The NHL trade deadline owes a debt of gratitude to the Canadian government.
On Thursday, a league source confirmed to ESPN that the 14-day quarantine for NHL players traded from U.S. teams to Canadian teams would be reduced to seven days, with additional COVID-19 testing. This removes a roadblock for North Division teams seeking to reach across the border to complete deals ahead of the April 12 trade deadline.
But that was only one of several unusual influences on this season’s trade market. Consider:
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The flat $81.5 million salary cap that limits the trade options for teams, unless they’re shipping out money as well.
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The expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken looming in the offseason. There are more nuanced rules, but the basic requirements for teams: They must protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie, or eight skaters (forwards/defensemen) and one goalie.
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The fact that some teams aren’t eager to overreact to what they see as an anomalous, COVID-impacted season.
As trade activity intensifies ahead of the April 12, 3 p.m. ET deadline, here is a tier-by-tier look at the rentals, the investments and the wild-card stars whose availability could turn this deadline on its collective head.
All salary and contract information comes from our friends at CapFriendly unless otherwise noted. Stats are collected from sites such as Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference and Evolving Hockey.
Jump to:
Rentals: Center | Wing | Defense
With term: Center | Wing | Defense
Goalies
CENTERS FOR RENT
Age: 24 | Stats: 31 GP | 3 G | 3 A | 6 P
Contract: $2.55 million AAV, RFA this summer, no trade protection
Bennett’s trade request went public last month, with his agent saying that the center needs a change in scenery. GM Brad Treliving answered that request on Calgary sports radio: “We’ll determine, whether it be Sam Bennett or anybody else, what their scenery is and when it’s going to change.” Perhaps that ends up being before the trade deadline.
There was some hope the coaching change to Darryl Sutter could spark Bennett’s game. His ice time has increased. The lack of offensive production in the regular season, something that has plagued him during his seven seasons with the Flames, has unfortunately continued.
Age: 31 | Stats: 31 GP | 3 G | 6 A | 9 P
Contract: $1.8 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
Glendening, 31, can play all three forward positions and gives you around 15 minutes per game. But the reason anyone is dabbling in the Luke Glendening business is his prowess in the faceoff circle: Through 31 games, he has won 314 of 489 faceoffs for an incredible 64.2% winning percentage. He has been linked to the Canadiens, who are not good on faceoffs (48%).
Age: 28 | Stats: 29 GP | 6 G | 6 A | 12 P
Contract: $3.75 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
He’s the most coveted center available due to his contract, his age (29) and his offensive potential. However, Granlund’s 0.41 points-per-game average is his lowest since his rookie season, despite an uptick in ice time (19:27) and offensive zone starts (57%). It still makes sense for the Predators to move him, with only a 20% chance of making the playoffs per Money Puck. But they might want to keep him for a playoff push in the Central if they don’t get back the value they’re seeking.
Age: 29 | Stats: 29 GP | 3 G | 6 A | 9 P
Contract: $1.75 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
If the Predators are going to move a center, Haula would seem the most likely. He’s the worst player in goals scored above average (-4.5) and hasn’t generated a fraction of the offense the team hoped he could, with nine points in 29 games on a third line that’s been a drag on possession. But he’s a veteran hand with a cap-friendly contract and could likely be had for a middle-round pick.
Age: 31 | Stats: 32 GP | 2 G | 4 A | 6 P
Contract: $2.75 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
Nash’s stock has risen this season, as the checking center played well when pressed into service in the Jackets’ top six. While it hasn’t led to an offensive uptick, his defense has been a steadying presence. If Columbus is in the hunt, the Blue Jackets might end up keeping him around as a versatile option at their thinnest position. But Florida Panthers beat writer George Richards recently speculated that Nash could be reunited with GM Bill Zito in Sunrise, Florida.
Age: 36 | Stats: 31 GP | 3 G | 7 A | 10 P
Contract: $3.25 million AAV, UFA this summer, 10-team no-trade list
Staal didn’t choose to fester in the mess that is the Sabres. The Sabres chose him, trading for the 36-year-old in the offseason. His trade protection complicates things, but it’s hard to imagine Staal won’t be moved to a contender at the deadline. His 10 points in 31 games and minus-20 are glaringly bad, but Staal has created high-danger chances for a team that plays too much on the perimeter. Carolina fans and media have been trying to will a reunion with the Hurricanes (and brother Jordan) into existence.
