NHL Trade Rumors: Top Buzz on Vladimir Tarasenko and More As 2024 Deadline Approaches

A number of NHL players could be on the move prior to Friday at 3 p.m. ET. That's the league's trade deadline for the 2023-24 season, and many of the 32 teams will be looking to swing deals before that time arrives.

Some already have. On Tuesday, the Washington Capitals sent forward Anthony Mantha to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for two draft picks (a 2024 second-rounder and a 2026 fourth-rounder).

Who else will be traded? We'll have to wait and see how the next few days play out.

Here's some of the latest buzz surrounding several of the top names that have been featured in NHL trade rumors of late.

Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Ottawa Senators

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OTTAWA, CANADA - MARCH 1: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the Ottawa Senators as a laugh during warmup prior to a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Canadian Tire Centre on March 1, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Although Vladimir Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause, he could be on the move soon. It would make sense, considering the 32-year-old forward is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season and the Ottawa Senators aren't a playoff contender this year.

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, it's expected that Tarasenko "will be pretty open-minded as we get closer to Friday, as far as not minimizing his list of teams." Meanwhile, the Senators have been seeking a first-round draft pick and an additional asset in return, but LeBrun thinks the asking price may need to be lowered in a buyers' market.

LeBrun named two teams as potential suitors for Tarasenko: the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights. But there's "no way" the Hurricanes give up a first-round pick in exchange for a rental player, per LeBrun's report.

The Golden Knights could still be in the market for another forward after adding Mantha, with 50 percent of his salary being retained by the Capitals.

Jake Guentzel, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 14: Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jake Guentzel (59) skates during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Florida Panthers on February 14, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There's been a lot of buzz surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins and what they'll decide to do at the trade deadline. If they sell, it seems likely they could part ways with center Jake Guentzel, who has spent his entire eight-year NHL career with the organization.

Chris Johnston of TSN and The Athletic reported that the Vancouver Canucks are "believed to be" among the teams in pursuit of Guentzel. There have apparently been discussions between the Canucks and the Boston Bruins about center Elias Lindholm being flipped to Boston so that Vancouver can make room for Guentzel, according to Johnston's report.

The Canucks may not be alone, though. LeBrun reported that the Edmonton Oilers have "kept tabs" on Guentzel, and that other teams have done the same. TSN's Darren Dreger reported that the Penguins hope to have a trade in place for Guentzel by Wednesday night.

Guentzel, who has 22 goals and 30 assists in 50 games this season, may be the top forward on the trade market this week. So Pittsburgh could get a decent return for the 29-year-old, although he'll be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Tyler Toffoli, C, New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: Tyler Toffoli #73 of the New Jersey Devils skates in the first period of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center on February 25, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images)

It's possible that Tyler Toffoli ends up signing an extension with the New Jersey Devils. Or the 31-year-old center could be moved prior to Friday's trade deadline.

According to a report by LeBrun, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald "doesn't really want" to trade Toffoli, but "given the interest of teams calling," it could still happen. However, LeBrun doesn't think a decision will be made soon, stating that this situation could "go right to the wire."

"I expect the Devils to wait until Friday and decide what to do," LeBrun wrote. "They're not just going to give him away for a middling return."

Toffoli has a decent track record in the league, though, so perhaps New Jersey could get some enticing offers. He'll be a UFA after the season, but he could provide a team with an offensive boost the rest of the way.