The NHL offseason is heating up, with GMs making significant trades in light of a rising salary cap and a weak free agent class. High-profile players like Dylan Larkin and Darnell Nurse are top candidates for trades, amid a flurry of other moves that have reshaped team rosters. The St. Louis Blues are in a strong position with four first-round draft picks in 2026, while the San Jose Sharks own three. As the draft approaches, many teams are exploring trades to bolster their lineups, leading to an increasingly chaotic landscape.

By the Numbers
  • St. Louis Blues hold picks No. 11, 15, 16, and 29 in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • San Jose Sharks possess picks No. 2, 9, and 27 in the same draft.
State of Play
  • A number of key players like Larkin and Nurse are expected to be on the move this summer.
  • Teams are acting quickly to finalize trades while the market is favorable.
  • Many trade discussions are expected before and during the upcoming NHL Draft.
What's Next

As the draft approaches, additional high-profile trades are anticipated, particularly involving players like Larkin and Nurse. Teams will need to make strategic moves to balance their rosters and salary caps, which could lead to further chaos in the trade market.

Bottom Line

The NHL offseason is set for significant transactions as teams seek to capitalize on a favorable trading environment, emphasizing the need for GMs to make bold moves to enhance their squads before the draft.