The NHL's upcoming offseason promises to be a period of intense activity and strategic decision-making for its teams. With a weak free-agent class and a desire to upgrade, many franchises will look to the trade market to bolster their rosters. Here's an in-depth look at eight teams that could be aggressive buyers this summer, along with their motivations, trade chips, and potential targets.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are in a unique position, boasting meaningful cap flexibility in the short and long term. With a top-10 prospect pool and all first- and second-round picks, they have the ammunition to make significant moves. The team's priorities include addressing the second-line center position and finding a running mate for Ivan Demidov. Additionally, they may seek another right-shot defenseman to complement Noah Dobson and Alexandre Carrier.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are in a similar situation to the Anaheim Ducks last year, with legitimate high-end talent but a six-year playoff drought. They aim to take the next step and make the playoffs, focusing on big acquisitions and internal growth. The future of Zach Werenski is a significant factor, as he is a Norris Trophy winner with two years remaining on his contract. The team's priority is to land an impact top-six winger.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are in dire need of an impact top-six center, and with Quinn Hughes in the fold, they have the assets to make upgrades. Danila Yurov, Charlie Stramel, and first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 could be dangled as trade chips. The team may need to create more cap room, but there are straightforward ways to free up more cap room if necessary.
Seattle Kraken
The Kraken have nearly $30 million in cap space and a strong prospect pool, making them a potential aggressive buyer. They own four first-round picks over the next two years and could leverage Shane Wright as an asset for the right offensive game-breaker. The team's track record of aggression in recent summers and the organizational pressure to return to the playoffs make them a team to watch.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are in an enviable position, with approximately $12 million in cap space and a nearly full roster under contract for next season. They have the opportunity to take a bold, aggressive swing if the right opportunity arises. The team's priorities include addressing the center position and finding a taker for Jesperi Kotkaniemi's contract.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are not going to make reckless moves, but they should target meaningful upgrades that fit their short- and long-term goals. The team's blue line needs major work, and they should add at least one top-four defenseman who can eat big minutes next season. Young defensemen with upside could be sensible targets.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins are in a bind, with a desire to capitalize on the primes of David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman, and Charlie McAvoy. They have trade assets, including all first- and second-round picks, and over $15 million in projected cap room. The team's priorities include finding a true No. 1 center and another top-four right-shot defender on the second pair behind McAvoy.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are targeting a quick turnaround rather than a full rebuild, and GM Chris Drury's letter to fans stressed this direction. The team has legitimate trade chips, including Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider, and nearly $30 million in cap space. The Rangers could target young, NHL-ready contributors or use their futures acquired in a Trocheck move as trade pieces.
