Five players who could be moved in the first month of season if their teams get off to a slow start
Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News: Many teams are entering the season with a little more breathing room with their salary cap. With some extra space available, it may be easier for teams to pull off some trades earlier in the season. A look at some players who could be on the move before the end of October if they’re teams are falling in the standings.
1. Ryan O’Reilly – Nashville Predators – One year left on his contract. He doesn’t have a full no-trade clause, but the Preds have treated him like he does. Many teams would love to have him.
2. Zach Whitecloud – Calgary Flames – Two years left on his deal at $2.75 million. That contract has added value, and the Flames could continue their shift to getting younger.
3. Jared McCann – Seattle Kraken – The 30-year-old is entering the last year of his deal at $5 million. The Kraken would be looking to add picks and prospects.
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4. Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets – If the Jets go into rebuild mode, the 27-year-old may draw some interest. He carries a $7.5 million cap hit through 2031, and no trade protection.
5. Alexis Lafreniere – New York Rangers – Entering another season of, will this be the year? Hasn’t hit 60 points yet. A slow start by the Rangers could put him back in the rumor mill. They should still ask for a lot for him.
The Philadelphia Flyers have been looking to add a big-named player. Would Quinn Hughes catch their eye?
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: (mailbag) If you’re a Philadelphia Flyers fan, would keep an eye on what is going on between the Minnesota Wild and defenseman Quinn Hughes, who might want to move closer to the East Coast.
Hughes has a good relationship with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet from their days in Vancouver. He’s friends with Trevor Zegras. The Flyers did have interest in Hughes before the Canucks dealt him to Minnesota, but were told the Canucks were interested in trading him to the Flyers. The Flyers checked in with the Columbus Blue Jackets about Zach Werenski when their situation hit a rough patch. They made the offer sheet for Leo Carlsson. The Flyers are big game hunting.
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The Flyers would definitely want a contract extension in place to make any deal, and maybe okay it being as little as three years. There is the speculation of both Quinn and Jack having their contracts up at the same time.
Among the other names brought up, Robert Thomas is staying in St. Louis as he was named captain. The Flyers checked in on Dylan Larkin, and they are not on his trade list. The futures of Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews depend on how those teams do over the next year.
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