Bold Take: The clock is ticking on a critical deadline, and teams are maneuvering now to shape the playoff landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial: some franchises may pivot from long-term plans to chase urgent gains at the last moment. Here’s a fresh look at what’s brewing around the NHL as the 2026 Trade Deadline approaches.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are exploring every viable option to bolster the roster before Friday’s deadline, GM Chris MacFarland told reporters ahead of a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday.
MacFarland stressed that they aren’t just chasing a traditional third-line center to slot behind Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson, though that has been a highlighted area of focus. He said, “If something makes us better, whether it’s a winger, a center, or another defenseman, we’ll certainly consider it over the next few days.”
He added that the team has cap space to work with and will pursue the right fit if it emerges.
So far, Colorado has already completed one trade, acquiring defenseman Brett Kulak from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft on Feb. 24.
The Avalanche sit atop the league with 40 wins and 89 points (40-10-9). MacFarland emphasized the club’s deep-prime core and the collective work they’ve put in year-round. He also noted that their strong start has positioned them well, and that if they can help the team win, those players deserve the support.
There’s also optimism that forward Logan O’Connor, sidelined this season due to hip surgery on June 6, could return soon.
Vancouver Canucks
Jake DeBrusk made clear in an interview with The Province that he’s less enthusiastic about contributing to a rebuild and would consider waiving his no-movement clause to join a contending team.
DeBrusk told the Vancouver newspaper, “Rebuilds aren’t something I’d be okay with or accept. My game doesn’t fit that.” He is in the second year of a seven-year, $38.5 million contract ($5.5 million AAV) signed with Vancouver on July 1, 2024.
Now 29, DeBrusk has 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 59 games this season, after posting a career-high 28 goals and 48 points in 82 games last year. He has surpassed 20 goals four times in his career, including three seasons with the Boston Bruins (2017–2024).
Vancouver sits at 18-35-7 and currently ranks last in the NHL, which puts them in sellers’ territory this week. Defenseman Tyler Myers has been scratched in the last three games, signaling that a trade could be imminent.
DeBrusk reflected, “A rebuild is tough for any player, but it also presents a meaningful chance for younger guys. This game humbles everyone, and this year has been more than humbling.”
St. Louis Blues
Captain Brayden Schenn acknowledged that the days leading up to the Trade Deadline have been trying.
The Blues, now 22-29-9, have dropped seven of their last ten and sit 13 points behind Edmonton for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Schenn said, “It’s an uneasy time for everyone, especially given where we are, but you still have a job to do. You go out, practice hard, and stay professional. That’s what it comes down to.”
Schenn, in the fifth year of an eight-year, $52 million contract with a 15-team no-trade clause (signed Oct. 4, 2019), has 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 60 games.
Other players generating trade chatter include forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman Justin Faulk. Any move involving Thomas or Kyrou would require waiving their full no-trade protections. Blues coach Jim Montgomery spoke to the human element of the process, noting that conversations occur even during practice as the team navigates the uncertainty.
The Blues are set to visit the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night (10 p.m. ET; Hulu, ESPN+).
Controversy spark: With trades looming, some pundits argue the deadline rewards short-term fixes over sustainable development. Do you think teams should prioritize immediate playoff chances or remain committed to rebuilding plans that may pay off down the line? Share your stance below.
