The 2026 NHL offseason discussion is in full swing as most teams have seen their seasons end in disappointment. Now, it’s time to take a look at what trade targets are potentially available prior to the start of next season.

Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin broke down the potential trade candidates for NHL teams this offseason into four tiers.

The first tier consists of obvious trade candidates like Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks and Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. Tier two is a watchlist for names that teams should be keeping an eye on, like Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, and the Edmonton Oilers‘ own Darnell Nurse.

Then, there is a much more exciting category dedicated to big stars and big swings.

This third tier is rounded out by Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews, Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk, New York Rangers’ Adam Fox, and Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson.

Beginning with Matthews, Larkin wrote that if the previous report of The Athletic’s Chris Johnston holds up, and the Arizona native does want out, there will be a massive haul to collect for the Leafs. He noted that this could kickstart a new era of Leafs hockey, led by their likely No. 1 draft pick in Gavin McKenna.

Tkachuk’s situation could be comparable to Quinn Hughes’ exit from the Vancouver Canucks. The Senators’ captain only has one year remaining on his current contract, so in trading him now, the organization would be guaranteed to get a return for their longest tenured player.

Then there is Fox, which Larkin noted there is possible tension between him and the Rangers’ organization. After the Rangers’ retool, Fox’s Olympic snub despite the USA men’s team being coached by Rangers’ head coach Mike Sullivan, and Fox’s “cryptic comments about his future” towards the end of his season, Larkin speculated that his talents might be available to other teams for the right price.

Robertson is the ninth-highest point scorer in the past five seasons. Contract negotiations between him and the Stars have been “frosty,” and the team’s current lack of cap space might make receiving a large return for him appealing.

The fourth and final tier is dedicated to players who might pay the price of being in a position that is in surplus for their current team. Buffalo Sabres goaltenders highlight this section, as Alex Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Colten Ellis, and Devon Levi make up a very crowded goalie group.

The Vancouver Canucks made some large announcements regarding their head office on Thursday.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin have been promoted from the team’s player development department to co-presidents of hockey operations, while Ryan Johnson has been brought up from his general manager role with the teams’ AHL affiliate Abbotsford Canucks, to become the NHL club’s GM.

The Sedin brothers are two of the most accomplished players in Canucks history.

They spent their entire 17-year careers together with the franchise, and led them to their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2011. Henrik, the captain, collected 240 goals and 1070 points for the team, and Daniel logged 393 goals and 1041 points. Both of the Canucks superstars were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.

Johnson crossed paths with the Sedin brothers as a player in 120 games for the Canucks from 2008-2010, where he scored three goals and 14 points. He has been a staff member of the organization for 13 years prior to his elevation to becoming the NHL team’s general manager.

In 2025, his Abbotsford team won the Calder Cup. During his 701 game career as a player, he also skated for the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, and Chicago Blackhawks.

This offseason is crucial to the rebuilding of a Canucks team that has missed back-to-back playoffs, with the trio looking forward to the NHL Draft, and the decision of whether Adam Foote will be returning as the team’s head coach.

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