The 2018 NHL unrestricted free agent market has been open for less than a week but most of the best available talent was quickly snapped up.
Teams in search of skilled talent could shift their focus back to the trade market. Several notable players can be had for the right price.
Here’s a look at this summer’s noteworthy NHL trade candidates
Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators
Karlsson reportedly rejected an eight-year deal worth $10-million annually from the Senators, who are now listening to trade offers. They’ve also given some teams permission to speak with Karlsson’s agents regarding a contract extension.
The Dallas Stars emerged as the front-runner for the all-star defenseman, with the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose Sharks also among the suitors. The Senators will seek a substantial return, though they’ll have to accept less if they insist on adding winger Bobby Ryan and his $7.25-million annual cap hit into the deal.
Justin Faulk – Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes’ recent additions of defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Calvin de Haan could set the stage for Faulk’s departure. He’s a top-four blueliner with a right-handed shot carrying an affordable $4.83-million annual cap hit. The 27-year-old was recently mentioned as a possible trade target for the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Max Pacioretty – Montreal Canadiens
During the recent NHL Draft, Pacioretty reportedly nixed a trade that would’ve sent him to the Los Angeles Kings over his unwillingness to sign a contract extension. The 29-year-old left wing has been a fixture in the rumor mill for months, but his eligibility for unrestricted free agent status next summer could dampen his trade value. The Athletic’s Marc Antoine Godin wonders if a contract extension is possible with the Canadiens.
Jeff Skinner – Carolina Hurricanes
Trade chatter was building over Skinner leading up the 2018 NHL draft weekend but has since died down. The 26-year-old left wing has a full no-movement clause but provided the Hurricanes a small list of preferred destinations. He’s been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks.
Artem Anisimov – Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks’ need for a top-four defenseman has stoked some talk of parting ways with Anisimov. The 30-year-old center has a modified no-trade clause and carries an annual cap hit of $4.5 million through 2020-21. Having been supplanted by Nick Schmaltz as the Blackhawks’ second-line center, Anisimov could be used as trade bait for a skilled blueliner.
Artemi Panarin – Columbus Blue Jackets
Panarin’s current unwillingness to discuss a contract extension has stoked considerable conjecture over his future with the Blue Jackets. TSN’s Darren Dreger listed 10 teams, including the Sharks, Kings, New York Islanders, New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning, as potential destinations. His agent recently told The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline he expects his client will be at the Jackets’ training camp in the fall. A significant offer from another club, however, could prove tempting.
Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild
Like Skinner, Zucker was frequently mentioned as a trade candidate prior to the 2018 Draft but since then that talk has died down. A restricted free agent coming off a career-best 33-goal, 64-point performance, the 26-year-old will seek a substantial raise over his previous $2 million annual salary-cap hit. If a suitable deal can’t be worked out, Zucker could resurface in the rumor mill.
Kevin Hayes – New York Rangers
The New York Post‘s Larry Brooks speculates the Rangers could consider trading Hayes if unable to reach agreement on a new contract. A restricted free agent, Hayes could garner a big payday on the open market next summer. Teams in need of centers, such as the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens, could be interested in his services.
Player salary info courtesy of Cap Friendly.
