NHL Rumors: More Trades & Waiver Moves "Than Usual" Expected Before Season

Analyst and reporter Marco D'Amico predicts an unusually active period of trades and waiver wire moves ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season, driven by a sharp increase in the salary cap. 

With the cap rising to $88 million for the first time in years, 11 teams now have over $5 million in cap space, allowing them more flexibility to adjust their rosters. D'Amico notes that this financial breathing room will fuel a wave of last-minute transactions, as general managers look to fine-tune their lineups before opening night.

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Rebuilding teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, and Calgary Flames stand to benefit the most from this environment. 

These teams, ranked high in waiver priority, are well-positioned to claim young players or broker trades with cap-strapped clubs. 

D'Amico highlights the potential movement of players such as Justin Barron, Ville Heinola, and Samuel Poulin, who may be displaced by emerging prospects or face being placed on waivers due to roster congestion.

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With a strong influx of youth entering the league, players like Lane Hutson, Rutger McGroarty, and Shane Wright could push veterans out of lineup spots, leading to more roster moves across the NHL. 

D'Amico believes this combination of increased cap space, young talent, and roster flexibility will create a more unpredictable preseason than usual, benefiting both contending teams and those looking to rebuild.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images