For a while, there was a sense that this offseason would be filled with trades as cap concerns and expansion drafts sparked panic among NHL GMs. Instead, there seems to be a very cautious and quiet tone to the market, despite the large number of names in play. But for these six skaters, it seems not a matter of 'if', but a matter of 'when' they get dealt.
6. Cam Fowler
Fowler has been all but forgotten in the NHL rumour mill, but it sounded like he almost got moved at the draft this past June. His name should surface as training camp rolls around, if not later on in the season. The Sabres, Canadiens and Oilers have been rumoured here.
5. Rick Nash
Once Jeff Gorton took over as GM, the Rangers mandate was to retool on the fly and get a bit younger. Trading Derick Brassard for Mika Zibanejad was a start, but there's a sense the Blueshirts are looking to make bigger changes. The Sabres have long been rumoured as a potential landing spot, but the Panthers and Red Wings are among those making inquiries as well.
4. Alexei Emelin
Emelin has been in the rumour mill for over a year, and it's clear the Canadiens would like to move him this summer. With his dip in performance and unfriendly cap hit, GM Bergevin might need some patience waiting for a trade partner.
3. Kevin Shattenkirk
Everybody, including his agent, assumed Shattenkirk would be traded around the 2016 NHL draft. The Bruins, Oilers, Flyers, Rangers, Blue Jackets, Coyotes and Leafs have shown levels of interest, but the sky-high asking price has scared off many teams for now.
2. Nail Yakupov
The Oilers have tried to trade Yakupov for months, and Yakupov has made it clear that he wants out. Also relevant: nobody seems to be offering enough to acquire him. The enigmatic winger has shown promise in spurts, but the demand just isn't that high for the former first overall pick. He may have to wait for his trade, but it seems all but inevitable.
1. Ben Bishop
Whether it's this summer or the next, Bishop is going to be moved. The Vezina Trophy candidate is simply too good to be released for nothing, and the Bolts have their future locked up in Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Stars have shown lukewarm interest, but there will surely be other teams that emerge.
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