The Nashville Predators are getting calls on Brady Skjei, but the contract is proving to be the hang-up.
According to David Pagnotta on DFO Insider, there are clubs that have checked in, yet some are hesitant to absorb the full deal. Skjei still has four years remaining at $7 million per season, and that price tag is a big part of the discussion.
In Vancouver, the focus appears to be shifting toward a younger, more NHL-ready mix. The Fourth Period reported that Canucks GM Ryan Johnson is open to moving veterans Jake DeBrusk, Drew O’Connor, Filip Chytil and Luke Schenn as part of an effort to get younger while still bringing in players with NHL experience.
DeBrusk is still believed to be available. He’s 30, has four years left on his contract, and carries a full no-move clause that becomes a 15-team no-trade clause in July.
Schenn has a no-movement clause, though he may be willing to go to a contender. O’Connor and Chytil do not have trade protection.
There’s also interest in Washington Capitals forward Ivan Miroshnichenko, who has one year left on his deal at $1.85 million. Vancouver is one of several teams said to be in on him, along with the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
Toronto, meanwhile, is keeping tabs on the defense market and seems intent on being selective. David Alter of Ozoon reported that the Maple Leafs are prepared to move premium assets only if the player is a true difference-maker, and they’re also open to sending out an older player in exchange for someone younger.
One name that has surfaced is Zach Whitecloud. He has one year left at $2.75 million and could require an A-level prospect or a first-round pick.
Rasmus Ristolainen is another option, though the Philadelphia Flyers defenseman is a pending UFA carrying a $5.1 million cap hit and dealing with injury issues again this season. If Toronto goes that route, money would likely have to be retained.
Cheaper blue-line targets could include Carson Soucy, Brenden Dillon and Nick Perbix. Those players would fit lower on the depth chart and might cost only a mid-round pick.
The biggest swings are the most difficult to pull off. Simon Edvinsson and Alexander Nikishin were mentioned as higher-end possibilities, but the Maple Leafs’ cap situation for next season makes long-term money a tough fit.
As for tradeable pieces, the report pointed to Colorado’s 2027 first-round pick, prospects Ben Danford and Tinus Luc Koblar, and roster options such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Easton Cowan.