Insider Says More Trade Requests Coming: 5 Stars Who Might Ask Out Next

When news broke that Dylan Larkin had formally requested a trade out of Detroit, Elliotte Friedman’s response was essentially: buckle up, there’s more coming. “I think Matthew Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes have changed the league,” Friedman said in a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. “More and more players — it used to be that if you wanted to be traded and the team said no, they could make you just sit there. It’s not that way anymore.” He believes Larkin might be just the start of players asking out and what comes next could get interesting.

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In many ways, the power has shifted, and the players know it. Larkin’s recent request and his willingness to only supply three teams — the Wild, Golden Knights, and Panthers — will be a test for other players thinking about doing the same. If he’s successfully moved with such a limited list, it changes the dynamic even further. If Yzerman doesn’t budge and refuses to play this game until the list expands, it could shift some power back to the GMs.

Here’s a look at some of the names most worth watching as this situation unfolds.

Related: Dylan Larkin’s Rumored Trade List Could Spark A Blockbuster Bidding War

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews was noncommittal about his future in Toronto as recently as April, telling reporters “I can’t predict the future” and noting that steps needed to be taken — new leadership, new management — before he could say anything definitive. Since then, it sounds more like the Leafs and their superstar on the same page. That doesn’t mean things won’t shift again.

With John Chayka installed as GM and a coaching search in progress, Pierre LeBrun has reported Matthews is “most likely staying put” but cannot yet commit 100 percent. If the roster doesn’t improve or the coach isn’t a fit, Matthews could get antsy during the season or before the deadline.

Matthews holds a full no-movement clause, so nothing happens without his blessing. But the fact that his name is on virtually every trade board in the league right now suggests the rest of the NHL is just waiting.

Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks

The negotiations leading up to Mason McTavish’s extension last September were rocky, and the Anaheim Ducks have since scratched a player earning $7 million. GM Pat Verbeek simply can’t be paying anyone that much to go in and out of the press box, and McTavish won’t be thrilled if he’s not seen as a key piece of what the Ducks are trying to build.

If their relationship continues to trend in that unstable direction, a trade feels increasingly inevitable. The Ducks won’t be selling high — they know that. But his upside is real enough that plenty of contenders will make the call.

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues

Robert Thomas has been in the rumor mill consistently over the past year, and his name continues to surface as one of the more tradeable stars in the league. The Blues have reportedly removed him from the market, but they are in an awkward middle ground — not rebuilding, not quite contending. A player of Thomas’s caliber has more value on the open market than he does anchoring a team going nowhere fast.

If Thomas is the one to realize that he’d stand a better chance of winning with another organization, he might tell GM Alex Steen to explore the market again.

Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal has been linked to trade speculation this offseason as well, according to multiple reports. On June 1, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported that the New York Islanders were “exploring the trade market” for forward Mathew Barzal.”” in an effort to clear off his $9.2 million salary.

Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reported that Garrioch’s report was off, noting that the Islanders weren’t shopping Barzal. If a team called, they would listen, but they aren’t in a hurry to move on from him.

Either way, how long does it take before Barzal himself decides that if he’s not wanted, he decides to let the organization know he’s alright being moved.

Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils

Nico Hischier’s name has appeared on trade boards recently, the latest article from Pierre LeBrun reporting that preliminary discussions between new Devils GM Sunny Mehta and Hischier’s agent took place at the combine and were described as “amicable and positive.”

That’s encouraging — but “amicable” doesn’t always mean “done.” The Devils are a franchise in transition, and Hischier will want to know the direction before committing long-term. If he doesn’t like the way things are going, he might let the Devils know he’s open to a move.

We don’t expect any of these names to go the route Larkin is going — suddenly asking for a trade and then giving his GM limited options. But, there are various ways a player can ask out or suggest that a trade might not be the worst thing.

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