The curtain rose Wednesday on the NHL’s 2018-19 season. While fans will be following their favorite players and teams, they’ll also be monitoring the media for the latest trade speculation.
Most of the conjecture will involve players eligible to become unrestricted free agents at season’s end. Some, however, could involve potential restricted free agents.
On Monday, we examined the noteworthy Eastern Conference players who could become trade candidates this season. Today, we shift our focus to the Western Conference.
Artem Anisimov, Chicago Blackhawks
Unlike most on this list, Anisimov is signed beyond this season. Having been relegated to third-line duty, his $4.55-million salary-cap hit makes the 30-year-old center an expensive checking forward.
In 2017-18, Anisimov reached the 20-goal for the fourth time in five seasons. He would prove enticing to clubs in need of offensive depth. The Blackhawks could dangle him as trade bait for a top-four defenseman.
Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames
The fourth-overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft, Bennett‘s struggled to reach the lofty expectations of Flames’ followers. Projected to become a top-six forward, the 22-year-old has regressed from his promising 18-goal, 36-point debut in 2015-16.
Playing largely on the Flames’ checking lines, Bennett might benefit from a change of scenery. A restricted free agent next summer carrying a $1.95-million cap hit, he could hit the trade block later this season.
Alexander Edler, Vancouver Canucks
Edler’s spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks but his future in Vancouver is in doubt. He’s in the final season of a six-year, $30-million contract and carries a full no-trade clause.
The Canucks are rebuilding with younger, cheaper players and could consider Edler a valuable bargaining chip at the trade deadline. If they don’t intend to re-sign him, perhaps he’ll waive his clause to join a playoff contender.
Jesse Puljujarvi, Edmonton Oilers
Like Sam Bennett, Puljujarvi‘s struggled with the high expectations of being a high first-round pick. In 93 games entering this season, he’s managed just 28 points. Not the type of production the Oilers expected from the fourth-overall selection in the 2016 draft.
Puljujarvi still has plenty of upside as a scoring winger. This season could bring about the 20-year-old’s much-anticipated breakout performance. Another difficult campaign, however, could see his name surface in the rumor mill, especially if the Oilers once again find themselves struggling on the blueline.
Jason Spezza, Dallas Stars
Last season was one to forget for Spezza, who tallied just 26 points in 78 games. Entering the final season of a four-year, $30-million contract, the 35-year-old needs a bounce-back performance.
The Stars are counting on Spezza to regain his offensive touch under new head coach Jim Montgomery. Significant improvement on his part will boost their playoff hopes this season. It could also make him a bargaining chip if they drop out of contention by the trade deadline.
Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild
Signed two years ago to an affordable three-year, $10.5-million contract, Staal has more than delivered for the Wild. He followed up a solid 65-point campaign in 2016-17 with a 42-goal performance last season.
The Wild appear keen to re-sign Staal but the 33-year-old’s future in Minnesota could depend upon his performance and asking price. If the Wild fall out of contention by February, he could become a playoff rental.
Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets
Trouba‘s difficult contract negotiations with the Jets make him regular fodder for trade rumors. Awarded a one-year, $5.5-million contract via arbitration this summer, the 24-year-old defenseman is slated to once again become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at season’s end.
Rather than go through another contentious round of contract talks, the Jets could opt to trade Trouba. It’s doubtful they’ll move the skilled all-around blueliner during this season as he’ll be crucial to their Stanley Cup hopes. If they find themselves outside the playoff picture by February, they could start fielding trade proposals.
Player stats via NHL.com. Contract info via Cap Friendly.
