NHL trade deadline: Top players available and their best fits

The NHL trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET Friday, and with the playoff race so tight, plenty of teams are looking to upgrade their roster. With that, basement-dwelling teams that are selling will have plenty of names available, at the right price, of course.

Let's take a look at the top players available at the NHL trade deadline.

Nazem Kadri, Center, Calgary Flames

Best Fit: Montreal Canadiens

The Flames currently sit in 28th place, and, having already unloaded top defender Rasmus Andersson, they'll continue to sell. The 35-year-old Kadri, who has 41 points in 59 games, would be a solid piece for any team trying to add a second line center.

The Canadiens would certainly like to upgrade in that department and have their 2026 first-round pick to part with. However, with three years left on his deal at $7M per year, Kadri might not get the assets Calgary wants for an aging player in decline.

Vincent Trocheck, Center, New York Rangers

Best Fit: Detroit Red Wings

Trocheck, who was excellent in a defensive role for Team USA that saw him help out a 100% penalty kill, is a solid two-way center who, like Kadri, would improve many teams' depth down the middle.

Although a team like the Minnesota Wild is in that market after making the blockbuster trade for Quinn Hughes, they may not have the picks or prospects left to do so. Enter the Red Wings, who have plenty of high-end prospects and their 2026 first-round pick. Despite being 32 years old and having three years left on his deal, Trocheck is signed for just $5.625M per year, and Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman may be eager to push for a playoff run.

Robert Thomas, Center, St. Louis Blues

Best Fit: Utah Mammoth

Thomas could be the crown jewel of the trade deadline; that is, if the Blues decide to move him. St. Louis, currently in 31st place, has a decision to make: sell off top players with term and rebuild or focus on moving their rentals.

For Thomas, at just 26 years old with five years remaining on his deal ($8.125M per year), he'd certainly fetch a haul. The Mammoth, in their second year in Utah, have an ownership group that is eager to make the playoffs. Currently in the wild card, adding Thomas would greatly improve their center depth and could solidify that playoff spot.

Justin Faulk, Defense, St. Louis Blues

Best Fit: Utah Mammoth

Faulk is perhaps the best defenseman available at the deadline. A right-handed shot averaging just over half a point per game (32 points in 60 games), he'd immediately help out a team looking for a second pairing, puck-moving blue liner.

If the Mammoth's ownership group really wants to swing for the fences, it could entice St. Louis to package both Thomas and Faulk in a deal, increasing the value. Alone, the Blues are likely looking for a deal similar to the Rasmus Andersson trade: a first- and second-round pick, a roster player and a prospect. If St. Louis is looking to enter into a rebuild, moving Faulk is a must.