NHL Rumors: Top Trade Candidates for the upcoming offseason
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL Trade Deadline has now passed which means all eyes now focus on the offseason for potential deals.
Some big names that were rumored to be moved remained with their current teams but that could change this summer. Starting at the NHL Draft in Montreal set for July 7, these 10 players will be at the forefront of rumors.
| Rank | Player (Team) | POS | AGE | TERM – AAV |
| 1 | Jakob Chychrun (ARI) | D | 23 | 3 YEARS – $4.6M |
| 2 | J.T. Miller (VAN) | F | 28 | 1 YEAR – $5.25M |
| 3 | Jake DeBrusk (BOS) | LW | 25 | 2 YEARS – $4M |
| 4 | Mark Scheifele (WPG) | C | 29 | 2 YEARS – $6.125M |
| 5 | Brock Boeser (VAN) | F | 26 | RFA – $5.875M |
| 6 | Tyler Bertuzzi (DET) | F | 27 | 1 YEAR – $4.75M |
| 7 | Vladimir Tarasenko (STL) | F | 30 | 1 YEAR – $7.5M |
| 8 | Bo Horvat (VAN) | F | 26 | 1 YEAR- $5.5M |
| 9 | Jeff Petry (MTL) | D | 34 | 3 YEARS – $6.25M |
| 10 | Semyon Varlamov (NYI) | G | 33 | 1 YEAR – $5M |
NHL Rumors: Top offseason trade bait candidates
Jakob Chychrun: When it was announced that Chychrun suffered a lower-body injury that would keep him out 2-4 weeks, it basically put the kibosh on a trade at the deadline. The Coyotes were asking for a package that started with a first round pick, a young player, and a prospect. They will likely get that at the draft. Keep an eye on the Ducks, Kings, and Islanders.
J.T Miller: The Canucks leading scorer will be a hot topic of trade conversations again this summer. There’s speculation that his next deal will be a huge raise to $8.5 Million per Elliotte Friedman. Will the Canucks be willing to go that high? If they do it may come at the cost of trading Bo Horvat or Brock Boeser. As far as trade destinations go, the Rangers may still be interested but a list of suitors will present themselves if he is really available this time.
Jake DeBrusk: The Boston Bruins announced a new two-year contract extension at the trade deadline but per multiple reports DeBrusk did not pull his trade request. DeBrusk was making $3.675M before the extension and the hope was that having a new deal in place would make a trade easier. That didn’t on March 21, but will likely take place at the draft.
Mark Scheifele: The center plays a big and tough game, which many teams would love to add to their team. If the Jets opt to rebuild/retool, trading Scheifele will land them plenty of picks and prospects to get started. One team that apparently will be in on him is the Rangers, especially if Ryan Strome walks via free agency.
Brock Boeser: The Canucks are shopping, or shall we say gauging the market on several of their players. President Jeremy Rutherford is also talking to his players assessing what they will be looking for in new deals. Boeser is scheduled to be an RFA with arbitration rights and has been rumored available dating back to last season. If Vancouver extends Miller, Boeser is likely being moved.
Tyler Bertuzzi: Detroit’s forward made headlines during training camp as the only unvaccinated Wings player. Bertuzzi signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract this past offseason after being limited to just nine games during an injury-riddled 2020-21 campaign. If Detroit is looking to move a piece for prospects, they will do well trading Bertuzzi.
Vladimir Tarasenko: It wasn’t too long ago that the St. Louis Blues forward made his request for a trade public. The reasoning from Tarasenko was he didn’t like the handling of his shoulder injuries and subsequent surgeries by the team. He has one more year left on his contract which comes with a $7.5 million AAV and a 10 team no-trade clause. Despite playing real well and looking very happy with the Blues, Tarasenko is still believed to be seeking a trade.
Bo Horvat: Vancouver may want to keep both Miller and Boeser, but the salary cap will likely force them into making a move. While I doubt they want to trade their captain, there are plenty of teams looking for centers and the return would be bountiful.
Jeff Petry: The 34 year-old veteran has struggled this season and is now out for the season. Montreal is in full rebuild mode and the Habs are willing to trade him if the right deal presents itself. It is believed the Flyers may have some interest this summer.
Semyon Varlamov: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello said that he will be looking to make hockey deals this summer and that could start by moving Varlamov. The 14-year veteran can still help a a contender and the Isles need to start moving some big contracts out.
