NHL Trade Deadline 2026: Kadri to Avalanche, Key Deals & Playoff Race Update
NHL Trade Deadline: Avalanche Re-Acquire Kadri, Sabres Bolster Roster
The NHL trade deadline passed at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2026, and while several deals weren’t officially announced until after, the flurry of activity has reshaped the league’s playoff picture. Among the most notable moves, Nazem Kadri returned to the Colorado Avalanche, the Buffalo Sabres added depth with a trio of veteran acquisitions, and John Carlson joined the Anaheim Ducks.
Kadri’s return to Colorado marks a significant boost for the Avalanche, who are currently considered Stanley Cup frontrunners. He previously played a key role in their 2022 championship run, posting 18 points in 15 postseason games that year. According to NHL EDGE stats, Kadri excels in midrange and high-danger shooting situations and is expected to complement the Avalanche’s already potent offense, alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen, Gabriel Landeskog, Martin Necas, and Brock Nelson.
The Avalanche acquired Kadri from the Calgary Flames in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, Max Curran, and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Calgary will retain 20% of Kadri’s $7.0 million AAV ($1.4M). This season, Kadri led the Flames in points (41) and shots on goal (175) before the trade. He has consistently demonstrated a high level of offensive production, having set NHL career highs in points (87), assists (59), and power-play points (29) with the Avalanche in 2021-22.
The Buffalo Sabres were also active, acquiring forwards Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn, as well as Tanner Pearson from the Winnipeg Jets and the Flames respectively. The Sabres sent Graeme Clarke to Winnipeg and Brennan Othmann to Calgary in return. These additions are intended to provide experience and stability as the Sabres push for a playoff berth.
In other significant moves, Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. The Los Angeles Kings acquired Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2026 conditional third-round pick, which could become a second-rounder if the Kings reach the playoffs.
Playoff Picture Taking Shape
As of Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning (80 points) and Carolina Hurricanes (86 points) lead their respective divisions in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres (80 points) are tied with the Lightning in points, while the Detroit Red Wings (77 points) and Montreal Canadiens (76 points) remain in contention. The Boston Bruins (73 points) currently hold a wild-card spot, with the Columbus Blue Jackets (72 points) and Washington Capitals (69 points) close behind.
Out West, the Colorado Avalanche (93 points), Dallas Stars (86 points), and Minnesota Wild (84 points) are considered strong contenders. The Utah Mammoth (70 points) and Vegas Golden Knights (72 points) also hold playoff positions, while the Edmonton Oilers (68 points) and Seattle Kraken (67 points) are battling for a wild-card spot. The Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators (both with 64 points) are just three points behind the Kraken.
With approximately 20 games remaining for most teams, the race for the playoffs is intensifying. Stathletes data indicates that six Western Conference teams have a playoff chance greater than 90%: the Avalanche, Stars, Wild, Mammoth, Golden Knights, and Ducks. The Oilers have an 85% chance, while the Kraken’s chances are significantly lower at 33.1%.
Race for the Number One Draft Pick
The Vancouver Canucks currently have the worst record in the league with 45 points, followed by the Calgary Flames (55 points), Chicago Blackhawks (56 points), New York Rangers (56 points), St. Louis Blues (57 points), Winnipeg Jets (60 points), New Jersey Devils (64 points), Nashville Predators (64 points), Los Angeles Kings (64 points), Toronto Maple Leafs (65 points), Florida Panthers (65 points), San Jose Sharks (65 points), Philadelphia Flyers (67 points), Washington Capitals (69 points), and Ottawa Senators (69 points). The NHL draft lottery will determine the final draft order, with the team finishing with the fewest points having the highest chance of securing the number one overall pick, which is expected to be forward Gavin McKenna.
The NHL trade deadline has undoubtedly altered the landscape of the league, setting the stage for an exciting push to the playoffs. The Avalanche, with the re-acquisition of Kadri, have solidified their position as a top contender, while teams like the Sabres and Ducks have made strategic moves to improve their chances of postseason success.