NHL Trade Deadline Buyers and Sellers: Central & Pacific Division Breakdown
As the National Hockey League trade deadline approaches, contenders are sharpening their strategies while rebuilding teams look to cash in on valuable assets. The Central and Pacific Divisions feature some of the league’s most aggressive buyers, cautious contenders, and full teardown sellers — making them the epicenter of deadline intrigue.
Below is a team-by-team trade deadline outlook, breaking down buy/sell status, roster needs, priorities, and realistic targets as the playoff race intensifies.
Central Division Trade Deadline Outlook
Colorado Avalanche — Aggressive Buyer
Record: 1st in Central (83 points)
The Colorado Avalanche are among the NHL’s elite, powered by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, but they still have a clear vulnerability.
Their biggest need is a true third-line center. Jack Drury has been serviceable but limited offensively, while Ross Colton has struggled in the role and battled injuries. A luxury option like Ryan O'Reilly would be ideal, though a more realistic target is Nicolas Roy, who brings size, defensive reliability, and term.
Colorado is also seeking a physical, defense-first blueliner after injuries to Devon Toews and Gabe Landeskog exposed depth issues. Expect the Avalanche to be among the most aggressive buyers on the market.
Minnesota Wild — Aggressive Buyer
Record: 2nd in Central (78 points)
The Minnesota Wild made a franchise-altering move by acquiring Quinn Hughes, but the cost was steep. Losing Marco Rossi created a glaring hole behind Joel Eriksson Ek.
GM Bill Guerin is firmly in win-now mode and badly needs a second-line center. Names like Vincent Trocheck, Nazem Kadri, Charlie Coyle, and O’Reilly have been linked.
The challenge: Minnesota’s cap space and trade capital are already stretched thin. Any move here will require creativity.
Dallas Stars — Buyer
Record: 3rd in Central (77 points)
The Dallas Stars are perennial contenders but still lack a reliable right-shot defenseman capable of handling top-four playoff minutes.
An injury to Tyler Seguin has also created a need for additional forward depth. While a blockbuster addition is unlikely due to a thin prospect pool and limited draft capital, Connor Murphy stands out as a realistic, stabilizing target.
Utah Mammoth — Cautious Buyer
Record: 4th in Central (64 points)
The Utah Mammoth have impressed since relocating, positioning themselves in the playoff race. Still, they remain a middle-tier offensive team.
Adding a top-nine forward with term or a depth center makes sense, but going all-in doesn’t. With the Central stacked with elite contenders, a quiet or value-based deadline is the prudent path.
Nashville Predators — Seller / Hold
Record: 5th in Central (59 points)
The Nashville Predators are in transition, with veteran centers across the roster and uncertainty in the front office.
O’Reilly is the key decision. Moving him could bring back a massive haul of picks and young centers — a necessity for a franchise lacking long-term answers down the middle. Buying would be a mistake; selling smartly is the play.
Chicago Blackhawks — Seller
Record: 6th in Central (53 points)
The Chicago Blackhawks are focused on clearing roster space to integrate young talent around Connor Bedard.
With prospects like Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert nearing NHL readiness, selling veteran UFAs is essential. The priority is flexibility and future assets, not short-term results.
Winnipeg Jets — Seller
Record: 7th in Central (52 points)
The Winnipeg Jets have fallen hard after last season’s highs.
With missing second- and fourth-round picks in upcoming drafts, restocking draft capital is critical. Veterans like Luke Schenn and Gustav Nyquist should be moved aggressively.
St. Louis Blues — Aggressive Seller
Record: 8th in Central (49 points)
The St. Louis Blues are nearing a crossroads in Doug Armstrong’s final season.
With no second-round pick until 2028, draft capital is a must. While stars like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou shouldn’t be moved lightly, veterans Justin Faulk, Jordan Binnington, and Brayden Schenn should all be shopped.
Pacific Division Trade Deadline Outlook
Vegas Golden Knights — Buyer
Record: 1st in Pacific (68 points)
The Vegas Golden Knights already strengthened their defense with Rasmus Andersson and now turn to forward depth.
Adding a middle-six center could unlock Mitch Marner on the wing while easing pressure on Jack Eichel. Expect a depth-focused move rather than a blockbuster.
Edmonton Oilers — Buyer
Record: 2nd in Pacific (64 points)
The Edmonton Oilers face a familiar problem: elite stars, alarming depth.
When Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are off the ice, Edmonton is getting crushed at 5-on-5. A third-line centerand speedy middle-six wingers are urgent needs.
Seattle Kraken — Cautious Buyer
Record: 3rd in Pacific (63 points)
The Seattle Kraken are riding excellent goaltending, but their offense continues to lag near the bottom of the league.
They need elite scoring help, but patience remains key. Trading Shane Wright would be a mistake. If help comes, it should be targeted and sustainable.
Anaheim Ducks — Cautious Buyer
Record: 4th in Pacific (63 points)
The Anaheim Ducks boast young offensive stars like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, but defensive play remains a major issue.
A defense-first blueliner with term makes sense. Overpaying for a rental does not.
Los Angeles Kings — Buyer
Record: 5th in Pacific (60 points)
The Los Angeles Kings swung big by acquiring Artemi Panarin, but losing Kevin Fiala to a season-ending injury offsets the gain.
With Anze Kopitar nearing the end of his career, this is a win-now window. Another top-six scorer is essential.
San Jose Sharks — Hold / Minor Buyer
Record: 6th in Pacific (58 points)
The San Jose Sharks have exceeded expectations behind Macklin Celebrini.
A right-shot defenseman with term would help, but patience remains the priority. Overpaying would undermine their long-term climb.
Calgary Flames — Seller
Record: 7th in Pacific (52 points)
The Calgary Flames continue to rebuild smartly, armed with multiple first-round picks.
Veterans Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman could yield even more assets. Staying the course is the right call.
Vancouver Canucks — Aggressive Seller
Record: 8th in Pacific (42 points)
The Vancouver Canucks sit last in the league and have finally committed to selling.
Conor Garland, Evander Kane, and Jake DeBrusk should all be moved. They should keep trying to be creative and listen on Elias Pettersson
A true rebuild can no longer be delayed.
Final Takeaway
Most Aggressive Buyers: Colorado, Edmonton, Minnesota
Full Teardown Sellers: Vancouver, St. Louis
Quiet but Smart Teams: Utah, Seattle, San Jose
Here are the NHL Team Top Needs at a Glance
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