After a quiet few weeks following the end of the NHL season, trade rumours are beginning to stir. With teams looking to reshape their rosters this summer, the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, and Calgary Flames are among the clubs likely to make big moves.
Let’s take a look at which players could be traded and what it could mean for their teams.
Chris Kreider’s Future in New York Looks Uncertain
It has been quiet around the New York Rangers since their season ended in disappointment, but that silence may not last long. Rangers GM Chris Drury is expected to make changes during the off-season, and veteran forward Chris Kreider is seen as the top trade candidate.
Kreider, 34, had a tough season due to injuries but still managed to score 22 goals — marking the 10th time in his 13-year career that he’s scored 20 or more goals in a season.
According to Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the Rangers could trade Kreider in a cost-cutting deal to free up salary cap space. Kreider has two years left on his contract with a $6.5 million average annual salary and a 15-team no-trade list, which could make moving him tricky.
However, if Kreider is open to change, he might work with the Rangers to find a team he’d be happy to join. Don’t expect the Rangers to bring in a big-name replacement, though. It looks like they’ll focus more on adjusting the roster than making a splash.
Buffalo Sabres Exploring Bowen Byram’s Trade Value
The Buffalo Sabres are also active in trade talks. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the team is checking the market for Bowen Byram, a promising 23-year-old defenseman.
Byram is finishing a two-year deal worth $3.85 million per season and will become a restricted free agent (RFA) on July 1. After recording a career-high 38 points in 82 games this season, Byram is expected to ask for a higher salary.
But the Sabres’ main focus is on signing forwards like JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn, and Ryan McLeod, which might leave Byram available in a player-for-player swap. Buffalo is likely seeking a right-shot, top-four veteran defenseman who can partner with young star Owen Power.
Rasmus Andersson a Trade Target for Multiple Teams
One name that fits Buffalo’s needs is Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. The 28-year-old defenseman has one year left on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2026.
If Andersson and the Flames can’t agree on a contract extension soon, Calgary GM Craig Conroy could choose to trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Andersson is reportedly looking for a deal worth around $8 million per year, which could be too expensive for Calgary. Conroy has already said he won’t repeat past mistakes, like holding on too long to players like Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin, who ended up leaving without long-term deals.
The Ottawa Senators are another team showing interest in Andersson. With Nick Jensen recovering from lower-body surgery, Senators GM Steve Staios may be looking for a strong right-shot defender. However, Ottawa would want some guarantee that Andersson would sign an extension before making a move.
As the off-season moves forward, fans can expect trade talks to heat up. Players like Chris Kreider, Bowen Byram, and Rasmus Andersson could be wearing new jerseys next season. Whether it’s cap space, roster balance, or long-term planning, NHL teams are clearly thinking ahead.
