Top 10 Trade Targets Named In Newest Trade Board Ahead Of 2026-27 Season
Training camps open in a couple of weeks, and teams are bearing down on what their rosters will look like heading into the new season. And while there are only a handful of notable free agents still available, the trade market could see some action.
Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report has updated his top trade targets as the offseason draws to a close, with the first list for the new campaign. Here are the Top 10 players on the trade market.
- Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
- Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
- Chris Kreider, Anaheim Ducks
- Arber Xhekaj, Montréal Canadiens
- Trevor Moore, Los Angeles Kings
- Alex Killorn, Anaheim Ducks
- Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings
- Zach Whitecloud, Calgary Flames
- Zachary Bolduc, Montréal Canadiens
- Morgan Frost, Calgary Flames
The Canadiens, Ducks, Kings and Flames each have two players on the list, but all for different reasons.
Canadiens' two RFAs make the Top 10 Trade Board
For the Habs, both Xhekaj and Bolduc are unsigned RFAs, though their situations differ. It's thought that a deal with Bolduc will be done by the time training camp opens in two weeks, while Xhekaj may in fact be the one holding up a deal on his end, according to a report.
For the Ducks, they are desperately looking to unload some contracts to try to clear the cap space needed to get their top unsigned RFA, Cutter Gauthier under contract.
In Calgary, the full-on rebuild continues, and both Whitecloud and Frost hold a fair amount of value around the league in potential trades, and could secure more assets for the Flames.
Darcy Kuemper is another goalie on trade boards heading into 2026-27 season
For the Kings, Kuemper has been a top-notch goalie in the NHL for years, with a .913 career save percentage, and several seasons above the .920 mark. He was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024-25. But he lost his starter's role to Anton Forsberg late last season, and is on an expiring contract. Teams that get desperate for a need between the pipes, and can't afford to shop in the Connor Hellebuyck aisle, could come calling.
And as for Moore, he gets a high ranking on this list as Richardson points out that "the Los Angeles Kings could gear up for another roster shakeup this season. (Ryan O'Hara of The Hockey News) believes that winger Trevor Moore could benefit from a change of scenery."
When it comes to the top two on this list, Hellebuyck and Larkin, what more can be said at this point that hasn't been said already? For your perusal, here's the latest on Hellebuyck, and the most recent update on Larkin.