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NHL 2026 NHL Trade Deadline LIVE 2m ago The Avalanche have made their moves, including adding depth defenseman Brett Kulak. Time to chase a Cup. Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images The NHL trade deadline is here, and this one might actually carry some excitement. All eyes are on Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, Colton Parayko and a slew of others littering Chris Johnston’s latest trade board. With some actual difference-makers available in a seller’s market, hope is high for teams on both sides of the buyer/seller line. And we’re here to stoke those flames by looking into each team’s best-case-scenario deadline. Advertisement Enjoy it while it lasts before everything we write becomes out of date, which will likely happen within the hour. Feb. 6: 2

Sean: 1

Dom: 1 The perfect deadline: Defensive depth and a reliable bottom-six center Colorado actually has enough cap space to keep on adding, should they so desire, but they checked their most pressing boxes ahead of the deadline. Nicolas Roy didn’t light the world on fire in his time with the Maple Leafs, but he’d been a sturdy, effective, third-line center with the Golden Knights. The Avs need a player like that, and they’ve got a staff in place that’ll know how to most effectively deploy him. Brett Kulak, meanwhile, seems like a solid fit on the second pair, and Nick Blankenburg is a well-rounded, possibly ideal depth option. Mission accomplished. Time to chase a Cup. Feb. 6: 4

Sean: 2

Dom: 2 The perfect deadline: A quiet day in Minnesota The bad news for Dallas is that Tyler Seguin’s season is done, period. The good news is that his status freed up a nice chunk of deadline change for Jim Nill. Some of that was spent on Tyler Myers, their rental right-shot defenseman du jour, and some was spent on winger Michael Bunting, who will add some scoring punch to the middle six. Good as the Stars are, a third line of Adam Erne-Justin Hryckowian-Mavrik Bourque leaves something to be desired; Bourque’s 0. 1 Net Rating is the best of the bunch. Now, Nill’s work could largely be done, leaving the Stars to hope that the Wild, their likely first-round opponent, don’t make any particularly meaningful additions. Feb. 6: 3

Sean: 3

Dom: 3 The perfect deadline: A smooth 2C As always, Carolina needs high-end talent. Is that Robert Thomas’ music? Look, adding Thomas would be the perfect deadline for a lot of teams, but he seems to make especially good sense for the Hurricanes, who have a lot of trigger-happy wingers. On a team happy to create a lot of shot quantity, Thomas’ ability to set up elite quality would be a blessing. That he’s got strong defensive upside only adds to how well he could fit with the Hurricanes, a team that probably has the pieces to make a deal happen. Advertisement Carolina is situated well enough that it doesn’t need to break the bank for a half measure like Vincent Trocheck. It’s big-game hunting or bust, and Thomas is the biggest on the board. Feb. 6: 7

Sean: 4

Dom: 5 The perfect deadline: A trade with the correct Central Division team OK, so Colton Parayko said no — that’s fine! He would’ve been a perfect fit. Buffalo could use a big shutdown defender who shoots right in the top four, but the Blues have other pieces that would fit great on the Sabres. A true top line center in Robert Thomas? That would help! So too would speedy winger Jordan Kyrou. Justin Faulk as a Parayko consolation prize is OK, too. Just keep calling Doug Armstrong, because he’s got the right pieces. Do not call Kevin Cheveldayoff. We repeat, do not call Kevin. Editor’s note: They called Kevin. Feb. 6: 1

Sean: 6

Dom: 4 The perfect deadline: A reunion For how many weapons the Lightning have up front, their power play is shockingly mid. The problem there has been obvious since the moment Steven Stamkos left: The lack of a one-time threat on the half-wall opposite Nikita Kucherov. Brandon Hagel shoots the wrong way and Oliver Bjorkstrand just hasn’t worked. The easy fix: Bring Stamkos home. He’s been on a tear over the last few months and the vibe boost alone might carry the Lightning to another Cup. The money might be tough to figure out, but Tampa Bay always finds a way to make it work. Feb. 6: 5

Sean: 5

Dom: 6 The perfect deadline: American hero Vincent Trocheck If the price for bottom six centers like Jason Dickinson and Nicolas Roy is a first with a little kicker, the price for a top six center like Trocheck is probably even more exorbitant. Especially with three more years of team control. Still, it’s hard not to view acquiring Trocheck as the perfect solution to Minnesota’s center woes. Trocheck may be overrated defensively, but his offensive upside is legit and he’s got a lot of experience playing with a dynamic Russian left winger in Artemi Panarin. He might be able to create the same magic with Kirill Kaprizov, and that’s worth the price of admission. Advertisement Feb. 6: 6