Age: 31 | Stats: 35 GP | 6 G | 2 A | 8 P
Contract: $4.375 million AAV, UFA this summer, 15-team no-trade list
The Canucks have a 3.4% chance of making the playoffs, so let the selling begin. Sutter is a bottom-six center who wins faceoffs (55.5%) and chips in with occasional goals. His lines are consistently on the negative side of possession relative to his teammates. His salary-cap hit is a shade too high under a flat cap, and his trade protection limits the market.
CENTERS WITH TERM
Age: 20 | Stats: 14 GP | 2 G | 1 A | 3 P
Contract: $894,167 AAV, RFA in 2022, no trade protection
The No. 5 overall pick in 2018 has floundered in the Coyotes’ development pipeline. He has only seven points in 34 career NHL games and one goal in 12 AHL games this season. He’s just 20, but he’s a holdover from the John Chayka regime, and there’s no reason to believe GM Bill Armstrong is wedded to Hayton as a building block for the future, especially with him underperforming.
Age: 31 | Stats: 30 GP | 9 G | 6 A | 15 P
Contract: $5.825 million AAV, UFA in 2024, 10-team no trade list
With Ryan Getzlaf having no interest in waiving his no-move clause to leave Anaheim, the Ducks will continue trying to move their other veteran center’s considerable contract. Henrique cleared waivers in February without any takers. The Ducks might have to eat up to 50% of the contract to get real value back under a flat cap. He has been their third-best player in goals scored above average (2.7) and excels in the faceoff circle. Good player, but that’s a rough contract in these trying times.
Age: 26 | Stats: 32 GP | 5 G | 9 A | 14 P
Contract: $3.5 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
The Leafs know what they have here in Kerfoot: around 14:36 in ice time per game, around 0.44 points per game per season and a frustrating inability to excel in the faceoff circle. The theory is that Toronto would move Kerfoot if it found the right upgrade for his spot on the roster. He’s only 26 and has two more years left on his reasonable deal.
WINGERS FOR RENT
Age: 28 | Stats: 21 GP | 7 G | 2 A | 9 P
Contract: $3.375 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
His versatility in the lineup and relatively small cap number should make him a desirable asset for the Senators. He had five goals in his first 10 games back in Ottawa after the Hurricanes shipped him there for Cedric Paquette and Alex Galchenyuk in February. The question is whether Ottawa would like to retain him beyond this season, and if he’d be interested in circling back with the Senators if they deal him now.
Age: 33 | Stats: 33 GP | 5 G | 7 A | 12 P
Contract: $5.5 million AAV, UFA this summer, 10-team no-trade list
It’s funny: Foligno started his career in Ottawa, and arrived in Columbus in 2012, but he’s absolutely one of those players who would look odd wearing another jersey. That’s how synonymous the captain is with the Blue Jackets franchise.
But, he’s 33 years old and facing free agency. He also has an incredible amount of value for a contender looking to bolster its bottom six with a strong defensive player who can chip in offensively and brings it in the playoffs. But with the Blue Jackets inching toward the playoff bubble, do they keep him?
Age: 24 | Stats: 32 GP | 9 G | 16 A | 25 P
Contract: $775,000 AAV, RFA this summer, no trade protection
It’s really simple: GM Bill Armstrong builds through the draft. The Coyotes do not have a first-round pick this season because the NHL took it away, penalizing the franchise for the previous regime’s violation of the combine testing policy. Garland, 26, has 25 points in 32 games and can bring back a first-round pick and much more for a franchise looking to reload. To the surprise of no one, the Boston Bruins are rumored to have interest in the Scituate, Massachusetts, native.
Age: 28 | Stats: 20 GP | 2 G | 3 A | 5 P
Contract: $4.5 million AAV, UFA this summer, eight-team no-trade list
The best that could be said about Gusev is that his contract is expiring. Otherwise, his offensive production has been paltry despite a massive leap in offensive zone starts (64%), and he has minus-6.3 goals scored above average, worst on the Devils. The 28-year-old has trade protection, too.
