As the NHL season progresses, clubs are already scouting potential trades ahead of the deadline, even though most teams have only played between seven to nine games. Insider Chris Johnston from The Athletic has compiled a list of the top ten players to keep an eye on as trade discussions heat up.
Leading the list is Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, whose name has been circulating in trade rumors since last season. As a pending unrestricted free agent, his future with the Flames is already uncertain, especially given the team’s rocky start this season. Flames captain Mikael Backlund has also hinted at the likelihood of a trade, stating, “Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious.” There are indications that Backlund himself could also be a target for teams looking to bolster their roster.
Next on the watch list are Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both players have three years remaining on their contracts, giving the Penguins some breathing room, but their reasonable cap hits around $5 million could yield significant returns if GM Kyle Dubas decides to make a move.
Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch has emerged in trade conversations as extension negotiations stall, with reports indicating that his asking price has reached “staggering” levels. Meanwhile, Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders is another name to watch. His status as a pending UFA combined with the Islanders’ potential slide in the standings could make him a valuable asset for teams looking for a middle-six center.
Seattle Kraken players Jaden Schwartz and Jamie Oleksiak are also on the radar, themselves part of a group of pending UFAs. In addition, Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson are both shrouded in trade speculation for different reasons. Ferraro’s contract expiring this season has heightened expectations for a trade, while Robertson has struggled for playing time and found limited interest from other teams despite his talent.
Another notable name is Brennan Othmann of the New York Rangers, who has recently been mentioned as a trade candidate. Having had less opportunity in Toronto, Othmann was called up to the Rangers due to an injury and will have a chance to prove his worth.
As the season unfolds, the NHL could see significant roster changes that may shape the trajectory of several franchises as they look to bolster their lineups or rebuild for the future. With a mix of seasoned players and young prospects on the trading block, the coming weeks promise to be eventful as teams navigate their strategies ahead of the trade deadline.