The trade requests are flying around the NHL, and Elliotte Friedman believes there is more to come. From Dylan Larkin to Darnell Nurse to possibly Connor Hellebuyck, there is no shortage of big-name players who could be available on the market this summer.
As a result, with the Stanley Cup Final nearing its end and the offseason soon to kick into full gear, what better time to make some predictions on where the top candidates to be dealt may land?
Not all of these players mentioned are going to get moved, but given the chatter around them, there’s at least a chance all eight find new homes, so let’s predict!
Dylan Larkin
Minnesota Wild
We’re all well aware that the most likely and potentially best player to be traded this summer is Dylan Larkin. He wants Florida, Minnesota, or Vegas, and while Steve Yzerman does not have to abide by that, the Wild could offer up a package of interest. Even after acquiring Quinn Hughes, Bill Guerin still might have enough assets (prospects and draft picks) to get this done, and he’s made it abundantly clear he’ll do what it takes to land Minnesota a first-line center.
Darnell Nurse
Pittsburgh Penguins
The other trade request: Darnell Nurse. This is a trickier deal to pull off given that Nurse may not be wanted where he wants to go. That said, reports suggest he’s open to Pittsburgh, and the Penguins do make a lot of sense. Kyle Dubas has a world of cap space and needs help on the left side of his defense, so he could stomach acquiring Nurse, who may benefit from a fresh start, and his $9.25 million. The Penguins and Oilers are no strangers to connecting on trades involving polarizing players (Tristan Jarry for Stuart Skinner).
Morgan Rielly
San Jose Sharks
In a situation extremely similar to Nurse in Edmonton, Morgan Rielly’s time in Toronto feels like it may have run its course. The longest-tenured Maple Leaf has had his ups and downs in recent years, and his contract, along with the team’s desire for change, makes him an obvious trade candidate. San Jose has been linked to every defenseman out there, including Rielly, which is understandable given their need at the position. As long as he’s willing, a move to Northern California makes too much sense for all parties involved.
Connor Hellebuyck
Florida Panthers
If another Team USA superstar requests a trade this summer, it might be Connor Hellebuyck. His end-of-season comments were eye-opening, and a path for the 33-year-old to win a Cup in Winnipeg just doesn’t seem to be there anymore. The same can’t be said for the Florida Panthers, who are poised to get right back into contention next season and have a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft as a trade chip to further improve their roster (i.e., adding Hellebuyck).
You don’t think these two haven’t talked about it?
Nico Hischier
Montreal Canadiens
It’s probably more likely than not that Nico Hischier stays in New Jersey (there’s been talk of an extension), but his looming contract situation isn’t that easy of a decision for new GM Sunny Mehta, so it’s no sure thing. If he does become available, Montreal is the best landing spot by far, having long looked for this calibre of second-line center. Kent Hughes has what it takes in terms of assets and is always willing to take a swing, as Pierre LeBrun recently noted.
Elias Pettersson
Detroit Red Wings
Out goes Larkin, in comes Elias Pettersson. Just because the Red Wings captain wants out doesn’t mean they’re rebuilding. Steve Yzerman is going to try everything to juggle things around in hopes of snapping Detroit’s 10-year playoff drought. Pettersson made sense before Larkin’s trade request, and it makes even more sense after. They need more skill, help down the middle, and are desperate enough — and will have the cap space — to absorb his $11.6 million contract.
Maybe linking up with fellow Swede Lucas Raymond can help Pettersson return at least somewhat close to form.
Jordan Kyrou
New York Islanders
Jordan Kyrou has been on and off the trade block for years, though this summer feels like the time where he could finally be shipped out of St. Louis. The Blues are open for business on just about anything, and the star winger could use a change of scenery. Plenty of landing spots are intriguing, but the joining the Islanders to play with Matthew Schaefer and Mathew Barzal stands out as a fit. After all, New York and St. Louis have recent history connecting on a big deal (Brayden Schenn at the deadline).
Vincent Trocheck
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have shown us this postseason their forward group has no weak link, but even if they win the Stanley Cup, expect GM Eric Tulsky to continue aggressively adding to his team. A great way to do that would be acquiring a familiar face in Vincent Trocheck. Trading in division is tough, but Carolina has such a deep prospect pool that the Rangers can’t completely avoid them (as we saw with K’Andre Miller last summer).
An already extremely pesky team getting even more difficult to play against…not something the rest of the league would want to see.
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