As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams vying for championships are considering unconventional moves. Players not facing free agency this summer, like Brayden Schenn and Seth Jones, may be on the move. Rickard Rakell’s scoring prowess and John Gibson’s resurgence make them valuable assets. Ryan O’Reilly could return to the Maple Leafs, while Dylan Cozens and Casey Mittelstadt face scrutiny for their performances. Teams may explore trades to enhance their rosters as playoff aspirations intensify.
As the trade deadline looms in the National Hockey League, the competitive landscape has made seller teams increasingly scarce. Teams aiming for championship glory will have to think outside the box.
Consequently, players who won’t hit free agency this upcoming summer may find themselves relocating. These seven athletes are not mere rentals; they present intriguing options for teams willing to meet the asking price.
Brayden Schenn
The St. Louis Blues are exploring potential trade opportunities for their captain as his performance begins to decline. However, with three years remaining on his contract at an annual salary of $6.5 million, moving him may prove challenging.
Despite recent struggles defensively, Schenn remains a competent player. If the Blues are willing to absorb part of his salary, he could serve effectively as a second or third-line center on a competitive roster.
Seth Jones
For the Chicago Blackhawks, the prospect of trading their formidable defenseman isn’t entirely unrealistic, especially since he has shown a willingness to waive his no-trade clause. After enduring several years of underperformance in Illinois, Jones is eager to join a more competitive team.
However, finding a team willing to take on his hefty salary of $9.5 million may be a daunting task. This season, Jones has been solid, contributing 26 points in 40 games while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game.
Rickard Rakell
Regarded as one of the NHL’s most undervalued forwards, Rickard Rakell was notably overlooked by Sweden for the Four Nations Cup. He was called up only after an injury to William Karlsson, but his talent certainly warranted a spot on the roster.
Currently boasting 49 points, including 25 goals, the 31-year-old winger stands as the second-highest scorer for the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the team struggling to secure a playoff position, they may be inclined to trade Rakell, who has three years left on his contract and will come at a significant cost.
John Gibson
Once perceived as nearing the end of his career after a series of disappointing seasons in Anaheim, John Gibson is making a surprising comeback in the 2024-2025 season. His partnership with Lukas Dostal has given the Ducks renewed hope compared to previous years.
However, it appears Dostal is poised to take over as the primary goaltender for the Ducks. Trading Gibson while his value remains high could be a strategic move. The Ducks may have already initiated this process by acquiring Ville Husso in exchange for future considerations.
Ryan O’Reilly
This season has seen star Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators experience a dip in performance. As one of the league’s most versatile centers, he has been somewhat under the radar. With the Predators actively engaged in the trade market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them part with a key player.
Many speculate that O’Reilly could find himself back with the Toronto Maple Leafs for a more extended tenure than last time, especially after helping the team advance past the first playoff round in 2023.
Dylan Cozens
Is the patience of the Buffalo Sabres wearing thin? The 24-year-old forward is struggling to justify his $7.1 million salary, having only delivered a standout performance in the 2022-2023 season with 31 goals and 68 points.
While Cozens still has time to turn things around, his name frequently surfaces in trade discussions, particularly with Montreal showing interest. A potential bidding war could be on the horizon.
Casey Mittelstadt
Earlier in February, insider Frank Seravalli highlighted that Casey Mittelstadt has not lived up to expectations as the second center for the Colorado Avalanche. The pressure is mounting for this team, which still has championship aspirations.
His -13 plus/minus rating, the lowest on the team, is telling. With only 32 points in 59 games, his mistakes are hard to overlook, especially since the Avalanche have already started to groom his replacement in Martin Necas. It’s unfortunate for Mittelstadt, who recently signed a three-year extension.