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The NHL trade chatter never sleeps, and there are a few names already worth watching this regular season.
Rebuilding teams, non-contenders and salary cap-strapped clubs are typically the easiest targets when discussing trade candidates. With that in mind, the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs might be teams to watch.
Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks don’t project to be a very competitive team this season, and it’s already known the team is open to moving defenseman Cam Fowler. He’s committed to his role with the club, but he’s open to moving as well.
“If there’s any situation that makes sense to either Cam or to the hockey club, then we’ll explore something,” Ducks GM Pat Verbeek told reporters in September.
The sticking point might be Fowler’s two years at $6.5 million per season. That’s not an easy cap hit to swallow for many teams, and competitive ones that could use him don’t just have $3.25 million sitting around at the moment, assuming the Ducks are willing to retain 50 percent of his salary.
All that said, a Fowler trade is likely this season. It might simply depend on which team needs him the most and how quickly. If a team like the Edmonton Oilers finds they are struggling without a true No. 4, they could show interest. If the Carolina Hurricanes’ replacements meant to cover for Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce don’t pan out, they could come calling. Perhaps the St. Louis Blues continue their push to be more competitive and try to replace Torey Krug.
Fowler has a four-team trade list, but there is talk he’s willing to expand it.
Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Will Another Top Goalie Get A Swayman-Level Raise?
Andrei Kuzmenko, RW, Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames could have a list of potential trade candidates. They’re a rebuilding team that might be better than people think but still aren’t likely destined for the playoffs. Flames GM Craig Conroy will likely take calls and shop players ahead of the trade deadline, and one name that could fetch a significant return is Andrei Kuzmenko.
Kuzmenko recorded an assist in his first game of the season against his former squad, the Vancouver Canucks, while playing alongside Nazem Kadri and Samuel Honzek. He also logged the most power-play time among Flames forwards in that game as a first-unit option. While he carries a $5.5-million cap hit this season, he’s a pending UFA who can serve as an effective rental.
If Kuzmenko explodes offensively, there is a chance the Flames talk a contract extension with him, but the return Calgary could fetch at the deadline might be too tempting to resist.
Kuzmenko has a 12-team no-trade list, according to PuckPedia.
Evander Kane, LW, Edmonton Oilers
Ryan Kennedy recently mentioned Evander Kane as a possible trade candidate. He mentioned that based on his scoring role, cap hit and the goal-scorers they added over the summer, Kane could be expendable.
That said, Kennedy rightfully noted that if it happens, it won’t be anytime soon. Kane is injured and likely to be out for five to six months. That will virtually prevent the Oilers from dealing him during that window.
On the other hand, the Oilers may realize how much they missed what Kane brings to the team once he’s healthy. He’s gritty, can score and doesn’t let the opposition take liberties. Edmonton lacks that element without Kane in the lineup, and that’ll be a key for them in the playoffs.
If the Oilers end up pulling a Vegas or Tampa Bay and hold Kane out until the post-season, he’s a great addition to have back with no cap hit consequences. If a trade does happen, however, it may happen in the off-season. He’s also got a full no-move clause.
Morgan Frost, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Frost was a prominent name among trade bait boards despite his strong finish to the 2023-24 NHL season. Once a healthy scratch, Frost ended last season with 30 points in the final 44 games. His resurgence might suggest things are better now, but there were questions last season about his relationship with coach John Tortorella.
Other teams will show interest if Frost is productive in 2024-25. Not only is there still an upside in Frost, but there’s breakout potential. That said, if he struggles with consistency again and the rebuilding Flyers see an opportunity to find someone else who better fits their long-term plans, Frost could be an asset.
Frost, 25, carries a $2.1-million cap hit and will be an RFA next summer with arbitration rights, which could lead him to UFA status in 2026. This scenario creates urgency for the Flyers to decide on his future, as he’s one of the team’s few true centers.
James van Riemsdyk, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets signed James van Riemsdyk to help surpass the salary cap floor, and he’ll provide nice forward depth for the team this season.
The team probably isn’t going to be in a playoff position by the trade deadline, so expect trades as the deadline nears. Van Riemsdyk could be a potential option.
It took van Riemsdyk months to find a team to sign him without a PTO. He went to Columbus on a one-year deal worth $900,000. Why so few teams wanted to give him a chance is baffling, considering he scored 11 goals and 38 points in 71 games for Boston in 2023-24. This player feels like he has something to prove and could get prime opportunities to score. That could make van Riemsdyk a player teams look at by the trade deadline.
He holds no trade protection, so the team can move him anywhere they feel offers them a decent return.
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