5 Forwards Who Are Prime Trade Candidates Heading Into Next Season

The 2023 NHL offseason continues into August and things have slowed down considerably around the league. Let's turn our focus into some players who should be considered prime trade candidates heading into the 2023-24 season. More specifically, let's shift our focus to up front and showcase five forwards who will be on the trade block heading into next season:

Elias Lindholm, Calgary Flames

Lindholm is a pending unrestricted free agent who the Flames have made several contract offers to this summer. So far, nothing signed. He's a solid two-way center who can put up points in a hurry and is developing a nice 200-foot game. Lindholm is also a bargain for the 2023-24 season at $4.85 million on the cap. He doesn't hold any trade protection and can be moved at will.

Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets

If the Jets don't get off to a good start next season, the trade winds will be picking up on the run way. Scheifele, like Lindholm, is a UFA at season's end and so far no extension talks have advanced. Scheifele is a pure goal-scoring center who needs to become more of a playmaker to facilitate the Jets' offense. The 30-year-old is making $6.12 million against the cap next season and has 10 teams who he can avoid in a trade. Scheifele scored 42 goals and 68 points in 81 games. Keep an eye on the Boston Bruins here.

Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are expected to move Erik Karlsson before puck drop's on opening night and once the season starts keep an eye on Couture. The Bruins have circled in and so too did the Nashville Predators. Couture has four years left on his deal at $8 million per season. He holds a no-trade clause that protects him from 29 teams as he submits a list of only 3 teams he would be willing to be traded too. The Guelph, ON native scored 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games last season.

JT Miller, Vancouver Canucks

The trade talks that will never go away, Miller is someone to watch heading into next season. If the Canucks don't get off to a good start and look like a playoff team early on in 2023-24, Miller's name will once again make the rounds. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been tied to him in the past and word is the Rangers also had interest. Huge contract, some dressing room spats, there's lots in the baggage section when you add Miller to your team.

William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs

If the Maple Leafs don't start next season with Nylander under contract for the foreseeable future, look for the Leafs to consider dealing him before the deadline. Brad Treliving doesn't want to lose Nylander for nothing like what happened in Calgary with Johnny Gaudreau. Nylander is in the prime of his career, he's going to reach close to 100 points next season and if Toronto isn't going to pay him, look for something to be worked out mid-season.

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