Could Brock Nelson, Anthony Cirelli and Nikolaj Ehlers Hit This Summer's Trade Block?
Adam Pelech, Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Nelson
Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets were among this post-season's first-round casualties. With their players dispersed for the off-season, speculation persists over potential moves by their respective managements.
The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner believes the Islanders face a major decision on Brock Nelson. The 32-year-old forward is eligible to become a UFA next July. GM Lou Lamoriello must sign Nelson to a contract extension or trade him if he intends to test the market.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post suggested the Islanders shop Nelson this summer if Lamoriello intends to shake up his roster core. He praised his leadership and performance over the past 11 seasons but felt he'd have the best value as a full-year rental player.
Nelson exceeded the 30-goal plateau for the third straight season and is a reliable playoff performer. He carries a $6-million cap hit through 2024-25 and a 16-team no-trade list. Still, he could fetch a promising young player if the ever-secretive Lamoriello opts to retool his roster.
Meanwhile, the cap-strapped Lightning must shed some salary to keep captain Steven Stamkos off this summer's UFA market. They must also ensure long-term cap space to sign defenseman Victor Hedman to a contract extension.
Michael DeRosa cited Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times suggesting Anthony Cirelli could be worth monitoring this summer. The 26-year-old center is one of the only members of the club currently locked into a long-term contract lacking no-trade protection this summer. Encina felt he'd fetch a better return than defenseman Erik Cernak, whose no-trade clause kicks in on July 1.
Cirelli has a $6.25-million annual cap hit for the next seven seasons, but his strong two-way skills would draw attention if he became available in this summer's trade market. However, Encina has doubts that the Lightning would weaken their depth at center by moving him.
Turning to the Jets, The Athletic's Murat Ates recently looked at which members of their roster will stay or go this summer. He expects Nikolaj Ehlers will be shopped and likely moved before the 2024 NHL draft in Las Vegas on June 28 and 29.
Like Nelson, Ehlers is a year away from UFA eligibility. Ates noted the Jets floated the 28-year-old winger's name in trade talks before, and there's some concern whether they can afford to re-sign him.
Ehlers carries a cap hit of $6 million and a 10-team no-trade list. He has an injury history but played all 82 games this season, reaching the 60-point plateau (61) for the third time in his nine NHL seasons.
