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The NHL trade conversation never sleeps, and there are already several names worth watching this regular season.
Rebuilding teams, non-competitors and salary-constrained clubs are usually the easiest targets when talking about trade candidates. With that in mind, the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Maple Leafs could be teams to watch.
Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks do not promise to be a very competitive team this season and it is already known that the team is open to transfer defenseman Cam Fowler. He is committed to his role at the club but is also open to a move.
“If there is any situation that makes sense for both Cam and the hockey club, then we will explore something,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek told reporters in September.
The sticking point could be two years of Fowler earning $6.5 million per season. That's not an easy pill to swallow for many teams, and competing teams that could use him currently only have $3.25 million available, assuming the Ducks are willing to keep 50 percent of his salary.
That said, a Fowler trade is likely this season. It might just depend on which team needs him the most and how soon. If a team like the Edmonton Oilers find they are struggling without a true number 4, they may show interest. If the Carolina Hurricanes' replacements, who were supposed to replace Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce, don't pan out, they could call. Perhaps St. Louis Blues will continue their efforts to be more competitive and try to replace Torey Krug.
Fowler has a four-team trade list but is said to be willing to expand it.
Related: NHL Rumors Roundup: Will Another Top Goalie Get a Swayman-Like Raise?
Andrei Kuzmenko, RW, Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames may have a list of potential trade candidates. This is a team that is rebuilding and may be better than commonly believed, but it is still not destined for the playoffs. Flames general manager Craig Conroy will likely be taking calls and making player purchases ahead of the trade deadline, and one name that could bring in a significant return is Andrei Kuzmenko.
Kuzmenko recorded an assist in his first game of the season against his former team, the Vancouver Canucks, playing alongside Nazem Kadri and Samuel Honzek. He also logged the most power play time of any Flames forward in the game as a first-unit option. Although he has a cap hit of $5.5 million this season, he is awaiting UFA status to serve as an effective loanee.
If Kuzmenko explodes offensively, there's a chance the Flames could talk to him about a contract extension, but the return Calgary could get at the deadline might be too tempting to resist.
Kuzmenko has a 12-team no-trade list, according to PuckPedia.
Evander Kane, LW, Edmonton Oilers
Ryan Kennedy recently mentioned Evander Kane as a potential trade candidate. He mentioned that given his scoring role, goal-scoring record and the number of goal scorers they added in the summer, Kane may be expendable.
That said, Kennedy rightly noted that if this happens, it won't happen anytime soon. Kane is injured and will likely be out for five to six months. This will make it virtually impossible for the Oilers to take him this window.
On the other hand, the Oilers may realize how much they missed what Kane brings to the team once he recovers. He is tough, can score goals and does not allow the opponent any freedom. Edmonton is missing that element without Kane in the lineup, and that will be key for them in the playoffs.
If the Oilers win against Vegas or Tampa Bay and keep Kane for the rest of the season, it would be a great addition to his return without the consequences of missing a goal. However, if a deal does happen, it could happen in the offseason. He also has a full no-traffic clause.
Morgan Frost, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Frost was a household name among trade bait boards despite a strong finish to the 2023-24 NHL season. Frost, once on a hot streak, finished last season with 30 points in his final 44 games. His resurgence might suggest things are better now, but there were questions last season about his relationship with coach John Tortorella.
Other teams will show interest if Frost is productive in 2024-2025. “Frost” not only has advantages, but also has the potential to break through. That said, if he struggles with consistency again and the rebuilding Flyers see an opportunity to find someone else who better fits their long-term plans, Frost could be an asset.
Frost, 25, has a cap hit of $2.1 million and will be an RFA with arbitration rights next summer, which could lead to him earning UFA status in 2026. This scenario creates an urgent need for the Flyers to make a decision on his future because he is one of the few true centers of the team.
James van Riemsdyk, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have signed James van Riemsdyk, who will help them break the salary cap and provide the team with good offensive depth this season.
The team likely won't be in the playoffs until the trade deadline, so expect trades as the deadline approaches. Van Riemsdyk could be a potential option.
It took van Riemsdyk months to find a team that would sign him without PTO. He signed a one-year deal worth $900,000 to Columbus. Why so few teams were willing to give him a chance is surprising considering he scored 11 goals and 38 points in 71 games for Boston in 2023-24. This player feels he has something to prove and can get excellent scoring opportunities. This could make van Riemsdyk a player teams will keep an eye on ahead of the trade deadline.
He doesn't have any trade protection, so the team can move him anywhere they feel will give them a decent return.
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