NHL offseason trade board: Early look at summer’s top targets, from Trocheck to Knies to Robertson

With summer fast approaching, the expectation from a number of NHL executives is that the trade market will be hotter than free agency.July 1 isn’t widely viewed as a place where general managers can find enough fixes for their rosters.So, with the salary cap set to make another major big leap for 2026-27, they’ll have to search out solutions amongst themselves. Expect trade talk to start heating up with 32 front offices descending on Buffalo next week for the NHL Draft Combine.With that in mind, the Big Board returns.As always, players and assets are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.(Note: Contract details via PuckPedia.)1. Vincent TrocheckTeam: New York Rangers

Position: Center

Shoots: Right

2025-26 stats: 16 goals, 53 points, 67 games

Age: 32