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Cam Robinson's 2024-25 Trade Bait Big Board 2.0

NHL

MONTREAL, Quebec – We are just over three weeks away from the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline. And while the hockey world is focused on the 4 Nations Face-Off (or enjoying some much needed rest in a preferred warm climate), the shot-callers remain hard at work. 

While we have seen some bigger named players move in recent weeks, there remains several noteworthy names left on the trade board. The issue remains, however, that the sellers are few, and the buyers many.

Thanks a lot league-wide parity. 

The writing has been on the wall for sometime regarding Trevor Zegras' time in Anaheim. The 23-year-old has watched his production and usage dip year-over-year. What once looked like a superstar in the making has produced just 12 goals and 30 points in 63 games over the past two seasons. 

He remains an absolute cheat code in the shootout, though. For his career, the American has converted on 65 percent of his attempts. The league-average is under 34 percent. 

“He's absolutely out on the market.” one source told Elite Prospects. “We'll see if teams still believe they can fix him. He's still so young.”

The Ducks are in the market for a needle-mover on the blueline, but so are about 15 other clubs.

Could Chicago be involved in this one? We know they're looking for some offensive help for Connor Bedard

The Vancouver Canucks sent a fax to the other 31 clubs that Carson Soucy was available. The 30-year-old left-side defender has failed to live up to the level he had been at in recent seasons with the Canucks and Kraken. 

However, with just one more season remaining on his deal at a palatable 3.25M against the cap, there are numerous teams who could view him as an upgrade to the their third pairing. Speaking with sources around the league, a mid-round pick should suffice in obtaining Soucy. 

Keep an eye out on clubs such as the Flames, Islanders, and Red Wings.

Brock Nelson is the prototypical deadline buy. A 33-year-old on an expiring contract with a very palatable $4 million cap hit. It doesn’t hurt that he scored at a 37-goal pace in the three seasons before this one. Winning nearly 54 percent of his faceoffs and being a capable penalty killer makes him an ideal fit for the many teams searching for another top-nine pivot.

The acquisition cost shouldn’t be overly difficult for contenders to swallow. The Islanders will likely want a late first-round pick and a mid-level prospect. There have been some discussions between the Islanders and Nelson's camp about an extension. And with the Isles 7-2-1 in their last 10, they may convince themselves to keep Nelson – even without an extension in place. 

Some teams to watch are the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Reports came out earlier this month that Noah Dobson's name was out there. It was unclear if the club was shopping the 25-year-old defender or if he was brought up in a specific deal to land a major piece. 

However, on Wednesday, Dobson moved on from his long-time agent, Andrew Maloney and has signed with the super group, Wasserman. Players don't swap agents on a whim. Clearly, Dobson has been uninspired with his representation as he heads into a very important contract negotiation. 

Now, does this mean that he'll request a trade? That the Islanders will shop him heavily before the deadline? It seems unlikely. As an impending restricted free agent, this remains an asset that is under team control even after his contract expires. There shouldn't be a lot of rush to make a move. However, if the right piece becomes available, he's clearly the top piece that could viably move the other direction. 

It’s not too often we see a 40-goal man on an expiring contract not be the focal point of discusses by fans and media. This is doubly so for a Canadian club. But that’s where we are with Brock Boeser

The American winger will turn 28 later this month and is wrapping up a three-year deal worth 6.65M per. Sources have indicated to Elite Prospects that teams around the league are expecting Boeser to be an option at the trade deadline. But that’s not yet an assuredy. 

The Canucks and Boeser’s representation continue to discuss potential extensions, but it appears term remains a sticking point. For Boeser, this is his final crack at a lengthy deal. Its understood that should he go to market on July 1st, that more than a few teams would be interested in offering him a seven-year sheet in an around his request of ~8M per season. 

Last year, Jake Guentzel – a more proven producer in a similar situation collected a roster player in Michael Bunting, a conditional 1st round pick, and three decent prospects. Something in the same realm – but slightly less, could be the expected ask from Vancouver if they decide to move him. 

