NHL Trade Deadline: Top Players & Latest Rumors (2024)
The NHL trade market is heating up as teams begin to define their strategies with just ten days remaining until the trade deadline. While a handful of teams are clearly sellers, others are still evaluating their playoff chances, leading to a complex and evolving landscape.
Currently, Vancouver, St. Louis, Chicago, and the New York Rangers are identified as the most likely teams to offload players. Nashville, Anaheim, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Toronto find themselves in a holding pattern, assessing their performance in the coming games before deciding whether to pursue a playoff push or begin a rebuild.
Elias Pettersson Headlines Trade Candidates
Leading the trade board is Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. The Los Angeles Kings have emerged as a potential suitor, seeking short-term scoring to replace the injured Kevin Fiala and a long-term solution to fill the void left by Anze Kopitar. The Kings recognize Pettersson’s potential and his age, making him an attainable target. The Detroit Red Wings, with a history of success with Swedish players, and the Carolina Hurricanes are also reportedly interested.
Maple Leafs in a Holding Pattern
The Toronto Maple Leafs are taking a cautious approach, awaiting the outcome of their upcoming games against Florida, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa before solidifying their trade strategy. Forward Bobby McMann is considered their primary trade candidate, but the team’s win-loss record will ultimately dictate whether he, or other teammates, are moved.
Flames Weigh Options, Weegar Draws Interest
Calgary Flames are currently 11 points out of a playoff spot and could be open to moving players like Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman, though a full-scale fire sale is unlikely. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar is generating significant interest from teams in need of right-handed defensemen. The Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings are among the teams reportedly interested, though the Flames are hesitant to move him without a suitable return.
Blues Potential Sellers, Thomas and Kyrou Available
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong, fresh off a silver medal at the Olympics, faces a critical deadline as he navigates the team’s future. The Blues are 14 points out of the playoffs and are considering trading players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. Both players possess full no-trade clauses but are reportedly open to considering opportunities. Detroit appears to be a frontrunner for Thomas, while Kyrou’s situation remains fluid.
Other Notable Names on the Market
Several other players are attracting attention from teams around the league. Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, with one year remaining on his contract, is drawing interest. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, a versatile forward, is also a potential trade target, with the Minnesota Wild emerging as a possible destination. Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a pending UFA, is attracting attention for his speed and affordability, though his ultimate value remains a point of debate.
Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames is another player who could be on the move, but his contract and no-trade clause present challenges. Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, recovering from an injury, is also being discussed, though his $9 million cap hit could be a deterrent. Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators has been removed from consideration due to his high cap hit and unwillingness to accept a trade to a non-contending team.
Potential Moves and Complications
The Florida Panthers are reportedly hesitant to trade Sergei Bobrovsky, hoping he will return next season, though questions remain about his next contract. Winnipeg Jets winger Cole Perfetti is also drawing interest, but the team is still evaluating his long-term potential. The new NHL playoff cap rules, requiring teams to remain under the salary cap during the postseason, are adding a new layer of complexity to trade negotiations.
The market is still developing, and prices remain high. As teams solidify their positions as buyers or sellers, more deals are expected to materialize. The next ten days will be crucial in shaping the NHL landscape as teams prepare for the playoff push.
The Canucks could keep Pettersson, revisit trades in the off-season, or trade him now for a significant return. Carolina and Detroit remain interested. The Blues are also considering trades involving Thomas and Kyrou, with Detroit again emerging as a potential destination. Weegar’s availability will depend on Calgary’s willingness to rebuild, and the Senators are keen to add a top-four defenseman.
The Oilers were reportedly interested in acquiring Mangiapane from Calgary, but the deal fell through. Kane is also drawing interest from the Kings and Colorado Avalanche, with the Canucks potentially willing to retain salary to facilitate a trade. Murphy and Stanley of the Blackhawks and Jets, respectively, are also potential trade candidates.