Trades have been picking up again in the NHL lately. Last week’s top trade candidate on our list, Yaroslav Askarov, was traded by the Predators to the Sharks. This was after former top trade targets Patrik Laine and Rutger McGroarty were moved the week before. With this, it is quite possible that we could see more trades go down before the start of the campaign.
As a result, let’s discuss the Top 10 trade candidates for the 2024 NHL offseason now.
NHL Trade Candidate Rankings
| Rank | Player | Team | Last Week |
| 1 | Nick Robertson | Maple Leafs | 4 |
| 2 | Trevor Zegras | Ducks | 2 |
| 3 | Nikolaj Ehlers | Jets | 3 |
| 4 | Kaapo Kakko | Rangers | 5 |
| 5 | Arthur Kaliyev | Kings | 6 |
| 6 | David Savard | Canadiens | 7 |
| 7 | Scott Laughton | Flyers | 8 |
| 8 | Frank Vatrano | Ducks | 9 |
| 9 | Aaron Ekblad | Panthers | 10 |
| 10 | Oliver Wahlstrom | Islanders | NR |
1. Nick Robertson – Maple Leafs
Earlier this summer, Nick Robertson requested a trade from the Maple Leafs. He has yet to be moved at this point, but that very well could change. It was recently reported that Robertson is still looking for a change of scenery, naturally making him a player to watch over the next few weeks. The young forward should generate interest around the league, as he has the tools to become a top-six forward in the future. He also had a career year in 2023-24, recording 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games.
2. Trevor Zegras – Ducks
The Ducks listened to offers for star forward Trevor Zegras this past season, and it carried over to the summer. The Ducks have several young forwards with great upside in their system, so Zegras could be made expendable if it means adding a star defenseman.
3. Nikolaj Ehlers – Jets
Nikolaj Ehlers is generating a lot of attention in trade chatter. After an early exit in the playoffs, the Jets are set to make some moves, and Ehlers is their top trade candidate. He has made it known that he does not wish to sign an extension, so the Jets have looked to move him. The Islanders, Kraken, Senators, and Hurricanes have all been linked to him this offseason.
4. Kaapo Kakko – Rangers
Kaapo Kakko has once again been a popular name in the rumor mill this offseason. The former top prospect has had trouble cementing himself as a top-six winger and struggled in 2023-24. With the Rangers looking to win, they could move Kakko to help land a player who will make them better immediately.
5. Arthur Kaliyev – Kings
Arthur Kaliyev is another young forward who wants a change of scenery. The 23-year-old had a down season with the Kings, recording just seven goals and 15 points in 51 games. While it was a rough year for the 2019 second-round pick, his past success and good upside should lead to teams calling. The Sabres, Canadiens, and Senators have been connected to him.
6. David Savard – Canadiens
Canadiens defenseman David Savard was a popular player in the rumor mill leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline but stayed put. However, when noting that the Canadiens are rebuilding and Savard is entering the final year of his deal, he undoubtedly is a player to watch in trade talks yet again. Some clubs who have been connected to him in the past include the Oilers, Avalanche, and Stars.
7. Scott Laughton – Flyers
Flyers forward Scott Laughton was one of the NHL’s top trade candidates this past season but did not get moved. However, with the Flyers rebuilding and Laughton being a veteran with plenty of trade value, he could be moved for the right price, whether during the summer or this upcoming season.
8. Frank Vatrano – Ducks
Frank Vatrano had a sensational year for the Ducks in 2023-24, posting new career highs with 37 goals, 23 assists, and 60 points. Teams around the NHL expressed interest in him this past season, and that should carry over to next season. This is especially so when noting that the Massachusetts native is entering the final season of his deal.
9. Aaron Ekblad – Panthers
Aaron Ekblad has created some chatter as a trade candidate this summer. While the Panthers already lost Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from their blueline, Ekblad is also entering the final season of his deal. If made available, he would be a valuable trade chip and could help the Panthers bring in talent elsewhere.
10. Oliver Wahlstrom – Islanders
Oliver Wahlstrom has been in the rumor mill for quite some time, but the Islanders have yet to find him a new home. It is understandable that he has been made available, as he has become the odd man out in their forward group. However, given that he is a former first-rounder who has shown promise in the past, there could be a club out there willing to take a shot on him.
Who’s the Top NHL Trade Candidate for the 2024 offseason?
With Yaroslav Askarov being traded, Nick Robertson is now the NHL’s top trade candidate during the final weeks of the offseason. The young forward is still hoping to be traded and could be a strong addition to a club needing help on the wing. At 22 years old, the skilled winger still has the potential to take that next step and blossom into a top-six forward.
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