New York Rangers weighing options as captain Jacob Trouba joins the Trade Targets board
LAS VEGAS: On Wednesday, when the hockey world flocked to Sin City, it was oddly quiet. The trade market will heat up quicker than this concrete jungle on a 113-degree day, so that situation won’t last for long.
The current 30 names in play on Daily Faceoff’s Trade Targets board are listed below. This board always aims to combine a player’s notoriety with his chances of making a deal in the rankings:
Trade Objectives 🎯
1. Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs’ right wing
27 years old
Statistics: 26 G, 59 A, 85 Pts, 69 GP
Contract: $10.9 million remaining in one year AAV
Scoop GM During his pre-Draft media availability on Wednesday in Vegas, Brad Treliving didn’t divulge much. He called Marner “a star” several times, and
2. Carolina Hurricanes’ Martin Necas Right Wing
25 years old
Statistics: 24 G, 29 A, 53 Pts, 77 GP
Contract: Awaiting RFA; qualifying offer of $3.5 million due
Scoop GM Eric Tulsky of the New Hurricanes is more busy than a man with one leg competing in an ass-kicking competition. In addition to trying to retain Jake Guentzel, he’s also fielding offers for Necas, beginning work on a Seth Jarvis deal, and, of course, this is his first Draft as a manager. That is quite a bit. There is a rumor that the New Jersey Devils have offered Necas the No. 10 overall pick in exchange, but depending on how the board splits, that might not happen until Draft night or perhaps in Round 1. Would that Would that be a starting point for Carolina to consider? Columbus, Calgary, Boston, Chicago, Detroit and Nashville are some of the other teams watching.
3. Left Wing Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets Age: 28
Statistics: 25 G, 36 A, 61 Pts, 82 GP
Contract: $6 million, one year left AAV
Scoop Looking at his output and career trajectory, Ehlers embodies consistency personified. However, he may not be the epitome of consistency — for his teammates as well as the Jets coaching staff, which is currently led by Scott Arniel. This probably makes him accessible since general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff might make some adjustments to his team this summer after an unfortunate first-round loss to Colorado. Ehlers, who was selected ninth overall in the 2014 draft, has only ever known Winnipeg. In addition, he is the only important forward core player without a long-term contract.
4. McGroarty, Rutger
Winnipeg Jets Right Wing, Age: 20
Unsigned Reserve List Contract
Statistics: (at University of Michigan) 36 GP, 16 G, 36 A, and 52 points
Scoop It was surprising to hear McGroarty’s name mentioned in trade speculations last week considering that he is a promising prospect who was selected just two years ago at No. 14 overall. Following a strong sophomore campaign, McGroarty was asked to leave Michigan, so the Jets applied a full-court press. However, he made the decision to return for his junior year of study. Was McGroarty asking to be traded? The important thing to remember is that we are here, regardless of how we got here. How do the Jets receive an equivalent return for McGroarty now? That’s the challenging thing.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets right winger Patrik Laine
26 years old
Contract: $8.7 million, two years left AAV
Statistics: 6 G, 3 A, 19 Pts, 18 GP
Scoop: It’s said that Laine has asked for a “fresh start” away from Columbus, and new general manager Don Waddell is making efforts to fulfill that request. Last week on Frankly Speaking, Waddell responded to a particular question regarding Laine by saying, “We want players that want to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets.” Waddell stated that he was asking players if they wanted to be a part of the problem or the solution while he was touring the area soon after taking over. Laine’s schedule has been difficult to work with; she only played 18 games in 2023–2024 and enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in.
6. Mikheyev Ilya
The Vancouver Canucks’ Left Wing
29 years old
Contract: $4.75 million, two years left AAV
Statistics: 11 G, 20 A, 31 Pts, 78 GP
Scoop Since soon after their playoff run ended, the Canucks have been trying to transfer Mikheyev. They extended offers to teams in the run-up to the trade deadline. Following a challenging postseason, Mikheyev’s contract is making things difficult for Vancouver in the offseason. They need a better understanding of their cap situation before they can chase Nikita Zadorov and other multiple pending free agents with greater vigor. It is difficult to score only one goal in the last 61 games of the season (including playoffs) for Mikheyev. Teams are requesting that the Canucks attach an asset to Mikheyev in order to move him as a result, something they