Age: 29 | Stats: 31 GP | 2 G | 15 A | 17 P
Contract: $8 million AAV, UFA this summer, no-move clause
Hall is one of the most complicated game-changing players available. On Thursday, Hall said he would “for sure” listen to trade options if offered by GM Kevyn Adams. The Sabres would have to pick up a healthy portion of his cap hit to facilitate any trade with a solid return. What does that return look like for a player whose stock has plummeted as though a bunch of Reddit users got bored with trading it? He has two goals (!) and 15 assists in 31 games. That’s a 2.7 shooting percentage.
Many of the analytics point to a player whose level of care and commitment is much higher than that of some of his teammates, which is good. The perfect situation for Hall: second-line left wing on a team like Colorado, Toronto, Boston or the New York Islanders. Can the Sabres gin up a bidding war for him among contenders for whom he’d waive his no-movement clause?
Age: 41 | Stats: 31 GP | 1 G | 4 A | 5 P
Contract: $700,000 AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
Marleau told Kevin Kurz of The Athletic that he would be open to a trade at the deadline to a contender, much like the deal that sent him to Pittsburgh last season. Of course, now he’s a year older (41) and his output this season won’t exactly have teams pounding down GM Doug Wilson’s door. He’s 13 games away from Gordie Howe’s all-time record for games played.
Age: 29 | Stats: 29 GP | 6 G | 9 A | 15 P
Contract: $4.65 million AAV, UFA this summer, eight-team no-trade list
The Devils are blessed with two great young centers in Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. In theory, it would be nice to have someone for them to pass the puck to over the next few seasons. That’s why it’s not outlandish to think that the 30-year-old Palmieri could get another contract in New Jersey.
But it’s also not outlandish to think that he could bring back a lot at the trade deadline to continue the Devils’ rebuild. His offensive numbers are a tick down this season, but he’s coming off five straight seasons of 20 or more goals. One obvious potential landing spot: the Islanders. Palmieri, a Smithtown, New York, native, screams “Barry Trotz Guy” with the way he competes.
Age: 28 | Stats: 33 GP | 6 G | 5 A | 11 P
Contract: $3.75 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
He’s currently out four weeks with a lower-body injury, and GM Jim Benning has spoken about trying to extend the 28-year-old winger, who had played well on the Canucks’ top six with Bo Horvat. That would seem to be the plan, but Vancouver had been listening to offers for the solid two-way forward. The injury might complicate matters.
Age: 25 | Stats: 29 GP | 11 G | 9 A | 20 P
Contract: $5.2 million AAV, RFA this summer, no trade protection
The 25-year-old, who can play on the wing or at center, would seem to be part of the solution in Buffalo, with three straight 20-goal seasons and 20 points in his first 29 games this season. But the Sabres have more holes than a block of Swiss, he’s going to make bank on his next long-term contract, and he’s coveted by several teams. He would bring back an impressive return, given his age and status as a controllable asset since he’s an RFA instead of UFA this summer.
Age: 33 | Stats: 30 GP | 6 G | 7 A | 13 P
Contract: $1 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
Is it too much to ask to get Bobby Ryan a chance to contribute to a Stanley Cup contender? Ryan’s one-year “show me” contract saw him increase his points-per-game (0.43) and shots-per-game (2.30) rates over last season, playing 15:44 per contest. His cap number makes him extremely portable, if someone is willing to give him the chance.
WINGERS WITH TERM
Age: 36 | Stats: 30 GP | 14 G | 7 A | 21 P
Contract: $5.875 million AAV, UFA in 2022, seven-team no-trade list
The most attractive forward asset from the Kings is Alex Iafallo, but there are indications he’ll be extended by the Kings. Brown is in the penultimate campaign of his eight-year, $47 million contract and is having a career renaissance at 36 years old, with 14 goals in 30 games. He’s a veteran leader they like having around, but it’s hard to imagine his stock ever being as high as it is now. There’s been speculation he could be an Anders Lee replacement for the Islanders.
Age: 24 | Stats: 21 GP | 3 G | 4 A | 7 P
Contract: $3.675 million AAV, UFA in 2022, no trade protection
Another trade deadline, another spin in the rumor mill for the 24-year-old winger. DeBrusk has struggled this season offensively, has been sub-replacement level for the Bruins overall, and was a healthy scratch at times this season.
“Clearly, we understand that Jake’s not where he needs to be: He recognizes that, takes ownership of it. And we have to do everything we possibly can to put him in a situation that he can work his way out of it, and work is a big part of that,” said GM Don Sweeney. That established, DeBrusk likely only leaves Boston as part of a package for a significant trade target.
