The NHL’s trade board has already taken a hit over the last two weeks, but a few heavyweight names are still sitting there as free agency creeps closer on Wednesday. And these aren’t depth pieces or backup plans. If any of them move, the ripple effect will be massive.
Dylan Larkin is the first name to have sent real shockwaves through the league. The Detroit Red Wings captain has asked for a trade, and Steve Yzerman confirmed the request publicly.
Larkin also turned in a short list of teams he’d be willing to waive his no-trade clause for, though Yzerman did not say a deal is guaranteed. That’s not a small detail, either - Larkin still has five years left at $8.7 million per season.
Minnesota and Vegas are the teams to watch, while the Stars are believed to be the club Larkin would most like to join.
Connor Hellebuyck could be next. The Jets’ star goalie, who has been the NHL’s best at his position over the past several years, is being talked about like a player on the brink of a move.
Buffalo and Carolina are the frontrunners, and both have already put real weight behind their interest. Carolina reportedly offered Winnipeg a package that included a first-round pick and defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
Buffalo’s reported offer was even louder, with the fourth overall pick, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Jack Quinn, and additional assets in the mix. Elliotte Friedman said talks between Buffalo and Winnipeg are not dead, but the sides remain far apart.
For now, Hellebuyck is still a Jet.
Jason Robertson’s situation has already produced one near miss. Seattle was granted permission to negotiate with the winger, and Robertson turned down an eight-year deal worth $15 million per season, which shut down what would have been a blockbuster trade.
Dallas then spoke with Pittsburgh about another possible deal, and the Stars were reportedly looking for a Rantanen-caliber return. Robertson reaches restricted free agency on July 1, and he’s making life difficult for Dallas if it wants to move him.
Zach Werenski is drawing the widest attention of the group. The reigning Norris Trophy winner has become the hottest name on the market, with Dallas, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Philadelphia, San Jose, and Carolina all showing interest.
Dallas and Philadelphia are described as the most serious suitors, while Toronto is still involved but faces a tough task putting together an offer Columbus would accept. Werenski has full control over where he goes, which makes this one of the most unpredictable situations heading into free agency.
The Blue Jackets have been slow-playing talks, and teams are waiting for clarity. If he stays put, that could slow things down around the league.
Darnell Nurse has also asked out of Edmonton. He gave the Oilers a list of three to five teams he’d waive his no-movement clause to join, and Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Boston are believed to be on it.
Nothing sounds close right now, so the list may need to grow if a deal is going to happen. Anaheim remains interested, San Jose is creeping in, and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are still on his approved list.
If Nurse doesn’t expand his options, a return to Edmonton is still on the table.
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