NHL Trade Deadline 2027: Date, Time, Top Trade Targets & Latest Rumors
The NHL Trade Deadline 2027 is expected to be one of the biggest events of the 2026-27 hockey season. As teams compete for playoff positions, general managers will look for opportunities to strengthen their rosters, add experienced players, and address weaknesses before the postseason begins.
For some teams, the deadline will be an opportunity to acquire a star player who can make an immediate impact. For others, it could mean trading veteran players in exchange for draft picks, prospects, and future assets.
Several big names have already attracted attention in early-season trade discussions, including Dylan Larkin, Ryan O’Reilly, Rickard Rakell, and other established NHL players.
In this guide, we cover the expected NHL Trade Deadline 2027 date, deadline time, potential trade targets, teams to watch, and the latest developments surrounding the NHL trade market.
When Is the NHL Trade Deadline 2027?
The 2027 NHL Trade Deadline is expected to take place on Monday, March 1, 2027.
The date was reported by Daily Faceoff’s Michael Russo, with the timing connected to the NHL’s regular-season calendar. The 2026-27 regular season is scheduled to conclude on April 10, 2027.
Here are the important details:
| Event | Date and details |
| NHL Trade Deadline 2027 | March 1, 2027 |
| Day | Monday |
| Expected deadline time | 3:00 PM ET |
| Regular season ends | April 10, 2027 |
| Stanley Cup Playoffs | April 2027 |
Note: The March 1 date and 3:00 PM ET time are reported expectations, not a separately confirmed official NHL deadline announcement.
What Happens at the NHL Trade Deadline?
The NHL Trade Deadline is the final major opportunity for teams to exchange players during the regular season and prepare their rosters for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Teams generally fall into two categories:
Buyers
Buyers are teams that believe they have a realistic chance of winning the Stanley Cup. They look for players who can improve their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Common targets include:
- Experienced centers
- Top-four defensemen
- Starting goaltenders
- Goal-scoring wingers
- Physical forwards with playoff experience
Sellers
Sellers are usually teams that are outside the playoff picture or looking toward a rebuild.
Instead of acquiring expensive veterans, these teams may trade players approaching free agency to receive:
- First- and second-round draft picks
- Young prospects
- NHL-ready players
- Future draft selections
This buying-and-selling strategy makes the trade deadline one of the most exciting periods of the NHL season.
Top NHL Trade Targets to Watch in 2027
Several players could become important names in the 2027 trade market. Their availability will depend on team performance, contract situations, and the offers they receive.
1. Dylan Larkin – Detroit Red Wings
Dylan Larkin is one of the biggest names to monitor ahead of the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.
The Detroit Red Wings captain has reportedly requested a trade, creating uncertainty about his long-term future with the organization.
Several teams have been connected to the situation, including the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres.
Larkin is an attractive target because of his speed, offensive production, and experience as a first-line center. However, his full no-trade clause gives him control over potential destinations.
Detroit will also need to receive a significant return before considering a deal.
2. Ryan O’Reilly – Nashville Predators
Ryan O’Reilly could become one of the most attractive veteran centers available at the deadline.
The Nashville Predators forward has extensive playoff experience and remains valuable because of his defensive ability, leadership, and faceoff skills.
O’Reilly is entering the final season of his contract, making his situation particularly interesting.
If Nashville falls out of playoff contention, the organization could consider moving him rather than risking losing him without receiving a trade return.
3. Rickard Rakell – Pittsburgh Penguins
Rickard Rakell is another player worth watching as the Penguins evaluate their future.
Pittsburgh could face important decisions about its veteran roster if the team struggles to remain competitive.
Rakell’s offensive experience and ability to contribute in different situations could attract interest from teams searching for additional scoring.
His contract and salary-cap impact will be important factors in any potential negotiations.
4. Bryan Rust – Pittsburgh Penguins
Bryan Rust could also become a name to monitor if Pittsburgh decides to move experienced players.
Rust has established himself as a productive winger and has significant postseason experience.
Contenders looking to strengthen their top-six forward group could view him as a useful addition.
However, Pittsburgh’s willingness to trade him will depend on its competitive position and the value of potential offers.
5. Travis Konecny – Philadelphia Flyers
Travis Konecny is an established offensive player who could attract attention if Philadelphia considers making significant roster changes.
His scoring ability, energy, and experience make him an appealing option for teams looking for a top-six winger.
A potential deal would likely require a substantial return, particularly because players with his offensive skill set are difficult to replace.
6. Owen Tippett – Philadelphia Flyers
Owen Tippett is another Philadelphia forward appearing in trade-market discussions.
His speed, shooting ability, and offensive potential could make him an interesting target for teams seeking additional scoring depth.
However, a trade should not be considered guaranteed. Philadelphia may prefer to keep younger offensive players as part of its long-term plans.
7. Simon Edvinsson – Detroit Red Wings
Simon Edvinsson is a young defenseman whose name has appeared in trade speculation.
His size, skating ability, and potential make him an interesting player for teams looking to strengthen their defensive units.
