Top Trade Targets for NHL 2024-25: Pettersson, Ristolainen, Provorov Lead the Pack - News Directory 3

Top Trade Targets for NHL 2024-25: Pettersson, Ristolainen, Provorov Lead the Pack

November 20, 2024 Catherine Williams Sports
News Context
At a glance
  • Trade discussions have increased with several teams underperforming this season.
  • The trade deadline is March 7, yet teams are already identifying potential targets for trade.
  • As teams navigate the next few months, these players may shift rosters as franchises make moves to improve their chances this season.
Original source: dailyfaceoff.com

Trade Season Overview

Trade discussions have increased with several teams underperforming this season. Key teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins are exploring trade options as they assess their roster needs after the first month.

The trade deadline is March 7, yet teams are already identifying potential targets for trade. Here is a list of notable trade candidates:

Top Trade Targets

  1. Marcus Pettersson

    • Position: Left Defense
    • Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Age: 28
    • Stats: 21 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 Pts
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $4,025,175 AAV
    • Notes: Pettersson has trade value due to his reasonable contract. He is a solid defenseman, but struggles with puck movement.

  2. Yanni Gourde

    • Position: Center
    • Team: Seattle Kraken
    • Age: 32
    • Stats: 19 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 Pts
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $5,166,667 AAV
    • Notes: Critically, Gourde’s role has diminished this season, but his playoff experience makes him attractive to contenders.

  3. Rasmus Ristolainen

    • Position: Right Defense
    • Team: Philadelphia Flyers
    • Age: 30
    • Stats: 19 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 Pts
    • Contract: 2 years remaining, $5.1 million AAV
    • Notes: Ristolainen’s physical play interests teams, despite concerns about his defensive skills.

  4. Ivan Provorov

    • Position: Right Defense
    • Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Age: 27
    • Stats: 18 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 Pts
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $4.725 million AAV
    • Notes: With his contract expiring, Provorov has potential as a significant addition for a team looking to improve its defense.

  5. Frank Vatrano

    • Position: Right Wing
    • Team: Anaheim Ducks
    • Age: 30
    • Stats: 17 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 Pts
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $3.65 million AAV
    • Notes: Vatrano’s scoring has dropped, but his previous season performance raises interest.

  6. Joel Farabee

    • Position: Left Wing
    • Team: Philadelphia Flyers
    • Age: 24
    • Stats: 19 GP, 3 G, 5 A, 8 Pts
    • Contract: 3 years remaining, $5 million AAV
    • Notes: Farabee could benefit from a new team, given his struggles in Philadelphia’s system.

  7. Brandon Tanev

    • Position: Right Wing
    • Team: Seattle Kraken
    • Age: 32
    • Stats: 19 GP, 5 G, 3 A, 8 Pts
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $3.5 million AAV
    • Notes: Tanev is excelling recently, making him a prime candidate as the Kraken evaluate their roster.

  8. David Jiricek

    • Position: Right Defense
    • Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Age: 20
    • Stats: 6 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pts
    • Contract: 1 year remaining, $918,333 AAV
    • Notes: Jiricek has not found his footing in the NHL and may benefit from a fresh start.

  9. Mike Matheson

    • Position: Left Defense
    • Team: Montréal Canadiens
    • Age: 30
    • Stats: 19 GP, 1 G, 12 A, 13 Pts
    • Contract: 1 year remaining, $4.875 million AAV
    • Notes: Matheson has high value as a scoring defenseman. The Canadiens may reconsider him as trade options arise.

  10. Trevor Zegras

    • Position: Left Wing
    • Team: Anaheim Ducks
    • Age: 23
    • Stats: 18 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 Pts
    • Contract: 1 year remaining, $5.75 million AAV
    • Notes: Zegras’s struggle this season may lead him to a new environment that rekindles his performance.

  11. Dan Vladar

    • Position: Goaltender
    • Team: Calgary Flames
    • Age: 27
    • Stats: 9 GP, 2.65 GAA, .906 Sv%
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $2.2 million AAV
    • Notes: With a solid season after surgery, Vladar could become a sought-after goalie.

  12. Cam Fowler

    • Position: Left Defense
    • Team: Anaheim Ducks
    • Age: 32
    • Stats: 12 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 Pts
    • Contract: 1 year remaining, $6.5 million AAV
    • Notes: Fowler may seek a competitive team to extend his career effectively.

  13. Mario Ferraro

    • Position: Left Defense
    • Team: San Jose Sharks
    • Age: 26
    • Stats: 20 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 Pts
    • Contract: 1 year remaining, $3.25 million AAV
    • Notes: Ferraro’s work ethic and moderate contract value make him an appealing option for many teams.

  14. Alexandre Carrier

    • Position: Right Defense
    • Team: Nashville Predators
    • Age: 28
    • Stats: 19 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 Pts
    • Contract: 2 years remaining, $3.75 million AAV
    • Notes: Carrier is a solid depth option, although the Predators need to weigh keeping him versus trading.
  15. Mathieu Olivier
    • Position: Right Wing
    • Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Age: 27
    • Stats: 18 GP, 6 G, 2 A, 8 Pts
    • Contract: Pending UFA, $1.1 million AAV
    • Notes: Olivier’s energy and scoring ability make him a typical trade target come deadline day.

As teams navigate the next few months, these players may shift rosters as franchises make moves to improve their chances this season.