NHL Trade Rumors: 15 players who may be moved this summer

As we approach the conclusion of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, let’s explore the top 15 players who could be moved in the summer ahead.

It is the calm before the storm — one that looms on the not-so-distant horizon.

With the Stanley Cup Finals nearing its conclusion, the focus among many approaches a fundamental shift, as the prospect of a particularly active trade market promises to fan the flames of speculation. And while the talk circuit of the National Hockey League continues to be centered on the very real threat of offer sheets, the idea of an aggressive administrative front becomes all the more likely.

Underlining this narrative is the race for the sport’s most esteemed prize, as the battle-tested Boston Bruins face off against the resolute St. Louis Blues for Lord Stanley’s trophy. Just a few seasons ago, the former was widely perceived to be a franchise on the decline, as the club failed to qualify for the postseason in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The latter, too, has experienced its fair share of dark days — the most recent of which crescendoed on Jan. 3 of this year, when the team was in last place in the NHL.

The success of both the Bruins and the Blues speaks to a relatively new development in the world of hockey, as the process required to usher forth a rebuild has been reconceptualized over the course of the last half decade. As such, it is reasonable to expect some of the league’s general managers to operate in a manner that reflects the trend at hand. For if the finals are within reach of organizations that were written off a matter of years — or mere months — ago, then the race to acquire the holy grail is seemingly anybody’s game.

Which brings us to the present moment. The NHL’s administrative body appears to be willing to embrace the challenge of welcoming bolder moves in the summer as opposed to next season’s trade deadline — especially if said decisions result in an (almost) immediate degree of success.

With that, let’s explore 15 players who are set to become prime trade candidates in the offseason.

15. Nikita Zaitsev

Age: 27
Position: D
Current Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

It is tough to play in Toronto — especially as a defender. It is that much more difficult when the organization has encountered a form of heartbreak at the hands of its chief rival. The fanbase is among the most passionate in the league, which makes losing all the more stress-inducing when the club finds itself caught in the doldrums.

In many ways, Nikita Zaitsev has become one of the poster boys for the Maple Leafs’ shortcomings. The 27-year-old is equipped with a wide range of tools for success — terrific skating, decent penalty killing and an ability to play key minutes on the power play — but the manner in which he has been utilized in Mike Babcock’s system serves as one of the more significant markers against the Buds’ structural makeup. In particular, the defender’s struggle to adapt to a shutdown role has caused many to question the franchise’s decision to sign him to a $4.5 million contract that lasts through 2023-24.

That Zaitsev’s desire to be traded has evolved into a talking point in the public arena is an unexpected reality. In a recent interview with a Russian outlet, the defenseman expressed frustration at both the way that he has been deployed, as well as the narrative surrounding his tenure in Toronto, singling out Don Cherry as the primary force behind the perpetuation of ill-fitted coverage. As a result, Maple Leafs’ GM Kyle Dubas announced that the team will try to oblige Zaitsev’s request, citing “personal reasons” as the motivating factor behind the defender’s looming departure.

The Maple Leafs are in no position to retain salary, but the widespread need for defensemen — particularly on the right side — is a sure reminder that a Zaitsev trade is within the realm of possibility.