What happened: ESPN published a list of hypothetical trades it would like to see across the league during the 2026 NHL offseason. The piece is speculative, pairing players with potential new destinations rather than reporting agreed deals. No transactions described in it have been confirmed by any team.

Why it matters: Wish-list trade pieces signal where national analysts see roster pressure heading into the new league year, framing the storylines that could drive actual offseason moves. With the 2025-26 season decided, front offices now turn to retooling, and speculation like this often shapes fan expectations before free agency and the draft.

What to watch: Watch whether any of the floated names surface in real reporting as the offseason trade and free-agency window opens.