Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine.Jason Mowry/Getty Images
We are well entrenched in the dog days of the NHL offseason. With the best unrestricted free agents under contract and the salary-arbitration period ending on Aug. 4, all that remains for offseason media speculation is chatter about possible trade candidates.
It’s been quiet in the trade market with the last deal occurring on July 15. Now that the best UFA talent is gone, teams needing roster improvements could look into making deals with other clubs.
Trade activity is usually slow in August, but significant deals can still happen.
On Aug. 6, 2023, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks in a three-team swap that included the Montreal Canadiens. Speaking of the Canadiens, they landed Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames on Aug. 18, 2022.
Sometimes a seemingly minor deal in August can pay significant dividends later in the season. On Aug. 29, 2022, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired then-third-string goaltender Adin Hill from the San Jose Sharks. Hill went on to backstop the Golden Knights to the 2023 Stanley Cup, becoming their starting netminder.
The rumor mill isn’t lacking for potential trade candidates. Some of them, like Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine, are among the 10 players on our August Trade Block Big Board.
Which of these rumors is worth believing? Follow along as we use our trusty BS meter to separate fact from fiction. Feel free to express your views in the app comments section.
