5 Blockbuster Trades That Could Reshape the NHL This Week

The NHL trade board has seen some big names come off of it in the past two weeks. That said, some big names remain. As free agency approaches on Wednesday, teams are looking to make moves to clear up cap space or their own internal problems. Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, and Darnell Nurse headline a group of potentially available players that, if traded, would be considered blockbuster deals.

Here’s the latest on all five:

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Dylan Larkin

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, the first of the big names to send shockwaves across the NHL. Yzerman confirmed the request publicly, noting Larkin submitted a short list of teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for, but stopped short of guaranteeing the trade would happen, pointing out Larkin has five years remaining at $8.7 million per season.

Minnesota and Vegas are the two teams to watch, though it is believed the Stars are the team Larkin would most like to join.

Connor Hellebuyck

The best goaltender in the NHL over the past several years could be on the move. In fact, a trade feels imminent, with the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes the frontrunners.

There were reports that Carolain made an offer to the Winnipeg Jets believed to include a first-round pick and defenseman Alexander Nikishin. The Buffalo Sabres also reportedly tabled a massive offer including the fourth overall pick, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Jack Quinn, and additional assets.

Elliotte Friedman reported talks between Buffalo and Winnipeg aren’t completely dead, though the two sides remain far apart. Hellebuyck remains a Jet for now.

Jason Robertson

Jason Robertson rejected an eight-year, $15 million per season offer from Seattle after Dallas granted the Kraken permission to negotiate — nixing what would have been a blockbuster trade. The Stars subsequently spoke to the Pittsburgh Penguins about a potential deal, with Dallas reportedly seeking a Rantanen-caliber package in return.

Robertson hits restricted free agency July 1, and for some reason (maybe he wants to re-sign in Dallas) he’s making it hard for the Stars to move him. He must have something in mind to be turning down that kind of contract offer.

Zach Werenski

The reigning Norris Trophy winner is the hottest name on the trade market. Teams including Dallas, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Philadelphia, San Jose, and Carolina have registered interest, with the Stars and Flyers described as the most serious suitors.

Toronto is also in the mix but faces an uphill battle assembling a package Columbus would accept. Werenski holds full control over his destination, making this one of the most unpredictable situations heading into free agency.

So far the Blue Jackets have been slow-playing talks. Teams want to know what’s going on here because many are waiting. If he’s not traded, it puts a bit of a pause on free agency.

Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse has requested a trade from Edmonton, giving the Oilers a list of three to five teams he’d waive his no-movement clause to join. Those teams are believed to be the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins.

It doesn’t sound like anything is incredibly close, which means he’ll have to either expand his list to include teams like Anaheim or San Jose, or consider a return to Edmonton. As of Monday, Anaheim remains interested, San Jose is creeping in, and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia remain on his approved list.

Next: The Oilers’ Best Strategy This Free Agency is Painfully Obvious