Sean: 6

Dom: 7 The perfect deadline: A 2C that doesn’t cost Michael Hage Hage (45 points in 34 games with Michigan) certainly slots in as the second-line center of the future, but the Canadiens could use some help behind Nick Suzuki right now — Oliver Kapanen would be best-served dropping down the lineup. We know Montreal wouldn’t move Hage for Thomas, and the price tags on inferior players look to be out of control, so there’s no easy fit. There’s also no reason for the Canadiens to force anything. We will say, though, that Nazem Kadri would be interesting. Feb. 6: 10

Sean: 9

Dom: 8 The perfect deadline: No half measures Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment are all on expiring contracts — and all would have real value on the market, especially Coyle, given his development into a great defensive option at 3C. If the Blue Jackets don’t believe they can make the postseason (or make noise when they get there) they’d be best served moving all three for the type of assets that’d help land a real difference-maker. If that’s not where their collective heads are at, though, they should just go all-out, add elsewhere and hope everything falls into place between now and the postseason. Either swing big or focus on the future. Nothing in between. Adding Conor Garland is certainly a start. Feb. 6: 8

Sean: 8

Dom: 11 The perfect deadline: More tidy business It’s become borderline impossible to imagine Kyle Dubas subtracting from this roster without adding to it elsewhere. Anthony Mantha, in the midst of a career season on an expiring contract, would net a nice package of futures if the Penguins were sellers — but they’re not. Dubas said Wednesday, though, that he’s interested in adding young NHL players with years of team control, and he’s already brought in guys (Egor Chinakhov, Sam Girard) who fit that mold. Perhaps there’s a pick/player combo that fits Pittsburgh’s short- and medium-term goals. Advertisement Feb. 6: 11

Sean: 11

Dom: 9 The perfect deadline: A goalie that can make a save Boy, would Logan Thompson look great in a Golden Knights uniform right now! Vegas made the wrong call in net and are paying the price dearly, with what projects to be the 26th best goaltending in the league. It hasn’t mattered who’s been between the pipes, they’ve all stunk, with starter Adin Hill being especially poor. Now here’s a thought: What better way to make it out of the Pacific than a goalie hellbent on revenge? Is that Stuart Skinner’s music we’re hearing… Feb. 6: 13

Sean: 10

Dom: 10 The perfect deadline: A high-end upgrade If Mac Kenzie Weegar can put this season’s poor play behind him, he’ll be a nice get for Utah’s deep blue line. The Mammoth are looking great on paper, but they’re still in need of some high-end talent. That’s what makes a potential Robert Thomas deal so tantalizing here. That’s true for a lot of teams, but the idea of pairing Thomas with a pure shooter like Dylan Guenther makes Utah an extremely intriguing landing spot. Feb. 6: 12

Sean: 12

Dom: 12 The perfect deadline: One more nutritious side dish While a whole bunch of folks were asleep on the East Coast, the Ducks made what might’ve been the splash of deadline season so far, acquiring defenseman John Carlson from the Capitals for first- and third-round picks. At 36, Carlson’s Norris-candidate days are behind him, but he’s still a source of high-end production for a blue liner; if the Ducks manage his minutes correctly, everything should be fine. It’s always fun to see teams exit their rebuilds, and the Carlson deal — given the cost and the player — might be the biggest sign yet for the Ducks. Still, this team allows way too many goals and quality chances against, and Carlson isn’t going help much there. Adding even a blandly effective, third-pair option would be a playoff nice fail-safe. Advertisement Feb. 6: 9

Sean: 14

Dom: 13 The perfect deadline: One or two competent defensemen Last year, the Red Wings didn’t make a move at the deadline and it deflated the team’s morale considerably. It was for the best, but that’s not the case this year. The Red Wings have won too many games to stand pat. With some deep holes on the back end, Detroit is also uniquely positioned to gain the most from seemingly marginal upgrades. The team’s bottom four have been so poor this year that just getting A Guy would provide a big boost. Two guys? Now we’re talking. Pushing Axel Sandin-Pellikka and/or Albert Johansson to the press box would move the needle a lot. Feb. 6: 15

Sean: 13

Dom: 14 The perfect deadline: Keeping the long-term vision intact The Islanders find themselves in unlikely territory entering the deadline: Inside the playoff bubble. The future is extremely bright with Matthew Schaefer, who has changed everything for the Islanders, and this season has become found money as a result. But with too many holes to meaningfully improve in the short term, the long-term vision has to take ultimate precedent. Given the always-wild market for bottom-six centers, it would be prudent to see what’s out there for Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He’s declined enough that losing him won’t affect the team’s playoff push and getting a pick in the top two rounds would be a nice boost for future years. Other than that, there’s nothing wrong with standing pat. This is only the beginning. Feb. 6: 14

