NHL trade rumors: Top 10 trade candidates in 2020-21

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 07: Jonas Brodin #25 and Matt Dumba #24 of the Minnesota Wild look on during the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on April 7, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 07: Jonas Brodin #25 and Matt Dumba #24 of the Minnesota Wild look on during the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on April 7, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 05: Brandon Saad #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks to pass under pressure from Ethan Bear #74 of the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center on March 05, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 05: Brandon Saad #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks to pass under pressure from Ethan Bear #74 of the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center on March 05, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

6. Brandon Saad

Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Position: LW
Age: 27

Brandon Saad’s future with the Chicago Blackhawks will likely serve as a talking point throughout the summer ahead — in large part because of the cap navigation that general manager Stan Bowman shall be required to undertake relatively soon.

While the 27-year-old enjoyed a productive 2019-20 campaign — tallying 21 goals and 12 assists for 33 points in 58 games played — the left winger’s status as a member of the Blackhawks remains a topic of rumination. Saad was a subject of trade talk leading up to the Feb. 24 deadline, as the hockey world contemplated whether the Boston Bruins would look to make room for a top-six winger of his caliber.

Going forward, one can expect Saad’s name to continue to occupy the talk circuit of NHL circles.

Given that Chicago will have to extend key assets in Dylan Strome (C) and Dominik Kubalik (LW) in the upcoming months — the former of whom notched 12 goals and 38 points in 58 games, while the latter amassed an impressive 30 goals and 46 points in 68 games — look for the rumor mill to operate in full swing.