NHL Rumors: 3 Surprising Trade Candidates Early on This Season

So far this season there's been a number of players who have struggled out of the gate. Rumors have floated around early on, citing some potential surprising trade candidates have emerged in talks. Here's three players to watch, who have surprisingly found themselves among trade discussions this season.

Jack Campbell, Edmonton Oilers

An absolute shock here, Jack Campbell was supposed to be the answer to the Edmonton Oilers goaltender issues that have hampered the team for the past few seasons. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case at all, and Stuart Skinner is starting to play more and effectively. Campbell holds a 4.27 goals against average and a .873 Sv.%. Skinner on the other hand has produced a .932 Sv.% and is now the team's #1 goalie. Campbell is signed through the 2026-27 season at $5 million per season and holds a 10-team no-trade clause. 

Ryan O'Reilly, St Louis Blues

Even though he's a pending free agent, it's been surprising to hear how much trade buzz is surrounding St Louis Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly. The Factor hasn't got off to a great start this season, and the same can be said about the Blues in general. They sit last in their division and have been linked to multiple trades early on this season. O'Reilly has three goals and four points in 13 games and has been open and honest to the media, calling himself out for his lackluster play. The Blues' captain doesn't hold any trade protection and appears to be in play on the trade market early on in 2022-23. 

Kasperi Kapanen, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins signed Kasperi Kapanen to a two-year contract extension this past summer and it's taken only a few months for things to change for the speedy winger. Kapanen continues to be a healthy scratch and has fallen out of favor in Pittsburgh. At $3.2 million for this season and next, Kapanen isn't producing what's expected of him, recording only one goal and five points in 13 games. Pittsburgh has made Kapanen available and continues to try and work on a deal early on this season.

Photo credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports