5 best NHL trades of the 2026 offseason

The NHL offseason had numerous trades, many of which positively impacted their teams. The Washington Capitals improved their forward core by acquiring Jordan Kyrou, who has a great scoring touch and can improve their top six immediately. The Rangers traded for Pavel Dorofeyev to also help them score. Mavrik Bourque to Nashville is a great buy for the Predators, and Darren Raddysh gives the Maple Leafs an elite puck-moving defenseman who can help their core too. Brady Tkachuk joining his brother Matthew is one of the best stories in Florida. Let’s take a deeper look into each trade.

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Pavel Dorofeyev to New York Rangers

Jun 11, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) warms up before game five of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Rangers were shut out nine times last season. Pavel Dorofeyev scores at an elite rate and can be an immediate impact for the Rangers. Dorofeyev finished with 16 points in the playoffs and is coming off back-to-back 30-plus- goal seasons. This is exactly the type of player Chris Drury needed to acquire.

Brady Tkachuk to Florida Panthers

The Panthers dealt with tons of injuries with Alexander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and more. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk on the same team will be a problem for opponents. We saw what they did together and won a gold medal for Team USA. Now, they have the opportunity to compete for a playoff spot and win a cup together.

These teams performed exceptionally well with their trade acquisitions, and these talented players should have an immediate and significant impact on their respective teams.

Mavrik Bourque to the Nashville Predators

Apr 4, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) skates off the ice during the game between the Stars and the Avalanche at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mavrik Bourque is a young player with lots of potential. The Predators missed out on the playoffs, and Bourque is a young player with speed and skill that will immediately help the top six for the Predators.

Jordan Kyrou to Washington Capitals

With the Alexander Ovechkin era coming to a close, the Capitals needed to acquire players that were going to help this team not only now, but in the future. Despite a down year from a finishing standpoint, Kyrou should help this Capitals offense next season.

Darren Raddysh to Toronto Maple Leafs

Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Did anyone expect Darren Raddysh to have such an enormous season last year? Well, it certainly paid off for Tampa. Tampa couldn’t afford him, and the Leafs jumped in and took Raddysh from them. The term may be long, but this is a solid player who will help the Leafs’ power play and defense.

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