Watch out for the New Jersey, Los Angelos, Detroit, and even Ottawa as potential landing spots should he be made available ahead of the deadline. Teams are definitely calling. 


Despite opening up the budget and spending big in free agency, things just haven’t worked out in Nashville this season. The team sits comfortably among the bottom five and will be eyeing the draft lottery. Moving out assets is inevitable.

That said, they don’t need to move Ryan O’Reilly. He has two more years remaining at $4.5 million. But the 33-year-old represents their most obvious trade chip, one that could yield significant value. O’Reilly remains one of the league’s top faceoff specialists, has a well-documented history of playoff excellence, and is a respected presence in the dressing room.

Sources indicate Nashville will be looking for a return similar to that of Nelson—a first-round pick as the core asset.


The last centre on the list is Seattle Kraken pivot, Yanni Gourde. The 33-year-old is in the final year of his six-season pact that pays him 5.17M. Gourde continues to rehab from an injury that has kept him out of action for nearly a month, but his return to action appears close.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion brings impeccable experience and strong defensive abilities. His days of scoring 20 goals are behind him, but several clubs would love to slide him into a third-line role for the post-season.

Sources have indicated that Seattle could be looking for a first-round pick and a mid-level prospect in return.

Could this finally be the year that John Gibson is liberated from Anaheim? It’s been the worst-kept secret in hockey that both player and team have been open and ready for a change, but circumstances haven’t allowed for it.

With two more seasons at $6.4 million per season, the 31-year-old’s contract is slowly becoming less prohibitive. Sources have indicated that the Ducks are willing to retain some of that salary – especially if it meant a more impactful return. The bigger issue is finding a team that believes the American stopper can represent an upgrade – even at say, $4 million per season.

Gibson has let it be known that he prefers Carolina or Edmonton as a destination. However, the biggest desire is to be the No. 1 netminder in his new locale.

Another upcoming RFA defender hits the list in Bowen Byram. The 23-year-old has been productive this season, but more importantly, he's been healthy. His next game will tie be his 55th and will tie his career-high. 

The problem is, Buffalo has a glut of left-shot defenders. Rasmus Dahlin isn't going anywhere. Owen Power is in Year No. 1 of a seven-year pact that pays him a heft 8.35M per. Sources indicate that Byram is looking for a contact in the similar stratosphere as Power, which isn't all that surprising. 

Byram has produced at the same rate. Plays more minutes at even-strength and the penalty kill. Has more goals, hits, and blocks. He wants the chance to be the guy and Buffalo can't offer that. 

This is another situation that doesn't have a real clock on it. The Sabres can take their time and move him at the draft if need be. 

After a tidy 22-goal, 45-point season in 2023-24, Nick Bjugstad has struggled to match the level of play this season. However, he's a big-body with a palatable cap hit and plays the middle of the ice. 

Teams who miss out on some of the bigger name pivots will check in on the 32-year-old Bjugstad to add depth. 

Once upon a time, Seth Jones was regarded as a true No. 1 defenseman. However, his time in Chicago has produced varying results for the fifth-highest-paid defender in the league. It’s been reported that teams have been calling on Jones, but Elite Prospects has been told that Chicago is not actively shopping the 30-year-old.

With five more years remaining on his contract, this would be a difficult move to pull off – one that would likely require cap retention and a significant contract heading back to Chicago

We’ve kept Elias Pettersson this list as a safeguard in case something changes. However, sources have indicated to Elite Prospects that the Canucks have officially pulled the 26-year-old off of the market. 

The club is hopeful that with J.T. Miller out of town that a cloud has been lifted from Pettersson and the entire Vancouver dressing room. Recent play has indicated a flip may be starting to flip as well. A positive experience at the 4 Nations Face-Off could go a long way in helping turn that light back on. 

Let’s not forget that one year ago, Pettersson departed for the NHL All Star game on a 45-goal, 109-point pace. It hasn’t been that long since this was a truly elite piece. 


 

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