NHL Trade Bait Tracker: Kevin Fiala claims top spot
Anthony Scultore
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The Daily Goal Horn’s presents its NHL Trade Bait Tracker for the 2022 Offseason. Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala leads the pack after we’ve updated the list with new names and rankings
The 2022 NHL offseason should be very interesting with so many teams looking for ways to create cap space. While the NHL salary cap going up only by $1 Million to $82.5M, it still is a much needed increase but not enough for many contenders.
A number of teams also appear to be changing directions. What exactly are the plans of the Boston Bruins this offseason after firing Bruce Cassidy? How will the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights shave salary in the offseason to re-sign key players.
Plus you have the dynamic of teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens ready to jettison expensive vets to launch a rebuild. Add in the fact that some big names rumored to be on the move at the Trade Deadline remained with their current teams like J.T. Miller of the Canucks and we are in for a sizzling summer of trades.
Starting at the NHL Draft in Montreal set for July 7, these 25 players will be at the forefront of rumors.
NHL Trade Bait Tracker for the 2022 Offseason
| Rank | Player (Team) | POS | AGE | TERM – AAV |
| 1 | Kevin Fiala (MIN) | F | 25 | RFA – $5.1M |
| 2 | Jakob Chychrun (ARI) | D | 24 | 3 YEARS – $4.6M |
| 3 | Tyson Barrie (EDM) | D | 30 | 2 YEARS – $4.5M |
| 4 | Alex DeBrincat (CHI) | F | 23 | 1 YEAR – $6.4M |
| 5 | Sean Monahan (CGY) | C | 27 | 1 YEAR – $6.75M |
| 6 | Tyler Bertuzzi (DET) | F | 27 | 1 YEAR – $4.75M |
| 7 | Brock Boeser (VAN) | F | 25 | RFA – $5.875M |
| 8 | J.T. Miller (VAN) | F | 29 | 1 YEAR- $5.25M |
| 9 | Patric Hornqvist (FLA) | F | 35 | 1 YEAR – $5.3M |
| 10 | Jeff Petry (MTL) | D | 34 | 3 YEARS – $6.25M |
| 11 | Evgeni Dadonov (Traded: VGK to MTL) | F | 33 | 1 YEAR – $5M |
| 12 | Alexandar Georgiev (NYR) | G | 26 | RFA – $2.425m |
| 13 | Mark Scheifele (WPG) | C | 29 | 2 YEARS – $6.125M |
| 14 | Pavel Zacha (NJD) | C | 25 | RFA – $2.25M |
| 15 | Semyon Varlamov (NYI) | G | 34 | 1 YEAR – $5M |
| 16 | Justin Holl (TOR) | D | 30 | 1 YEAR – $2M |
| 17 | Jesse Puljujarvi (EDM) | F | 24 | RFA – $1.175M |
| 18 | Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA) | G | 33 | 4 YEARS – $10M |
| 19 | Vitali Kravtsov (NYR) | F | 22 | RFA – $925K |
| 20 | Josh Anderson (MTL) | F | 28 | 5 YEARS – $5.5M |
| 21 | Jake DeBrusk (BOS) | LW | 25 | 2 YEARS – $4M |
| 22 | Vladimir Tarasenko (STL) | F | 30 | 1 YEAR – $7.5M |
| 23 | John Gibson (ANA) | G | 28 | 5 YEARS – $6.4M |
| 24 | Patrick Kane (CHI) | F | 33 | 1 YEAR – $10.5M |
| 25 | Jonathan Toews (CHI) | C | 34 | 1 YEAR – $10.5M |
A look at the top five trade candidates
Kevin Fiala: The Minnesota Wild signed forward Kevin Fiala to a one-year deal worth $5.1 million last summer narrowly avoiding an arbitration hearing. At the time, Fiala’s camp was seeking a $6.25M award as the Wild countered with an offer of $4M. After a season that saw the 25 year-old pending RFA on July 13 score 85 points in 82 games, the Wild may not be able to afford him. Keep an eye on the New Jersey Devils as a top trading partner.
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 last season. Chychrun openly expressed his disappointment in not being moved. 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.
Tyson Barrie: The Edmonton Oilers would like to re-sign Evander Kane after a successful run but they will need to clear some cap space and Barrie is a perfect candidate. However, how many teams can take on his cap hit of $4.5M for another two years is the key question. Maybe the offense starved Seattle Kraken are a fit.
Alex DeBrincat: This is a name that just won’t go away from the trade rumor mill. The 24 year-old has just one more year at $6.4 million and will be getting max term in his next deal. However, if the Blackhawks are dead serious about rebuilding, there is no asset that will bring back a bigger return. In 82 games, DeBrincat potted 41 goals and 78 points.
Sean Monahan: Any team looking for solid two-way, top six center may have a bargain on their hands if they are willing to take the risk. The Flames are going to be looking to shed salary in order to re-sign both Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, so he could be had cheap. The 27 year-old injury plagued Monahan has 1 year remaining at $6.375M and is recovering from hip surgery. He scored a career high 82 points in 78 games in 2018-19, but those injuries have put him on a steep decline since.