Age: 29 | Stats: 27 GP | 9 G | 6 A | 15 P
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in 2022, no trade protection
The perfect time to sell on this versatile forward. Jarnkrok has 15 points in 27 games playing 15:34 per contest. He’s in his prime (29) with a very portable contract that could also be Kraken bait. But it’s all contingent on where the Predators see themselves as a contender, both this season and next.
Age: 36 | Stats: 29 GP | 3 G | 9 A | 12 P
Contract: $7,538,461 AAV, UFA in 2025 full no-move clause
Times have not be swell for Parise and the Wild. He was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career this month, paying the price of an extended overtime shift. His ice time is fluctuating. He could use a change in scenery. But with his age (36) and his trade protection, it’s not like there’s going to be a bidding war for Parise.
But, given how close the Islanders and GM Lou Lamoriello — who drafted Parise in New Jersey — got to acquiring him last year, it’s worth listing him in case those conversations happen again. But he’s a year older and the salary cap is much flatter.
Age: 27 | Stats: 34 GP | 6 G | 15 A | 21 P
Contract: $3,789,444 AAV, UFA in 2022, no trade protection
A few general managers we surveyed said there were surprised Rakell might be available. For a 27-year-old with that low of a cap number and that high of an offensive ceiling — he’s the Ducks’ leading scorer and has hit 30 goals twice in his career — to become available is rare. But Anaheim needs to transition to its next phase, and dangling him for young assets and draft picks is one way to facilitate that. With that contract for this season and next, it’ll be quite a high return.
Age: 24 | Stats: 32 GP | 4 G | 0 A | 4 P
Contract: $2.55 million AAV, RFA in 2022, no trade protection
Squarely on the block and headed out of Vancouver after a disastrous season offensively. There was a deal with Anaheim that seemed close — potentially for Danton Heinen — but fell through. There was a report this week that a deal with the Panthers for Markus Nutivaara could be in the cards. A change of scenery here is mandatory, for the team and the player.
DEFENSEMEN FOR RENT
Age: 33 | Stats: 31 GP | 1 G | 8 A | 9 P
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, five-team no trade clause
Benn’s average ice time has dropped to 14:40 per game this season, and he has been more effective in that role from a possession and expected goals against (2.68 per 60 minutes) perspective. A nice addition to someone’s third pairing, and can play both sides.
Age: 32 | Stats: 22 GP | 0 G | 2 A | 2 P
Contract: $3,937,500 AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Demers’ trade protection ended last season. The Panthers are still retaining $562,500 of his salary this season, dropping his cap hit down from $4.5 million. He’s a sub-replacement level player this season, whose ice time has dropped by nearly three minutes per game (17:41). The 33-year-old has been a healthy scratch, too. He used to be known as a somewhat reliable two-way defenseman; he has 13 points in his past 72 games.
Age: 24 | Stats: 31 GP | 5 G | 7 A | 12 P
Contract: $1.875 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
Dunn was on the trading block earlier in the year, but the 24-year-old puck mover has actually played more on average (19:36) than he has in any previous season. He has played alongside Marco Scandella, Robert Bortuzzo, Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk. Dunn has been valuable and effective this season; do the Blues protect him in the expansion draft over Faulk?
Age: 34 | Stats: 36 GP | 0 G | 6 A | 6 P
Contract: $6 million AAV, UFA in summer, no-move clause
There’s a notion that Edler, 34, would waive his no-move clause for a shot at a Stanley Cup. While it would appear Edler’s offensive numbers have fallen off a cliff this season, with a 0.17 points-per-game average, please note the dramatic change in his deployment: Edler is starting only 23.33% of his shifts in the attacking zone.
Age: 35 | Stats: 33 GP | 1 G | 3 A | 4 P
Contract: $5.475 million AAV, UFA in summer, eight-team no-trade clause
Goligoski, 35, has been positioned as the “option B” behind Mattias Ekholm for teams seeking a defensive defenseman but not wanting to pay Mattias Ekholm prices. Unlike the Predators defenseman, Goligoski has an expiring contract. He’ll give you 22:27 per game on average, and has been consistently good in his own end. Maybe another team can figure out how a player who had never been below 0.36 points per game is scoring just 0.12 points per game this season.
