NHL trade deadline: 20 players who could be on the move

Ryan O'Reilly #90 in St. Louis Blues and Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks are two of the biggest names to watch ahead of the NHL trade deadline. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) — Ryan O’Reilly #90 in St. Louis Blues and Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks are two of the biggest names to watch ahead of the NHL trade deadline. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)

The NHL’s trade deadline is just over a month away, but talks with some of the biggest names on the market are already heating up. In fact, it seems almost inevitable that a deal will happen soon, and that the market will be set for future deals.

One of the most talked about names is Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat. Horvat, who has had a scorer this year, will command too much money as an unrestricted free agent to fit into Vancouver’s long-term plans. While a playoff rental could be in the offing, some of those interested might also like the benefit of having time for extension talks with him.

Many of the “buyers” at the deadline – teams like Toronto, Boston, Edmonton, Carolina and maybe Seattle – will try to make moves. With a little more cap flexibility than others, Minnesota, Winnipeg and the New York Rangers could also look to bolster their lineups.

The “sellers” are already becoming crystal clear, with some cap space to temporarily take on bad contracts (Chicago, Arizona, Detroit, Anaheim), while shopping bigs and pending free agents in exchange for prospects, picks and young NHL player.

Here’s a look at 20 players who could be on the move before the 2023 NHL trade deadline:

1. Bo Horvat, Vancouver Canucks

Nothing has gone right in Vancouver this year, and with the team plagued with some bad contracts, the Canucks have to make big personnel changes. Horvat built his reputation and has solid connections in Vancouver, but organizationally, he’s too valuable to lose and too valuable to keep.

While the asking price will be high given his 50-goal pace, Seattle, Minnesota, Detroit, Boston and Carolina are all believed to be interested in the star.

Bo Horvat is a hot commodity ahead of the NHL's trade deadline. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) — Bo Horvat is a hot commodity ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)

2. Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues

Like Horvat, O’Reilly is a fan favorite team captain who brings a lot to the table. His scoring is down this season, but he adds a dimension that every team covets. Add to his history as a Selke Trophy winner and Conn Smythe recipient while leading the St. Louis to a Stanley Cup, and he’s a rental that could benefit any contender.

Talk surrounding O’Reilly has included the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins, but he’s the kind of veteran addition we’ve seen teams like Colorado and Tampa Bay go after recently as well.

3. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

It’s the end of an era in Chicago. Kane may be the first chip to fall, but on a team that was built as if it was more focused on drafting Connor Bedard than winning this season, Kane likely won’t be the only player on the move in Chicago. Kane has been tied to the New York Rangers for a while, and with the Rangers looking like a team capable of making playoff noise, his addition might be fitting. That would mean retention of salary and terms, as New York is unlikely to sacrifice much from its existing roster.

If Kane, and/or longtime Chicago captain Jonathan Toews are traded, it will be on their terms to destinations of their choosing based on their no-movement clauses.

4. Matt Dumba, Minnesota Wild

Let’s call this 50/50, maybe. Minnesota looks like a buyer, not a seller, but pieces have to go both ways in any deal. Moving Dumba would give Minnesota plenty of camp space, but the team that receives him would most likely be looking at a trade-and-sign situation, as the 28-year-old defenseman is a UFA at the end of the season. Despite scratching him several times this season, the problem for the Wild will be if they think they can sacrifice blueline depth in exchange for another asset.

If it’s another playoff team, Dumba would almost certainly be headed to the Eastern Conference, but so far there’s been little speculation. Still, Dumba is a player whose name will be tossed around in trade talks over the next month.

The Detroit Red Wings will be the seller. They got off to a great start, but lately they’ve looked like a team still deep in their rebuild rather than one coming out of it. Tyler Bertuzzi will hit the open market this summer, and while it’s not a given, Steve Yzerman has continued to make his own mark on the roster and Bertuzzi was not his pick or signing. Bertuzzi would add physicality and middle-six scoring to a contender, and Detroit must continue to rebuild.

Despite not even being able to play in Canada last year due to his vaccination status, initial rumblings point to the Edmonton Oilers and Maple Leafs as potential suitors. The Hurricanes could also suit up with recent injuries affecting their roster.