NHL · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 30 NHL Players Who Could Get Traded This Summer

Grant White

Host · Writer

1. Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner remains the most sought-after trade target of the offseason. The dynamic playmaker has been rumored to be on the outs with the Toronto Maple Leafs and will command a king's ransom in the open market.

Eight years into his professional career, Marner has been sensational every time he steps onto the ice. The two-time All-Star has exceeded 85 points in each of the past three seasons, totaling 281 points in 221 games over that stretch.

Toronto's brass could ask for anyone in a trade, and it still wouldn't be enough. The Leafs will add to their NHL-ready and draft-pick stockpile in any Marner deal.
30. Carey Price
One thing has become painfully clear -- Carey Price is never playing hockey again. However, with two years remaining at $10.5 million per season, his contract could be a commodity for teams seeking to increase their cap threshold via the LTIR.

Price has endeared himself to the Montreal Canadiens faithful, but the team has too many holes on their roster not to consider moving Price's contract. Sam Montembeault hasn't demonstrated the ability to tolerate a full workload and put up starter's numbers. Likewise, their defense is a patchwork group of individuals who haven't lived up to their potential.

Moving Price's contract could yield a solid return of prospects and picks, which are desperately needed to bring the Canadiens back to relevance.
29. Yaroslav Askarov
Undoubtedly, Juuse Saros is the man for the Nashville Predators. In the prime of his career, Nashville has anchored its successes to their starting goaltender. Doing so could make Yaroslav Askarov a tradeable commodity as the team addresses other areas of need.

The Preds had a resurgent second half of the season to secure a playoff berth, but they still came up short in their postseason pursuits. Scoring was a common issue throughout the campaign, and adding skilled players to their forward corps should be a priority this offseason.

Askarov has all the makings of a quality NHL netminder, a pool that has become more shallow for many teams in recent years. More than a few franchises will be willing to part with complimentary scorers for a chance to land the imposing Russian netminder.
28. Jack Campbell
At this point, it seems like an eventuality. The Edmonton Oilers will want to wiggle free from the final three years of Jack Campbell's prohibitive $5 million contract.

Campbell's struggles with the Oilers are well-documented. Two years into his five-year pact, the former first-round pick has appeared in just 41 games, posting a 3.53 goals against average and 88.6% save percentage. The worst occurred this season, as Soup appeared in just five games, with those metrics tumbling to 4.50 and 87.3%, respectively. Ultimately, that led to Campbell's demotion to the AHL, never the return.

Edmonton's best-case scenario is unloading Campbell via trade. Only a few teams are looking to upgrade their goaltending depth, but the Oilers can't let a soft market dissuade them from doing so.

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27. Filip Gustavsson
For better or worse, the Minnesota Wild have secured themselves to Marc-Andre Fleury for another campaign. The aging netminder has been a part of crease-sharing duties with Filip Gustavsson, with the Wild now fielding offers for the younger goalie.

Gustavsson led the team with 43 starts last season, out-pacing Fleury by seven games. However, the Swedish netminder was less effective than his Canadian counterpart. Goose finished the season with a below-average 89.9% save percentage, giving up a 3.06 goals-against average.

Far from the most notable goaltending name on the market, several squads could still be interested in acquiring Gustavsson's services.
26. Erik Cernak
Count Erik Cernak as one of the many contracts the Tampa Bay Lightning will try to shake loose this offseason. The 27-year-old defenseman will earn $5.2 million until the conclusion of the 2030-31 season, which has become a burden the Bolts can no longer tolerate.

Cernak fills the prototypical stay-at-home defenseman role, effectively becoming a replacement-level player. He started nearly 60.0% of his shifts in the defending zone, factoring into his 46.0% expected goals-for rating. Although he's excelled at blocking shots and shutting down the opposing team's offenses, the Lightning should be able to replace that production at a lower cap hit.

The going rate for a replacement-level D-man has diminished over the years, making this a burdensome contract for any team. Still, a deal could be waiting for a team needing to improve their defensive depth.
25. Torey Krug
The mass exodus out of The Show-Me State this offseason is expected to include Torey Krug. The St. Louis Blues defenseman could command a significant return, helping them build their roster for the future.

