The NHL offseason is gradually winding down, yet several players remain on the trade block as teams prepare for the upcoming season. As the 2024-25 campaign approaches, many franchises seem content with their current rosters, leading to a slowdown in trade activity. However, a few notable names continue to circulate in trade discussions.

One of the most significant players in trade talks is Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Following another disappointing playoff exit, the Maple Leafs are expected to make substantial changes to their lineup. Marner, who is entering the final year of his contract, has been a focal point in these discussions. Despite a stellar regular season where he scored 26 goals and recorded 85 points in 69 games, his performance in the playoffs was lackluster, with only one goal and three points in seven games. This inconsistency has fueled speculation about his future with the team, and several clubs, including the Nashville Predators and the Vegas Golden Knights, are reportedly interested in acquiring him.

Another player generating buzz is Martin Necas from the Carolina Hurricanes. The young forward is drawing considerable interest due to his offensive capabilities and solid defensive play. Teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks are among those linked to Necas as the Hurricanes actively seek a trade. His potential departure is not surprising, given that he has been a consistent contributor to the team’s success.

Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets is also looking for a change of scenery. After a challenging period with the Blue Jackets, Laine’s future is uncertain. He has been under the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and recently had a minor shoulder procedure. Despite these challenges, Laine’s talent as a former 44-goal scorer makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their roster. However, his substantial contract, which carries an $8.7 million cap hit until the end of the 2025-26 season, complicates potential trades.

Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets is another name on the trade block. With one year remaining before he becomes a free agent, the Jets are exploring trade options for Ehlers, who is known for his offensive skills. The team’s limited salary cap space and the need to make roster adjustments have prompted them to listen to offers for the winger.

Goaltender Jacob Markstrom is also a player to watch as trade rumors swirl around him. After being linked to the New Jersey Devils earlier in the offseason, Markstrom’s future remains uncertain. His contract, which has two years left with an average annual value of $6 million, includes a full no-movement clause, giving him significant control over any potential trades. Despite these hurdles, teams in need of a reliable starting goaltender may be willing to meet the Calgary Flames’ asking price, which could include a first-round pick and a promising young player.

As the offseason progresses, the trade market remains relatively quiet, but the potential for movement exists. With teams assessing their rosters and the salary cap situation improving, the landscape could shift quickly. Players like Marner, Necas, Laine, Ehlers, and Markstrom are among those to keep an eye on as the NHL navigates the final stages of the offseason. The next few weeks will be critical for teams looking to make impactful changes before the season begins, and the trade block could see increased activity as decisions are made regarding these key players.

As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, teams seem to feel quite secure with their current lineups. The trade market has significantly slowed down, with most activity limited to signing restricted free agents. While there are still some unrestricted free agents available, their impact on potential trades appears minimal.

However, this lull in activity is not expected to last indefinitely. Once the NHL season gets underway, trade rumors are likely to resurface with vigor. Speculation is already building around which players might become unexpected trade targets during the 2024-25 season.

Lyle Richardson from Bleacher Report has identified a list of ten players who could still be on the trading block as August progresses, although it may be a relatively quiet month for trades. The question remains whether these surprising names will be moved as the year unfolds or even during the season itself.

Despite the current calm, teams are always assessing their rosters and looking for opportunities to improve. As the season begins, the dynamics can shift quickly, leading to renewed interest in trades. The anticipation surrounding potential trades adds an element of excitement as fans and analysts alike speculate on which players might find themselves in new uniforms by the time the season progresses.

In summary, while the NHL offseason is currently subdued, the potential for trade activity looms on the horizon as teams prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.

Martin Necas

Martin Necas was a prominent figure in trade discussions during the early stages of the offseason, but the Carolina Hurricanes have since put those talks on hold by signing him to a two-year contract. This agreement allows the Hurricanes to avoid arbitration while securing Necas, who was a restricted free agent.

However, signing Necas doesn’t necessarily mean the Hurricanes will completely abandon trade discussions. Reports indicate that the team had a potential deal lined up with the Buffalo Sabres, but that fell through.

The Hurricanes had set a high asking price for Necas, likely seeking significant assets that the Winnipeg Jets were not willing to give up.

If the 2024-25 season begins and Necas fails to meet expectations, his contract does not contain any clauses that would bind him to Carolina. He remains a player with considerable potential, making him an appealing target for many teams.

The two-year contract worth $6.5 million annually is seen as a favorable deal that could attract interest from several franchises looking to enhance their rosters.

Yakov Skarov

The Nashville Predators find themselves in a favorable situation regarding their goaltending. They have a reliable starter in Juuse Saros, who is frequently mentioned in Vezina Trophy discussions, alongside one of the top goaltending prospects in the world, Yaroslav Askarov.

Following the Predators’ recent signing of Saros to a substantial eight-year contract extension, Askarov has become a central figure in trade discussions. With Saros secured for the long term, it seems likely that Askarov’s future may lie elsewhere.

Although Askarov has only played three games in the NHL, he has demonstrated significant potential in the American Hockey League, boasting a record of 56 wins, 29 losses, and 6 overtime losses over 92 games.

If the Predators encounter a situation where they need to make a move, Askarov represents one of the most valuable trade assets in the league.