The NHL trade market is abuzz with activity, fueled by the rise of the salary cap and a lack of high-quality unrestricted free-agent talent. This summer, eight players from the previous NHL Trade Block Big Board have already changed teams, with seven of them being among the top-10 trade candidates. Among the traded players are centers Vincent Trocheck and Mason McTavish, winger Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman Simon Nemec. Most of those who weren't moved remain on our July ranking, including Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Several new names have joined our updated ranking, including Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. After a frenzy of moves from late June to the July 1 opening date of free agency, business has slowed in the trade market. However, with the number of talented trade candidates available, there could be more moves coming over the course of this summer.
Let's dive into the latest ranking, considering factors like skills, experience, contracts, and the possibility of being traded.
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks
Kirill Marchenko, Columbus Blue Jackets
Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators
Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs
Mason Lohrei, Boston Bruins
Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs
Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken
Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Stats via NHL.com. Salary cap and contract info via PuckPedia.
