The 10 Most Likely Trade Candidates in the NHL Offseason
Following the completion of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the NHL trade market could get busy. Players who were subject to trade speculation during the regular season, such as Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene, could find themselves on the move this summer.
Various factors could put several notable players on the trade block. Some, such as Duchene and Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane, could be dealt by clubs in need of shaking up their struggling rosters. Others, such as Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin, could be moved as a result of the June 21 expansion draft.
Here's a look at the most likely trade candidates of the NHL offseason. You can voice your opinion on this topic in the comments section below.
10. Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres
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Throughout last summer and into this season, Kane was a frequent subject of trade speculation. The club's recent hiring of Jason Botterill as general manager and Kane's contract status could make the left winger a fixture in this summer's rumor mill.
During a May 24 appearance on WGR 550 (stick tap to FanRag Sports Network's Chris Nichols), TSN analyst Darren Dreger discussed Kane's future with the Sabres. He believes that, when focused, the left winger is "a hell of a hockey player." However, he also took note of the trade interest in the 25-year-old and his previous off-ice issues.
Dreger indicated the Sabres' former management didn't appear to push Kane into the trade market. He also said there weren't many calls into his availability at the trade deadline.
That could change under Botterill, especially with Kane a year away from unrestricted free-agent status. His 28-goal performance this season could prove enticing for clubs seeking scoring depth at left wing.
9. Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers
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Between now and next summer, the Edmonton Oilers must free up salary-cap room to absorb new long-term contracts for young superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. That could make right wing Jordan Eberle an offseason trade candidate.
In seven NHL seasons, the 27-year-old Eberle has tallied 20 or more goals five times and over 40 points six times. However, he struggled in the 2017 playoffs, netting only two points in 13 games.
During a May 8 appearance on Calgary's Sportsnet 960, Elliotte Friedman (another stick tap to Nichols) speculated the Oilers could renew efforts to trade Eberle in the offseason.
Eberle's $6 million salary-cap hit through 2018-19 could prove difficult to move, especially if he's no longer top-line material. If he's put on the trade block, Oilers management might have to package him with a draft pick or prospect to sweeten the deal. It could be worth it, however, to clear his salary from the books.
8. Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks
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The Anaheim Ducks could lose a defenseman from their deep blue line to the Vegas Golden Knights in the upcoming NHL expansion draft. That could lead to Sami Vatanen's hitting the trade block soon.
Under the draft rules, the Ducks can protect no more than four blueliners or risk leaving scoring wingers Jakob Silverberg and Rickard Rakell exposed. Rather than lose a defenseman to Vegas for nothing, the Ducks could shop Vatanen to another club to get an asset in return.
A skilled mobile blueliner with a right-handed shot, the 25-year-old logged 21 minutes and 39 seconds of ice time per game this season. He's exceeded 21 points in each of the past four NHL seasons. On May 25, the Ducks announced he could require over five months of recovery from recent shoulder surgery.
Teams looking for a puck-moving blueliner, such as the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs, could be discouraged by this news. One of those teams, however, could use Vatanen's surgery to its advantage, with hopes of acquiring him for less than market value.
7. Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens
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Lack of scoring punch and skilled depth at center were significant weaknesses this season for the Montreal Canadiens. This contributed to their opening-round playoff elimination by the New York Rangers. To address that issue, forward Alex Galchenyuk could become trade bait.
The 23-year-old has potential as a scoring forward, tallying 30 goals in 82 games in 2015-16. However, he hasn't blossomed as projected into a reliable first-line center.
On Apr. 23, ESPN.com's Craig Custance suggested the Habs consider shopping Galchenyuk for a first-line center who can improve their offense. Custance noted the Canadiens were linked to Avalanche center Duchene in trade rumors earlier this season.
Perhaps a package offer with Galchenyuk as the centerpiece might tempt the Avs. The upcoming expansion draft and a potentially flat salary cap for 2017-18 could also create some trade opportunities with other clubs.
6. Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild
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The Minnesota Wild's blue-line depth could cost them a defenseman in the expansion draft. As a result, Brodin could hit the trade block before the June 17 deadline for the team to submit its list of protected players to the league.
Even if the Wild protect four rearguards, they're still likely to lose someone such as Brodin from their defense corps. To avoid that possibility, they could shop him in hopes of getting an affordable asset in return.
