Stock Up, Stock Down: 8 NHL Trade Candidates for 2026 deadline
Calgary, AB – as the NHL season progresses, the landscape of potential trades is rapidly shifting. While early-season struggles don’t always dictate a team’s long-term plans, the Calgary Flames’ disappointing 1-8 start to the 2025-26 season is already placing a spotlight on key players who could be moved ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. Several other players across the league are seeing their values fluctuate based on team performance adn individual output, creating a dynamic trade market.
The trade deadline often sees teams pivoting from contenders to sellers, or vice versa. Identifying players whose stock is rising or falling is crucial for both general managers looking to bolster their rosters and those aiming to rebuild.This analysis examines eight notable trade candidates, assessing their current value and projecting their potential movement as the season unfolds.
Stock Up:
* Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks: Hughes is off to a torrid start, showcasing elite offensive capabilities. While unlikely to be moved, his value continues to climb, potentially setting a new benchmark for defenseman contracts.
* Brock Boeser,RW,Vancouver Canucks: Boeser’s resurgence in Vancouver has significantly increased his trade value. With 10 goals in his first 10 games, he’s proven to be a consistent scoring threat.
Stock Steady:
* Rasmus andersson, D, Calgary Flames: Despite the Flames’ struggles – currently at the bottom of the standings with one win in nine games as of October 26 – the 29-year-old defenseman’s trade value remains stable.Andersson is in the final year of a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.55 million and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He topped Bleacher Report’s October NHL Trade block Big Board and, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic on October 24, remains Calgary’s biggest trade chip should they become sellers. Andersson has two goals this season, but the team’s performance hasn’t yet impacted his market.
* Chris Tanev,D,Calgary Flames: Another Flame facing potential free agency,Tanev’s experience and defensive reliability continue to make him a sought-after commodity.
Stock Down:
* Patrik Laine, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets: Laine’s inconsistency and injury history are raising concerns about his long-term value.
* Jakob Chychrun, D, Ottawa Senators: Chychrun hasn’t lived up to expectations since being traded to Ottawa, and his offensive production has stalled.
* Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins: While still a capable player, Malkin’s age and declining offensive numbers are diminishing his trade value.
* Blake Coleman,RW,calgary Flames: Coleman’s offensive output has decreased,and his contract makes him a less attractive trade target.
