NHL Rumors: Top Trade Buzz Surrounding Evander Kane, Dion Phaneuf and More

Although the 2017 NHL draft has come and gone, there is still plenty of chatter involving big names on the trade front as free agency officially opens Saturday at noon ET.

The likes of Artemi Panarin, Brandon Saad, Derek Stepan, Antti Raanta and Brayden Schenn were moved leading up to and during the draft, but some anticipated trades didn't materialize, which leaves several highly touted players on the block.

As the NHL's offseason progresses toward the free-agent frenzy, here is a look at some of the top rumors surrounding the best players who are potentially available.

Evander Kane

As Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane approaches the final year of his contract, his name has inevitably been the subject of trade rumors.

There was plenty of talk that Kane would be moved during last weekend's draft, but a deal never materialized and one may not come to pass in the near future.

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, there isn't currently a strong market for Kane's services, which means it could be in Buffalo's best interest to keep him for 2017-18 and either work out a long-term deal or wait until the trade deadline to move him.

The 25-year-old forward is coming off a solid year that saw him lead the Sabres in goals with 28. He also added 15 assists for 43 points in 70 games, and he did most of his damage at even strength.

Buffalo relied heavily on its top-flight power play last season, and losing Kane could exacerbate their even-strength scoring struggles even more.

The Sabres have a talented, young core of forwards that also includes Jack Eichel, Ryan O'Reilly, Sam Reinhart and Kyle Okposo.

Unless Buffalo were to get another top-six-caliber forward back in a trade for Kane, moving him would leave a significant hole in the lineup.

Since the Sabres can no longer get any instant gratification on the draft pick front for Kane, seeing how he fares during the season and then making a decision on re-signing or trading him makes the most sense.

Dion Phaneuf

Few thought defenseman Dion Phaneuf's contract was movable when the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him to the Ottawa Senators two seasons ago, but now the Sens may be hoping lightning strikes twice.

The Senators attempted to convince Phaneuf to waive his no-movement clause as part of the expansion draft, but he refused to do so, which resulted in the team losing top-pairing blueliner Marc Methot.

His no-movement clause could once again become an issue on the trade front, as Bob McKenzie confirmed TSN colleague Darren Dreger's report that teams not on Phaneuf's approved trade list are showing interest in potentially acquiring him.

Finding any team to take on Phaneuf's contract is a major challenge, and finding one on his approved list of landing spots makes the task even more difficult.

Per NHL Numbers, Phaneuf has four years remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $7 million, which means Ottawa may have to eat a chunk of his salary in a possible deal as well.

Phaneuf was solid last season with nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points in 81 regular-season games and added five points in 19 playoff games during Ottawa's run to the Eastern Conference Final.

His best days are almost certainly behind him at 32 years of age, though, and his contract is an albatross that could prevent Ottawa from being as active as it would like in free agency if it can't find a taker.

Marco Scandella

The Minnesota Wild have a lot of money tied up in their blue line over the next few years, and that could necessitate an offseason trade involving one of their money solid defensemen.

According to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune, Marco Scandella is a possibility to be moved, and the Boston Bruins have shown some interest.

Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin are all locked up at cap hits of over $4 million, while Mathew Dumba will be due a new contract next offseason as a restricted free agent.

Scandella has three years left on his deal with a $4 million cap hit, per NHL Numbers, which is a reasonable contract that shouldn't encumber Minnesota when it comes to trading him.

The 27-year-old Scandella is primarily a stay-at-home defenseman who doesn't contribute significant offensive numbers, as he registered four goals and nine assists for 13 points last season.

He also posted a minus-two rating, but Scandella was a plus player in each of the three campaigns prior to that.

The Bruins lost Colin Miller to the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, which leaves a potential opening in what is an otherwise strong defense corps.

Provided the asking price doesn't reach insane levels, such as a future first-round pick, Scandella and Boston would be a strong fit that could pay dividends in the coming years.