The 23-year-old carries an annual salary-cap hit of over $4.16 million through 2020-21. The Wild have over $61 million invested in 15 players for 2017-18. They must re-sign restricted free agents Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund. They could also use another consistent scoring forward.
To address those needs, Minnesota should consider dealing Brodin to clubs seeking a good young defenseman. The Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs could become possible trade destinations.
5. Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
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In Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek, the Detroit Red Wings carry two goaltenders eligible to be exposed in the upcoming NHL expansion draft. However, they can only protect one. On May 27, MLive.com's Ansar Khan reported the Red Wings hope to move a goalie before the June 17 deadline for submitting their draft protection list.
Howard's contract could make him a trade candidate. The 33-year-old has an annual average value of $5.29 million through 2018-19.
The rebuilding Red Wings have over $67 million invested in 18 players for 2017-18. They might have to shed salary if they hope to bolster their roster via trade or free agency this season.
With a modified no-trade clause listing 10 preferred trade destinations, Howard has some control over where he could be dealt. Clubs that could use an experienced starter, such as the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets, could be trade targets.
4. Marcus Kruger, Chicago Blackhawks
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The Chicago Blackhawks have over $77.5 million invested in 22 players for 2017-18. That could make center Marcus Kruger a cost-cutting trade candidate.
On May 29, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported the NHL's projected salary cap could be between $73 million and $77 million. Kruger, 27, carries a $3.083 million annual cap hit through 2018-19. A good checking-line center, he helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015.
His contract would be easier to move than those of teammates such as Brent Seabrook ($6.875 million salary-cap hit), Marian Hossa ($5.275 million) and Artem Anisimov ($4.55 million). TSN's Frank Seravalli reports the Blackhawks could be working on a deal involving Kruger with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.
In this scenario, the Blackhawks would allow the Golden Knights to select defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk in the expansion draft on the condition they also acquire Kruger via trade. Seravalli said the deal isn't 100 percent done but is "looking likely."
3. Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning
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Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin enjoyed a breakout season in 2016-17, tallying a career-best 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points. Completing his entry-level contract, the rising young star could be in line for a substantial raise.
However, salary-cap concerns and the Lightning's need for a puck-moving defenseman could see Drouin hit the trade market this summer. On May 27, the Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith made the case for the Lightning to consider trading Drouin. The talented young winger could bring them a much-needed top-tier defenseman.
With over $55 million invested in 14 players and restricted free agents Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson to be re-signed, salary-cap space could be a concern. Smith also believes they must add a reliable backup goaltender.
The Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes have plenty of blue-line depth to tempt the Lightning. Maybe the Colorado Avalanche could offer up Tyson Barrie to reunite Drouin with former Halifax Mooseheads linemate Nathan MacKinnon. Perhaps the Los Angeles Kings could part with Jake Muzzin in a package deal.
2. Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche
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Duchene was a frequent fixture in trade rumors leading up to the March 1 NHL trade deadline. While the 26-year-old wasn't moved on deadline day, there's a good possibility the Avalanche could peddle him in the offseason.
In his eight NHL seasons, Duchene has scored over 20 goals and over 50 points five times. However, he struggled this season and finished with only 41 points. That level of production is well below what's expected of a center with a $6 million annual average salary.
With the Avalanche finishing at the bottom of the league standings this season, management could be ready for a roster rebuild. With Duchene having only two seasons left on his contract, they could clear his salary from their books and invest the savings elsewhere on their roster.
Despite his struggles this season, Duchene could still attract interest from clubs seeking scoring depth at center. On Apr. 27, Sportsnet's Eric Engels suggested Duchene as a trade option for the Montreal Canadiens. Other suitors could include the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils.
1. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins
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Fleury has spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Penguins, helping them win two Stanley Cups. But with the NHL expansion draft fast approaching, the 32-year-old's tenure in Pittsburgh could be drawing to a close.
Under expansion draft rules, the Penguins can only protect one goalie. Fleury carries a no-movement clause in his contract and must be protected unless he agrees to waive it or accept a trade. The Penguins could go the latter route in order to protect Matt Murray.
In a May 15 appearance on Calgary's Sportsnet 960 (a final stick tap here to Nichols), Elliotte Friedman said colleague Nick Kypreos believes there's something going on between the Penguins and the expansion Vegas Golden Knights involving Fleury.
The Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets also need an experienced starter. They could be suitors for Fleury's services.
Player info via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.
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