This is a list of players recruited into teams in the National Hockey League in its first season, the 1917–18 NHL season. Some had been free agents and others were moved as part of two dispersal drafts.
Note: This is the list of players who were retained by their teams after the NHA disbanded and the NHL was created.
Note: This is the list of players who were selected in the dispersal drafts when the Quebec Bulldogs opted not to play the season and the Montreal Wanderers left the league after their home arena burned down.
| December 12, 1917 | To Montreal Wanderers undisclosed return | To Seattle Metropolitans (PCHA) loan of Hap Holmes | |
| January 4, 1918 | To Montreal Canadiens undisclosed return | To Toronto Arenas loan of Jack Marks | |
| February 11, 1918 | To Ottawa Senators Sammy Hebert | To Toronto Arenas cash |