Age: 30 | Stats: 19 GP | 0 G | 2 A | 2 P
Contract: $1.25 million AAV, UFA in summer, full no-move clause
Hamonic joins Benn and Edler as veteran Canucks defensemen who are hitting unrestricted free agency after this season. Unlike the other two, he has full no-move protection and has a stated desire to play only in Western Canada. So unless the Winnipeg Jets come calling — and they might! — Hamonic is hoping to remain in Vancouver. “When we decided on Vancouver, we looked at it as a long-term situation of where we wanted to be for my career and family. I’ve loved every second of it and it’s been a good fit,” he said recently.
Age: 30 | Stats: 29 GP | 0 G | 2 A | 2 P
Contract: $1.15 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Another defensive defenseman option, the 30-year-old Kulikov plays the left side and averages 19:27 per game. His calling card has been as a penalty killer, but the Devils’ 31st-ranked PK isn’t exactly something for the résumé this season.
Age: 29 | Stats: 27 GP | 0 G | 4 A | 4 P
Contract: $925,000 AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
A steal for some thrifty shopper out there, Merrill has arguably been the Red Wings’ best defenseman this season. He skates over 19 minutes per game on average, and is their top defenseman in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5 (46.25%, on a terrible team).
Age: 26 | Stats: 29 GP | 1 G | 8 A | 9 P
Contract: $3.850 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Montour has been Buffalo’s best defenseman this season, and not just by default. He has a better expected goals percentage than his teammates (47.96) and skates 20:47 per game on average. His offensive output is on par with last season. It’s a fire sale. The 26-year-old blueliner, who can play both sides, should be part of it.
Age: 27 | Stats: 22 GP | 0 G | 4 A | 4 P
Contract: $3.850 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The defensive defenseman has averaged 18:16 per game on average, but has lagged behind his teammates in expected goals percentage (44.68). His salary under the flat cap might be a little high given his season, but the 27-year-old could have value.
Age: 30 | Stats: 32 GP | 0 G | 5 A | 5 P
Contract: $4.25 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The 30-year-old, right-handed defenseman is having an uncharacteristic off year, with a minus-12 while playing his lowest average ice time in three years (19:40). But he’s a defensive defenseman with an expiring contract, and that means he’ll have value on the market; the Blue Jackets would do well to maximize it.
Age: 34 | Stats: 33 GP | 2 G | 4 A | 6 P
Contract: $5.7 million AAV, UFA in summer, full no-move clause
The 34-year-old blueliner has skated 18:14 per game on average, including work on the penalty kill. He has 107 playoff games to his credit, which is no doubt attractive to contenders out there. The Red Wings will have to retain a portion of that cap hit to get good value back, and he has control over his next destination.
Age: 29 | Stats: 20 GP | 2 G | 3 A | 5 P
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Vatanen must be feeling like the trade deadline is on Groundhog Day, after getting dealt just last season from the Devils to the Hurricanes. The 29-year-old puck mover could be on the move again, despite his numbers being down across the board.
DEFENSEMEN WITH TERM
Age: 25 | Stats: 6 GP | 0 G | 1 A | 1 P
Contract: $3.725 million AAV, RFA in 2022, no trade protection
It’s entirely possible that GM Jeff Gorton just lets DeAngelo sit through the season into the summer where he either becomes a member of the Seattle Kraken or gets the last year of his contract bought out. But if a team feels it can handle his considerable baggage and is desperate for a puck-moving defenseman who can run a power play, this would be a low price.
Age: 26 | Stats: 26 GP | 5 G | 6 A | 11 P
Contract: $6 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
Dumba has trade protection that kicks in this summer. The Wild are in a pickle for the expansion draft, having to protect Jonas Brodin, Jared Spurgeon and Ryan Suter, who have no-movement clauses. But Dumba plays 22:09 per game, has been one the team’s best defenseman this season (58.62 expected goals percentage) and is only 26. Unless he’s part of a considerable package for a considerable player, one imagines he’ll stick out the rest of the season for the playoff-contending Wild.
Age: 30 | Stats: 26 GP | 5 G | 9 A | 14 P
Contract: $3.75 million AAV, UFA in 2022, no trade protection
The belle of the trade deadline ball among defensemen. The 30-year-old has been an outstanding two-way defenseman for the Predators over the last several seasons: Skating around 23 minutes per game, helping to drive possession and averaging over 0.50 points per game in his best seasons. He’s a complete player whose star would shined brighter were it not for Roman Josi winning a Norris Trophy and Ryan Ellis being an analytics darling.
