The 2026 NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is now less than one week away. With this, trades around the NHL are going to be picking up in a big way. Recently, The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/] looked at the top four center trade candidates [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-s-top-four-center-trade-candidate-ahead-of-deadline-ready] with the deadline almost here. Now, in this latest edition of the series, let's look at the top four NHL defensemen who could be on the move. 1. JUSTIN FAULK, ST. LOUIS BLUES Justin Faulk is the top defenseman trade candidate to watch this week. With the St. Louis Blues [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues] having such a disappointing season, they are open to moving Faulk, and he should generate a ton of interest. He is an impactful top-four defenseman who plays a solid defensive game and chips in offensively. Faulk's contract also adds to his appeal, as he has a $6.5 million cap hit [https://puckpedia.com/player/justin-faulk] until the end of the 2026-27 season. With this, he would be more than a rental for any teams interested in acquiring him. The right-handed blueliner is also having a strong season, so his trade value is high right now. In 59 games this season with St. Louis, he has 11 goals, 21 assists, and 32 points. Three NHL Trade Deadline Predictions: Biggest Return, Surprise Buyers, And More [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/21ae0e5c-8e92-4658-be5b-23869a0bfc99.jpeg] Three NHL Trade Deadline Predictions: Biggest Return, Surprise Buyers, And More The NHL's trade deadline is under a week away. That means it's time for some bold predictions as to what we'll see on the trade front by the deadline. Which teams will dominate the trade market? Which veteran players will get the biggest trade return this year? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/three-nhl-trade-deadline-predictions-biggest-return-surprise-buyers-and-more] 2. MACKENZIE WEEGAR, CALGARY FLAMES The Calgary Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames] already traded Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights] earlier this season. Now, another one of their top defensemen has been creating chatter as a trade candidate with the deadline almost here: MacKenzie Weegar [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-one-of-few-teams-that-can-make-mackenzie-weegar-trade-says-nhl-insider]. Teams looking for a top-four right-shot defenseman certainly should be in the mix for Weegar. The 32-year-old blueliner works in all situations and can play both sides, so he provides plenty of versatility. However, Weegar has a full no-trade clause this year, so he has the final say over whether he will get moved or not. Along with that contract is a $6.25-million salary cap hit [https://puckpedia.com/player/mackenzie-weegar] for five more years after this season In 58 games this season, he has recorded three goals and 21 points. NHL Trade Deadline Board: 25 Players To Keep An Eye On [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4342751e-1136-4033-bcc0-0fcf51965495.jpeg] NHL Trade Deadline Board: 25 Players To Keep An Eye On Here are 25 NHL players to watch as we get closer to the March 6 trade deadline. Each of them has been mentioned in trade speculation and rumors, and we rank them based on a combination of impact and likelihood of being moved. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-trade-deadline-board-25-players-to-keep-an-eye-on] 3. DOUGIE HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY DEVILS It is no secret that Dougie Hamilton could use a fresh start. The right-shot defenseman has been the subject of trade rumors since this past off-season. With the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils]' playoff hopes continuing to decrease, perhaps now would be a good time for both sides to finally move on. Teams looking for more production from the point could pursue Hamilton [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-latest-on-new-jersey-devils-and-dougie-hamilton]. The 32-year-old defenseman is well-known as an offensive defenseman and can be a difference-maker when playing at his best. However, he is also having a down season for his standards, as he has just 23 points in 55 games. Hamilton's contract could also make a trade difficult for the Devils to pull off. The 2011 first-round pick has a hefty $9-million cap hit and a 10-team trade list [https://puckpedia.com/player/dougie-hamilton]. He also has two more years left on this deal following this season. While this is the case, his strong resume could help him generate interest. 4. BRANDON CARLO, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS The Toronto Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs] are continuing to trend in the wrong direction and are likely to be sellers at the deadline. Due to this, defenseman Brandon Carlo has been creating chatter as a trade candidate. If the Maple Leafs shop him, he should be a popular target for teams looking to add a stay-at-home defenseman for their top four. Carlo has struggled at times to find his fit with the Leafs, but would still be a valuable addition for a playoff club. It is no secret that contenders love to add big, right-shot defenseman, and Toronto could get a decent return if they move him. Who's Most Likely To Be Traded Away From Maple Leafs At 2026 NHL Trade Deadline? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/23914fb9-8e1b-4fc1-b6ed-a288e856c86c.jpeg] Who's Most Likely To Be Traded Away From Maple Leafs At 2026 NHL Trade Deadline? While McMann and Laughton are at the top of the list, there still seems to be the possibility that both get re-signed. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/who-s-most-likely-to-be-traded-away-from-maple-leafs-at-2026-nhl-trade-deadline] Carlo has a reasonable $3.485-million cap [https://puckpedia.com/player/brandon-carlo] hit until the end of next season due to the Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins] retaining a portion of his salary. In 37 games this season, he has recorded five assists, 70 blocks, and a plus-5 rating. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c43ac5e4-ce2f-445d-912e-7013b5bfc65d.webp] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
