NHL Rumors: 3 Metropolitan Division Defensemen Expected To Be Traded This Summer

Welcome to the latest series at NHLTR where we'll examine each division across the NHL and showcase the most likely trade candidates. Forwards, defensemen and goaltenders, we have you covered as it's expected to be a busy summer of transactions. For this written episode, let's highlight three defensemen from the Metropolitan division who are expected to be moved this summer:

Marcus Pettersson, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins could use some more cap flexibility with Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell, Evan Rodrigues and Kris Letang to still sign, along with a backup goalie, so a player like Marcus Pettersson could be the fall guy. The 26-year-old has some trade value after posting a very solid season for the Penguins in 2021-22 which included 19 points in 72 games. He's signed through the 2024-25 season at $4.02 million and his no-trade protection doesn't kick in until before the start of the 2023-24 season. Look for the Penguins to move on from Pettersson this summer as they try to get their priorities straight.

Ryan Ellis, Philadelphia Flyers

Normally when a player gets injured they still are around the team as much as possible and that wasn't the case at all for Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ryan Ellis. There were times where management was worried he was too disconnected from the hockey team as he rehabbed his injury and now there's a ton of speculation brewing about his future in Philly. Ellis is signed through the 2026-27 season and if the right deal comes around, you can bet the Flyers pounce. At 31 years old and with the injuries piling up, it may be smart for Philadelphia to move in another direction. Right-handed offensive defensemen still have a huge market in the league and the team won't have any issues moving on from Ellis if they choose to do so.

Scott Mayfield, New York Islanders

During last season there was a ton of interest in Scott Mayfield of the New York Islanders as teams were drooling over the 6-foot-5 right-handed defenseman who plays the game tough. Signed for only $1.45 million, the towering blueliner holds some serious trade value for someone who only recorded 18 points in 61 games in 2021-22. The Islanders are expected to make major changes after firing their coach and general manager Lou Lamoriello will leave no stone unturned as he tries to improve his hockey club for next season and beyond. Moving Mayfield may be smart business as it's important to cash in on investments when the time is right.