David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
With the NHL free-agent market picked clean of top talent, let’s check out the latest speculation on some of this summer’s notable remaining trade candidates:
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
The standoff continues between Eichel and the Sabres’ front office over treatment for the herniated disc in his neck. included the New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets as possible suitors but there’s no indication he’s close to being moved.
Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues
On July 31, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the 29-year-old winger has completely relaxed his no-trade clause. However, the trade market is drying up as clubs address their need for scoring forwards via free agency. Thomas believes the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes have the cap space to absorb Tarasenko’s $7.5-million cap hit.
Christian Dvorak, Arizona Coyotes
Dvorak’s garnered attention from clubs seeking a skilled two-way center. Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy reports the Bruins had trade discussions with the Coyotes over two weeks ago but they seem to have reached a stalemate.
Phil Kessel, Arizona Coyotes
AZ Coyotes Insider’ Craig Morgan reported Kessel’s representatives approached Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong about trading their client before the season opens. The 33-year-old winger would like to play for the Golden Knights but a source told Morgan they’re not interested.
Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli had both wingers high on his July 29 list of trade targets as the Golden Knights sought to balance their forward lines. No word on whether either winger is being shopped. Wyshynski suggested Smith as part of a possible package offer for Eichel.
