NHL Rumors: 3 Game-Changing Players Becoming Prime Trade Candidates

The NHL offseason can bring some blockbuster trades and the rumblings have begun this summer. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the home stretch, general managers around the league have been contacting one another to get a sense of what's coming in free agency and of course, what the trade market is shaping to look like at the NHL Entry Draft and beyond this offseason. While some recent headlines have turned heads, let's examine three game-changing players who could be on the move this summer:

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins

While it's gone from bad to worse for general manager Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins of late with all the push back from firing long-time coach Bruce Cassidy, the biggest concern came after the fact when reports starting flying out about David Pastrnak being unhappy with the move. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022-23 season and now the chances of him being traded skyrocketed in the past few days. We'll see how the dust settles at the draft and into free agency for the B's but if Pasta is legit unhappy, Sweeney won't be shy to move him for a massive haul. His contract is only $6.6 million on the books for next season and considering he put up 77 points in 72 games and is only 26 years old and has the better parts of eight seasons under his belt, GM's around the league will sell the farm to make a deal transpire. If he's moved, don't expect it to be in the eastern conference and a team like the LA Kings would be heavily interested.

William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs

There's been some rumblings about William Nylander in the past but nothing as loud as the noise surrounding his name after the team was once again eliminated. Nylander's also on a 'cheap' contract at only $6.9 million and with some of his work ethic he displayed during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there's a chance enough is enough in Toronto. One problem here though is general manager Kyle Dubas' loyalty and the fact he said don't expect to see any of his core players move while he's in charge. Well newsflash, Dubas is in the final year of his contract and if he doesn't get past the first round of the playoffs next season, he's gone. Moving Nylander for a elite netminder could be an option if Jack Campbell walks, or perhaps they can find some more sandpaper and make a hockey deal for a tough winger in his prime who can help produce secondary scoring.

Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks

While Brent Burns is in the back nine of his career, the 37-year-old is in amazing shape and is still a force on the ice in all facets of the game. Burns put up 54 points in 82 games last season and there's been multiple reports the Sharks are open to moving him or Erik Karlsson and considering Karlsson's contract, good luck with that one. Burns is signed for three more seasons at $8 million per, and he does hold a no-trade clause and submits a list of only three teams he'd approve. Sounds like the list will be closely monitored this offseason and the Sharks could pull the trigger on the start of their rebuild by moving the 'rover' blueliner. 

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