Trades are the lifeblood of the NHL, shifting careers and reshaping teams in an instant. Some players, however, experience these transitions more than others, becoming perennial trade targets. This countdown highlights the 20 most-traded players in NHL history. Let’s see how those trades shaped their careers.
20th Most-Traded: Grant Ledyard (4 Trades)
Grant Ledyard’s steady defensive play made him a valuable asset during his NHL career. Teams trusted his calm demeanor and consistency on the blue line to fill critical gaps. While not flashy, his professionalism earned him four trades, each time offering a stabilizing presence wherever he landed.
19th Most-Traded: Mike Craig (4 Trades)
Mike Craig was a dependable role player who embraced whatever was asked of him. Whether it was providing secondary scoring or delivering gritty minutes, he adjusted seamlessly. His four trades reflect his versatility, with teams consistently seeing him as a solid addition.
18th Most-Traded: Ron Tugnutt (5 Trades)
Few goalies endure the frequent relocations Ron Tugnutt faced. His knack for clutch performances earned him five trades as teams looked for stability in high-pressure moments. Tugnutt’s resilience in the crease ensured he was always in demand, even as he bounced from franchise to franchise.
17th Most-Traded: Brad Lukowich (5 Trades)
Brad Lukowich’s two Stanley Cup rings tell the story of a player teams wanted during pivotal runs. Traded five times, this defenseman brought poise and reliability to every lineup. His ability to perform in big moments made him a go-to trade piece, helping contenders shore up their blue lines for deep playoff pushes.
16th Most-Traded: Steve Thomas (5 Trades)
Steve Thomas, affectionately called “Stumpy,” carried an offensive spark that made him highly sought after. His five trades reflected his ability to slot into top lines or provide depth scoring. Wherever he went, Thomas delivered clutch goals and veteran leadership, making him an asset for any team he was in.
15th Most-Traded: Chris Gratton (5 Trades)
While Chris Gratton never fully reached elite status, his consistent effort kept him in demand throughout his NHL journey. Gratton’s size and skill created sky-high expectations, and five teams bet on his potential through trades. His career became a whirlwind of jersey swaps, with teams hoping to tap into his power-forward promise.
14th Most-Traded: Olli Jokinen (5 Trades)
A mix of skill and inconsistency defined Olli Jokinen’s career, earning him five trades across various franchises. Teams coveted his size and offensive potential, which made him a frequent piece in trade negotiations. While he rarely stayed long, Jokinen’s presence always hinted at what could be.
13th Most-Traded: Andrew Cogliano (5 Trades)
Andrew Cogliano’s blistering speed and unmatched durability made him a trade commodity. With five trades in his career, his ability to bring energy to any lineup was highly valued. Even as teams shuffled him between rosters, Cogliano remained a steady presence. He proved his worth time and again with his relentless work ethic.
12th Most-Traded: Mark Recchi (5 Trades)
Despite Hall of Fame credentials, Mark Recchi was traded five times during his illustrious career. Known for his scoring prowess and leadership, he became a deadline favorite for contenders chasing the Cup. Recchi’s moves never diminished his impact, with each trade marking a new chapter in an exceptional career.
11th Most-Traded: Geoff Courtnall (5 Trades)
Geoff Courtnall’s offensive creativity made him a frequent target in NHL trades. He moved five times, and his ability to produce points and play a scrappy style ensured teams valued his contributions. Courtnall’s career was a study of how skill and determination can keep a player in demand across multiple franchises.
10th Most-Traded: Lee Stempniak (6 Trades)
Lee Stempniak’s knack for providing timely goals and consistent effort earned him six trades. Stempniak’s frequent moves highlighted his unique ability to deliver exactly what teams needed when they needed it most. His ability to fit seamlessly into any team’s system made him a desirable midseason pickup.
9th Most-Traded: Jason York (6 Trades)
Jason York’s steady defensive play made him a valuable trade asset, resulting in six trades over his NHL tenure. Teams leaned on him for his no-nonsense style and ability to anchor the blue line. York’s career proved that reliability and discipline are as important as star power in professional hockey.
8th Most-Traded: Mathieu Schneider (6 Trades)
Mathieu Schneider’s booming slapshot and power-play expertise made him a hot commodity. Traded six times, he brought instant offense to any blue line he joined. Schneider’s career was marked by both movement and success because his leadership and veteran presence added value to every roster.
7th Most-Traded: Derek Morris (6 Trades)
Derek Morris built a reputation as a reliable two-way defenseman, earning him six trades. His balanced style and ability to handle tough assignments kept him in demand. Though he switched jerseys frequently, Morris consistently proved himself as a player teams could depend on in key situations.
6th Most-Traded: Dominic Moore (6 Trades)
Dominic Moore excelled in faceoffs and penalty killing. Teams wanted him for playoff pushes. His six trades reflected his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments. Though he rarely stayed in one place long, Moore’s consistent contributions made him a fixture in trade talks throughout his career.
5th Most-Traded: Denis Savard (6 Trades)
Even Hall of Famers like Denis Savard aren’t immune to trades. Despite his elite playmaking, Savard was moved six times, often for high-value returns. His skill and vision made him an asset wherever he went, and his trades became milestones in a historic career.
4th Most-Traded: Jim Dowd (7 Trades)
Jim Dowd’s gritty style and defensive prowess made him a favorite for midseason trades. With seven trades in his career, he was constantly adjusting to new teams, but he remained a key figure in every locker room he joined. Dowd was willing to embrace all roles thrown at him.
3rd Most-Traded: J.J. Daigneault (7 Trades)
J.J. Daigneault’s ability to deliver steady defensive performances earned him seven trades. A team-first mentality and knack for adapting to any system made him a dependable choice for GMs. Despite the frequent moves, Daigneault’s commitment to the game remained unwavering.
2nd Most-Traded: Mike Sillinger (8 Trades)
Mike Sillinger’s NHL journey is legendary, with eight trades and a record 12 teams played for. Teams valued his faceoff skills and veteran leadership, therefore, he is a frequent trade deadline target. Sillinger can thrive despite constant relocations, and that is proof of his professionalism and resilience.
Most-Traded: Brent Ashton (9 Trades)
Brent Ashton tops the list with nine trades, making him the NHL’s ultimate journeyman. His work ethic and adaptability ensured he fit into any system. Teams consistently turned to Ashton for depth and versatility. His career has been a unique chapter in hockey history. No player embraced change quite like Ashton.
These 20 NHL Players Have Been Traded The Most