NHL Rumors: 5 Prospects Named as 2024 Trade Candidates

The NHL's trade deadline is set for March 8th and while there's a ton of attention around the league on some star players who could be moved this season, let's not forget about the top prospects who could be shipped out for some NHL proven talent.

Several teams are selling this season as they look to go all in for the Stanley Cup, so there's no doubt some of the league's best prospects will be in play. We've also seen the Philadelphia Flyers move Cutter Gauthier out of the blue, so anything is possible at this point.

Here's five prospects who could be traded before March 8, according to Sportsnet:

Matyas Sapovaliv, Vegas Golden Knights (48th overall, 2022)
Here's what the scouts are saying:

Another big body forward in the Golden Knights system, coming in at 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds. Sapovaliv has an understated release. He’s learned to use his shot as more of a weapon and the results have been proven. He’s produced 13 goals and 24 assists in 28 games playing for Saginaw in the OHL. He also chipped in three goals and one assist for Team Czechia at the World Juniors.

Rutger McGroarty, Winnipeg Jets (14th overall, 2022)
Here's what the scouts are saying:

McGroarty was the captain for Team USA at the World Juniors and plays a heavy, skilled game. McGroarty is listed at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds. His impact is felt the most in the middle of the ice in the offensive zone and around the net. He has a quick catch and release and the leverage to box out checkers battling for rebounds and tips. McGroarty is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, where he's produced nine goals and 22 assists for the Wolverines this season.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Vancouver Canucks, (15th overall, 2022)
Here's what the scouts are saying:

Lekkerimaki was recognized as the MVP at the World Juniors playing for Team Sweden, where he scored seven goals and three assists en route to a silver medal. His club team is Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and there Lekkerimaki has contributed 10 goals and eight assists in 29 pro games. Lekkerimaki is a shooter more than a playmaker. He rips pucks from the flank on the power play and has proven he can beat goalies from range. His entire game has gone to another level this season.

Philip Broberg, Edmonton Oilers (8th overall, 2019)
Here's what the scouts are saying:

He’s been toiling in the AHL with Bakersfied and playing to his identity. Broberg has been deployed in all situations and contributed one goal and 14 assists in 22 games with the Condors. Broberg is a two-way defenceman who skates very well. He’s a big body (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), but not overly physical. While his offence has been slow to arrive at the NHL level, he has a secondary scoring element that could rise in the right situation.

Calum Ritchie, Colorado Avalanche, (27th overall, 2023)
Here's what the scouts are saying:

Ritchie is in the midst of a nice season playing for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. He’s scored 14 goals and 27 assists in 25 games, with an incredible plus-28 rating. Ritchie is a big body (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) who is being deployed in all situations. His three-zone detail, consistent pace, and leverage in the hard areas, have improved exponentially from last season. He’s not a pure power forward, but he’s figuring out how to use his strength as an advantage.