As November Arrives, NHL Trade Market Buzz Intensifies

The calendar has flipped to November, and with nearly a month gone in the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the trade market is starting to heat up. October saw seven trades, the standout being the Chicago Blackhawks' decision to send struggling winger Lukas Reichel to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2027. With the American Thanksgiving looming, teams at the bottom of the standings may look to make moves to salvage their playoff hopes.

Key Players in the Trade Conversation

Several players from our October Trade Block Big Board remain hot topics in trade discussions. Notable mentions include Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha. Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch has also entered the rumor mill for the first time this season. As we approach the crucial Thanksgiving period, these players may find themselves on the move if their respective teams face difficulties.

Offseason speculation about defenseman Dougie Hamilton's future with the New Jersey Devils seemed to die down after the team’s strong start this season. Although there were concerns regarding salary cap implications with his $9 million contract, general manager Tom Fitzgerald has reassured fans that Hamilton and teammate Luke Hughes are compatible in their play styles.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been the subject of trade rumors involving forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust since July. An injury to Rust has affected his play, while Rakell's strong start has drawn attention from teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Rakell's recent surgery puts a damper on immediate trade scenarios.

Emerging Trade Targets

Despite expectations, the Philadelphia Flyers have started the season positively, led by forward Owen Tippett. Even so, he surfaced in trade talks concerning a potential offer for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. Although there seems to be diminished chatter regarding Tippett, the situation could change if the Flyers' fortunes flip.

The Buffalo Sabres appear to be in a precarious spot with Alex Tuch, whose eligibility for unrestricted free agency next summer has made him a target of trade talks. Meanwhile, Pavel Zacha remains in the conversation with multiple teams interested, including the Canucks and Flyers.

In Columbus, Yegor Chinakhov has been frequently mentioned in trade discussions since requesting a move from the Blue Jackets last July, yet he remains without a change of scenery.

Trade rumors around Nazem Kadri have circulated since the summer, especially following Calgary Flames' slow start. While there is notable interest in Kadri as the Flames seek a late-season push, his future remains uncertain as he approaches significant milestones in his career.

Conclusion

As November unfolds, teams and fans alike should stay tuned to the trade market as various players could change teams before the holiday, particularly if playoff hopes dim. With multiple players in the rumor mill, the coming weeks promise to be intriguing for NHL trade enthusiasts.