Arizona Coyotes' Top 3 Trade Candidates At 2024 Deadline

The Arizona Coyotes had a fun start to the season where they were right in the thick of things in the playoff race. Their season has since trailed off and they sit 10 points out of a playoff spot. It is unlikely they are going to go on a run and should be sellers at the trade deadline. The goal in the offseason was to build a more competitive team and they did that, but it is time to get some assets back to use later on. These are the Coyotes' top three trade candidates ahead of the 2024 deadline.

Jason Zucker

Jason Zucker was brought in on a one-year deal in the offseason to provide some scoring and grit. He hasn't exactly scored as much as the Coyotes would have hoped to this point with only eight goals, but the veteran is still going to attract some attention at the deadline because of his style of play that suits the playoffs. On a better team with better linemates, Zucker can still be a force in the middle-six and can fetch a decent return as a rental.

Matt Dumba

Matt Dumba was also signed to a one-year deal in the offseason by the Coyotes to fill out a very thin back-end. He hasn't been great, but can log minutes. There will always be that hope that he can once again put up big offensive numbers from the back-end like he did in his early days in Minnesota before his injury troubles, but he won't be acquired for that reason this season. If anything, a team with a need for a placeholder in the top-four on the right side will show interest in him. The Coyotes will definitely have to retain some money.

Nick Bjugstad

The Coyotes traded Nick Bjugstad at the trade deadline last season to the Edmonton Oilers and then signed him again in the offseason for more money. This time he is on a two-year deal, but doesn't necessarily mean that he won't be dealt again. Bjugstad has been playing big minutes for Arizona this season, but the team has young centermen coming up. His value is fairly high right now with what centermen are going for and the limited options out there. At just $2.1 million AAV, a contender could have themselves a strong third line center who can also play the wing.