NHL Rumors: 3 Pacific Division Forwards Expected To Be Traded This Summer

Welcome to the latest series at NHLTR where we'll dive into each division across the NHL and examine the most likely trade candidates. Forwards, defenseman and goaltenders, you will see them all as it's expected to be a wild and wacky summer of transactions. 

For our opening act, let's begin with three forwards from the pacific division who could be changing jerseys for the 2022-23 season:

Tanner Pearson

The Vancouver Canucks are looking to free up some salary cap space this summer and Tanner Pearson is a likely trade candidate. Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford is no stranger to trading Pearson and there's certainly some potential it happens again this summer. Vancouver is trying to keep J.T Miller and Brock Boeser long term and in order to do so, Pearson and his $3.25 salary may have to go. The good news for Rutherford is the fact Pearson's no-trade protection isn't a full no-trade anymore and has gone down to only 10 teams, making a deal much easier to complete. The Canucks forward had 34 points in 68 games and with his 51 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience, there will be suitors interested this summer.

Sean Monahan

Perhaps nobody was in the dog house of their coach in 2021-22 more than Sean Monahan of the Calgary Flames. And while he battled through a number of injuries this season, it just never seemed to be enough for Flames head coach Darryl Sutter. Monahan was taken over by Elias Lindholm as the team's number one center and found himself regularly on the team's fourth line. Monahan has one season left on his contract paying him $6.37 million against the cap. He produced only eight goals and 23 points in 65 games this past season; certainly a season of disappointment. Look for Flames general manager Brad Treliving to gauge the center market this summer and try to take advantage if he can.

Evgenii Dadonov

If first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again, and that's exactly what's expected from the Vegas Golden Knights when it comes to Evgenii Dadonov. The team tried to move him before the trade deadline and forgot he had a no-trade, so things got awkward to say the least in Vegas. With one season left on his deal at $5 million, and with a number of different needs and minimal cap space, look for Vegas to free up some money on the books. While nothing is ever a slam dunk in hockey, seeing Dadonov traded this offseason may be the closest thing.

Photo credit:  Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports