3 players change the NHL trade deadline with their play in the Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina were a showcase for NHL talent, with the league’s first participation since 2014. In some cases, how players perform here could directly impact the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline. In other cases the impact is more indirect. When the roster freeze is lifted and only a short window opens up for moves by NHL GMs, many will look at the events in Cortina as an indication that certain moves could be worthwhile. Many players who could be on the move may be open to opportunities they would otherwise have ignored.

Standing out on the international stage increases (or possibly hurts) trade value for several players, especially those already rumored or teams looking for rebuilds/sellers.

Dalibor Dvorksy was excellent in this tournament with two goals and two assists. The 20-year-old rookie center was the reason for Finland’s unrest, and outside of Juraj Slafkovsky, was perhaps the team’s best offensive weapon. His emergence as a high-end prospect has some wondering if this accelerates the Blues’ timeline.

First off, there’s no way the Blues are trading Dvorski, not that there was ever really a possibility of that happening. Second, it could potentially make veteran center Robert Thomas more available as a trade chip.

If Dvorsky continues to prove he can handle top international responsibilities, it could spur St. Louis to bigger steps — turning a young breakout into fuel for indirect trade.

As one of Canada’s premier goaltenders, Jordan Binnington’s Olympic play has silenced some naysayers. He was heavily monitored coming into the tournament, and his name had been in the rumor mill all last summer and as the season started. He likely remains a trade target (with teams as contenders looking to add depth to their goaltending), but the Blues may be choosier about what they move him for.

If teams view him as a reliable No. 1 option, it will increase his trade value.

Don’t get me wrong, the San Jose Sharks are absolutely not considering trading Macklin Celebrini. The reason he is on this list is because players will look at what he does in this tournament and realize that he is the players and the Sharks are the team they need to join if they want to win. He’s so good.

At just 19 years old, Celebrini was a standout for his play with Team Canada and he has little idea of ​​how good he will be. That will pique the interest of players looking to make a run in the coming seasons. Someone like Vincent Trocheck, who otherwise could have avoided the Sharks to play out his contract the last few seasons, could now look at them and say, ‘This is the team to play for.’

In many ways, players who joined the Edmonton Oilers to play with Connor McDavid will now be watching the Sharks knowing Celebrini could boost their personal production.

The short post-Olympic window (trading resumes on February 22) means these performances could lead to quick action.

Next: McDavid may be the most dominant player at these Olympics