Although Krug has been a solid offensive contributor throughout his career, he's evolved into a defensive liability in St. Louis. Combining for a mind-numbing -57 rating over the last two seasons, it's become painfully evident that he doesn't fit into the Blues' defensive systems.

Krug's contract could inhibit teams looking to bolster their defensive depth. The 13-year veteran is due $6.5 million for the next three seasons, which is a steep price tag for an irresponsible rearguard. Young teams might be intrigued by his leadership and experience, but it will take a transformation to help him improve his defensive standing.
24. Frank Vatrano
Whatever the recipe was, it's clearly not working for the Anaheim Ducks. They have failed to make the playoffs in any of their past six seasons and finished with a disastrous 162-234-59 record over that stretch. Things hit a new low during the 2023-24 season when they recorded 50 regulation losses for the first time in franchise history. Consequently, change is inevitable this offseason.

Frank Vatrano could find himself on the move over the summer. The American-born forward led the team in goals and scoring this season, setting a new career-high with 37 tallies. Moreover, he's crossed the 20-goal threshold three times throughout his career, including each of the past two campaigns.

Vatrano has one of the team's friendliest contracts and will command a hefty return. The winger is set to earn $3.65 million and has an expiring contract, meaning all of the top contenders will be calling the Ducks.
23. Tanner Jeannot
The Tampa Bay Lightning severely overestimated Tanner Jeannot's ceiling when they traded for him during the 2022-23 season. The Bolts gave up five draft picks for the former undrafted free agent, expecting Jeannot to be a catalyst. Instead, Tampa Bay will try to move on from the rugged winger ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Averaging just 12:01 ice time per game, Jeannot has the production to match. The Saskatchewan-born forward totaled a paltry 14 points in 55 games last season, bringing his total to 18 across 75 games in central Florida.

Without a first-round pick in either of the next two drafts, the Lightning will have to get creative in how they build for the future. Their best strategy is getting whatever picks or prospects they can for Jeannot in hopes of developing them into quality NHL scorers.
22. Jeff Skinner
The Buffalo Sabres have never gotten it right. A constant wave of players coming and going has left the Sabres with several bad contracts. One such player who symbolizes those issues is Jeff Skinner, who will inevitably look for a new home this summer.

With three years and $24 million remaining on his contract, finding a trade partner will be a monumental accomplishment for the Sabres brass. Coming off his worst full-season point total since 2014-15, Skinner totaled just 46 points last season. Consistency has been an issue for the former Calder Trophy winner throughout his career, which will be another red flag for any team looking to acquire his services.

There will be limited suitors who can absorb Skinner's contract and limited production. Unless Buffalo can sweeten the pot, we could see Skinner become a buyout candidate later this offseason.
21. Reilly Smith
When the Pittsburgh Penguins traded for Reilly Smith last offseason, they thought the winger was the solution to all their problems. Smith is a scoring winger slated to skate next to Sidney Crosby, but he never achieved the potential Kyle Dubas saw in him. It's time to find a trade partner to soak his $5 million contract.

Smith had flashed elite scoring throughout his career, eclipsing the 20-goal threshold on five occasions. His 26-goal tally in his last season with the Vegas Golden Knights included in that. However, the former Stanley Cup winner managed just half of that in his first season with the Pens.

Players are a function of their system, and it's clear that Smith doesn't fit into the Penguins' scheme. Pittsburgh could use that $5 million better with another winger.
20. Ross Colton
The Colorado Avalanche face a bit of an issue this offseason. With just over $16 million available in cap space, the Avs must fill 11 roster spots before the puck drops on the 2024-25 campaign. That could make Ross Colton's $4 million salary expendable as Colorado attempts to round out its roster.

Since landing in the NHL four years ago, Colton has been a quality third-line center. He's totaled 123 points across his career, finishing with a plus rating in two of four seasons. Still, there are more cost-effective options that Avalanche will need to pursue to maintain its roster composition.

With one Stanley Cup on his resume, teams are looking for a player like Colton with much more cap space available. It might not be with another contender, but Colton should keep his bags packed and ready to go.
19. Joel Farabee
Atkinson is just one of two Philadelphia Flyers forwards who could be on the move this offseason. Joel Farabee has fallen out of favor with the once-proud franchise and could benefit from a change of scenery ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Like his teammate, defensive responsibility remains an issue for Farabee. Cumulatively, the former 14th-overall draft pick has finished with a -25 over the past few seasons, falling on the negative side of the spectrum every year. Farabee set a new low in 2023-24, finishing with a -13 rating.

