Examining the Latest 2023 NHL Trade Rumors Before the Deadline

Examining the Latest NHL Trade Rumors as the Trade Deadline Approaches

The 2023-24 NHL season is heading towards the home stretch, and with the trade deadline on February 24th fast approaching, NHL trade rumors are flying around the league. Teams are assessing their roster needs and looking to bolster their lineups for a playoff push, while others are looking to sell off assets and build for the future. In this article, we'll break down some of the notable NHL trade rumors circulating as general managers look to make deals before the deadline.

Could the Maple Leafs Look to Add Defensive Help?

The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit second in the Atlantic division and have their sights set on making a deep playoff run. However, concerns about their defensive corps have led to speculation that they could look to add a top four defenseman before the deadline. There have been rumors linking the Leafs to players like Vladislav Gavrikov of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Mattias Ekholm of the Nashville Predators. The Leafs have plenty of skilled forwards to offer up in a deal, so they definitely have the assets to make a splash.

Where Could Erik Karlsson End Up?

Erik Karlsson's future with the San Jose Sharks seems uncertain, as the team appears headed for a rebuild. Karlsson still has another year left on his contract after this season, but the Sharks could look to move him before the deadline and get assets in return. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vegas Golden Knights have come up as potential landing spots for Karlsson. As a two-time Norris Trophy winner, he could be a difference-maker for a contending team. But his big contract means the Sharks would likely have to retain salary to facilitate a deal.

Will the Blackhawks Deal Alex DeBrincat?

The Chicago Blackhawks raised eyebrows when they signed Alex DeBrincat to a three-year bridge deal in 2020, fueling speculation that he could eventually be a trade chip. With the Blackhawks clearly in rebuilding mode, rumors are swirling that they could deal the 24-year-old winger before he's due a big raise. Teams like the Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings have been linked to DeBrincat, who is having another strong offensive season. DeBrincat would be a major addition for a team looking to add scoring punch up front.

Could We See A Blockbuster Between Winnipeg and Columbus?

Two teams heading in different directions are the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets, which has led to talk of a potential blockbuster trade. The Blue Jackets have reportedly made players like Gavrikov and Gustav Nyquist available, while the Jets could move on from a big contract like Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois has been linked to Columbus dating back to his contentious exit from the team in 2021. With both clubs looking to shake things up, a Dubois for Gavrikov and/or Nyquist trade seems plausible.

Where Will Jakob Chychrun Land?

Defenseman Jakob Chychrun has been one of the most talked about players on the trade block all season. The Arizona Coyotes are in a full rebuild and willing to move the 24-year-old blueliner, who is signed for two more years at a $4.6 million cap hit. The Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators have all reportedly shown interest in Chychrun. As a strong skating defenseman with offensive upside, he would bolster any contender's blue line. Arizona's asking price is reportedly high, but expect Chychrun to be on the move before March 3rd.

Could Jonathan Toews Move On From Chicago?

With the Blackhawks in teardown mode, longtime captain Jonathan Toews could hit the trade market. Toews has a year left on his deal after this season, carrying an $8.7 million cap hit. Interested teams would likely want the Blackhawks to retain salary, but Toews' leadership and playoff experience could make him attractive as a rental player. Teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche could look to Toews to put them over the top. After spending his entire career in Chicago, Toews could be tempted by one last shot at the Stanley Cup.

Will the Rangers Trade Vitali Kravtsov?

One of the more bizarre trade stories this season has involved New York Rangers forward Vitali Kravtsov. The ninth overall pick in 2018 has requested a trade and is currently playing in the AHL after clearing waivers. The skilled winger has shown flashes of his talent, which could tempt a team to take a flier on him. The Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins have been linked to Kravtsov. After issuing an ultimatum to management, it seems likely the Rangers will accommodate his trade request rather than have him occupy an AHL roster spot.

Could Max Pacioretty Be Moved Once Again?

In a surprising move before the season, Max Pacioretty was traded from Vegas to Carolina after signing a big extension last summer. But after suffering a torn Achilles in the offseason, Pacioretty has yet to suit up for the Hurricanes. There is still no definite timeline for his return, which has led to speculation that Carolina could try to move his contract. Teams looking to upgrade their offense, like the Minnesota Wild or New Jersey Devils, could roll the dice on a healthy Pacioretty regaining his 30-goal form next season. But the Hurricanes may prefer to be patient and see what a Pacioretty-Sebastian Aho duo could do in the playoffs.

Will Vancouver Deal Away Veteran Pieces?

As they languish near the bottom of the standings, the Vancouver Canucks appear destined for a selloff at the trade deadline. Veterans like defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Conor Garland have garnered trade interest around the league. Schenn is a pending unrestricted free agent who could provide blue line depth to a contender. Meanwhile, Garland still has term left on his deal but has underperformed offensively this season. Moving out these players would help stockpile assets for the Canucks' inevitable rebuild. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs could make a play for Schenn or Garland as they load up for a postseason run.

Could Timo Meier Be Dealt Out of San Jose?

Winger Timo Meier has been one of the lone bright spots for the struggling San Jose Sharks this season. The 26-year-old is on pace for career highs in goals and points in the final year of his contract. With the Sharks looking like sellers, rumors have swirled about Meier garnering huge interest around the league. Contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils have been linked to Meier. It would likely cost a first-round pick and high-end prospect to pry him out of San Jose. The Sharks will have to weigh whether it's worth more to extend Meier or trade him for a huge rebuild asset.

The Trade Action Should Ramp Up as the Deadline Approaches

With the 2023 NHL trade deadline now just weeks away, expect trade discussions around the league to heat up. Playoff contenders will look to add the missing pieces for a Stanley Cup run, while struggling teams eye future assets. The rumors will begin to crystallize into actual deals, with some major names potentially changing teams. It should make for an intense few weeks of wheeling and dealing around the NHL. The transactions made before the deadline could have a profound impact on declaring Stanley Cup champions when all is said and done this spring.

FAQs

What big names are most likely to be traded before the deadline?

Some of the biggest names who seem likely to be dealt include Erik Karlsson, Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat, Jakob Chychrun, and Timo Meier. All of their teams seem prepared to move them for the right return.

What teams are expected to be the biggest buyers at the deadline?

Teams like the Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Rangers, Oilers, and Golden Knights are right in the mix as contenders and have been linked to making major acquisitions before the deadline passes.

Which teams are most likely to have a fire sale?

The Blackhawks, Coyotes, Canucks, and Sharks are all teams that appear poised for roster sell-offs, making veterans like Toews, Chychrun, and Meier strong candidates to move.