The Biggest Mistakes Made at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline
... and the ones that will be revisited this summer.
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline was defined as much by the trades that didn’t happen as the ones that did — especially with the thin market, high asking prices, no-move clauses, and cap complications making for one of the quietest deadlines in recent memory.
One could argue there were no true blockbusters, but rather a handful of swings that may not have the kind of impact past-deadline deals have made. Some teams may second-guess the swings they did take, but most will likely look back on their inaction and wish they had a redo.
Here are the biggest “almosts” or expected deals that fizzled, and some of the trades we thought would happen, but didn’t. These are the ones fans, analysts, and even some teams are already calling missed opportunities.
Vincent Trocheck (C, New York Rangers) to a Contender
Vincent Trocheck was arguably the hottest name on the market — a proven second-line center with term left at $5.625M AAV, fresh off an Olympic gold, and interest from teams like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings.
New York Rangers GM Chris Drury understandably set a sky-high price (at least a first-round pick + top prospect), but perhaps too high. Despite the interest, no one came up to where the Rangers were at, and Trocheck stayed put.
It was clear the Rangers were prepared to move Trocheck. He sat out a game for “roster management” amid speculation. Instead of cashing in as the Rangers retool, getting close to peak deadline value, both sides missed an opportunity.
For buyers like the Wild (who later settled for depth), they could have added a true top-six upgrade. For the Rangers, if they miss the playoffs or Trocheck’s value dips, this “hold” gets roasted in summer trade talks.
Robert Thomas (C, St. Louis Blues) Blockbuster
