NHL Rumors: 3 Pending Free Agents Expected to be Traded in 2022-23

The 2022-23 NHL season is a couple of weeks old and already it's been entertaining as ever. We've seen some surprise teams making noise early on this season and there's going to be several trades coming down the pipe very soon. Normally general managers use October to get a sense of what they have on their hockey team, to then tinker with some deals to make adjustments to their roster. When it comes to the players, here's a few who are expected to be moved this season:

Nick Ritchie, Arizona Coyotes

After bouncing around for a few years, Nick Ritchie has called Arizona home the past couple of seasons and his play has improved dramatically. Ritchie was given a chance to play with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but unfortunately things didn't work out. A move to the Coyotes and now Ritchie is lighting up the score sheet, with three goals and four points in three games. He's making $2.5 million against the cap and considering the Coyotes are in full rebuild mode, expect them to cash in on their asset.

James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers

So far so good for John Tortorella and the Philadelphia Flyers, however nobody is expecting them to continue their strong play. One player in particular you can circle as a prime trade candidate is pending free agent James van Riemsdyk. At $7 million in the final season of his contract, the Flyers will have to retain some of his salary in any deal. The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs will both have interest, as too will the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. JVR has started the 2022-23 season with one goal and three assists in three games.

Shayne Gostisbehere, Arizona Coyotes

Another Coyote rental who will be up for bid, offensive defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere will be traded this season. The 30-year-old is off to a great start with five points in his first three games this season and look for Stanley Cup contending teams who need an offensive boost on the blue line to reach out to the Coyotes throughout this season. The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators and St Louis Blues could all have interest.

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