In the NHL, the "change of scenery" trade used to be a go-to move - a way for teams to swap underperforming players and hope that a new jersey, a new coach, or a fresh system would reignite their game. But in today’s cap-crunched, analytics-driven league, those kinds of one-for-one, big-name exchanges have become far less common. Still, they haven’t disappeared entirely - and when they hit, they can still make a serious impact.
Take this season’s goalie swap between the Penguins and Oilers. Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner, both struggling to find their form, were traded for each other in a move that screamed “let’s try something different.” It was a classic case of two teams hoping a fresh start could bring out the best in their netminders.
And it’s not the only recent example. Last year at the trade deadline, the Sabres and Senators pulled off a notable deal, sending Dylan Cozens and a draft pick to Ottawa in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Again, the hope was that a new environment could unlock something that had gone missing.
This season, there are a few more high-profile players who might benefit from a change of scenery - and some rumblings around the league suggest that the market could be ready for a few more shakeups.
Let’s start with Elias Pettersson in Vancouver and Andrei Svechnikov in Carolina. Both are immensely talented forwards, both are under the microscope, and both could be on the move if the right deal comes along. But they’re not alone.
In Pittsburgh, Egor Chinakhov is showing exactly why these kinds of trades still happen. Since arriving, he’s looked like a different player - more confident, more aggressive, and more engaged.
The Penguins have been active in this space, making a handful of low-risk, potentially high-reward moves. Their latest?
A swap with the Avalanche that sent forward Valtteri Puustinen to Colorado in exchange for defenseman Ilya Solovyov. It didn’t make headlines, but it fits the mold - two players in need of a reboot, getting one.
Now, if we’re talking about big names who could use a fresh start, it’s hard to ignore Dougie Hamilton in New Jersey. He was a healthy scratch last week, and his production has dipped well below expectations for a defenseman making $9 million a year. Injuries have played a role, no doubt, but with just five goals and 12 assists in 46 games this season, it’s clear something’s not clicking.
Interestingly, the Devils have actually increased Hamilton’s ice time this season - from just under 20 minutes a game last year to over 21 now - which suggests they’re still trying to get the most out of him. And there’s still a good player in there.
At 32, Hamilton might not be the same dynamic force he once was, but he could absolutely thrive in a different system with a different supporting cast. The question is whether any team is willing to take on that $9 million cap hit for the next two and a half years.
There’s interest, but New Jersey isn’t going to eat a big chunk of salary just to move him.
If the Devils are looking for a more balanced trade - a hockey deal, not a cap dump - they might find a more willing market.
Out west, the Blues are another team with pieces that could be on the move. Jordan Kyrou is the name that jumps out.
At 27, he’s still in his prime and has a solid track record as a top-six forward. But this season, the production hasn’t been there - 11 goals and 13 assists in 42 games.
The biggest culprit? His shooting percentage has taken a nosedive, nearly six points lower than last year.
That kind of drop often corrects itself, which means there’s a good chance Kyrou could bounce back - either in St. Louis or elsewhere.
He’s under contract for five more seasons at a cap hit of $8.13 million, and depending on how aggressive the Blues want to be, that could be a bargain. But they’re not going to move him just for the sake of shaking things up. Still, if the right offer comes along, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kyrou in a different sweater before long.
Then there’s Colton Parayko, another Blues veteran who might benefit from a new role. Last season, he was solid.
This year? Not so much.
His underlying numbers have taken a hit, and while he’s never been a darling of the analytics crowd, the struggles are hard to ignore. That said, context matters.
Parayko is being asked to do a lot on a team that’s clearly in transition. He’s logging tough minutes, often against top competition, and spending far too much time pinned in his own zone.
That’s a grind for any defenseman, let alone one on the wrong side of 30.
At 32, Parayko still has value - especially for a contender looking to bolster its blue line with a big-bodied, experienced presence. But he won’t come cheap. The Blues still see him as a core piece, and unless a team is willing to pay up, they might just ride it out.
Back in New Jersey, the Timo Meier situation is another one to watch. The Devils gave up a haul to get him from San Jose three years ago and quickly signed him to an eight-year deal worth $8.8 million annually.
On paper, it looked like a perfect fit. But since arriving in Jersey, Meier hasn’t quite lived up to the billing.
He’s still a 50+ point player, but the explosive offensive impact he had with the Sharks hasn’t consistently translated.
He recently snapped a six-game pointless streak and has been dealing with personal matters, including a leave of absence to address a family health issue. It’s tough to say whether he’d welcome a change of scenery, but it might not be the worst thing - for him or the team.
Like Hamilton, Meier still has value. But after a rough stretch for the Devils, moving on from one or both of these players could be the kind of shake-up this roster needs.
The bottom line? Change-of-scenery trades may not be as common or as flashy as they once were, but they’re far from extinct. And for teams looking to spark something in a slumping season - or players searching for a reset - they might just be the right move at the right time.