The NHL offseason is here, and that means the wheeling and dealing is about to be in full swing. With the general managers getting together in the Sphere for the 2024 NHL Draft this weekend, the activity should really pick up on the trade market.
This time of year is always an active one in the NHL as teams are trying to upgrade their rosters or move up in the draft. The fact that the NHL salary cap is going up to $88 million for the 2024-25 season only gives clubs more wiggle room to take some big swings.
A few notable trades have already gone down this offseason, and they all involve goaltenders.
The Los Angeles Kings offloaded Pierre-Luc Dubois‘ big contract on the Washington Capitals while getting goaltender Darcy Kuemper back in return. The New Jersey Devils upgraded their goaltending by acquiring veteran Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. The Boston Bruins dealt 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators for a package that included Joonas Korpisalo going the other way.
Looking ahead, some big names could be on the move in the coming days. For starters, all eyes are on Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner has one year left on his current contract, and the Maple Leafs may be looking to shake things up after several years of playoff futility.
If Toronto were to dangle Marner out there, there should be a long line of teams trying to land the former 99-point performer.
The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly seeking to trade young winger Martin Necas, who is coming off his second straight 20-goal season at the age of 25. Necas would command a substantial return, so that could generate a Vegas blockbuster over the next couple of days.
Other players to keep an eye on include Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson and Ducks center Trevor Zegras.
Follow along right here as we keep track of every notable NHL trade this offseason.
As the 2024 NHL Draft approaches, speculation is swirling about potential players who could be on the move during the offseason. One name that has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. The 26-year-old winger has been a key contributor for the Leafs since being drafted fourth overall in 2015, but with the team facing salary cap constraints, there is a possibility that Marner could be dealt to another team.
Another player who could be on the move is Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. The 24-year-old Czech native has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Carolina, but with the Hurricanes looking to shake up their roster after a disappointing playoff exit, Necas could be a trade chip that helps them acquire the pieces they need to make a deep postseason run.
Other players who could potentially be on the move include Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi, and New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller. All three players have shown promise in their young careers, but with their respective teams looking to make changes, they could find themselves wearing new jerseys come next season.
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, fans will be eagerly watching to see which players end up being moved and which teams make bold moves to improve their rosters. The 2024 NHL Draft promises to be an exciting event, with potential trades adding even more intrigue to an already thrilling offseason. Stay tuned to see where players like Marner, Necas, and others end up as teams look to make moves to bolster their lineups for the upcoming season.
