Five candidates for change-of-scenery trades in 2026 NHL offseason
The NHL offseason looms, and it often represents new beginnings for struggling high-potential players. Sometimes, it requires a brand new environment to unlock an athlete’s potential. Look at what a trade to the Philadelphia Flyers did for Trevor Zegras, for instance. He was reborn as an important member of a playoff team’s top six this season.
Last year, Zegras landed on my list of players needing fresh starts on new teams. Which NHLers could benefit similarly for 2026-27?
Here are my top five change-of-scenery trade candidates.
Kent Johnson, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnson’s breathtaking natural skill with the puck has never been in question, but the rest of his game has not caught up, to the point he’s looking like the second coming of Sonny Milano, another Blue Jackets’ first-round bust. Johnston appeared to have new life after a midseason coaching switch to Rick Bowness but, by April, Johnson was playing just 11:11 per night, and he was a healthy scratch on occasion, with the coaching staff feeling he was getting muscled off pucks too often. Still: Johnson actually generated individual scoring chances at the highest rate of his career this season at 5-on-5. He’s still just 23, and a team that trusts him more in a role that maximizes his razzle-dazzle could reap major rewards buying low.
Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues
Kyrou’s days as a Blue have felt numbered since the home-booing incident that left him in literal tears in December 2023. He’s a dynamic scorer but one who hasn’t justified his $8.125-million price tag of late. At least, that’s the perception. He undoubtedly underachieved offensively this past season, scoring just 18 goals in 72 games after four seasons between 27 and 37. He was even healthy scratched for a game. But Kyrou quietly played good defensive hockey this season, he’s in his prime at 28, and he could return to producing as a frontline player – perhaps reaching a new ceiling – with a change of environment. Across the three seasons preceding this one, Kyrou was tied with Adrian Kempe for 21st in the NHL in goals. Kyrou hasn’t turned into a scrub overnight.
Mason McTavish, C, Anaheim Ducks
Year 1 of his seven-year contract…healthy scratched for multiple games this postseason. The negotiations leading up to his extension last September were rocky to begin with, and now the Ducks have mothballed a $7-million player. They’ll be selling low, but plenty of teams would have interest in his upside, and GM Pat Verbeek simply can’t be paying anyone this much to sit in the press box. Particularly as a junior-aged player, McTavish showed a tantalizing power-forward skill set, and he’s still young enough at 23 that it’s worth betting on a post-hype breakout.
Simon Nemec, D, New Jersey Devils
The Devils reportedly took some calls on Nemec over the winter. But when we factor in his age, pedigree and upside, I wonder if new GM Sunny Mehta wipes the slate clean and dismisses the idea of moving Nemec. If he’s still available, though, the buying window feels just right. His defensive game needs a lot of work, but Nemec’s improvisational skills with the puck – and his overall upside – are undeniable.
Shane Wright, C, Seattle Kraken
The Kraken were searching for a splashy addition to their top-six forward group and potentially willing to sacrifice Wright to do so over the winter. Wright would be a fascinating buy if still on the block; he still has another year left at his entry-level AAV, and he has proven to be an efficient scorer in his (extremely) limited opportunities, averaging 17 goals per 82 games for his career despite playing only 13:40 per night.
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POST SPONSORED BY bet365
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