The 2024-25 NHL season is officially here. Now, hockey fans will get the chance to see the new players that their favorite teams added during the busy 2024 NHL Offseason.ย
While there was plenty of movement around the NHL during the summer, there should only be more during the regular season. There are several players in the rumor mill entering the new season.
As a result, letโs discuss the Top 10 trade candidates for the 2024-25 season now.ย ย
NHL Trade Deadline Player Rankings
Rank | Player | Team | Last Week |
1 | Jeremy Swayman | Bruins | NR |
2 | Nick Robertson | Maple Leafs | 1 |
3 | Trevor Zegras | Ducks | 2 |
4 | Nikolaj Ehlers | Jets | 3 |
5 | Kaapo Kakko | Rangers | 4 |
6 | Calle Jarnkrok | Maple Leafs | 6 |
7 | David Savard | Canadiens | 6 |
8 | Scott Laughton | Flyers | 7 |
9 | Frank Vatrano | Ducks | 8 |
10 | Conor Timmins | Maple Leafs | 9 |
1. Jeremy Swayman – Bruinsย
The Bruins have yet to sign restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman, and now his future is starting to look questionable in Boston. This is especially so after negotiations got very sour this week. Rumors surrounding the star goalie have picked up because of it, so he is a clear player to watch in the trade market from here.ย
2. Nick Robertson – Maple Leafsย
During the 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.
3. Trevor Zegras – Ducksย
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.
4. Nikolaj Ehlers – Jetsย
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 were all linked to him this offseason.ย
5. Kaapo Kakko – Rangersย
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.ย
6. Calle Jarnkrok – Maple Leafsย ย
With the Maple Leafs needing to free up cap space, Calle Jarnkrok has been starting to create a good amount of chatter in the rumor mill. The Maple Leafs are reportedly listening to offers for the veteran forward, and he could be a decent player for clubs needing a boost on their third line. It also does not hurt that he can play all three forward positions.ย ย
7. David Savard – Canadiensย
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.
8. Scott Laughton – Flyersย
Flyers forward Scott Laughton was one of the NHLโs 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.ย
9. Frank Vatrano – Ducksย
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.ย
10. Conor Timmins – Maple Leafsย
Conor Timmins has become the odd man out on the Maple Leafsโ blueline. Because of this, the right-shot defender is reportedly available for the right price. A team looking for help on the right side of their blueline could consider taking a flier on the 26-year-old.
Whoโs the Top NHL Trade Candidate for the 2024-25 Season?ย
Bruins star goalie Jeremy Swayman is currently the top trade candidate heading into the 2024-25 season. If the Bruins and Swayman are unable to work through the bitterness of their negotiations, the Original Six club may have no choice but to listen to offers for him. Thus, he is the top player in the rumor mill right now.ย
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