The NHL free-agent market opens on July 1. In the coming days, the destinations of unrestricted free agents such as New York Islanders center John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk, and Winnipeg Jets center Paul Stastny will be the subject of growing speculation.
However, several stars under contract through next season remain the subject of considerable trade chatter. Teams that lose out in the bidding for the best UFA talent could shift their focus toward the trade market.
Here’s a look at the top players who could be on the move in the coming weeks.
Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators
The superstar defenseman remains the biggest name in this summer’s trade market. While the Senators hope to open contract extension talks, it’s anticipated he could reject their proposals. If so, they could have little choice but to move him for the best available offer.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun recently reported the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks showed “varying degrees of interest.” The Senators aren’t interested in a lowball return for Karlsson and could also attempt to package high-salaried right wing Bobby Ryan in the deal.
Max Pacioretty – Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are in desperate need of depth at center. With left winger and captain Max Pacioretty a year away from becoming a free agent, he’s become a hot topic for trade conjecture.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie recently reported a trade that would’ve sent Pacioretty to the Los Angeles Kings fell apart during the draft weekend. There’s also talk of the Canadiens attempting to use the winger as trade bait to acquire Buffalo Sabres center, Ryan O’Reilly.
Ryan O’Reilly – Buffalo Sabres
It was assumed O’Reilly would be traded during the recent NHL draft weekend. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels reports the Montreal Canadiens apparently came close to a deal for the skilled two-way center, but it fell through early in the opening round of the draft.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Canadiens are still believed interested in O’Reilly. So are the St. Louis Blues. Those clubs could be waiting until July 1, when the Sabres have paid out his $7.5 million signing bonus.
Jeff Skinner – Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes already pulled off one big trade, acquiring top defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the Calgary Flames in a five-player swap. More moves could be coming, and Skinner could be next.
A talented offensive left winger, Skinner has a full no-movement clause. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported he’s given the Hurricanes a small list of acceptable destinations. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun believes the Pittsburgh Penguins could be one of the suitors. He’s also been linked to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Artemi Panarin – Columbus Blue Jackets
Eligible for unrestricted free agent status next summer, the Blue Jackets hope to open contract talks with Panarin this summer. However, the 26-year-old winger isn’t interested at this time. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger his preference is re-signing Panarin, but he’s also going to weigh all his options.
If the Jackets trade Panarin, Portzline said they’ll want a return that helps them right away. So far, they haven’t received anything close to that. There was speculation the skilled winger preferred playing in a bigger market, but his agent told The Athletic’s Aaron Porztline there’s no list of preferred destinations.
Justin Faulk – Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes’ acquisition of Dougie Hamilton could make the Faulk expendable. A top-four defenseman with a right-handed shot, the 27-year-old could attract attention from clubs seeking blueline help.
Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times suggested the Blackhawks could be a fit for Faulk. He’s also been linked to the Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders.
Craig Anderson – Ottawa Senators
With this summer’s market for free-agent goaltenders containing mostly backups, clubs seeking a starter could give the Senators a call. Prior to the start of the recent NHL draft, Anderson reportedly requested a trade.
The 37-year-old goaltender struggled through 2017-18, sporting a bloated 3.32 goals-against average and .898 save percentage. He was also backstopping a Senators team that fell apart throughout the season. Perhaps a move to a deeper club might help. The New York Islanders need help between the pipes and Anderson could be a decent short-term solution.
Salary info (as of June 28, 2018) via Cap Friendly.