5 Potential NHL Commerce Candidates In 2024-25

The NHL commerce chatter by no means sleeps, and there are a number of names already value watching this common season.

Rebuilding groups, non-contenders and wage cap-strapped golf equipment are usually the simplest targets when discussing commerce candidates. With that in thoughts, the Anaheim Geese, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs could be groups to look at.

Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Geese

The Anaheim Geese do not undertaking to be a really aggressive crew this season, and it is already identified the crew is open to transferring defenseman Cam Fowler. He is dedicated to his function with the membership, however he is open to transferring as nicely.

“If there’s any state of affairs that is smart to both Cam or to the hockey membership, then we’ll discover one thing,” Geese GM Pat Verbeek told reporters in September.

The sticking level could be Fowler’s two years at $6.5 million per season. That is not a straightforward cap hit to swallow for a lot of groups, and aggressive ones that might use him do not simply have $3.25 million sitting round in the mean time, assuming the Geese are prepared to retain 50 p.c of his wage.

All that stated, a Fowler commerce is probably going this season. It’d merely depend upon which crew wants him probably the most and the way rapidly. If a crew just like the Edmonton Oilers finds they’re struggling and not using a true No. 4, they might present curiosity. If the Carolina Hurricanes’ replacements meant to cowl for Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce do not pan out, they might come calling. Maybe the St. Louis Blues proceed their push to be extra aggressive and attempt to exchange Torey Krug.

Fowler has a four-team commerce listing, however there may be discuss he is prepared to develop it.

Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Will Another Top Goalie Get A Swayman-Level Raise?

Andrei Kuzmenko, RW, Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames may have a listing of potential commerce candidates. They seem to be a rebuilding crew that could be higher than individuals suppose however nonetheless aren’t probably destined for the playoffs. Flames GM Craig Conroy will probably take calls and store gamers forward of the commerce deadline, and one identify that might fetch a major return is Andrei Kuzmenko.

Kuzmenko recorded an help in his first sport of the season in opposition to his former squad, the Vancouver Canucks, whereas taking part in alongside Nazem Kadri and Samuel Honzek. He additionally logged probably the most power-play time amongst Flames forwards in that sport as a first-unit choice. Whereas he carries a $5.5-million cap hit this season, he is a pending UFA who can function an efficient rental.

If Kuzmenko explodes offensively, there’s a likelihood the Flames discuss a contract extension with him, however the return Calgary may fetch on the deadline could be too tempting to withstand.

Kuzmenko has a 12-team no-trade listing, according to PuckPedia.

Evander Kane, LW, Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Kennedy just lately talked about Evander Kane as a attainable commerce candidate. He talked about that primarily based on his scoring function, cap hit and the goal-scorers they added over the summer season, Kane may very well be expendable.

That stated, Kennedy rightfully famous that if it occurs, it will not be anytime quickly. Kane is injured and prone to be out for 5 to 6 months. That can just about forestall the Oilers from dealing him throughout that window.

Alternatively, the Oilers might notice how a lot they missed what Kane brings to the crew as soon as he is wholesome. He is gritty, can rating and would not let the opposition take liberties. Edmonton lacks that factor with out Kane within the lineup, and that’ll be a key for them within the playoffs.

If the Oilers find yourself pulling a Vegas or Tampa Bay and maintain Kane out till the post-season, he is an awesome addition to have again with no cap hit penalties. If a commerce does occur, nevertheless, it might occur within the low season. He is additionally obtained a full no-move clause.

Morgan Frost, C, Philadelphia Flyers

Frost was a outstanding identify amongst commerce bait boards regardless of his robust end to the 2023-24 NHL season. As soon as a wholesome scratch, Frost ended final season with 30 factors within the closing 44 video games. His resurgence may counsel issues are higher now, however there have been questions last season about his relationship with coach John Tortorella.

Different groups will present curiosity if Frost is productive in 2024-25. Not solely is there nonetheless an upside in Frost, however there’s breakout potential. That stated, if he struggles with consistency once more and the rebuilding Flyers see a possibility to seek out another person who higher suits their long-term plans, Frost may very well be an asset.

Frost, 25, carries a $2.1-million cap hit and might be an RFA subsequent summer season with arbitration rights, which could lead on him to UFA standing in 2026. This state of affairs creates urgency for the Flyers to determine on his future, as he’s one of many crew’s few true facilities.

James van Riemsdyk, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets signed James van Riemsdyk to assist surpass the wage cap ground, and he’ll present good ahead depth for the crew this season.

The crew most likely is not going to be in a playoff place by the commerce deadline, so count on trades because the deadline nears. Van Riemsdyk may very well be a possible choice.

It took van Riemsdyk months to discover a crew to signal him and not using a PTO. He went to Columbus on a one-year deal value $900,000. Why so few groups wished to provide him an opportunity is baffling, contemplating he scored 11 objectives and 38 factors in 71 video games for Boston in 2023-24. This participant looks like he has one thing to show and will get prime alternatives to attain. That would make van Riemsdyk a participant groups have a look at by the commerce deadline.

He holds no commerce safety, so the crew can transfer him wherever they really feel gives them an honest return.

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