Any potential move involving Edvinsson would be significant because young defensemen with long-term upside are valuable NHL assets.
NHL Trade Rumors: Latest Developments
The 2026-27 trade market has already produced several important developments.
Connor Hellebuyck Joins the New Jersey Devils
One of the biggest transactions of the season occurred on October 23, 2026.
The New Jersey Devils acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.
The Jets received Dawson Mercer, Nicolas Daws, Nick Bjugstad, unsigned prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
The move gives New Jersey a major upgrade in goal and demonstrates that significant trades can happen well before the March deadline.
Dylan Larkin’s Future Remains Uncertain
Dylan Larkin continues to be one of the most discussed players in NHL trade rumors.
Reports indicate that his trade request and list of acceptable destinations remain important factors in negotiations.
Buffalo and Montreal have both been connected to the situation, but no completed trade has been announced.
Nashville Could Consider Moving Veteran Players
Nashville’s performance during the season could determine whether the organization becomes a buyer or seller.
Ryan O’Reilly is an especially interesting name because of his contract situation and experience.
Other established Nashville players could also attract attention if the team decides to prioritize future assets.
NHL Teams That Could Be Active at the 2027 Trade Deadline
Some teams could become particularly important as the deadline approaches.
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo could look to strengthen its center position and improve its chances of competing for a playoff spot. Its reported interest in Dylan Larkin makes the team worth watching.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal could explore opportunities to add experienced offensive talent. The Canadiens have already been connected to Larkin and could continue evaluating their roster needs.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins may need to make decisions about their veteran players depending on their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
If they fall out of contention, players such as Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust could attract trade interest.
Nashville Predators
Nashville’s approach will depend heavily on its position in the standings. If the team struggles, management could consider trading veterans for younger players and future draft picks.
Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia could explore opportunities to improve its forward group, although the organization must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development.
NHL Trade Deadline Rules: What Fans Should Know
The NHL has important rules that influence trades and player eligibility.
Can NHL Teams Make Trades After the Deadline?
Teams can still complete certain transactions after the trade deadline, but players acquired after the deadline cannot represent their new teams in the remaining regular-season games or that season’s playoffs.
What Is Salary Retention in an NHL Trade?
Salary retention allows a team trading a player to continue paying part of that player’s salary-cap hit.
This can make a trade easier for a buyer that does not have enough salary-cap space to acquire the player’s entire contract.
Does the Salary Cap Apply During the NHL Playoffs?
Yes. Starting with the 2026 playoffs, NHL teams must comply with the salary cap when submitting their playoff lineups.
This change limits the previous long-term injured reserve strategy that allowed teams to exceed the regular-season cap after activating injured players for the postseason.
The new system makes salary-cap management an important part of trade negotiations.
NHL Trade Deadline 2027: What Should Fans Expect?
The 2027 deadline could produce several interesting transactions as teams evaluate their playoff chances.
Here are some of the biggest storylines to watch:
- Whether Dylan Larkin eventually leaves Detroit.
- Whether Nashville decides to trade Ryan O’Reilly.
- Whether Pittsburgh becomes a seller.
- Whether Philadelphia makes another move to strengthen its forward group.
- Which teams make goaltending upgrades before the playoffs.
- Whether rebuilding teams prioritize draft picks over established players.
The final weeks before March 1 will likely bring increased trade discussions as teams get a clearer picture of their playoff positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the NHL Trade Deadline 2027?
The 2027 NHL Trade Deadline is expected to take place on Monday, March 1, 2027.
What time is the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline?
The expected deadline time is 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), although fans should check the official NHL announcement for final confirmation.
Who are the biggest NHL trade targets in 2027?
Dylan Larkin, Ryan O’Reilly, Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, Travis Konecny, and Owen Tippett are among the players worth monitoring.
Has Connor Hellebuyck been traded?
Yes. The Winnipeg Jets traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on October 23, 2026.
Can NHL teams trade players after the deadline?
Certain transactions can still happen after the deadline, but players acquired afterward cannot play for their new teams in the remaining regular-season games or playoffs.
Why do NHL teams trade players before the deadline?
Teams make trades to strengthen their playoff chances, improve roster depth, manage contracts, acquire draft picks, or build for the future.
Final Thoughts
The NHL Trade Deadline 2027 will be an important moment in the 2026-27 season. With teams competing for playoff positions and others considering long-term roster changes, several major transactions could happen before March 1.
Dylan Larkin’s situation, Ryan O’Reilly’s contract, and Pittsburgh’s veteran players are among the storylines worth following.
While some trade rumors may eventually turn into official deals, others will remain speculation. The best way to follow the market is to keep track of confirmed transactions alongside reliable reports from NHL insiders.
Stay connected with NHLBite.org for the latest NHL trade rumors, deadline updates, player movements, and hockey news throughout the 2026-27 season.
Last updated: October 28, 2026. Potential trade targets and destinations are subject to change. Reported rumors are not confirmed transactions.
Covering live hockey aggregation, broadcasting contracts, and streaming hardware diagnostics for cord-cutters worldwide.