NHL Trade Rumors: Top Reports Following 2023 Stanley Cup Final

The 2023 Stanley Cup Final wrapped last week, and the Vegas Golden Knights held their victory parade on Saturday. Now that the celebration has ended, it's time for the champions and the rest of the NHL to turn their attention to the offseason.

There will be plenty of moving pieces in the coming months. The 2023 draft will begin on June 28-29 and free agency will follow on July 1. While teams are busy contemplating the prospect pool and free-agent class, they'll also be eyeing the trade market.

There should be no shortage of trades, either, as teams look to generate cap space, improve rosters and maneuver in the draft.

What can fans expect from this offseason's wheeling and dealing? Let's dive into some of the latest buzz.

Jets Willing to Trade Pierre-Luc Dubois

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Pierre-Luc Dubois

The Winnipeg Jets are looking to make a few changes after falling to Vegas in the opening round of the playoffs. That could include moving standout center Pierre-Luc Dubois.

According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the Jets and Dubois' agent, Pat Brisson, are working together to facilitate a trade.

"There are lots of moving parts with multiple teams in the mix, and where PLD ends up will factor into any new contract," Pagnotta wrote.

Dubois appeared in 73 games this past season, finishing with 27 goals and 63 points. He's set to become a restricted free agent, so whichever team lands him will likely be looking at an extension as part of the agreement.

The Montreal Canadiens have had talks with Winnipeg about acquiring the 24-year-old, according to Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast (h/t The Athletic's Eric Stephens), reported that the Los Angeles Kings also appear to be in the mix.

According to Stephens, Dubois has "reportedly told" Winnipeg he won't sign a new deal with the club, not even a one-year agreement to reach unrestricted free agency in 2024.

Fans can expect Dubois to be on the move. The unknown is where he'll land.

Erik Karlsson, Sharks on 'Same Page' Regarding Trade

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Erik Karlsson

San Jose Sharks defensman Erik Karlsson could also be on the move this summer, though it's less of a guarantee than in Dubois' case.

The 33-year-old Norris Trophy finalist will draw loads of attention, but actually acquiring him could prove difficult.

Karlsson is signed through the 2026-27 season at an annual rate of $11.5 million. That's a lot of cap room to take on, and only 14 teams are projected to have that much cap space when the offseason begins.

This doesn't mean San Jose won't try to move Karlsson, who is looking to play for a title contender.

"Sharks management met with Karlsson's camp, Newport Sports, recently at the combine in Buffalo, and both sides came out of it absolutely on the same page as far as wanting to seek a trade for the 33-year-old Swedish magic man," The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote.

LeBrun also noted that while San Jose listened to offers for Karlsson at the trade deadline, this is more of a "proactive endeavor."

The obstacle is the contract. According to LeBrun, Sharks general manager Mike Grier may not want to retain more than $2 million of Karlsson's annual salary to get a deal done. Sources indicated to LeBrun, though, that the Swede's price point would likely have to come down to the $8-8.5 million range to facilitate a trade.

Something will have to give financially for Karlsson to find a new team before next season.

Senators Taking Alex DeBrincat to Arbitration

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Alex DeBrincat

The Ottawa Senators haven't moved standout winger Alex DeBrincat yet, but it's starting to feel like an inevitability.

On June 5, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Senators had begun "exploring" his trade market. The latest stage in the saga is arbitration. General manager Pierre Dorion officially filed to take the restricted free agent to arbitration on Thursday, hoping to land a 15-percent discount on his $9 million base salary.

"We can get a 15 percent markdown," Dorion told TSN 1200 (h/t The Athletic's Ian Mendes). "At ($7.65) million instead of a $9 (million) for Alex DeBrincat helps us maybe get another player or add another million to a player we really want to get."

Potentially getting the 25-year-old on a lesser deal doesn't mean Ottawa will actually have him on the roster this season. A trade still feels likely because he reportedly has no interest in staying with the Senators.

"Postmedia has confirmed that DeBrincat doesn't want to sign an extension here," Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch wrote for the Ottawa Sun.

If DeBrincat wants out, the Senators will likely oblige. Filing for arbitration feels like an insurance move. If Ottawa can't get its desired return for the player, perhaps it can at least get a discount in what will almost assuredly be his final season with the club.

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*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.