There may be several completed trades that will be announced as soon as the Stanley Cup is handed out.
- With just over a week to go before the expansion draft deadline, teams are in one of two camps: those needing to make trades before the deadline and those waiting until immediately afterward. That's why you can expect a steady stream of deals over the next few weeks.
- Clubs continue to call on Chris Tanev in hopes that Vancouver changes their mind about keeping him. Though there's interest from teams like the Stars and Maple Leafs, the Canucks don't sound overly eager to move him. But they're at least listening to see if there's an offer they can't refuse.
- Keep an eye on the Wild in the leadup to the expansion draft deadline - it sounds like they're fielding offers on both Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba and will likely trade one and protect the other. Both defenders have been in the rumour mill for quite a long time. Brodin would seem like the player Minnesota would prefer to protect, but he may also be the player that generates more on the trade market. For what it's worth, the Islanders and Oilers have shown interest in Brodin in the past. Teams like the Maple Leafs, Sabres and Lightning are among those most active in the defenseman market right now.
- Updated list of teams vying for defenseman Sami Vatanen, who may become a casualty of Anaheim's defensive depth: the Maple Leafs, Devils, Sabres, Lightning and Stars. The Ducks may be looking for elite help on the wing - something the Lightning certainly have in excess.
- Don't forget about the Hurricanes, who may be a major player in the defenseman market with players such as Justin Faulk, Noah Hanifin and Ryan Murphy generating buzz.
- A darkhorse to make a move on defense could be the Blue Jackets, who have listened to offers on Ryan Murray and Jack Johnson.
- Some have speculated that trades will be announced as soon as the Stanley Cup Finals are completed, and are not being announced out of respect to the league. Just guessing, but I wonder if this might include the rumoured Blackhawks trade of Marcus Kruger and a guarantee to expose Trevor van Riemsdyk in the expansion draft to the Vegas Golden Knights.
- The trade rumour board is getting updated all the time as new names and rumours surface. It's going to be a busy few weeks - buckle up!
