NHL Trade Deadline Watch: Canucks Set Price on Blueger, Buyers and Sellers Begin to Emerge
With the Olympic trade freeze in effect, NHL front offices are using the pause to recalibrate. But make no mistake-talks haven’t stopped.
The Vancouver Canucks were among the most active teams before the freeze, fielding calls on multiple players, including Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kämpf. Yet, as of now, no deal has met their asking price.
One name to keep an eye on: Teddy Blueger. The Canucks are reportedly seeking at least a third-round pick in return for the 29-year-old center.
That price could rise depending on how Blueger performs with Team Latvia at the Olympics, where he’s expected to slot in as their top-line center. A strong showing on the international stage could give his value a late-February bump just in time for the March 6 trade deadline.
Trade Market Expands Beyond Early Sellers
For much of January, the trade market was largely dictated by a small handful of sellers-most notably the Canucks, Calgary Flames, and New York Rangers. But recent slumps from teams like the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals may change the equation. If those teams decide to pivot toward selling, the market could shift dramatically-and quickly.
With just 12 days between the end of the Olympic freeze and the deadline, urgency will be the name of the game. Let’s take a closer look at four teams expected to be aggressive buyers and three that could be looking to sell.
🟢 The Buyers
Carolina Hurricanes
The Canes are in the hunt for a second-line center, and a reunion with Vincent Trocheck-now with the Rangers-could be on the table. Trocheck’s familiarity with Carolina’s system makes him an intriguing fit, especially for a team looking to solidify its playoff positioning.
Dallas Stars
Dallas is in a tight Central Division race and needs reinforcements.
With Tyler Seguin’s status still up in the air, the Stars don’t yet know if they’ll have access to his $9.85 million cap hit. That uncertainty complicates things, but they’re believed to be eyeing a middle-six forward and a top-four, right-handed defenseman.
One wrinkle: they’re without first-round picks in both 2026 and 2028, limiting their leverage in high-stakes negotiations.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are hunting for a top-six center, and they’ve got some enticing trade chips: a 2027 first-rounder, top prospect Charlie Stramel, and young defenseman David Jiricek. Goalie Jesper Wallstedt could also be in play, but only if the return is a true No. 1 center-not a stopgap like Trocheck.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are looking to bolster their top-nine forward group.
If they land a center, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could shift to the wing. If it’s a winger, RNH likely becomes their 3C.
Either way, expect flexibility in how they deploy him. One thing to watch: they may need to move Andrew Mangiapane’s contract to make room for any incoming salary.
🔴 The Sellers
St. Louis Blues
The Blues aren’t expected to blow it up, but they do have players who could draw serious interest. Names like Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, Jordan Kyrou, and Jordan Binnington all have term left on their deals, which could appeal to contenders looking beyond just a rental.
Don’t expect a fire sale, but a couple of moves wouldn’t be surprising.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto’s in a tricky spot.
If they decide to sell, Bobby McMann could fetch up to two second-round picks-a return comparable to what Kiefer Sherwood brought in a previous deal. Scott Laughton also has value, and on the blue line, Brandon Carlo (one year left) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (two years) could be appealing to teams needing defensive depth.
Nic Roy, a versatile center, is another name to monitor.
Calgary Flames
The Flames are sitting on one of the more valuable trade chips in the market: Nazem Kadri.
With the demand for top-six centers sky-high, Calgary is expected to seek a first-round pick plus for the 35-year-old. Given his age and value, the time to move him is now.
Blake Coleman (one year left at $4.9 million) and Zach Whitecloud (two years at $2.75 million) are also potential trade candidates.
What’s Next?
As the Olympic break winds down, the NHL trade landscape is about to hit overdrive. Teams are reassessing their positions, and the line between buyer and seller is blurring by the day. For Vancouver, the focus is on maximizing return-especially for players like Teddy Blueger, who could become a hot commodity if his Olympic performance turns heads.
The next two weeks will be a whirlwind. Buckle up.