Nevertheless, Farabee also set a new benchmark in goals, tallying 22 last year. If he can maintain that production, he could easily exceed the implied value of his $5 million contract, making him a bargain many teams will be interested in.
18. Cam Atkinson
The curtain is starting to fall on Cam Atkinson's career. The American forward has exceeded the shelf life of a former sixth-round pick but still has contributions to make before he calls it a career.

Atkinson is coming off a 13-goal, 28-point campaign, but the glaring red flag was his -22 rating. Moreover, the Boston College product will earn close to $6 million throughout the 2024-25 season, making him an on-ice and salary cap liability.

Still, suitors will be out there looking to deploy Atkinson more responsibly. Teams on the edge of competing for a Stanley Cup will be intrigued by his scoring prowess, and he could serve as a quality depth option on many teams.
17. Shea Theodore
The Vegas Golden Knights set the standard for expansion franchises across any professional sports league. The Knights accumulated a wealth of talent, quickly bringing everyone together and developing players into the talents they couldn't become with their former teams. They are looking to parlay that into a constant churn of elite play.

Unfortunately for Shea Theodore, he could be one of the players Vegas wants to move on from. Slated to earn $5.2 million next year, Theodore is one of the costlier d-men on the Golden Knights roster but would also command one of the heftiest returns.

Theodore has recorded at least 41 points for four straight seasons, finishing with a +50 rating and solid analytics profile. Facing a cap crunch, Vegas could trade away their stalwart defenseman to look toward the future without compromising the present.
16. Adin Hill
Suddenly, the goaltending market feels a little saturated, with teams looking to cash in on the limited availability of starting netminders. The Vegas Golden Knights are another team looking for cap relief and are willing to part with last year's starter.

Over the past couple of seasons, Adin Hill has emerged as the go-to goalie in Vegas. The former third-round pick led the Golden Knights on their Stanley Cup run in 2023, following that up with another solid performance in 2023-24.

With a little over $1 million in cap space, the Knights could obtain some relief by parting ways with Hill and his $4.9 million contract. There will be several teams interested in his winning pedigree.
15. Thomas Chabot
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Ottawa Senators are rumored to be dangling Thomas Chabot in the trade market to see what kind of offers they can get. For years, Chabot was seen as untouchable and cemented as part of the Sens' core. However, after failing to surpass 33 points in any of his previous five seasons and a minus rating throughout, Ottawa could be talked into moving its assistant captain.

Limited production and irresponsible defensive play are the most pressing concerns; however, we can't look past Chabot's injury history. The imposing rearguard has appeared in more than 59 games just once over the past four years. Further, he's slated to earn $8 million for the next four seasons, tying up $16 million between him and Jake Sanderson.

Teams will buy low on Chabot, but he's worth the investment. Watch him transform into a Zdeno Chara-esque D-man on almost any other squad.
14. Brandon Saad
As a part of the St. Louis Blues potential fire sale, they could be looking to part ways with Brandon Saad. The power forward is coming off an impressive 26-goal campaign, the second-highest of his career, and there will be no shortage of suitors looking to acquire his skill.

Approaching 14 years of service, Saad has refined his approach in the latter part of his career. Over the last four seasons, the two-time Stanley Cup winner has put together an All-Star-worthy 16.9% shooting percentage, above his career-long benchmark of 12.8%. As expected, he's recorded at least 15 goals in each one of those campaigns, surpassing the 20-goal threshold twice.

Saad is built for the playoffs, but unfortunately, he hasn't been there since 2022. With two years left at $4.5 million, many top contenders will ante up to land him.
13. Patrik Laine
The enigmatic Patrik Laine appears to be on the move again this offseason. After falling out of favor with the Winnipeg Jets a few years ago, the Finnish forward has now worn out his welcome with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Appearing in just 18 games last season, Laine has failed to live up to the hype that made him the second overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft. The 26-year-old has been unable to crack 56 points since the 2019-20 season, a threshold he had eclipsed in three of his first four professional seasons.