If the Predators decide to deal him, they’ll expect a package resembling what the Kings received for Jake Muzzin in 2019: a first-round pick, a blue-chip prospect and another prospect. Or, failing that: a first-rounder and an NHL-caliber player. Teams have been lining up for weeks to land Ekholm if the Predators deal him.
Age: 29 | Stats: 8 GP | 0 G | 1 A | 1 P
Contract: $4.1 million AAV, UFA in 2022, 12-team no-trade list
The 29-year-old defenseman has shown in the last few seasons that his 37-point performance in 2017-18 was an anomaly. He can be a potent defensive defenseman even without the point output, but has been in need of a change in scenery for a couple of years now. He’s back from an injury absence and has a ton of value if GM Bob Murray wants to deal him — and if Murray’s asking price isn’t unreasonably high.
Age: 28 | Stats: 29 GP | 3 G | 3 A | 6 P
Contract: $4.1 million AAV, UFA in 2022, 12-team no-trade list
Like nearly everyone else on the Sabres, Miller has been a disappointment this season, skating to a minus-18. The 28-year-old needs a refresh. He averaged 0.48 points per game in two campaigns with the Golden Knights; he’s averaged 0.21 in 80 games with Buffalo. Miller can be a very nice piece on someone’s blue line, but that extra contract year with the expansion draft looming could be a problem — but not for Buffalo, who would surely expose him to the Kraken.
GOALIES
Age: 32 | Stats: 17 GP | 8-6-0 | 0.918 SV% | 2.78 GAA
Contract: $3 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
Bernier, 32, is in his 13th NHL season, and has played himself onto the radar of any team looking for goalie depth. He’s saved seven goals above average this season, in posting a .918 save percentage in 17 games for a porous Red Wings defense. Hopefully a recent leg injury doesn’t linger.
Age: 34 | Stats: 16 GP | 3-8-2 | 0.899 SV% | 3.19 GAA
Contract: $3 million AAV, UFA this summer, 10-team no-trade list
Dubnyk said he’d like to remain in San Jose and have “an opportunity to see what a normal season would be like in this beautiful place.” But it’s also been reported that he would waive his trade protection to play with a contender. Dubnyk’s played well in March (.907 save percentage) and might garner interest because of his expiring deal.
Age: 30 | Stats: 18 GP | 7-7-2 | 0.914 SV% | 2.41 GAA
Contract: $4.5 million AAV, UFA in 2022, no trade protection
Injuries have plagued the Coyotes’ goalies this season. Antti Raanta has appeared on many trade deadline “big boards,” but how many teams are going to ante up for Antti when he’s been injury-prone for the last three seasons? Kuemper hasn’t been much healthier, but he should be back by the trade deadline. He’s also a better goalie who has an incredible postseason run in the bubble to his credit.
The Coyotes are desperate to get a first-round pick this season; Kuemper won’t move unless a first (and more) are coming back to the desert.
Age: 26 | Stats: 12 GP | 5-3-2 | 0.912 SV% | 2.91 GAA
Contract: $4 million AAV, UFA in 2022, no trade protection
Joonas Korpisalo and Merzlikins are both under contract for next season. Barring a side deal, one of them would be in danger of ending up in Seattle in the expansion draft. This could easily be Korpisalo on the trade block instead of Elvis, but we’ll assume the Jackets want to deal the goalie with the higher cap hit — even if he might have the higher upside. The important thing to know about Columbus: The future in goal is in 21-year-old prospect Daniil Tarasov.
Age: 35 | Stats: 14 GP | 6-6-2 | 0.898 SV% | 2.91 GAA
Contract: $5.8 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
The 35-year-old goalie hasn’t had a notable campaign since 2017-18, and is barely above replacement this season. But goalies with two Stanley Cup rings and a Conn Smythe aren’t exactly commonplace, and Quick has gotten a little more attention on the trade market as he nears the end of his 10-year contract.
Age: 28 | Stats: 12 GP | 3-6-1 | 0.908 SV% | 2.86 GAA
Contract: $2.75 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
Given how few goalies are available with expiring contracts, the Flames should shop “Big Save Dave” hard to teams like the Washington Capitals. He has a .908 save percentage in 12 games this season for Calgary, which has Louis Domingue on the taxi squad ready to move up if a trade goes down.