With less than three weeks to go before the National Hockey League (NHL) transaction deadline, negotiations are going well in Bettman County.
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Big players like Bo Horvat and Vladimir Tarasenko have already been traded and they shouldn’t be the only ones changing addresses until March 3rd. Here are seven skaters that could be traded very soon:
Jacob Chychrun
Last Saturday, the Arizona Coyotes publicly announced that the 24-year-old defenseman would be out of uniform for “trade-related” reasons. Two days later, head coach André Tourigny said Jakob Chychrun would no longer wear his team’s colors “until something happens”. The organization therefore cannot be clearer in their intention to send Chychrun elsewhere. The guard has 28 points in 36 games so far in 2022-23. His contract is also a big plus for the teams that are targeting him. In fact, he has a valid deal through 2024-2025 and is “only” raking in $4.6 million a year.
Ryan O’Reilly
The St. Louis Blues appear to be at a crossroads and could part ways with captain, forward Ryan O’Reilly. Considered one of the best centers of his generation on both sides of the ice, he has waned significantly this season. The 32-year-old veteran could become an unrestricted free agent next summer and is a great candidate for a team looking for a loan skater. O’Reilly has already expressed his desire to remain in St. Louis, but the Blues’ intentions regarding him are still unclear.
Timo Meier
The 26-year-old Swiss has been the subject of several transaction rumors for several months. His time appears limited with the San Jose Sharks, who should make him a qualifying offer of $10 million to ensure his services next summer. Timo Meier has 30 goals and 21 assists for 51 points in 54 games so far this season. Teams looking for a forward for their first two lines would be satisfied if they could get their hands on Meier.
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews
Rain or shine with the Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have won three Stanley Cups over the years. The two agreed on July 9, 2014 to identical eight-year deals worth $84 million. And now it looks like their Illinois run will end at the same time.
Kane and Toews, who have 35 and 28 points respectively this season, will actually be unrestricted free agents this summer. The Blackhawks, who are at the bottom of the NHL standings, will surely want to trade them lest they lose them for nothing.
Joel Edmundson
The Montreal Canadiens have been in the midst of a rebuilding process since vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes took over. In that sense, Edmundson could serve as a bargaining chip.
If he’s currently injured — his condition is reassessed every day — 29-year-old Edmundson represents an interesting option as he has one season left before the $3.5 million-a-year autonomy. Salary is certainly reasonable for an effective 6’5″ Stanley Cup winning guard.
Jesse Puljujarvi
It’s no secret that the Jesse Puljujarvi experience isn’t a hit with the Edmonton Oilers. Picked fourth overall in the 2016 draft, the forward is unable to establish himself on an offensive line within the Alberta formation. The latter has high ambitions in the playoffs and may be tempted to trade the Finn to attract a player who will help her more in her quest for success. Puljujarvi could become a restricted free agent in July and there’s no sign the Oilers want to continue working with him.