The NHL trade rumor mill is starting to spin with the draft coming this week and some of the top names that could move include Patrick Sharp, Phil Kessel, Evgeni Malkin, Cam Talbot and Rick Nash and this comes as the Chicago Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Penguins and NY Rangers could be some of the more active teams this offseason with free agency and trades.
Malkin's name has come up in trade talks after the Penguins had another disappointing playoffs performance and he could be a target for numerous teams on the trade market. Malkin is reportedly not happy with how the Pens situation has played out over the past couple years and that could force a move by Pittsburgh. The team is also reportedly interested in Brandon Saad from the Blackhawks and could try and sign him.
Cam Talbot is getting a ton of attention heading into the draft, as the Rangers want to get back draft picks for their hot backup. Talbot was excellent this season while coming in for Henrik Lundqvist and Larry Brooks reports that the Stars, Flames, Sabres and Oilers are potential options for a deal. The Rangers may consider moving Nash at some point, but Talbot is the priority for right now. The Rangers likely will want a second round pick and possibly more in any deal for Talbot.
Patrick Sharp and Phil Kessel are two of the biggest names that have been mentioned in rumors. Sharp is coming off of a solid season and according to Brooks, the Blackhawks mat shop Sharp in trades this offseason. Sharp has a near $6 million cap hit and there is a chance the Penguins could be interested in him as well, per reporting by Brooks at the NY Post. The Blackhawks want to try and keep the core of their roster together and moving Sharp could help sign someone like Saad back.
Kessel has been mentioned in trade talks over the past couple years and now it looks like he could be on the move finally. According to Sportsnet.ca, the Leafs want some "cap flexibility" and to trade Kessel the team could be willing to "take back" some salary to make the move happen. Kessel is one of the top offensive players in the league at his position and reports have teams calling the Leafs about Kessel and what the team would want in trades. Kessel and Malkin would be huge moves for teams and coming into the draft those players should come up as options.
The draft is going to bring up a lot of rumors and trade deals, as teams are looking to get back picks after making deals earlier in the season, including the Penguins and Rangers. According to Pro Hockey Talk, the Stars are an option for Talbot and Sharp this offseason. The Blackhawks reportedly want Antoine Roussel if they deal Sharp to Dallas and teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers and Red Wings are considered to be options for Sharp.
Check here for more on the NHL draft and trades that could happen.
