Welcome back, everyone — we're diving into the top skaters to watch as the trade deadline approaches. Last week we broke downthe goaltenders who could be on the move, now the focus shifts to our forwards and on the blue line. This list includes plenty of familiar names that are circulating through league chatter, along with a few under‑the‑radar options whose age and AAV make them intriguing targets.

Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues (26) $8.1M AAV, UFA 2030-31

Robert Thomas has been at the center of trade chatter over the past 24 hours, including reports of a potential framework involving the Buffalo Sabres. The speculation picked up enough steam to make headlines during the Chicago Blackhawks/Winnipeg Jets broadcast on TSN, and for fantasy managers, a move to a contender could translate into a bump in his offensive production.

The challenge is that Thomas's value isn't just tied to his skill — it's tied to his contract. His combination of age, playmaking ability, and a very manageable cap hit makes him exactly the type of player St. Louis has every incentive to keep for the short-term. A trade still feels possible before the deadline, but this could be the case that a more realistic window may be the offseason, when teams have cap flexibility and the Blues can leverage "best and final" offers without the deadline clock working against them. If your salary league is like mine, then it does sort of mirror the way managers push hardest when they have time to negotiate, not when the clock is about to expire.

Nazem Kadri, C, Calgary Flames (35) $7M AAV, UFA 2028-29

Nazem Kadri is once again surfacing in trade chatter, while again leading the Flames in even strength scoring this season. There is noclear indication he has formally asked out of Calgary, but it's hard to imagine he'd be averse to a move, even with a 13‑team no‑trade list in place. If Kadri were to be moved, this would be a situation to where Calgary would almost certainly have to absorb some of his AAV.

The hesitation from other clubs though is understandable. Kadri is in his age‑35 season and still has term left on his deal, which could of course raise questions about long‑term value. At the same time, his even‑strength production and points per 60 remain right in line with his career average. He's a name worth monitoring in your league, but the more realistic trade pieces out of the Flames may be players like Ryan Lomberg or Zach Whitecloud, whose contracts make them easier trade pieces for contenders looking to add depth without taking on significant term.

Jason Robertson, RW/LW, Dallas Stars $7.75M AAV, RFA (Arb Eligible) 2026-27, UFA 2027-28

Jason Robertson's name is resurfacing in trade discussions, just as it did at points last season and again over the summer. It's hard to picture Dallas—winners of 10straight—seriously considering moving a player who sits sixth in the league in goals and eighth in points. The only plausible option would be long‑term contract concerns, especially if the Stars anticipate a difficult arbitration process or doubt that they can secure him to a long‑term extension.

However, that possibility becomes more understandable when you look at their cap structure. Dallas already has six players signed at nearly $60 million combined for the next five seasons, which limits flexibility. If the front office believes Robertson's next deal will push their cap past where they would feel comfortable, then exploring the market becomes more understandable.

For fantasy managers, Robertson's next payday is coming—it's just a question of where and for how much. Thereis a realistic path where Dallas either moves him before the deadline or takes him to arbitration this summer and revisits a trade next season. The latter scenario feels more likely, given the team's current success and the leverage they'd have with more time and cap flexibility.

Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks (27) $11.6M AAV, UFA 2029-30

Vancouver should consider moving Elias Pettersson, but the likelihood of it actually happening feels low. The obstacle is clear here: he carries an $11.6M AAV and hasn't produced at a level that matches that number since the 2023–24 season. The conversation around value and cap is only amplified in British Columbia—especially if your league is like mine with a strong Canucks contingent that echoes those sentiments.

From a fantasy standpoint Pettersson still has the tools to rebound to at least 70‑point territory, and he brings strong peripheral value for a center with his hit and block volume. A change of scenery might unlock more consistency, but now it's hard to imagine teams lining up with aggressive offers. That likely means any return would be lighter than fans and fantasy managers may expect.

Evan Rodrigues, C/RW, Florida Panthers (32) $3M AAV, UFA 2027-28

This is a very interesting one for me, as right now the Florida Panthers sit eighth in the Atlantic divisionand,odds are, will not be making playoffs to defend their back-to-back Cups. Thereisabsolutely a market for depth down the middle and Evan Rodrigues fits that role perfectly with a manageable AAV.

If you're rostering him, this is familiar territory as Rodrigues has played on four clubs in the last five seasons. He's the perfect depth piece for salary leagues with a reasonable AAV and in a spot in Florida where he's been able to remain productive. I'd imagine a similar role for him if he is dealt at the deadline.

Braden Schneider, D, (24) New York Rangers $2.2M, RFA (Arb Eligible)

I'm surprised Braden Schneider's name hasn't comeup more.Heis 24 years old on a very reasonable contract and can be serviceable for a contending club looking to add depth at the deadline. He's been getting top pair minutes at times with the Rangers and could see him being a lucrative trade piece if a club were able to settle on a contract post July 1^st. I'm surprised his roster numbers on Fantrax are on the lower side as he is at a perfect AAV for salary leagues, but then again, can see dynasty leagues tipping the scale slightly. Schneider is either a player that the Rangers value or he'll likely be a rental defenseman if he's ultimately traded.

*Salary Cap data from PuckPedia.com  

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