Sean: 15

Dom: 16 The perfect deadline: A top-four defenseman The Bruins occupy a playoff spot despite not having a particularly playoff-worthy defensive group. Jonathan Aspirot came out of nowhere to give Boston decent minutes alongside Charlie Mc Avoy and potentially alter their deadline plans, so we’ll assume he’s not going anywhere. Advertisement The Bruins still should at least try to upgrade on Mason Lohrei, who’s playing on his off side next to Hampus Lindholm; Lohrei’s offensive upside has never quite outweighed his issues in his own end, at least in a top-four role. Feb. 6: 16

Sean: 16

Dom: 17 The perfect deadline: Finding a home for Nick Jensen It’s not tough to imagine another team looking at Jensen and seeing a fit as a half-decent, low-cost, third-pair option on an expiring deal. He’s no longer much of a fit for Ottawa, partially because of his rental status and partially because Jordan Spence has shown plenty of signs that he’s capable of taking over Jensen’s spot next to Thomas Chabot. Feb. 6: 17

Sean: 18

Dom: 15 The perfect deadline: Finding a way to add an impact scorer One of Edmonton’s biggest issues this season has been team defense. Goaltending has been bad, but the team in front hasn’t helped. Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson help solve that enough to turn to other issues. The big one: Getting anyone to score other than the big guns. The Oilers don’t have a lot of space and don’t seem keen on doing anything else, but somehow finding a way to acquire a top-six winger would be nice. Feb. 6: 19

Sean: 19

Dom: 19 The perfect deadline: Accept reality Yeah, yeah, yeah — we know the Kraken are in a playoff spot and on pace for 90 points. But this is not a good hockey club, one that’s very fortunate to land where they do in the standings with a goal differential that’s 30 goals above expected. If the Kraken were able to land Artemi Panarin, maybe it would be worth adding more to hold on to that spot. But spending any assets to add to a roster that would be lucky to win one against the Avalanche would not be wise. With one of the league’s toughest schedules on the horizon, the odds that Seattle slips out of the playoff race entirely are still pretty high. The team has four pending UFAs and need to do the right thing for the future. Advertisement Feb. 6: 23

Sean: 17

Dom: 18 The perfect deadline: A top-pair defenseman That the Sharks are where they are despite this blue line feels miraculous. San Jose is on the cusp of the playoffs and have a real shot to make it, which would be a big deal for the league’s next big thing. One thing that would help a lot with that: Acquiring an actual difference-making blueliner. Is that Colton Parayko’s music? Perhaps Dougie Hamilton? It’s tough to say and while it may not be worth the cost just yet, finding a real answer on the blue line is needed. Flipping Mario Ferraro for a high pick and using that to get someone actually good might be the play here. Feb. 6: 18

Sean: 20

Dom: 20 The perfect deadline: A continued retool The Capitals were thinking about the long-term when they sent John Carlson to the Ducks and got a first-round pick back. There was no reason to pass on the opportunity to recoup second- and third-round picks for fourth-line center Nic Dowd. Maybe now they’ve created a lineup spot for Cole Hutson. Maybe they flip that new first rounder to add an impact player (with term) to the top six. What’s clear, though, is that none of their moves should be made with only this season in mind; getting Pierre-Luc Dubois back is a major help, but with three more games played than their competition, they’re running out of time to push their way back into the playoff race. Feb. 6: 20

Sean: 21

Dom: 21 The perfect deadline: Fire Jim Hiller Add a top-nine forward? It’s still mind-boggling that the Kings kept Hiller, who’d seemed like a sitting duck for a year or so, through the Olympic break only to cut him loose a week later. Be that as it may, the Pacific Division is so cruddy that the Kings are still in the conversation, despite scoring the second-fewest goals in the league. Maybe there’s a relatively low-cost option out there that can help. Advertisement Feb. 6: 24

Sean: 23

Dom: 22 The perfect deadline: A first for Ristolainen We talked about Rasmus Ristolainen a bit more in the Ducks blurb, so we’ll rephrase it here; he’s nothing special — a No. 4 right shot with some defensive value — but he could also be a welcome fit in some contender’s lineup, given the right circumstances. If Colton Parayko was set to net St. Louis a good prospect and a first-rounder, it’s pretty easy to imagine Ristolainen bringing half of that package back to Philadelphia. Feb. 6: 25

