While the official NHL trade window is currently shut, the rumour mill for the 2026 season is already operating at full throttle. Front offices are quietly assessing their rosters, agents are gauging market interest, and insiders are connecting the dots, setting the stage for what could be a very active period. History shows that some of the league's biggest deals are conceptualised months before they become official.
Early Moves Signal a Busy Market Ahead
The recent trades involving Mason Marchment to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Phillip Danault returning to the Montreal Canadiens have acted as an early signal. These significant decisions indicate that franchises are not waiting for the deadline to start reshaping their teams. According to reports from major outlets like TSN, Sportsnet, and The Athletic, several notable names are already circulating in trade conversations, with a strong possibility of changing uniforms when the new league year begins.
Forwards on the Radar: Maccelli and Marchessault
One name generating considerable chatter is Matias Maccelli of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Originally brought in to help fill the void left by Mitch Marner's departure, Maccelli has struggled to cement a regular spot. His recent status as a healthy scratch and a visible on-ice discussion with coach Craig Berube have put other teams on alert. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman noted on his '32 Thoughts' podcast that the Boston Bruins, who are actively seeking scoring depth, see Maccelli as a potential low-cost acquisition.
Another forward in the spotlight is veteran winger Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators. Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports that Marchessault has expressed interest in a move to the Montreal Canadiens. His no-movement clause gives him significant control, and his experience is viewed as a valuable asset for a young Canadiens squad. However, any such deal would require creative manoeuvring to fit under the salary cap.
Defensive Prize and a Goaltending Wild Card
On the blue line, Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is emerging as one of the most coveted trade assets available. With other top defenders off the market, interest in Andersson has intensified. TSN insiders Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger confirm the Toronto Maple Leafs' genuine interest, but they highlight the Flames' high asking price as a major hurdle for the cap-strapped team.
The most intriguing rumour involves a player who is officially retired: goaltender Marc-André Fleury. According to Pierre LeBrun, contending teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning
Patience Now for Big Moves Later
These early discussions paint a clear picture: the 2026 NHL trade market is poised for significant activity. The groundwork being laid now by general managers and player agents suggests a strategic and potentially explosive trade period ahead. For fans, the waiting game has begun, but the whispers of today could very well become the blockbuster headlines of tomorrow.
