NHL Trade Rumors: 5 NHL Stars Who Could Be Traded in 2025-26

The 2025-26 NHL season is setting up to be a very entertaining campaign. From superstars changing teams like Mitch Marner heading to Vegas, to a trade watch happening in Pittsburgh with the Penguins in sell mode, there could be some wild and wacky happening throughout next season.

While the trade talk has been relatively quiet throughout the summer months, that's going to change leading closer to the NHL's trade deadline in the spring. Here's five NHL stars who make up our 'way too early' list of big names who could be changing teams next season:

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

Malkin has been rumored to be told he isn't going to be re-signed in Pittsburgh, so consider this season a bit of a farewell tour for him with the Penguins' franchise. Malkin's a pending UFA and at his age, isn't someone the Penguins want to continue to build around. If the Pens are in the playoff hunt, he stays, but if they aren't, there's zero doubt he'll be traded and consider the Rangers and Panthers to be the top-two favourites to land the future hall-of-famer.

Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are frankly a mess and Tuch doesn't appear to be interested in committing to a long-term extension at this point. Buffalo isn't expected to compete for the playoffs and Tuch will be one of the most coveted forwards on the trade market. He's been linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning a lot lately, so keep an eye there once trade talks heat up.

Martin Necas, Colorado Avalanche

There's been a lot of buzz about Necas' future in Colorado and if he's actually enjoying himself so far, so don't be surprised if trade talks heat up leading up to the deadline. The Avalanche tried to land Mitch Marner initially, but those talks fizzled out, so now we wait and see if Necas remains with the Avs past the trade deadline, or if he's flipped for someone with term on their contract.

Patrik Laine, Montreal Canadiens

So far, limited extension talks in Montreal as Patrik Laine needs to prove he can last a full season before GM Kent Hughes will commit to anything long term. Laine scored 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games last season, and has shown flashes of brilliance that he can still be one of the elite goal-scorers in the league. If the Canadiens don't take a step forward this season, look for Laine to be on the move.

Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets

Connor is a pending UFA and while the Jets seem destined for a playoff spot, it's going to be interesting to see how Connor's future plays out in Winnipeg. He's an elite winger who can score with the best of them, but there's been rumblings about him having his eye on the Detroit Red Wings long term. Should be an entertaining season in Winnipeg to say the very least.