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Early NHL trade board: What I’m hearing about 10 players to watch in 2026-27

It’s still early to roll out a full-blown Big Board, but it’s not too soon to start identifying the top players who could move this season.

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 10:01 AM
Early NHL trade board: What I’m hearing about 10 players to watch in 2026-27
Key Things to Know
  • Julian McKenzie highlights 10 key NHL players to watch on the early 2026-27 trade board.
  • Connor Hellebuyck tops the list as Winnipeg navigates his camp holdout and potential suitors.
  • Detroit's Dylan Larkin maintains his summer trade request and has designated 10 acceptable teams.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Julian McKenzie reports that trade discussions are actively circulating early in the 2026-27 NHL season, highlighting 10 prominent players to watch. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck tops the trade board amid an ongoing team-imposed suspension after skipping training camp. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin remains keen on a trade following a summer request, having submitted a list of 10 acceptable landing spots.

The board also features unsigned restricted free agent defensemen Simon Edvinsson of Detroit and Carolina's Alexander Nikishin. Other highlighted potential trade targets include Ryan O'Reilly, Morgan Frost, Jake DeBrusk, Rickard Rakell, Pavel Zacha, and Zach Whitecloud, alongside Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes if he declines an extension.

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