Multiple high-profile players have been on the move during this off-season, and with these moves, there is the possibility of seeing new partnerships and dynamic duos come into fruition. 

Several teams across the NHL have two players who share undeniable chemistry with each other. A great example of that is with the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who always complement each other on the ice with their elite abilities.

Here are three pairs of players who have never played together before, but could dominate once they get a chance to share the ice.

Mitch Marner And Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights were the winners of the Mitch Marner sweepstakes before he was able to officially enter free agency. GM Kelly McCrimmon acquired the right winger from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade in exchange for center Nicolas Roy.

Marner is one of the league’s best playmakers. He finished the season as the fifth-best scorer in the league with 102 points. Marner ranked three spots above new teammate Jack Eichel, who scored 94 points last year.

Marner and Eichel are similar in a lot of ways in how they play the game. They’re premier playmakers who recorded a combined 141 assists, 74 of those being primary helpers. In addition to their offensive skill, they take pride in the other side of the ice as they both finished top 10 in Selke Trophy voting.

Noah Dobson And Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens made a huge splash in acquiring 25-year-old Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. The defenseman was traded to the Habs for left winger Emil Heineman, as well as two first-round picks from the 2025 draft.

Dobson is coming off a down year with the Islanders, but is more than capable of taking over a game from the blueline. Two seasons ago, he recorded a 70-point campaign that saw him receive a top-10 ranking for the Norris Trophy.

There is a prime opportunity for Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis to pair Dobson with reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson. The two D-men complement each other with their contrast in size and could be a successful pairing for years to come.

Trevor Zegras And Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers

Trevor Zegras’ time with the Anaheim Ducks has come to an end after five seasons with the club. He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for center Ryan Poehling, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft. 

Zegras is known for his creativity, soft hands with the puck and his playmaking ability. New Flyers coach Rick Tocchet hinted at pairing Zegras and his playmaking with right winger Matvei Michkov when he spoke to The Athletic following the trade.

“We’d be idiots not to explore it and talk about it, and try to manifest it where it can work,” Tocchet said after Philadelphia acquired Zegras. 

The 24-year-old has played left wing and center with the Ducks, but because of his size, there’s a risk putting Zegras in the middle. “I definitely think it’s our obligation to see if he can play centre,” Tocchet said. “He really wants to give it a shot.”

Michkov and Zegras have shown they are confident in how skilled they are, attempting multiple ‘Michigan’ moves between them in their short careers. It could be breathtaking to see what they could potentially do together if they shared a line.

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