As the NHL trade deadline rolled around on March 7, 2026, excitement filled the air, especially for teams looking to buy or sell. However, this year, Florida’s own teams, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers, took a more subdued approach compared to the previous year’s flurry of activity. Last year, the Panthers made headlines by executing four trades, including the notable acquisitions of Brad Marchand and Seth Jones. Fast forward to this year, and both Florida teams combined managed only three trades.
The Lightning currently sit at the top of the Atlantic Division, showcasing their competitive edge, while the Panthers find themselves struggling at the bottom. Speculation buzzed around potential moves from the Panthers, particularly concerning players like Sergei Bobrovsky, A.J. Greer, and Evan Rodrigues, all of whom are on expiring contracts. Ultimately, Panthers’ general manager Bill Zito opted to retain Bobrovsky and Greer, citing that Bobrovsky remains a core part of the franchise.
Trade Highlights and Moves
In terms of trades, the Panthers made two significant moves involving the Minnesota Wild. The first saw Jeff Petry traded for a conditional seventh-round pick, which could escalate to a fifth-round pick depending on certain conditions. The second transaction involved re-acquiring Vinnie Hinostroza from Minnesota; he previously played nine games with Florida in 2020 without scoring a goal but has found some success this season, contributing 10 points with the Wild.
On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Lightning kept their changes minor, acquiring Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings for a second-round pick in 2028. Perry’s stats with L.A. show he contributed 11 goals and 17 assists in 50 games this season, making him a valuable addition for the Lightning as they gear up for the playoffs.
While the Florida teams were quieter, the larger NHL landscape buzzed with activity. Notably, the Colorado Avalanche made waves with the acquisition of Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames. This trade, reported by Elliotte Friedman shortly after the deadline, involved Kadri returning to Colorado, where he previously played from 2019 to 2022. The Avalanche received Kadri and a fourth-round pick in 2027, while Calgary received Victor Olofsson, rights to an unsigned draft pick, and conditional picks for 2027 and 2028. With Kadri’s 12 goals and 29 assists this season, this move deepens Colorado’s center position, enhancing their playoff prospects.
Other notable trades included the New York Islanders acquiring Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Jonathan Drouin and draft picks, as well as the Washington Capitals trading John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for a first-round and a third-round pick. Carlson, a franchise icon with 17 seasons under his belt, played a pivotal role in helping the Capitals secure their first Stanley Cup.
As we reflect on the 2026 NHL trade deadline, it’s clear that while Florida’s teams took a step back this year, the excitement and unpredictability of trades continue to shape the league. Teams are gearing up for the playoffs, and every move counts as they look to make their mark this season.
For further details on the trades and their implications, check out the full coverage on WRUF and House of Hockey.