NHL Rumors: Predicting Destinations for Eight Top Trade Targets Ahead of the Deadline

The NHL trade deadline is a pressure cooker of possibilities: contenders hunting the missing piece, retoolers selling for futures, and salary-cap arithmetic forcing creative solutions. In parts 4 and 5 of their deadline previews, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston and James Mirtle spotlighted eight names that could move and offered competing predictions about where they’ll land. Below we break down each target, compare those expert calls, and assess the roster, cap and organizational implications should any of these deals come to pass.

Robert Thomas — C — St. Louis Blues

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Los Angeles Kings
• James Mirtle: Carolina Hurricanes

Fit and analysis Johnston’s Kings angle is straightforward: Los Angeles will be searching for a high-end center after the retirement of Anze Kopitar and Thomas is a natural fit as a top-six pivot who can run power-play minutes and create high-danger chances. The Kings have first-round capital and young assets to offer, making a Thomas-for-prospects-and-picks swap feasible. Mirtle’s Hurricanes pick is also logical — Carolina enters trade conversations to upgrade its middle-six and has two first-round picks this year to leverage. Thomas gives the Canes a creative, puck-protecting center who can help sustain their attack.

Team implications

• Kings: Acquiring Thomas would accelerate a post-Kopitar transition and provide immediate center depth, but L.A. would need to balance what they give up against long-term roster construction.
• Hurricanes: Thomas would be a top-six stabilizer and power-play driver, but Carolina must consider whether the cost in picks and prospects fits their timeline.

My take Thomas’ skill set makes him one of the most attractive centers on the market. Expect a heavy market and trade conversations with multiple contenders; the Kings feel like a strong landing spot if they’re willing to spend picks and prospects for instant top-six production.

Shane Wright — C — Seattle Kraken

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Winnipeg Jets
• James Mirtle: New York Rangers

Fit and analysis Johnston suggests Winnipeg could be thinking longer term and sees Wright as a developmental piece who could slot into the Jets’ middle-six while they retool around younger talent. Mirtle’s Rangers scenario ties to New York’s retooling needs, with potential inclusion of forward assets like Vincent Trocheck or Alexis Lafrenière to make a deal work.

Team implications

• Jets: Bringing in Wright would be a bet on a player who still projects as a top-line center down the line; Winnipeg might part with a young player such as Cole Perfetti to acquire him.
• Rangers: If New York retools with Wright, the cost would be steep but aligns with a multi-year rebuild of their center depth should they decide to move veterans.

My take Wright remains a premium trade candidate because teams value youth at center. His price will reflect upside, and his destination will hinge on which suitor prioritizes long-term payoff over immediate win-now additions.

Nazem Kadri — C — Calgary Flames

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Montreal Canadiens
• James Mirtle: Minnesota Wild

Fit and analysis Johnston points to Montreal as a possible destination despite concern over Kadri’s age and remaining term; the Canadiens could want a short-term upgrade at third-line or second-line center. Mirtle’s Wild projection is pragmatic — Minnesota can fit Kadri’s cap hit and has a clear need for an experienced, gritty center who can play big minutes and bolster playoff resilience.

Team implications

• Canadiens: Kadri would add toughness and net-front play, but Montreal must weigh the long-term cost against immediate competitiveness.
• Wild: Kadri’s experience and playoff pedigree give Minnesota another reliable wing/center who fits the Wild’s identity and cap structure.

My take Kadri is a classic deadline rental-but-not-a-rental: his contract term and cap hit complicate matters. Expect teams that can absorb salary and want a hard-nosed middle-six presence to be the primary suitors.

Dougie Hamilton — RHD — New Jersey Devils

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Carolina Hurricanes (reunion)
• James Mirtle: Toronto Maple Leafs

Fit and analysis Johnston’s Hurricanes reunion storyline makes sense; Hamilton was a key piece in Carolina before and the Hurricanes are always looking to upgrade their blue line. Mirtle’s Maple Leafs pick is notable given a source suggesting Toronto might be unlikely, but if the market turns into a cap-driven move rather than a futures trade, Hamilton could make sense for the Leafs as they rework defensive minutes.

Team implications

• Hurricanes: Adding Hamilton would be an upgrade in puck-moving and top-pair minutes, albeit at notable cost in assets and cap considerations.
• Maple Leafs: Hamilton brings size and puck mobility, but Toronto would need to reconcile term and dollars and probably retain salary or move other contracts to align the ledger.

My take Hamilton’s mobile, offensive game is always in demand. The final destination will depend on whether sellers demand long-term assets or if a team is willing to structure salary retention to make a deal palatable.

Vincent Trocheck — C — New York Rangers

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Minnesota Wild
• James Mirtle: Montreal Canadiens

Fit and analysis Johnston sees Trocheck as a fit in Minnesota, although the Wild’s assets post-Quinn Hughes acquisition may be constrained. Mirtle’s Canadiens angle revolves around Montreal’s desire for a steadier 2C option. One wild card is whether Trocheck would be willing to waive or move for a Canadian fit.

Team implications

• Wild: Trocheck would bring a two-way, penalty-killing center who can drive possession, but Minnesota would need to match the asking price in assets.
• Canadiens: Trocheck would give Montreal a reliable second-line pivot and a zone-entry driver on the road to full-time competitiveness.

