Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

With the NHL fully back in action, the next milestone ahead of us is the NHL Trade Deadline, set for this Friday (March 6).

Advertisement

There have been several big names moved already, but there are still plenty of big fish available to land for Stanley Cup odds favorites — and I’ll help you stay on top of everything you need for effective NHL Trade Deadline betting.

Read on for my 2026 NHL Trade Deadline tracker, with real-time trade analysis, a look at the top deadline targets remaining, and how NHL betting odds are affected by each deal.

Trade deadline at a glance

Notable completed trades in 2026

Team

Date

Team

Oilers

Connor Murphy

Mar. 2

Blackhawks

R2 pick (2028)

Avalanche


Brett Kulak

Feb. 24

Penguins


Samuel Girard
R2 pick (2028)

Kings


Artemi Panarin

Feb. 4

Rangers


Liam Greentree
R3 pick (2026)*

Islanders


Ondrej Palat
R3 pick (2026)
R6 pick (2027)

Jan. 28

Devils


Maxim Tsyplakov

Canucks


Cole Clayton
R2 pick (2026)
R2 pick (2027)

Jan. 19

Sharks


Kiefer Sherwood

Flames


Zach Whitecloud
Abram Wiebe
R1 pick (2027)
R2 pick (2028)

Jan. 18

Golden Knights


Rasmus Andersson

*3rd-round pick becomes a 2nd-round pick if Kings win a playoff round.

Stanley Cup odds favorites

Team

Avalanche

+300

Lightning

+390

Hurricanes

+550

Golden Knights

+850

Oilers

+1100

Latest 2026 NHL Trade Deadline tracker

Trade: acquire Connor Murphy from for a 2028 second-round pick and 50% salary retention

The betting shift: The Edmonton Oilers’ outright price moved from +1200 to +1100 following the trade, but their divisional outright stayed put at +700

Advertisement

Trade analysis: Everyone knew the Oilers needed goaltending, but bolstering the blue line at a reasonable cost with a right-shot, stay-at-home defenseman to pair with Darnell Nurse is a strong move. It addresses a key structural need and should pay dividends once they solidify the crease.

With one or two more additions, this roster is capable of getting back to the Finals. If Edmonton continues to improve, I’ll be looking to add more Connor McDavid MVP exposure and take a position on them to win the Pacific at +700.

Top NHL Trade Deadline targets remaining + betting outlook

  • Robert Thomas (STL): Young, legitimate top-two center signed long term with a no-trade clause. If moved, he would significantly impact line combinations and market prices.

  • Vincent Trochek (NYR): Adds strong depth down the middle. Excellent in the faceoff circle and reliable on the penalty kill. Projects as a high-end No. 2 center who would improve both playoff outlook and outright odds.

  • Nazem Kadri (CGY): If slotted as a No. 2 center, his impact would be similar to Trocheck’s. If acquired as a No. 3 center, that team is extremely well-positioned down the middle.

  • Jordan Binnington (STL): A move to Montreal could shift numbers, but he doesn’t move the needle much for me. His club numbers this season have been underwhelming, and I wouldn’t price him purely off his Team Canada performance. That said, Montreal’s outright odds would shorten if he lands there.

  • Steven Stamkos (NAS): Trending upward in 2026, but it’s hard to see him landing in a situation where he runs a PP1 unit for a true contender. Even if he goes to Detroit, I wouldn’t view their scoring group as strong enough to change their ceiling.

Popular NHL futures markets

How to bet the NHL Trade Deadline

  • Fading the “New Arrival” Bump
    Don’t be surprised if a brand-name player doesn’t stuff the statsheet on his first day with a new club. There is an adjustment period, and waiting a couple of games might bring the best value before backing them.

  • Player Prop Hunting
    Players moving to better teams might not have the same role they had previously. If a player goes from a top-line role and PP1 to line two and PP2, his prop projections should drop. Usage is everything.

  • The “Addition by Subtraction” Angle
    Winning for bad teams is not rewarded at this time of the year. If a team is in the market to move a key player, beating the books to some point totals and/or other future markets can be profitable. Everyone wants to bet the Over on teams making additions, but don’t forget about the subtractions.

  • Open opportunities: There will always be more eyes (and bets) on the big-name player moving to another team in the prop market, but, like above, don’t forget what the subtraction will do to the lesser team, which will likely have to fill key roles with new names. Find those names.

Advertisement

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Read the full article here

Leave A Reply

Exit mobile version