{"title":"Who’s Next? NHL’s 2026 Trade Candidates Beyond the Blockbusters","excerpt":"With the big\u2011name moves already sealed, the NHL’s 2026 offseason still holds several high\u2011impact players who could spark franchise shifts. From defenseman Alex Werenski to forward Kyle Larkin and star center Connor Robertson, teams are weighing contracts, draft picks, and market fit to decide who will change rosters this summer.","body_html":"<h2>Overview<\/h2>n<p>The 2026 NHL offseason has already seen a handful of blockbuster deals that have reshaped several franchises. Yet, beneath the headline\u2011making moves lies a roster of high\u2011impact players who remain on the trade radar. Analysts are now focusing on the next wave of potential swaps, looking at how players like Alex Werenski, Kyle Larkin, and Connor Robertson could fit into teams seeking to balance talent, cap space, and future assets.<\/p>n<h2>Key Trade Candidates<\/h2>n<ul>n<li><strong>Alex Werenski<\/strong> – Defenseman, 2025\u201126 contract extension, known for his offensive upside and defensive reliability.<\/li>n<li><strong>Kyle Larkin<\/strong> – Forward, 2025\u201126 contract, a prolific scorer with a strong power\u2011play presence.<\/li>n<li><strong>Connor Robertson<\/strong> – Center, top scorer for the Dallas Stars, recently filed for arbitration, indicating a desire for a new environment.<\/li>n<li><strong>Other Notables<\/strong> – Players such as the Anaheim Ducks’ forward roster, the Dallas Stars’ depth pieces, and prospects tied to draft pick packages.<\/li>n<\/ul>n<h2>Market Dynamics<\/h2>n<p>Teams are evaluating how each candidate fits within their market strategy. For instance, the Anaheim Ducks have shown interest in maintaining a competitive core while managing salary cap constraints. The Dallas Stars, on the other hand, are looking to bolster their offensive depth without compromising defensive stability.<\/p>n<p>Key factors influencing trade decisions include:<\/p>n<ul>n<li>Cap space availability and projected cap hits for the upcoming season.<\/li>n<li>Market size and fan engagement potential for high\u2011profile players.<\/li>n<li>Team performance trajectory and playoff aspirations.<\/li>n<\/ul>n<h2>Contract Considerations<\/h2>n<p>Contracts play a pivotal role in trade negotiations. Werenski’s recent extension locks him into a multi\u2011year deal, making him a valuable long\u2011term asset. Larkin’s contract, while lucrative, offers flexibility for teams willing to trade cap space for immediate scoring. Robertson’s arbitration filing signals a willingness to explore new opportunities, potentially making him a more attractive trade target.<\/p>n<h2>Draft Pick Value<\/h2>n<p>Draft picks remain a cornerstone of trade packages. Teams often pair veteran talent with future assets to balance present competitiveness with long\u2011term growth. The following scenarios illustrate how draft picks could be leveraged:<\/p>n<ul>n<li>Pairing Werenski with a first\u2011round pick to secure a defensive cornerstone while acquiring future talent.<\/li>n<li>Using Larkin’s cap hit to acquire a second or third\u2011round pick, providing depth for a rebuilding squad.<\/li>n<li>Offering Robertson in a trade that includes multiple picks, allowing the Stars to rebuild while still retaining a top scorer.<\/li>n<\/ul>n<h2>Potential Trade Scenarios<\/h2>n<p>While exact trade details are speculative, several plausible combinations emerge based on team needs and player profiles:<\/p>n<ul>n<li><strong>Werenski for a package of forwards and a first\u2011round pick<\/strong> – Ideal for a team looking to strengthen its offense while securing a defensive stalwart.<\/li>n<li><strong>Larkin for a center and a second\u2011round pick<\/strong> – Fits a team needing a power\u2011play threat and a future asset.<\/li>n<li><strong>Robertson for a mix of defensemen and draft picks<\/strong> – Suits a franchise aiming to balance scoring with defensive depth.<\/li>n<\/ul>n<h2>Implications<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
{“title”:”Who\u2019s Next? NHL\u2019s 2026 Trade Candidates Beyond the Blockbusters”,”excerpt”:”With the big\u2011name moves already sealed, the NHL\u2019s 2026 offseason still holds several high\u2011impact players who could spark franchise shifts. From defenseman<\/p>","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":162579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"googlesitekit_rrm_CAowl-PACw:productID":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3557],"tags":[6064,15621,12578,11034,5088,10344,12871,11023,1685,10624,15620,5427,4405,4147],"class_list":["post-162578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-en","tag-already","tag-blockbusters","tag-books","tag-candidates","tag-could","tag-difference","tag-handful","tag-makers","tag-newzquest","tag-ranking","tag-remaining","tag-sports","tag-trade","tag-which"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t