NHL trade tiers big board: Which players could be moved? - ESPN

The first NHL trade tier rankings of the season are sadly lacking in Sidney Crosby content.

Many around the league were prepared for Crosby trade talk to become its own cottage industry in 2025-26, as the Pittsburgh Penguins star center sought a return to the Stanley Cup playoffs on another team. Alas, the Penguins might end up being Crosby's playoff team, having amassed a .625 points percentage through 28 games and holding down a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If they're playing meaningful games this season, Crosby isn't going anywhere — if he ever was in the first place.

Fear not! There are plenty of other fascinating names who could be traded this season. Quinn Hughes, Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner all found new homes on Friday, Dec. 12.

The NHL trade deadline is March 6, 2026. Here's a way-too-early look at some of the players who might be moved before that date, from the shocking possibilities to the pending free agents to the overlooked gems who could be the difference in winning the Stanley Cup.

This list was compiled through conversations with league executives and other sources, as well as media reports. ESPN insiders including Emily Kaplan added their input in its creation. Salary figures are from PuckPedia.

Jump ahead: Shocking possibilities
Elite pending FAs
Elite players with term
25-and-under tier
Goaltenders
Glue guys up front
Glue guys on D
Bargain beauty contracts

Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues
Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers
Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks
Morgan Rielly, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

Following the Minnesota Wild's acquisition of Quinn Hughes on Friday, here are some other players who would send a major shockwave through the league.

Pettersson being traded would be