Mikko Rantanen’s future remains uncertain as his current team, the Carolina Hurricanes, has yet to secure him on a long-term contract. As the NHL trade deadline approaches, other players are also involved in ongoing trade talks, including Brock Nelson, Erik Karlsson, and Brayden and Luke Schenn. Meanwhile, the league has already seen some players switch teams, with Seth Jones, Ryan Lindgren, and Gustav Nyquist already traded.
The NHL trade deadline looms on Friday, bringing a flurry of trade activities following the early deals before the 4 Nations Face-Off. Florida Panthers’ general manager, Bill Zito, noted the unpredictable nature of the trading scene. “The two-dollar answer to the million-dollar question is, ‘I’m not sure we know,’” Zito stated prior to the Panthers acquiring Jones from Chicago.
Out of the 32 NHL teams, 25 are within a playoff spot or four points of securing one. Although not each team is a genuine contender, Washington Capitals’ GM Chris Patrick questions whether the tight playoff races in both conferences might limit the trade volume. “There are teams within that four-point playoff range that have been sellers previously but may decide to give it a shot this year,” he said.
Nashville’s disappointing season continues, as evidenced by their trade of Nyquist to Minnesota, shortly after Colorado’s Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey arrived from the Rangers — teams still in pursuit of playoff successes despite trading away pending free agents.
When it comes to players on the trade block, Rantanen remains a focal point. He joined the Hurricanes after a multi-team trade in January, but given his expiring contract, teams from Dallas to Edmonton could pursue him. Nelson, an unrestricted free agent, might face a trade if the New York Islanders’ playoff hopes dwindle. Similarly, Rickard Rakell, Scott Laughton, and Ryan Donato could find themselves on new teams.
Injury recovery does not exempt players from trade speculation. Seattle’s Yanni Gourde may offer postseason depth for a team, despite recent surgery. Meanwhile, potential interest grows in Brayden Schenn, who has played his 1,000th NHL regular-season game, and his brother Luke. The Rangers have also opted to hold out Reilly Smith due to trade possibilities, while Boston weighs trading decisions regarding Brad Marchand and Trent Frederic.
The trade of Jones to Florida, which involved a conditional pick and goaltender Spencer Knight, may set a precedent for defensemen trades. Nonetheless, the defense market pales in comparison to forwards. Philadelphia’s Rasmus Ristolainen and three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson from Pittsburgh remain intriguing possibilities for teams looking to upgrade on defense.
On the goalie front, though Knight’s trade opens opportunities for Florida to bolster its goaltending alongside Sergei Bobrovsky, the market remains limited. John Gibson of Anaheim is considered the most significant available goaltender. Teams like Carolina and Edmonton may seek adjustments in the net, though cap constraints could influence their strategies.
