There’s something special about a deadline that lives in infamy, and the 2026 NHL trade deadline will be one for the ages. Between the flurry of moves, the surprising standstills, and the downright chaos, it was a day that truly tested the mettle of every fan who bleeds their team’s colors—and believe me, as someone who’s spent countless hours at Kwik Trip grabbing my pre-game coffee or stopping by Culver’s for some postgame frozen custard with Michael-Vincent and Blake, I’ve seen plenty of deadlines that had fans on edge. But this one? This was different.
Let’s start with the winners—those teams and players who, at least on paper, managed to navigate the chaos and come out ahead. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years as a ref, it’s that you can’t always judge a team by its record or reputation; sometimes, it’s about how they play under pressure.
First up: the Colorado Avalanche. Now, when you think of the Avalanche, you immediately think of Nathan MacKinnon—the kind of player who could be the centerpiece of any team’s offense. But as I’ve always said, success in this league is rarely a one-man show; it’s about having players around you who complement your strengths and hide your weaknesses. Enter Brock Nelson and Nicolas Roy.
Nelson has proven time and again that he can handle pressure with grace and skill. He’s the kind of player who might not get all the headlines, but without him, the team would be a fraction of what it is. Then there’s Kadri—a player whose name alone strikes fear into opponents. By bringing him back into the fold, Colorado has built a center group that could very well lead them to another Stanley Cup victory.
And let’s not forget: all four players are under contract for next season as well. That means they’ve got the flexibility and depth to keep pushing for greatness. It’s a bold move, and one that I respect because it shows commitment to winning—not just this year, but beyond.
But when we talk about winners at any deadline, sometimes it’s not just about teams or players; sometimes it’s about families. Enter the Foligno family—Marcus and Nick—who are now both suiting up for Minnesota.
As a guy with two boys of my own, I can tell you that there’s nothing quite like seeing your kids follow their dreams—and in this case, those dreams just became intertwined. The Wild took a chance on something more than just hockey when they brought in Nick from Chicago; they took a chance on heart and heritage. And let’s be honest: if the sport is ever going to truly capture the imagination of the next generation, it’s moments like these that matter.
Now, onto what might seem like an unusual winner—player empowerment. We’ve seen more than a few instances in recent years where players have been pressured into waiving their no-trade or no-movement clauses. But at this deadline, we saw something different: players standing up for themselves and refusing to be moved unless it was on their terms.
Tyler Myers and Colton Parayko are prime examples of that. They understood the value of their trade protection and weren’t afraid to use it. That kind of courage is rare in a league where loyalty often takes a backseat to business interests. And I, for one, am glad they had the gumption to stand up for themselves.
Moving onto another winner: the Anaheim Ducks. Now, some folks might raise an eyebrow at including them here given their recent struggles, but let’s look closer. The addition of John Carlson is not just a move; it’s a statement—a declaration that this team is ready to compete now and in the future.
Carlson brings veteran leadership, playoff experience, and a level of skill that can elevate an already talented young core. And by shedding Ryan Strome’s contract? That’s smart asset management—freeing up cap space for when they need it most.
Finally, there are the St. Louis Blues. I’ve got to hand it to their GM Doug Armstrong; he didn’t just make moves—he made smart ones. By trading away veterans like Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, the Blues have set themselves up for a future that’s bright with hope and potential. It’s not always easy to let go of players who’ve been part of your franchise’s identity, but sometimes it’s necessary—and Armstrong showed he had the courage to make those tough calls.
Now, onto the losers—the teams or individuals who didn’t quite get what they wanted or needed out of this deadline. And trust me: there’s no sugarcoating here; I’m calling it like I see it.
First up: the Buffalo Sabres. This is a team that’s been struggling to find its footing for years, and while they’ve had flashes of brilliance—like when they snagged Alex Tuch from Vegas—they’re still stuck in neutral. They tried hard to land Parayko, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause. That kind of rejection stings, especially when you’re desperate for a turnaround.
Then there’s the Arizona Coyotes. This team has been on a perpetual rebuild that feels more like a demolition at times. They had a chance to add some real talent and depth with Parayko or Myers, but they whiffed—and now they’re left wondering what might have been.
The Vancouver Canucks come next—a franchise that’s seen its share of highs and lows over the years. I’ve watched them play in my own backyard more than once, and while they always put on a good show, this deadline was a missed opportunity for them to shore up their defense with Myers or Parayko.
But when we talk about losers at any trade deadline, one name stands out: the Edmonton Oilers. They had everything going for them—Connor McDavid leading the charge, Leon Draisaitl wreaking havoc on opponents—but they didn’t do enough to solidify their position as true contenders. Their lack of activity at this deadline might come back to haunt them in the playoffs.
The Vegas Golden Knights round out my list of losers—not because they did anything wrong per se, but because they could’ve done more. They’ve got a talented team with the likes of Mark Stone and Jack Eichel, but without some key additions or subtractions at this deadline, they risk becoming just another good-not-great franchise.
In closing, I’ll say this: deadlines are about making tough choices—choices that can define a franchise for years to come. And while not everyone came out ahead in 2026, those who did have set themselves up for success both now and in the future.
As I always tell my boys when they’re gearing up for their own games—whether it’s on the ice or at home with our mini-sticks—success isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about making the smart plays, knowing when to be aggressive and when to play it safe, and never giving up until that final buzzer sounds. Here’s hoping these teams take those words to heart as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting end to the season.
Until next time—keep your sticks on the ice and your hearts in the game.
One-Ry Out.