Arizona Coyotes Rumors: 4 Forwards Could Be Traded

The Arizona Coyotes remain one of the busiest teams on the trade market and word is they are far from done. Four forwards are being discussed in trade talks including Nick Bjugstad, Nick Ritchie, Nick Schmaltz and Lawson Crouse.

#Yotes trading for Jakub Voracek’s contract now gives them ultimate flexibility in next 24 hours to move core pieces such as Nick Schmaltz or Lawson Crouse, as they see fit, and not have to worry about the salary cap floor.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 2, 2023

#Yotes have $28.2M on injured reserve (Weber, Ladd, Little, Voracek, Brown)

They also have $3.6M in dead cap hits (OEL, Kane)

A sum of $31.8M, 42% of their total $75M in total cap hit

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) March 2, 2023

Ritchie and Bjugstad would be pure rentals, meanwhile Schmaltz is signed through the 2025-26 season at $5.8 million and Crouse is under contract through the 2026-27 season at $4.3 million annually. 

Contending teams will have interest in all four as each player brings a different element to their game. Bjugstad is a checking forward who has versatility to play all over the lineup. Crouse and Ritchie are very similar power forwards who can chip in with offense, Crouse more so than Ritchie. Meanwhile Schmaltz is a pivot who is best suited as a team's number two center.

The Penguins have been linked to Ritchie and Bjugstad, along with the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile just about everyone will have interest in Crouse and Schmaltz who are under team control.

Look for trade talk to heat up in the desert as we creep closer to Friday afternoon's deadline.

Photo credit:  George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports