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NHL summer trade market stronger than usual

June 14, 2021, 7:18 PM ET [3 Comments]
Kevin Allen
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Will the Buffalo Sabres trade Jack Eichel or won't they? That's certainly one of the biggest questions of the offseason.

On one hand, the Eichel situation seems like a negative that the Sabres can't handle right now. They have missed the playoffs for a decade. On the other hand, how are the Sabres ever going to qualify for the playoffs if they deal players like Eichel?

Eichel won't appear on this list of potential players to be traded this summer, but there are ample talented players without his presence.

Defenseman Seth Jones, Columbus
: The Blue Jackets hope they can persuade him to accept a contract extension, but he has already indicated he would like to test the free agent market next summer. If he won't re-sign, the Blue Jackets should trade him now to receive good value and eliminate the risk of injury. The Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers are top contenders.

Right wing William Nylander
: It makes no sense to trade a 25-year-old player who was the team's best forward in the playoffs. But the Maple Leafs feel as if they have to do something about their salary cap situation and he's the player easiest to trade.

Center/wing Sam Reinhart, Buffalo:
He's a restricted free agent, but UFA status is right around the corner. The word around the league is he wants to go somewhere we can play center full time. The Ducks, Red Wings, Blue Jackets are Predators should be among the interested parties.

Left wing Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh: The Penguins like Guentzel but they have to give up a valuable player if they want to add size and toughness. Guentzel is a small forward and he has three seasons left at $6 million

Defenseman Ryan Ellis, Nashville:
Last season, the Predators were listening to offers on Mattias Ekholm who only has one season left ($3.75 million) until UFA status. But it might make more sense to peddle Ellis who is a smaller defenseman with six years left at $6.25 million. The Predators seem to have too many smaller defenseme;n. If they are convinced Ekholm won't re-sign, they could trade them both and look to get younger defensemen in return. Creating more cap space should be important for the Predators who need a makeover. The Blue Jackets will be interested if they lose Jones. Having him tied up would be appealing the Blue Jackets.

Goalie Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus
: The Blue Jackets seem to like both of their goalies equally, but the rest of the league is partial to Merzlikins. He seems like he could still become an elite goalie. The losers in the Frederik Andersen lottery will seek Merzlikins. The Oilers, Penguins, Blackhawks and Hurricanes should be interested.

Defenseman Keith Yandle,
Florida: He has a no-movement clause, but why stay on a team where the coach doesn't appreciate what you offer? Yandle still can quarterback a power play. His $6.35 million contract for the next two seasons is a detriment to a deal. But maybe it's possible to get a third team involved to take some money.

Center Nazem Kadri, Colorado: The Blue Jackets, Sharks, Canucks and Sabres could be among the interested parties. If the Avalanche make a pitch for Jones, Kadri will be included in the package.

Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen,
Buffalo: He's 26 and has one more season left at $5.6 million. He's had enough of Buffalo's losing ways. The Calgary Flames are interested. The Penguins and Blue Jackets could be.

Right wing Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh
: He's a quality player, but simply doesn't fit in Pittsburgh.

Left wing Jake DeBrusk, Boston: His name has been in the trade market rumor mill for the better part of two seasons. He is only 24, but he's coming off a 5-goal season. He has 20-goal potential. Carolina, Nashville, Columbus and Anaheim are interested.

Defenseman Matt Dumba, Minnesota:
Like everyone else, the Wild are trying to free up space. Dumba a has two years remaining at $6 million

Center Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington: His $7.8 million contract over the next four seasons makes him challenging to move. The Caps need to move a contract to give themselves flexibility. They are $9 million under the cap for next season, but they still have to sign Alex Ovechkin and three others.

Defenseman Vince Dunn, St. Louis:
His name has circulated for a while, but some teams like his potential.

Defenseman Will Butcher, New Jersey: Just doesn't seem to fit in Lindy Ruff's defensive scheme

Left wing James Neal, Edmonton: The Oilers would love to dump his contract with two years remaining at $5.75 million. With Seattle entering the NHL as an expansion team, they might have a chance. But it will cost them.
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