Four NHL players who could be traded soon

The NHL season is just about a quarter of the way through, and the playoff race is as tight as ever. As of Wednesday, just four points separate the last-place team (Buffalo) from the second wild-card team (Tampa Bay) in the Eastern Conference. On the Western side of things, there are six teams within three points of the last playoff spot.

That does leave, however, a clear-cut bottom three teams in the league: the St. Louis Blues (17 points), the Nashville Predators (16 points) and the Calgary Flames (13 points). Although the trade deadline is still months away, several players are on the block and may be moved earlier to maximize their return. Let's take a look at four players who could be on the move soon.

Rasmus Andersson, defense, Calgary Flames

Andersson's name has been in the trade rumors since last season. A UFA this upcoming offseason, it's unlikely he re-signs with the Flames, who are in the process of retooling. 

One snag? Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, meaning he has veto power over some potential moves. However, the rugged left-handed blueliner is a hot commodity to any team looking to upgrade their top four; in particular, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the hunt for a puck mover on the back end and could offer what Calgary wants. 

Jordan Kyrou, forward, St Louis Blues

Kyrou is a three-time 30-goal scorer who would immediately upgrade any team's top six at the winger position. This season, however, hasn't gone too well for Kyrou or the Blues. With just 11 points in 19 games and the 30th overall record in the league, St. Louis may be looking to shake things up.

While Kyrou does have a larger cap hit at $8.25 million per year, he still has five years left on his deal after this season, and his play would likely improve on a better team. If St. Louis wants a quick retool, trading Kyrou for a haul wouldn't be a bad idea.

Steven Stamkos, forward, Nashville Predators

The Tampa Bay Lightning legend left his long-time club in free agency, choosing to sign with the Nashville Predators during a big 2024 offseason for the franchise. His first season, though, didn't exactly go to plan. Nashville finished 30th in the standings in 2024-25, and Stamkos managed just 27 goals and 53 points in 82 games.

With the Predators once again at the bottom of the standings, and Stamkos scoring just 4 goals in 20 games, several teams in need of depth down the middle could look to add the veteran. At $8 million per year (until 2028), Nashville may need to retain some salary, but a change of scenery could benefit both parties.

Nazem Kadri, forward, Calgary Flames

Like Stamkos, Kadri could be a reliable pickup for a team looking for depth at the center position. The 2022 Stanley Cup champion has been consistent for Calgary since signing with them in the 2022 offseason, scoring 210 points in 267 games for the Flames.

Although Kadri hasn't put up the same points this season (12 in 21 games), part of that may stem from Calgary's poor record. If the Flames want to secure a top draft pick, selling players like Andersson or Kadri (signed until 2029) could gain them a big haul and help their lottery chances.