We have already seen a number of trades around the NHL by Christmas this season, but there is plenty more to come, some sooner than others and could be in the first half of January. There are three teams in particular that are being looked at as prime suspects in the trade market to do something in the short term.
David Pagnotta said, “I’m looking at St. Louis, Seattle, and Anaheim. I think these are three teams that are looking to make some moves.”
The St. Louis Blues may be the most heavily featured team in trade rumors this season. They have taken a step back from their playoff appearance last season by an inch and it has revealed that the team has to get younger and moves have to be made. With players like Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, Jordan Binnington, Jordan Kyrou, Oskar Sundqvist, and Mathieu Joseph being named. The Blues are two games under .500 and out of a playoff spot in the weak Western Conference.The Seattle Kraken have won three games in a row, but they aren’t much better. The only reason why they’re still in the mix, like the Blues, is because the West is much weaker. They are one game over .500 and have already traded Mason Marchment to the Columbus Blue Jackets, shortly after acquiring him in the offseason. There are a number of key injuries to the team, which is why it’s shocking they’re still in the mix, but some young guys have entered the fray and are showing what the future holds. The Kraken cleared space, so at this point, they could be looking to make an addition or continue to sell some pieces.The Anaheim Ducks may have the most potential ahead of them this season with a ton of cap space and a ton more opening up in the offseason. They are tied for first in the Pacific Division are look set to make the jump back into the playoffs in 2026. The team is deep at all positions, but there is room for improvement if they go bigger. A couple of players mentioned as trade candidates have been Pavel Mintyukov, because of his lack of playing time so he can get a new opportunity elsewhere, and Ryan Strome, since his injury set him back in the depth chart and he’s now on the fourth line.
Expect all of these teams to be in the mix with trades soon enough, but there will be plenty more teams also making trades and becoming clear buyers or sellers.
Photo credit: © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images