Top Four NHL Defenseman Trade Candidates Of 2026 Off-Season
With this year's pending NHL UFA class not being the strongest bunch, the trade market could be more active this year.
There are many defensemen in the NHL creating chatter in the rumor mill as trade candidates early on this off-season.
With that, here are the top four NHL defensemen who have the chance to be traded this summer.
What Could The Maple Leafs Realistically Receive In A Morgan Rielly Trade?
There is a real possibility that the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade Morgan Rielly this off-season. With Rielly needing a change of scenery, but owning trade protection, here are some examples of trades of a similar situation to Rielly, and what he could fetch for the Leafs if he gets dealt.
Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres
TSN's Darren Dreger reported last week that multiple teams have expressed interest in Byram. The left-shot defenseman is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27, so the Buffalo Sabres have a decision to make with the 25-year-old.
Given how well this season went for the Sabres, it is very likely that they would love to extend Byram after he recorded 42 points in 82 games. However, if he does not express interest in signing a contract extension, the Sabres may have no choice but to trade him.
With Byram being a young top-four defenseman coming off a career-best season, he could get the Sabres some help on the wing.
Simon Nemec, New Jersey Devils
After being the subject of trade rumors leading up to this year's deadline, New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec is continuing to create chatter as a trade candidate this summer.
Nemec is a pending RFA and could be a valuable trade chip the Devils dangle to try to improve their roster elsewhere. The 2022 second overall pick has had trouble breaking out in New Jersey, and part of that has to do with the Devils' crowded blueline.
Nemec is still only 22. The potential for him to emerge as a top-pairing defenseman is still there, and he may need a change of scenery to do that.
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This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 2:45 PM.