Introduction

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and with it comes the excitement of potential player movements. As teams gear up to make bold moves to bolster their rosters, first-round draft picks continue to hold significant value. In recent seasons, these precious assets have influenced the trade market dramatically, with several franchises looking to capitalize on the trade deadline.

The Rising Value of First-Round Picks

The trend of trading first-round picks is not new, but its prevalence appears to increase as teams position themselves for playoff runs. Last season alone saw 12 first-round picks exchanged between the end of January and the trade deadline, showcasing the willingness of teams to part with these important assets. The 2025 New York Rangers pick is a particularly interesting case, having been swapped between the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins—a testament to the fast-paced nature of trade negotiations.

Notable Early Trades

This season has already witnessed significant first-round pick trades, set in motion by the Minnesota Wild's decision to deal their 2026 first-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the Quinn Hughes trade. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights exchanged a 2027 first-round pick with the Calgary Flames for defenseman Rasmus Andersson. These early moves indicate a busy trade season ahead, as many expect more first-round picks to change hands as teams evaluate their playoff chances.

Teams Likely to Trade Their First-Round Picks

As we look ahead to the impending deadline, several teams appear poised to dangle their first-round picks as trade bait. Let's examine a few of these franchises and their strategies:

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are well-positioned for a playoff run and boast serious Stanley Cup aspirations for this season. While they already traded their own 2026 first-round pick in a deal for K'Andre Miller, they retain a plethora of first-round picks from previous trades, including ones in 2026, 2027, and two in 2028. With over $7 million in salary cap space, the Hurricanes should be unafraid to use their surplus of picks to acquire an impact player. The need for enhanced goal-scoring options makes them a formidable competitor, with players like Artemi Panarin potentially being targeted if they want to maximize their playoff chances.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are returning to playoff contention for the first time in nearly a decade, and the ownership should embrace this opportunity by making aggressive moves at the trade deadline. With ample salary cap space and a core that is starting to gel, the Red Wings could significantly benefit from adding more depth, particularly a top-four defenseman and additional scoring options. Holding onto their first-round draft picks, Detroit has the flexibility to trade for veteran help that could solidify their playoff status and enhance their rebuild.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens surprised many last year with their performance and have since added several talented players to avoid regression. With two first-round picks already exchanged to acquire defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders earlier this season, they might not hesitate to deal their remaining 2026 first-round pick to ensure a playoff spot. The Canadiens, armed with a young and promising core, require additional help if they aim to navigate the challenging Atlantic Division and advance in the playoffs.

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders currently find themselves in an intriguing position, buoyed by the emergence of first overall pick Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old's impressive performance has reinvigorated the Isles’ playoff aspirations. Although the Isles are not guaranteed a playoff berth, they still have an opportunity to be aggressive at the trade deadline. The Islanders possess another first-round pick, which belongs to the Colorado Avalanche, likely to be a back-half pick. The management should consider trading it to acquire a player under contract who can contribute in both the short and long term, maximizing their chances of a successful season while planning for the future.

Conclusion

As the 2026 NHL trade deadline draws near, the landscape of potential trades involving first-round picks is becoming clearer. Teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Islanders have the resources and motivations to make significant moves that could reshape their rosters. With a premium placed on draft capital, it will be interesting to see which franchises leverage their assets for immediate success as they strive for the Stanley Cup.