The 2026 NHL Draft has concluded, and it was an eventful couple of days that could reshape the future of several franchises. The Toronto Maple Leafs made a splash with the first overall pick, choosing Gavin McKenna to spearhead their next era.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks bolstered their lineup with a trio of first-round selections: Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, and Ryan Lin. The Pittsburgh Penguins also made headlines by drafting identical twins Liam and Markus Ruck.
But the draft wasn't just about new talent; it also featured a flurry of trades involving notable names like Mason McTavish, Sebastian Cossa, and Brandon Carlo, with a surprise appearance by JJ Peterka.
As the dust settles from the draft, the rumor mill is still churning with potential trades that could significantly impact the NHL landscape. Let's dive into some of the key players who might be on the move this offseason and how their potential trades could shift the balance of power.
Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings
With the free-agent market looking sparse, Dylan Larkin's trade request has become a hot topic. A dynamic center capable of netting 30 goals a season, Larkin is a coveted asset for many teams.
Initially, his request included just three teams: the Panthers, Wild, and Golden Knights. However, given his skills, it's likely other teams will come calling.
The Wild, in particular, seem like a perfect fit for Larkin's talents.
Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
At 28, Werenski has established himself as a top-tier defenseman, highlighted by his Norris Trophy and Olympic gold. Yet, with free agency looming in two years and no playoff appearances since 2020, his future with the Blue Jackets is uncertain. Reports indicate that trade talks have already begun, and a move involving Werenski could be the blockbuster story of the offseason.
Kirill Marchenko, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Marchenko's name has surfaced in trade discussions, and for good reason. With a favorable contract and impressive performance near a point-per-game pace, his value is at an all-time high. While the Blue Jackets might be hesitant to part with such a talent, his reluctance to re-sign may force their hand.
Vincent Trocheck, C, New York Rangers
Though the Rangers aren't under pressure to trade Trocheck, exploring options while his value is high might be wise. Known for his scoring, physicality, and faceoff prowess, Trocheck would be a valuable second-line center for any contender. The Wild have shown interest, but he remains a backup plan if they can't secure Larkin.
Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Despite a strong rookie season, Nikishin wasn't given significant minutes during the Hurricanes' playoff run. With trade rumors swirling, and no denial from the Hurricanes' GM, a trade could be on the horizon. Given Nikishin's potential, any deal would need to bring a substantial return.
Darnell Nurse, D, Edmonton Oilers
After more than a decade with the Oilers, Nurse appears ready for a change. Reports suggest teams are interested, and the Oilers might not need to retain much salary in a deal. This could be a significant move for both Nurse and the Oilers.
Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars
Robertson has been a scoring machine, ranking among the top players over the past five seasons. While the Stars would be wise to keep him, past contract negotiations have been rocky, and they face salary cap constraints. Though a trade isn't imminent, the possibility of a major move to balance their roster remains.
Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Philadelphia Flyers
Ristolainen played a crucial role in the Flyers' playoff push, averaging substantial ice time. However, with his contract nearing its end, the Flyers might consider trading him to acquire another scoring-line center. The Ottawa Senators could be a potential landing spot as they look to strengthen their defense.
As we move deeper into the offseason, these potential trades could redefine team dynamics and set the stage for an exciting NHL season ahead. Stay tuned as the hockey world waits with bated breath for the next big move.
In Other News...
Wild Could Sacrifice A Familiar Piece To Finally Create Flexibility
The Wild are still sorting out how much room they really have to maneuver before July 1, and one familiar depth piece has emerged as the kind of player who could be moved to help open it up. Yakov Trenin arrived in Minnesota with a reputation for doing the heavy lifting in the bottom six, handling penalty-kill minutes and bringing a physical edge, but his role also makes him the sort of contract a front office can revisit when cap space starts to get tight.
Trenins deal carries a $3.5 million average annual value and does not include trade protection, which gives the Wild some flexibility if they decide they need to reshape the roster. Minnesota has been linked to bigger swings on the market, and any move of that kind would likely require shedding money somewhere else first, leaving the next few days a test of how aggressive the Wild want to be and which pieces they are willing to sacrifice to make it happen. [Read more 🡒]
Wild Fans Wont Like Where This Mats Zuccarello Drama Is Heading
Minnesotas offseason has already taken on a different shape, with the front office spending much of its attention on the possibility of landing Dylan Larkin after the Detroit center reportedly asked for a trade. The Wild also locked up Michael McCarron on a six-year extension, but the more delicate part of the summer has been the silence around Mats Zuccarello, whose place in the long-term plan has become a real question as the club weighs how it wants to reshape its forward group.
For a team that has leaned on Zuccarellos connection with Kirill Kaprizov, the hesitation tells its own story. Minnesota appears ready to explore a new look, one that asks Kaprizov to build chemistry with different linemates and pushes the roster toward a different style of play, which leaves Zuccarello staring at an uncertain road as the market keeps getting closer and the Wild keep sounding like a team prepared to turn the page. [Read more 🡒]
Patrik Laine Might Force The Wild To Make A Risky Choice
The Wild keep running into the same problem when games tighten up, and it is not hard to see why Patrik Laine keeps coming up as a possible answer. His scoring touch and power-play value give Minnesota a kind of high-end shot creation it has been missing, the sort of skill set that can matter most when space disappears in the postseason and someone still has to create offense anyway.
Of course, the appeal comes with the usual Laine baggage. His consistency and availability remain part of the conversation, and any deal would have to make sense on the price as well as on the ice. Minnesota would also need Laine to agree to the move, which is no small detail for a team weighing whether this is the kind of swing worth taking. [Read more 🡒]