The Blue Jackets will be selling low on Laine, but there's never been a high point. A fresh start is agreeable for all parties, but Laine is running out of time to prove he's worth the investment.
12. Pavel Buchnevic
Disinterested in winning, the St. Louis Blues could be tempted to move on from Pavel Buchnevich. Over the past three seasons, the Blues have helped Buchnevich reach his full potential, and now they can cash in on their investment.

After failing to record more than 48 points in any of his first five seasons, Buchnevich has totaled at least 63 in all three seasons with St. Louis. Across that sample, the Russian forward has nearly been a point-per-game player, setting career bests in goals and assists. More importantly, Buchnevich has accomplished those feats without compromising his defensive integrity, finishing as a plus player in all three campaigns.

Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2019, the Blues have consistently rebuilt for the future. If they decide to trade Buchnevich, they will command a king's ransom from several teams.
11. Jacob Trouba
The reigning President Trophy-winning New York Rangers have some decisions this offseason. The Rangers have over $9 million in cap space but several holes to fill with their expiring contracts. They can afford $8 million more in cap space if they decide to move on from Jacob Trouba.

Since landing in Manhattan, Trouba has been an imposing force for the Broadway Blueshirts. The hulking rearguard has totaled 307 PIMs and 900 hits in five years with the Rangers, surpassing 191 hits in each of the past three seasons. That's without considering his immeasurable contributions in the locker room.

It's not an easy decision to move on from your captain, but it's one New York has to make. The Stanley Cup contenders can replace his production for a lot less than $8 million, albeit at the expense of his locker room presence.
10. Nikolaj Ehlers
It's clear from the Winnipeg Jets' persistent underachieving that their current roster isn't getting them where they need to be. More wholesale changes should be expected this offseason, starting with left winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

The Danish forward has been a solid two-way player and offensive producer in Winnipeg. Ehlers has totaled 457 points in 605 games with the Jets, spending all nine years of his career in Friendly Manitoba. Equally impressively, he has a robust +92 rating throughout his career, finishing with a minus rating just once in nine years.

Ehlers has one year remaining on his contract, counting as a $6 million cap hit before testing the free-agent waters next July. With a modified no-trade clause, Ehlers can ensure that he remains with a contender for the 2024-25 season.
9. Logan Couture
Logan Couture gave the San Jose Sharks the best years of his hockey life. The recently turned 35-year-old has totaled 701 points in 933 career games in NoCal, but he could be of little use to the Sharks as they reshape their identity with the next generation of superstars. That makes Couture a likely casualty in this offseason's trade market.

With three years remaining at $8 million a season, Couture's contract could be challenging to move. However, that's assuming he's healthy enough to get back on the ice at some point in the future. The Sharks center appeared in just six games last season while trying to resolve a lingering lower-body injury.

If he's not expected to return to the NHL ice, any deep-pocketed team would be wise to snatch up Couture's hefty contract, store it on the LTIR, and use it to create more cap space for the next three seasons. Either way, Couture is likely on the move this offseason.

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8. Jakob Chychrun
The often-maligned Jakob Chychrun is again the main subject in recent trade rumors. The rearguard has spent a couple of seasons in Canada's capital, but the Ottawa Senators can't move on from Chychrun quickly enough.

The once-promising defenseman was an utter disappointment for the Sens last season. Chychrun tallied a respectable 41 points while playing all 82 games, but his defensive liability dwarfed those offensive contributions. Chychrun ended the campaign with a jaw-dropping -30 rating while playing over 22 minutes a night.

Someone can salvage Chychrun's career, but it's not the Senators.

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7. John Gibson
We've reached the point in the season when we start talking about John Gibson as a potential trade target. Rumors are bandied about the Anaheim Ducks goaltender intermittently, but this might be the summer of change for the former Jennings Trophy winner.

Gibson is loaded with unrealized potential. Part of the All-Rookie Team from 2015-16 and with a career 91.0% save percentage, Gibson hasn't posted an above-average save percentage since 2018-19. He's bottomed out with his most recent efforts, watching his save percentage plummet to 89.9% and 88.8% over the past two seasons.

At 30 years old and with a modest cap hit of $6.4 million, Gibson would be a quality add for one of the few teams looking for a goaltender.
6. Tristan Jarry
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a bad spot. They've missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons and don't have any prospects to fill Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin's shoes. With that, Tristan Jarry could be one of several players on the move this offseason.

