The NHL offseason is approaching after the Stanley Cup Finals. Here are five NHL Players that could be traded this offseason.
Jack Eichel, C, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 24
Contract: 5 years x $10 Million
Jack Eichel is the biggest fish on the trade market this offseason and maybe the biggest player on the trade market we have seen in a while. Eichel is a young elite center with tremendous upside, however, he has a tough time winning in Buffalo. Eichel finally has had enough and wants out. Eichel is going to gain a ton of interest in the trade market and the only thing that is bringing his value down is his neck injury that held him out for most of the year.
Value: Young elite player/prospect, Young top 4 defensemen, 1-2 additional players/prospects, multiple first-round picks
Teams interested: Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild
Sam Reinhart, C/RW, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 25
Contract: RFA
Sam Reinhart is another good Sabres player that wants out of Buffalo. Despite the Sabres’ poor play this year, Reinhart had a fantastic season with 25 goals and 40 points in 54 games. The former second overall pick will gain much interest in the market, especially from teams that miss out on Eichel. Reinhart would be a cheaper alternative to Eichel.
Value: “A-” prospect, First-round pick
Teams interested: Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Columbus Blue Jackets
Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals
Age: 29
Contract: 4 years x $7.8 Million
A few seasons ago, Kuznetsov was considered one of the best centers in the league, helping his Capitals team to their first Stanley Cup. But ever since then, Kuznetsov has had some problems off the ice which might have led to a decrease in his production. It looks like Kuznetsov’s time in Washington is over and he would be a viable option as a first-line center.
Value: “A-” prospect, First-round pick
Teams interested: Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers
Seth Jones, RD, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 26
Contract: 1 year x $5.4 Million
After telling the organization that he will not resign, it looks like Seth Jones’ time in Columbus is over. Jones is a very interesting player as some people consider him as an elite defenseman while others call him overrated due to his poor advanced stats. Despite these contradicting statements, Jones still holds some serious value in the trade market and could get a huge haul if his trade comes with a long-term extension.
Value: Young Center, “B” prospect, First-round pick
Teams interested: Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, LD, Arizona Coyotes
Age: 29
Contract: 6 years x $8.25 Million
Just a few seasons ago, Oliver Ekman-Larsson was considered an elite defenseman and one of the best defensemen in the league. However, over the past couple of seasons, Ekman-Larsson’s production has dropped and it’s time that Ekman-Larsson and Coyotes go their separate ways.
Value: Roster player, Second-round pick
Teams interested: Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers
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