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NHL trade rumors have been buzzing with the possibility of some clubs trading their first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The latest round of NHL trade rumors picked up following the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery. The final order for the first 16 teams in the first round of this year’s draft has led to some interesting speculation about potential moves coming.

In particular, three teams stand out as clubs that could move their first-rounders, either for a star player or to accrue more picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.

So, let’s take a closer look at the teams that might look to weaponize their draft picks.

3 Teams Featuring in NHL Trade Rumors following Draft Lottery

Florida Panthers Could Try to Recoup Value from Lost Season

The two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers had an awful, injury-filled season. It seems that three years of going to the Cup Final caught up with the team. There were devastating injuries across the board, leading the team to fall in the standings.

Interestingly, the first-round pick sent to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the Seth Jones trade ended up reverting to the Panthers. The pick was a top-10 protected selection and has fueled NHL trade rumors about Florida’s penchant to move the pick.

During Wednesday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman mused about the possibility of the Panthers moving their pick. It makes sense as the Panther had essentially given up on the pick.

But now that they’ve gotten it back, there is a sense that the Panthers could weaponize it. How they use it will depend on the holes in their lineup. The Cats could use depth across the board. However, the biggest need might be in the crease, particularly if the team cannot re-sign starting netminder Sergei Bobrovsky.

Perhaps there’s a team looking to move up in the first round, making the Panthers’ pick at #9 highly interesting.

Seattle Kraken Could Be Making NHL Trade Rumors Kick Up

One of the main themes for the Seattle Kraken this season has been their need for more scoring. Seattle made a strong push for Artemi Panarin, but failed. They managed to land Bobby McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the NHL trade deadline.

And indeed, McMann delivered. But he’s an impending UFA and might not return next season. As such, NHL trade rumors will surround the Kraken as they look to get more scoring, even if they retain McMann.

Friedman also mused about the Kraken moving the 7^th-overall selection. Considering how deep this draft is, there’s a chance that Seattle might be able to land a solid player while potentially trading down.

San Jose Sharks Could Blow Up Draft Day

The biggest player could be the San Jose Sharks. The club got a windfall by winning the second draw and landing the #2 pick.

Sharks GM Mike Grier was open about the possibility of trading his pick. The Sharks have needs on the blue line, and could afford to trade down if such a move delivers a solid NHL defenseman, or two.

Teams looking to move up or make a splash like, say, the Detroit Red Wings or even the St. Louis Blues, could look at bundling options to land the 2^nd-overall pick.

Keep an eye on the Sharks because they could be the team that blows everything up on draft day.