NHL Rumors: 3 Pacific Division Forwards Expected to Be Traded This Season

Welcome to our new series showcasing some players across the four NHL divisions who are likely on the move during the 2022-23 season. For our first stop, we head west to the Pacific division and zoom in on three forwards who are expected to be traded this season:

Nick Bonino, San Jose Sharks

Not the sexist of names, however Nick Bonino of the San Jose Sharks is our first forward of the bunch. The 34-year-old veteran is a pending unrestricted free agent who holds a five-team no trade list. The Sharks signed Bonino last summer to a two-year deal at $2.05 million per season. San Jose is his sixth franchise and it's expected number seven could be on the way before the trade deadline as the Sharks are in full rebuild mode.

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Last season in 80 games, Bonino scored 16 times and registered 26 points. Contending teams will be all over the veteran as his resume speaks for itself with over 100 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Like Brent Burns, expect to see Bonino shipped out of the Shark Tank at some point this season.

Joonas Donskoi, Seattle Kraken

Another pending unrestricted free agent, Joonas Donskoi is expected to be dangled before the trade deadline in 2022-23. The Kraken are still years away from competing for the Stanley Cup and aren't likely in the playoff picture again this upcoming season.

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General manager Ron Francis will be trying to cash in on his assets, and Donskoi makes the list. He'll make $3.9 million against the cap this season and will be looking to bounce back from his horrible season of only scoring twice in 75 games. He's usually around the 20-goal pace, so if Donskoi is able to once again find his scoring touch, expect to see some teams lining up for his services.

Jesse Puljujarvi, Edmonton Oilers

A player his general manager admitted he needed to figure out, Jesse Puljujarvi isn't likely going to sign another contract with the Edmonton Oilers and could be moved in-season. He's under contract for next season at $3 million and is a restricted free agent next summer. Last season he was inconsistent and under the spotlight, recording only 36 points in 65 games. A full year in the Oilers top-six could do Puljujarvi wonders, so keep an eye on how things are going for the Finnish forward in Edmonton in 2022-23. If the struggles continue, look for Ken Holland to move on.