Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) defends the net during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) defends the net during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images
The NHL free agent window opens on July 1 every year. But most of the important moves happen before that. Teams now plan carefully to manage salary cap space and player assets. So players close to free agency are usually not left to leave for nothing.
This upcoming cycle is no different. This year’s free-agent class is weak because many players have already re-signed. But next summer’s group is expected to be much stronger.
The salary cap is also rising from $95.5 million to $104 million in 2026–27, which could again change team plans and help them keep top players before free agency. So, let’s now see the five players who could be traded this offseason.
NHL Free Agent Players Who Could Be Traded This Offseason
Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues – Goalie)
Jordan Binnington is still part of trade rumors. The 32-year-old goalie has a $6 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. He played for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his inconsistent NHL form has created uncertainty about his future with the St. Louis Blues.
Apr 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) defends the net against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) defends the net against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
If St. Louis struggles again, teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers could target him. A strong start to the season may also restart extension talks.
Bowen Byram (Buffalo Sabres – Defense)
At only 24 years old, Bowen Byram has become an important puck-moving defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo got him from Colorado in 2024, and he scored a career-best 48 points in 82 games while helping the team end its long playoff drought.
But his next contract could cost more than $10 million per year. Because of that, Buffalo may rethink its long-term salary cap plans and could use Byram as a valuable trade asset instead of keeping him as a core player.
Blake Coleman (Calgary Flames – Forward)
Blake Coleman is a reliable two-way winger built for playoff hockey. The 34-year-old has one year left on his contract with a $4.9 million cap hit and a 10-team trade list.
As the Calgary Flames continue rebuilding, Coleman remains in trade rumors. Even if he stays in Calgary, playoff contenders may target him before the trade deadline.
Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils – Center)
Nico Hischier remains a key player and captain for the New Jersey Devils. He had another strong season and has one year left on his contract with a $7.3 million cap hit.
The Devils still want to build around him, but uncertainty about the team’s future and contract talks has created trade speculation around him.
Quinn Hughes (Minnesota Wild – Defense)
Quinn Hughes is a star defenseman and a big reason why the Minnesota Wild stay competitive. He has one year left on his $7.85 million contract and could soon get a huge extension.
But Minnesota already pays Kirill Kaprizov $17 million per year. If contract talks slow down, teams may try to trade for Hughes this offseason before his value drops later.
The 2027 NHL market is becoming a mix of free agency and big trades. With more salary cap space, teams want to keep control of star players, so this offseason’s trade market could become very important.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Souvik Roy