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5 NHL stars who could be traded during 2026-2027 season
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- 5 NHL stars who could be traded during 2026-2027 season
The NHL season is not far away, and free agency is wrapped up. This season can be full of excitement, and there is much to look forward to. Will teams bounce back? What team can make the biggest jump, and will we see any blockbuster trades this season?
Last year, stars like Artemi Panarin were dealt. Here are 5 NHL stars who could be traded during the 2026-27 season.
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Dylan Larkin | Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) skates with the puck at Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) skates with the puck at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Dylan Larkin has requested a change of scenery, and multiple teams have inquired about the Detroit Red Wings' captain. As it stands, though, he remains with the team. Larkin, because of his upside and ability to make a big impact, is a trade candidate.
His big-bodied center skill set makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to add to the roster. Larkin's speed, vision, and scoring ability could be a game-changer for any franchise that's willing to invest in his talent.
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Elias Petterson | Vancouver Canucks
Elias Petterson is the last piece of the core that has yet to be dealt. Quinn Hughes was dealt to Minnesota, JT Miller went to the Rangers, and now Petterson is all alone in Vancouver. He hasn't had his elite production, but with a brand-new situation, he can rise to the task.
If a team can acquire Petterson and get him back to his 2023 season form, then they have hit a home run. He posted 89 points in that season, and his recent seasons with the Canucks haven't come close to that production.
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Kirill Marchenko | Columbus Blue Jackets
NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets at Dallas Stars
Dallas, Texas, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) skates in the Dallas Stars zone during the game between the Stars and the Blue Jackets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Kirill Marchenko is a very solid player for the Blue Jackets, but can they keep him around? He has been their leading scorer for three straight seasons, and Columbus hasn't had any success in getting to the playoffs.
He has strong production, is 25 years old, and any contending team that wants offensive upside should look into trading for Kirill Marchenko.
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Ryan O'Rielly | Nashville Predators
Ryan O'Rielly had a strong season last year for Nashville and still has some game left in the tank, but where the Predators are heading, if they aren't a playoff contender, they should look into trading O'Rielly because he is still solid for his age and can produce in the playoffs.
Connor Hellebuyck | Winnipeg Jets
Apr 2, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a glove save on a Dallas Stars shot during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Last season was challenging for the Jets, and Hellebuyck has shared his thoughts on the team's future, hinting at a possible trade. Buffalo showed interest but didn't finalize anything. However, considering Buffalo's trajectory, it wouldn't be surprising if they revisited discussions as the trade deadline nears.
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To enhance their chances for a deep playoff run, acquiring Helleybuck would be a top-tier move, making their already formidable lineup even more intimidating.
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