NHL Trade Deadline 2026: Tracking Key Moves and Rumors

As the NHL’s March 6 trade deadline approaches, teams are actively maneuvering to bolster their rosters for a playoff push or start rebuilding for the future. This tracker provides updates on key moves, rumors, and analysis of the Minnesota Wild’s activity, along with broader league developments.

Minnesota Wild: Adding Depth and Addressing Needs

Fabbri Acquisition

The Minnesota Wild added forward Robby Fabbri via waivers from the St. Louis Blues on March 2, 2026. The Athletic reports Fabbri, 30, is expected to fill a fourth-line winger role and contribute on the penalty kill. Despite having only one goal in 15 games with the Blues this season, Fabbri has a history of scoring, with 18 goals for the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24 and 17 in 2021-22. He similarly has 10 playoff games under his belt with the Blues during their 2019 Stanley Cup run, and has scored 15 or more goals in four separate seasons.

This acquisition addresses the Wild’s necessitate for bottom-six forward depth, particularly with veteran winger Marcus Foligno currently on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. The Wild’s fourth line previously consisted of Vinnie Hinostroza and Nico Sturm, who have combined for limited offensive production recently.

Trocheck Interest

The Wild have also been linked to New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. USA Today reports that Trocheck is open to a move to Minnesota, as the Wild are not on his no-trade list. Trocheck, 32, is signed through the 2028-29 season with an average annual value of $5.625 million. Even as the Colorado Avalanche initially showed interest, Trocheck reportedly prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference. The Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings have also been mentioned as potential suitors, though skepticism exists regarding their willingness to part with significant assets to acquire him.

Other Notable Trade Rumors

Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues)

The Utah Mammoth and Boston Bruins are reportedly interested in Blues center Robert Thomas, who has a full no-trade clause. The asking price is substantial, reportedly including “three first-half-of-the-first-round assets” – a player, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick within the top 15 selections.

Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames)

The Bruins have expressed interest in Flames center Nazem Kadri, but are hesitant due to his age (35) and $7 million average annual value through the 2028-29 season. The Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens have also been suggested as potential landing spots.

Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks)

Elias Pettersson, the Canucks center, has six seasons remaining on his contract with a $11.6 million average annual value and holds a full no-movement clause, making any trade scenario complex.

Looking Ahead

With the trade deadline fast approaching, expect increased activity as teams finalize their plans. The Wild appear to be focused on adding depth and addressing specific needs, while other teams are exploring more significant moves. The next few days will be crucial in shaping the landscape of the NHL as teams prepare for the playoff push.