NHL Offseason Trade Market Activity
As the NHL’s offseason progresses, it may seem like a quiet time for many franchises, yet several teams could still be active in the trade market. A handful of teams, in particular, might not be done reshaping their rosters after the initial wave of free agency. Here’s a closer look at those teams and their potential plans for roster adjustments.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames were among the quieter teams during free agency, bringing in only minor additions such as defenseman Nick Cicek and goalie Ivan Prosvetov. However, GM Craig Conroy still holds onto a significant trade asset in Rasmus Andersson. The two-way defenseman has one year left on his contract and contributed 31 points last season. With a scarcity of quality defensemen in the market, trading Andersson could yield substantial returns.
Still, Conroy might hesitate due to the potential setback the Flames could face without Andersson in their lineup. They currently lack the depth needed to compete effectively in the Pacific Division, making it vital for the organization to consider trading veterans like Andersson to secure valuable draft picks and younger talent. While the Flames are not in the throes of a rebuild, moving Andersson could be a strategic move that pays dividends for the future.
Edmonton Oilers
In Edmonton, the focus remains on the goaltending situation. The Oilers are considering sticking with last year’s tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, despite their inconsistent playoff performances. While they successfully reached the Stanley Cup Final in successive seasons, concerns linger, especially with both goalies struggling to achieve a save percentage above .900 in the postseason.
Currently, the market for experienced goalies is somewhat limited, with Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer as the top options remaining. However, the Oilers face a challenge with only $225,834 available in salary cap space, making any major changes tricky without offloading other players. For Oilers fans, the uncertainty surrounding the goaltending situation raises questions about whether the current crew can deliver a championship run, highlighting the urgency for GM Ken Holland to explore potential upgrades sooner rather than later.
Minnesota Wild
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild have taken a conservative approach this offseason, adding players like Vladimir Tarasenko, Nico Sturm, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. With about $10.1 million in salary cap space, attention turns to the future of restricted free agent Marco Rossi. Despite a solid season that saw him tally 24 goals and 36 assists, Rossi’s limited role in the postseason raises doubts about his long-term future in Minnesota.
Considering these factors, it wouldn’t be surprising if GM Bill Guerin sought a trade involving Rossi to address roster needs. Alternatively, there might be an opportunity for a short-term contract extension that allows Rossi to prove himself further. Whatever direction they choose, the urgency to resolve Rossi’s status is clear to avoid complications as training camp approaches.
Montreal Canadiens
On the other hand, the Montreal Canadiens made waves earlier this summer by acquiring Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, marking the most significant trade of the offseason. Although technically over the salary cap by $5.93 million—due to Carey Price’s contract not being placed on long-term injured reserve yet—Montreal anticipates around $4.57 million in cap space once Price’s deal is accounted for. This gives GM Kent Hughes enough room to bolster the forward lines, which are in need of reinforcement.
Hughes has adeptly constructed the team’s roster and may prefer to hold onto his cap space until mid-season when the need for additional depth arises. Aiming for a playoff berth again, the Canadiens are expected to exhaust their cap resources to improve their roster ahead of the trade deadline, signaling a return to aggressiveness in roster moves that fans were eagerly awaiting.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs recently found themselves in a rare position of having available cap space after settling the Mitch Marner situation. GM Brad Treliving quickly filled that space by acquiring players like Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli, trimming their cap space to approximately $2.93 million. Some of these funds might be earmarked for restricted free agent Nick Robertson, although his role has become uncertain post-trades.
With Robertson being the only remaining RFA eligible for arbitration, the Leafs face a decision about his future with the team. They could also consider adding a veteran forward on a professional tryout contract as they did successfully last season with Max Pacioretty. Given the increasing importance of depth for competing teams, how Toronto utilizes its remaining cap will be a focal point in discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Conclusion
In summary, while several NHL teams may appear inactive now, strategic moves could unfold in the coming weeks as they navigate roster adjustments and roster optimization strategies in preparation for the next season.
