NHL Offseason Trade Candidate Rankings: Top Targets for 2024

The 2024 NHL offseason has arrived.

During this period, teams around the league make many trades to try to better their rosters. Heading into the summer, the NHL has some big-name players who could get dealt. A few already have, like Jakob Chychrun, Linus Ullmark, Andrew Mangiapane, Jacob Markstrom, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Darcy Kuemper. 

As a result, let’s discuss the top 10 trade candidates for the 2024 NHL offseason now. 

NHL Trade Candidate Rankings

1. Mitch Marner – Maple Leafs 

After another first-round exit, the Maple Leafs are expected to make big moves this offseason. Because of this, superstar forward Mitch Marner is the top trade candidate heading into the summer. He had another quiet postseason and is entering the final season of his deal. With the Maple Leafs needing to make changes, he is expected to be shopped. Teams to watch include the Predators, Golden Knights, Blackhawks, Stars, and Utah. 

2. Martin Necas – Hurricanes 

The Hurricanes are actively shopping Martin Necas. Without much surprise, the young forward is generating a lot of interest, as he is a legitimate top-six forward who produces well offensively and plays a steady defensive game. Some clubs who have been connected to him so far include the Canadiens, Canucks, Blackhawks, Kraken, Flames, Jets, Flyers, and Bruins. 

3. Patrik Laine – Blue Jackets 

Patrik Laine is looking for a change of scenery, and the Blue Jackets are hoping to provide him with that. The star winger has had a tough tenure with the Blue Jackets, and there is no question that a fresh start is needed. When playing at his best, he is a legitimate star, so there should be interest around the NHL for his services. His contract is a bit of an issue, however, as he has a $8.7 million cap hit until the end of the 2025-26 season. 

4. 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 are looking to move him. The Islanders, Bruins, Predators, Kraken, Senators, and Hurricanes have all been linked to him thus far. 

5. Trevor Zegras – Ducks 

The Ducks listened to offers for star forward Trevor Zegras this season and are expected to again this offseason. 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. The Canadiens and Flyers are two clubs that have been linked to him. Utah should also be watched, as they are expected to be aggressive this summer. 

6. Rutger McGroarty – Jets

Top Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty is disgruntled with the club, and a move is expected to occur. The 2022 first-round pick is viewed as a future top-six forward, so he has generated plenty of interest around the NHL already. A move appears to be imminent. It’s just a matter of determining the eventual landing spot. 

7. Nick Robertson – Maple Leafs 

Nick Robertson recently requested a trade from the Maple Leafs, so he certainly could be moved this summer. 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.

8. Yaroslav Askarov – Predators 

With the Predators signing Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension, Yaroslav Askarov has become a big-time trade candidate. The top prospect is viewed as a future starting goalie, and he has been generating plenty of interest because of it.

9. Filip Gustavsson – Wild 

Filip Gustavsson is another goalie to watch in the rumor mill. There is a real chance that he will be moved before the start of the season, as the Wild have Jesper Wallstedt and Marc-Andre Fleury on their roster. Gustavsson would be a nice addition to a club looking for goalie help. 

10. John Gibson – Ducks 

John Gibson is starting to create more chatter as a trade candidate. The Red Wings have been connected to him as they look for a new starter. Furthermore, the Ducks have listened to offers for Gibson for a long time, so now feels like the correct time to finally move him. 

Who’s the Top NHL Trade Candidate for the 2024 offseason?

Mitch Marner is the top trade candidate heading into the 2024 NHL Offseason. Players of his skill level are not made available often, but he is expected to be shopped with the Maple Leafs desperately needing a change. The 2015 first-round pick is coming off a magnificent regular season, posting 26 goals and 85 points in 69 games. However, he cooled off dramatically during the playoffs, recording just one goal and three points in seven games.