NHL Offseason Buzz: Trades and Moves
It’s that chaotic time of year in the NHL, and honestly, this season feels even more tumultuous than before. With a somewhat limited free agency pool lacking in star talent, teams are scrambling to make moves that free up enough salary cap space, particularly to pursue Mitch Marner. The reality is that teams are aware that free agency isn’t going to offer them much help.
As we approach the first round of the draft on Friday night, the atmosphere is charged with potential. The draft remains the last solid opportunity for teams to strike a significant deal, which is something we’ve been hearing from various sources.
Conor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
The discussions around trades start with the ever-looming question: what’s going to happen with Conor McDavid? Edmonton is certainly under scrutiny. Reports indicate that McDavid’s agents are currently in talks with the team to explore a long-term agreement.
But after that, it’s kind of anyone’s guess. McDavid seems like a player who really thrives on being part of his team, yet the Oilers are grappling with some serious depth issues. It’s not hard to understand why they want to wrap up his contract negotiations now. If McDavid hints that he won’t be re-signing after 2025-26, they’ll need to consider replacements sooner rather than later. These discussions ahead of the draft are crucial for both parties to assess their options.
If these negotiations fall through and McDavid hits the market, it would create a major buzz. Almost every team would be eyeing him, particularly five main contenders: Florida, Toronto, Dallas, New York Rangers, and Chicago. Each one has something to offer, whether it’s potential to win, a large market presence, or appealing assets for a trade.
Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars
On another note, the situation around Jason Robertson seems almost predetermined by the recent trade involving Mikko Rantanen. The Stars might not actively want to move their 25-year-old forward, but they’re constrained by the salary cap limits.
Currently, Dallas finds itself just $2.7 million below the cap, which leaves little breathing room. That’s why Robertson’s name has been popping up in trade chatter. Although sources say the Stars aren’t actively looking to trade him, they’re certainly open to listening to offers before the draft.
One potential match could be Carolina. They’re eager to act quickly to outpace the Rantanen trade, and they have the cap space to extend Robertson. They’ve got draft picks that could appeal to the Stars, especially since Dallas is aiming to shift some money around to make a play for Marner.
Another team that might show interest in Robertson is the Devils, who could benefit significantly from adding his caliber of play as they push for a deeper playoff run.
JJ Peterka, RW, Buffalo Sabres
It’s not very common to see a 23-year-old player with over 60 points being discussed in trade talks, but here we are. The Sabres are a curious case—top-heavy with talented players but struggling overall. That’s part of why they find themselves in a troubling position.
Trading Peterka could be in the cards if Buffalo wants someone who can help them win right now. They might look to send two or three established players to acquire him, or even negotiate with a top-five team (like Chicago) looking to offload their third overall pick in exchange for established talent.
For now, it wouldn’t be shocking if Peterka makes it through the weekend without donning another jersey next week.
Tomáš Hertl, C, Las Vegas Golden Knights
I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement around player trades after a down year for the Golden Knights.
Interestingly, Hertl’s name has been emerging, possibly to participate in the Mitch Marner sweepstakes, as part of a broader strategy by Vegas. Reports indicate that there’s noticeable interest between the Knights and Hurricanes in a potential move involving Hertl. It seems like a win-win for both teams.
Carolina is in need of a solid second-line center, and Vegas wants to show Jack Eichel that they’re committed to supporting their star players before entering free agency next year. Of course, Vegas will need to navigate Hertl’s $6.75 million contract, but they seem poised to make it work.
Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
It’s worth noting that the Hurricanes aren’t actively shopping Svechnikov or entertaining open offers, even though some chatter suggests he could be a surprising name in trade talks from Carolina.
Svechnikov shone as a playoff hero this past season, yet his performance has been inconsistent. As a former second overall pick, he’s capable of hitting 80 points, and teams looking for a dynamic 25-year-old winger could find him appealing.