Jarry is coming off a down year, but has shown his starter's potential in the Steel City. The former second-round pick has a career 91.2% save percentage and 2.70 goals against average, translating that to a 136-85-25 record. Further, he's garnered Hart Trophy votes in the past while finishing a distant seventh in Vezina Trophy voting twice.

Jarry rates in the upper echelon of NHL goaltenders. For the right price, the Penguins could be tempted into moving on from their star netminder for the sake of future pieces.
5. Trevor Zegras
A few years ago, the Anaheim Ducks looked like they were built for the future. Led by Trevor Zegras, their cupboards were stocked with top-end young talent that could have overtaken the hockey world. Three years, 246 games, and 165 losses later, it might be time for the Ducks and Zegras to part ways.

The American forward appeared in just 31 games last season while dealing with a plethora of injury issues. Worse, his point production dipped to an all-time low of 0.48 points per game, down from his career-high benchmark of 0.81.

Anaheim is loaded with picks in the upcoming NHL Draft, and Zegras isn't worth the $5.75 million the Ducks are paying him. Finding a way to move on from their former cornerstone will be a catalyst for the Ducks' latest rebuild.
4. Johnny Gaudreau
When Johnny Gaudreau tested the free agency waters a few years ago, the expectation was that he wanted to play closer to home. A New Jersey native, the expectation was that he would sign with the Philadelphia Flyers and finish out his career close to family and friends. Instead, he elected to sign a lesser contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, a decision he's come to regret. He's become a prominent trade target as the Blue Jackets try to rebuild their identity.

Gaudreau's time in Columbus has been ineffective. Granted, he's tallied 134 points across two seasons; however, that's come at the expense of his defensive integrity. The former Hobey Baker Award winner is a cumulative -60 over that stretch after finishing +64 in his final season with the Calgary Flames.

Gaudreau would be a welcome addition to any top six, but a family reunion might still be in the cards for the skilled winger.
3. Lawson Crouse
After years of floundering between owners, the former Arizona Coyotes team was sold to new owner Ryan Smith. Smith will be looking to put his stamp on the team ahead of their relocation to Utah, which could include trading away the always-reliable Lawson Crouse.

Crouse was drafted 11th overall by the Coyotes franchise at the 2015 NHL Draft. He spent the first eight years of his career in the desert. The winger has been a productive force for the Coyotes, recording 42 or more points in each of the past two seasons while missing just six games.

Crouse is entering prime hockey years, and a better-run franchise could help him reach his ceiling.
2. Martin Necas
The Carolina Hurricanes have perennially underachieved in the postseason, and that could necessitate a change up front to get over the hump. Martin Necas appears to be the prime target on the move, and the Canes could demand a hefty return for the responsible two-way center.

Necas has been a top producer since landing in the NHL. The Czechia native has totaled at least 36 points in all five of his full seasons, including a career-high 71 last year. Moreover, he's finished with a positive rating in three of five campaigns, yielding a +20 rating.

Any team would benefit from having Necas line up down the middle for them. The Hurricanes will have no shortage of suitors, driving up the asking price for the 26-year-old.
1. Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner remains the most sought-after trade target of the offseason. The dynamic playmaker has been rumored to be on the outs with the Toronto Maple Leafs and will command a king's ransom in the open market.

Eight years into his professional career, Marner has been sensational every time he steps onto the ice. The two-time All-Star has exceeded 85 points in each of the past three seasons, totaling 281 points in 221 games over that stretch.

Toronto's brass could ask for anyone in a trade, and it still wouldn't be enough. The Leafs will add to their NHL-ready and draft-pick stockpile in any Marner deal.
30. Carey Price
One thing has become painfully clear -- Carey Price is never playing hockey again. However, with two years remaining at $10.5 million per season, his contract could be a commodity for teams seeking to increase their cap threshold via the LTIR.

Price has endeared himself to the Montreal Canadiens faithful, but the team has too many holes on their roster not to consider moving Price's contract. Sam Montembeault hasn't demonstrated the ability to tolerate a full workload and put up starter's numbers. Likewise, their defense is a patchwork group of individuals who haven't lived up to their potential.

Moving Price's contract could yield a solid return of prospects and picks, which are desperately needed to bring the Canadiens back to relevance.

Ranking the Top 30 NHL Players Who Could Get Traded This Summer

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