Sean: 24

Dom: 23 The perfect deadline: Turning Simon Nemec into an impact forward There’s a chance that Nemec really does grow into a top-pair defenseman. He flashed that ability for Slovakia and has looked good in spurts playing up the lineup for the Devils. The offensive toolkit looks real. But if we’re being honest, Nemec’s defensive stuff is lacking enough to question just how high his upside is. The red flags are real where the best case may be the Tyson Barrie or Morgan Rielly mould — a flawed offensive defenseman who can’t be trusted at the top of the lineup. That’s not a player archetype usually found on Cup champions. With the glut of talent on the backend, turning a risky defenseman into a young impact forward while his value is still at a high feels like an avenue worth exploring. That’s where the Devils really need help and Nemec can get them there. Feb. 6: 26

Sean: 26

Dom: 24 The perfect deadline: A strong commitment to the future The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode floated the idea that Barry Trotz, on his way out as GM, could go into coach-brain mode and keep this roster together through the afternoon. That’d be a mistake, especially given the market; Trotz should trade Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly, Jonathan Marchessault and anyone else who could help create a stockpile of assets for whoever takes over the big chair in Nashville. Advertisement Feb. 6: 28

Sean: 25

Dom: 25 The perfect deadline: Addition by subtraction Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn are the exact sort of player archetypes that get traditional contending GMs overly hot and bothered. In dealing both defenders to the Sabres, they did well to bank some futures in what’s become a lost season. And with both out for Winnipeg’s game against the Lightning on Thursday night, it might’ve been the Jets’ best game of the season. Feb. 6: 22

Sean: 27

Dom: 26 The perfect deadline: Finding a team that has not seen a second of Sergei Bobrovsky tape this season Sure, he’s 37 years old and in the midst of the worst season of his NHL career. Sure, he’s 88th out of 92 goaltenders in goals saved above expected. Sure, he counts $10 million against the salary cap. Rings don’t lie, though. All it takes is one team to focus on Bobrovsky’s last few springs and ignore everything that happened from October to the deadline. Feb. 6: 21

Sean: 28

Dom: 27 The perfect deadline: Finding someone who will pay Toronto prices for their depth pieces The Leafs got a first for Nicolas Roy; so far, so good. Now they need to keep that energy up for their other depth pieces. Usually, it’s Toronto overpaying for mid guys; now it’s time for management to turn the tables. Can they get a first for Bobby Mc Mann? Sure! How about Oliver Ekman-Larsson? Why not! Heck, Scott Laughton has been traded for a first before, too, so why not get one for him! Folks, that’s four firsts — what a treat that would be for everyone’s favorite hockey club! Feb. 6: 31

Sean: 29

Dom: 28 The perfect deadline: A Trocheck trade home run Deadline math is funny. Bottom-six centers get guaranteed firsts while Artemi Panarin gets a third and a prospect? Sure! Advertisement Those two truths create another for the Rangers: They cannot afford to botch a Vincent Trocheck trade. Their asking price should be exorbitant, not only because it’s what the market currently dictates, but because they need to restore some faith in the fanbase that they’re on the right path. A small return just isn’t acceptable here. Feb. 6: 30

Sean: 29

Dom: 29 The perfect deadline: Follow through The genie is out of the bottle. Might as well try to find homes for Parayko, Thomas, Faulk and anyone else who could help meaningfully flip the roster. Just make sure they’ll accept the trades before the media leaks begin. Feb. 6: 27

Sean: 30

Dom: 30 The perfect deadline: An Ilya Mikheyev trade The Blackhawks already got down to business by dealing Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson to the Oilers. Unless there’s a surprise deal in store, they have just one more piece left to offload in Mikheyev. They should move him and hope that next year they’re not in this same predicament as deadline sellers. Feb. 6: 29

Sean: 31

Dom: 31 The perfect deadline: Get a haul for Blake Coleman The Flames did well to offload Mac Kenzie Weegar for real value before the bottom really fell off. They didn’t get a first, but all those seconds hold similar value, which isn’t bad considering the season Weegar has had. Now the next move is finding a new home for Coleman. That shouldn’t be hard given his playoff pedigree, it’s just about maximizing a return. Feb. 6: 32

Sean: 32

Dom: 32 The perfect deadline: Strip it to the studs Find a sucker for Evander Kane. See if someone is willing to roll the dice on Elias Pettersson before his value craters any further. Add whatever picks you can. Maximize your shot at the No. 1 pick. Move on with your lives. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle