general manager Chris Drury could lead Fox to reconsider his future, especially if the team fails to improve in 2026-27.
Jack and Luke Hughes, New Jersey Devils
The Hughes brothers, Jack, Quinn, and Luke, have been the subject of trade speculation. Quinn's unwillingness to sign an extension with the Vancouver Canucks led to his trade to the Minnesota Wild last December. This opened the door for Jack and Luke to potentially join him in Minnesota. However, the Wild's expensive, long-term contracts make it difficult for them to swing a deal. If the Devils miss the playoffs again, the Jack-and-Luke-to-Minnesota buzz could begin next summer. This scenario seems less likely than Quinn re-signing with the Wild, but it would be a significant swerve in the NHL's landscape.
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs' captain, has been a cornerstone of the team. However, the Maple Leafs' nine-season playoff streak ended last season, leaving them 28th in the overall standings. This prompted questions about Matthews' future, making him a subject of trade speculation. Matthews, 28, is one of the NHL's top stars, and his contract, set to expire in 2028, could influence his decision. If the Maple Leafs stumble in 2026-27, Matthews could decide not to waste the final season of his contract with a club in need of a rebuild. A trade request before the March 2027 deadline wouldn't be out of the question.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid, the Oilers' star player, signed a two-year contract extension in 2025. The short tenure of his new deal put the Oilers on the clock in their quest to win the Stanley Cup. McDavid doesn't want to risk being tied too long to a franchise that could face a rebuild in the near future. If the Oilers fail to improve or miss the playoffs, McDavid could decide that the writing is on the wall and request a trade. This could force other Oilers stars to reconsider their futures in Edmonton.
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski, the Columbus Blue Jackets' franchise player, has been a cornerstone of the team. However, his reluctance to sign a contract extension and his use of his no-movement clause to veto a trade to the Dallas Stars have raised questions about his future. Werenski is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, and if the Jackets fall short of the playoffs again, he could inform general manager Don Waddell that he has no intention of re-signing. This could lead to a bidding war among teams that could fetch the Jackets a solid return.
In the NHL, the trade deadline is a time of great anticipation and uncertainty. For these eight stars, the 2026-27 season could be a turning point in their careers. Whether they stay or go, their decisions will shape the future of their teams and the league as a whole. As we approach the deadline, the air is thick with speculation, and the stage is set for a dramatic summer of moves.
