Some blockbuster trade candidates for the summer
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Here are a few notable trade possibilities, err, scenarios.
Phil Kessel — Kessel nixed one trade to Minnesota already. Also, the Pittsburgh forward penned a list of eight teams he wants to go to. Arizona is a possible fit but an uncertain ownership situation may be problematic. Either way, Phil Kessel expects to be somewhere else soon enough.
P.K. Subban — Subban seems surprising to be on this list but not really. Nashville projects a surplus on defense which makes even a player like Subban somewhat expendable. Also, Subban can be traded at any time — even making $9 million AAV.
Jonathan Quick — Quick carries some value in the last three years of his deal accounting for only $9 million in salary. Was last year an aberration? It’s possible and Los Angeles has options in net with Jack Campbell and Cal Petersen.
Jacob Trouba — Trouba feels like he has been traded for a few years now. However, the reality is this may be it. The restricted free agent is at the same point he was last year. The difference is Winnipeg knows they have to pay him eventually. A likely scenario has him finally being moved around the draft.
Evgeni Malkin — Malkin traded to anywhere seemed looney a couple seasons ago and yet does not now. Will it happen is questionable at best but the possibility is increasing. If Phil Kessel is not moved, maybe Malkin trade winds increase?
Mitch Marner — At what price point does Kyle Dubas consider trading Marner? It’s a great question. Toronto cannot afford everybody and at some point, the cap will come into play.
Here are a few more tradeable assets.
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: Some NHL trade candidates.
Jason Zucker — Zucker knows his days are numbered in Minnesota (after the Phil Kessel near trade) as it is only a question of when at this point. His production fell by a third but a change in scenery will raise his fortunes. He earns $5.5 million AAV over the next four seasons.
Kyle Turris — Turris felt the heat all last season and this offseason, it will only get hotter. Turris tallied ten points in ten games at the World’s which should boost interest.
T.J. Brodie — Brodie could fetch more than expected around the draft. Also, his minutes trended downward as did his role.