My take Trocheck is a realistic target for teams that value defensive structure and transition play. Expect conversations involving mid-level draft capital and prospects.

Bobby McMann — W — Toronto Maple Leafs

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Edmonton Oilers
• James Mirtle: Colorado Avalanche

Fit and analysis Johnston thinks McMann’s skill set — energy, depth scoring, and forechecking — fits the Oilers even with limited cap space; Edmonton would need to manage dollars creatively. Mirtle imagines Colorado using McMann as bottom-six scoring depth to support their lineup, though Avalanche draft resources are limited.

Team implications

• Oilers: McMann would add secondary scoring and compete for depth minutes alongside elite scorers, helping in a playoff push if cap gymnastics allow.
• Avalanche: McMann bolsters depth and provides a physical, defensive presence in the bottom six, but Colorado’s ability to pay and move assets will matter.

My take McMann is a deadline target for teams seeking energy and scoring from their bottom six. His cost should be manageable — likely a mid-level pick or a prospect — which makes him an attractive deadline pickup.

Evander Kane — W — Vancouver Canucks

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Colorado Avalanche
• James Mirtle: Dallas Stars

Fit and analysis Both Johnston and Mirtle see Kane as a depth scoring and net-front presence for contenders, but both landing spots require salary retention. Kane’s history and contract situation mean the price could be a late-round pick or lower if a team retains salary and believes in a short-term scoring bump.

Team implications

• Avalanche/Stars: Either suitor would get a power-forward winger capable of creating chaos in the offensive zone; however, both clubs must juggle salary and chemistry concerns.

My take Kane is a classic deadline get for teams that have room (or can create it) for a high-variance piece. The market should be small but focused on clubs that need secondary scoring and can stomach contract complexity.

Jesper Wallstedt — G — Minnesota Wild

Predictions

• Chris Johnston: Ottawa Senators
• James Mirtle: St. Louis Blues

Fit and analysis Johnston believes Ottawa may be looking for a long-term number one and Wallstedt fits that blueprint, though the right trade package will be tough to assemble. Mirtle’s Blues scenario is notable because St. Louis could feasibly offer veteran forwards like Brayden Schenn or — intriguingly — Robert Thomas in a larger deal; that suggestion underscores how interconnected deadline negotiations can become.

Team implications

• Senators: Adding Wallstedt would be a forward-looking statement and stabilize goaltending for a rebuild-to-competitive timeline.
• Blues: If St. Louis is willing to move big pieces for goaltending, their willingness to offer top forwards signals a willingness to change identity quickly.

My take Wallstedt is a rare deadline name because starting goaltenders of his pedigree are scarce and can command substantial assets. Expect talks, but only a few teams can both afford and justify the price.

Statistics, Market Trends and Turning Points

• Market trend: Cap constraints continue to shape this deadline. Expect deals that involve salary retention, retained wages, or multiple smaller assets rather than one-for-one blockbuster swaps.
• Turning points: Injuries between now and the deadline, playoff positioning shifts, and clarity on who will be buyers versus sellers will quickly reshape bidding for these players.
• Asset flow: Teams with extra first-round picks or depth prospects — like the Kings (per Johnston) or Hurricanes (per Mirtle) — are uniquely positioned to make bold, win-now or retooling moves.

Quick prediction rundown (at-a-glance)

• Robert Thomas: Kings (Johnston) / Hurricanes (Mirtle) — Lean: Kings
• Shane Wright: Jets (Johnston) / Rangers (Mirtle) — Lean: Jets for long-term fit
• Nazem Kadri: Canadiens (Johnston) / Wild (Mirtle) — Lean: Wild for cap fit
• Dougie Hamilton: Hurricanes (Johnston) / Maple Leafs (Mirtle) — Lean: Hurricanes reunion
• Vincent Trocheck: Wild (Johnston) / Canadiens (Mirtle) — Lean: Canadiens if they want 2C stability
• Bobby McMann: Oilers (Johnston) / Avalanche (Mirtle) — Lean: Oilers for depth need
• Evander Kane: Avalanche (Johnston) / Stars (Mirtle) — Lean: Avalanche with retention
• Jesper Wallstedt: Senators (Johnston) / Blues (Mirtle) — Lean: Senators if they pay the price

Future outlook and editorial synthesis

The next few weeks will be defined as much by cap creativity as by pure roster fit. Teams that can flex picks, prospects and retention will set the market. Johnston’s and Mirtle’s competing predictions underline a broader truth: multiple suitors exist for most of these players, and the eventual landing spots will be governed by timing, injury developments and how willing sellers are to move long-term assets.

Key takeaways

• Centers remain premium: Thomas, Wright, Kadri and Trocheck are all central to their prospective teams’ short- and long-term plans.
• Goaltending and right-shot defense also drive trade value: Wallstedt and Hamilton could command foundational assets.
• Cap mechanics will decide outcomes: expect retained salary and multi-asset packages.

As the deadline approaches, keep an eye on teams with draft capital and malleable rosters. Deals that initially seem improbable often become viable when cap and timeline pressures collide. For fans and front offices alike, this will be a deadline where creativity — and willingness to gamble on immediate or future payoff — determines the winners and losers.

Trade watch: these eight remain the names to watch, and any one of them moving could trigger a late cascade of secondary trades. Stay tuned — this deadline promises to be as much about chess as it is about speed and skill.