In today’s NHL salary-cap era, significant early-season trades tend to be rare occurrences. However, last season saw two major November moves go down.
The first took place on Nov. 5, 2017, with the Ottawa Senators acquiring Matt Duchene in a multi-player three-team deal. The next occurred on Nov. 30, as the New Jersey Devils shipped forward Adam Henrique, a minor-leaguer, and a draft selection to the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 30 for defenseman Sami Vatanen and a draft pick.
Now in mid-November in this season’s schedule, a noteworthy trade or two remains possible. Here are several clubs worth watching in the coming weeks.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Their contract standoff with restricted free agent winger William Nylander shows no sign of ending. They have until Dec. 1 to get him signed or he becomes ineligible for the remainder of the season.
On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Leafs were beginning to test Nylander’s value in the trade market. While their priority is to re-sign the 22-year-old, they appear to be laying the groundwork for a trade if there’s no resolution soon to this impasse.
If the Leafs are serious about moving Nylander, they won’t lack for suitors. Some of them could be on this list.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes’ need for scoring depth has been well-documented since 2017-18. With the offense cooling following a hot start to this season, it’s believed they’re in the market to address that need.
For the past several weeks, the Hurricanes have been linked to Toronto’s William Nylander. Last week, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported they’ve kept an eye on the winger’s situation with the Leafs but could also look elsewhere for a top-six forward.
The Hurricanes have considerable depth in young defensemen to draw upon as possible trade bait. Justin Faulk and Brett Pesce frequently surface in the rumor mill.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Sitting just outside the Eastern Conference wild-card picture, the Penguins aren’t off to the type of start expected of a potential Stanley Cup contender. General manager Jim Rutherford isn’t pleased with his team’s performance, telling the Pittsburgh media last week that changes could be coming if things didn’t improve soon.
One Penguin who could hit the trade block is winger Daniel Sprong. The 21-year-old has top-six potential but is having difficulty playing to expectations this season. He has just four points in 12 games and was a healthy scratch from their last two contests.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently cited sources claiming the Penguins are listening to offers for Sprong, though it’s unclear if they’ve received anything substantial. Rutherford could be reluctant to give up too soon on the promising youngster but could pull the trigger for the right offer.
Los Angeles Kings
Over a week ago, the Kings replaced head coach John Stevens with Willie Desjardins in hopes of getting this once-mighty club back on track. If that move doesn’t provide more positive immediate results, a trade could be next.
Like the Hurricanes, scoring is an issue for the Kings this season. On Oct. 28, the Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch reported defensemen Alec Martinez and Jake Muzzin have surfaced as rumored trade candidates.
Another is winger Tanner Pearson, who has one point in 16 games. Last Thursday, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported Pearson’s name is “very much out there in terms of trade speculation and has been for a while.”