The Athletic Hockey Show Which top NHL prospects could be dealt by the trade deadline?
Jan 30, 2026
A lively debate over which NHL prospects contenders might move before the trade deadline and what teams like Detroit or Minnesota could offer. Deep dives into goalie depth and whether netminders or forwards are more tradable. Contrasting new draft rankings and heated comparisons of wingers versus right-shot defensemen. Short takes on individual prospects' roles, upside, and early-season adjustments.
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Detroit And Montreal Can Trade From Depth
- Detroit and Montreal now have surplus prospects that make them plausible trade partners at the deadline.
- Both teams may debate moving mid-tier assets but likely keep top prospects like Dylan Brannstrom or Michael Hage for longer-term plans.
Value Term Over Rentals At Deadline
- When trading prospects, seek players with term and cost control rather than short rentals.
- Avoid giving up premium long-term assets for one-year rentals unless the return clearly moves the roster long-term.
Contenders' Pipeline Scarcity Limits Offers
- Many true contenders depleted their farm systems, limiting what they can offer at the deadline.
- That scarcity may reduce leverage on teams like Detroit and Montreal to move top youngsters.