The 2024-25 NHL regular season has been underway for nearly a month, featuring plenty of action on the ice. As teams assess their early performance, the trade market has seen some movement, with three notable deals occurring in October. Moreover, media speculation remains high as discussions circulate regarding teams in need of assistance and potential trade candidates. Among the individuals involved in these discussions are Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler and goaltender John Gibson, who have retained their positions on the November NHL Trade Block Big Board, while others from the October list have faded from the rumor mill. New contenders for trades have emerged, including a Montreal Canadiens defenseman facing challenges in securing a regular roster spot, a Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender, and a teammate of Fowler and Gibson's, adding further intrigue to the trade landscape.

Tristan Jarry, the 29-year-old goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has experienced a challenging start to the season. With only one win in three games, he holds a goals-against average of 5.47 and a save percentage of .836, placing him near the bottom of league statistics. His inconsistent performance has continued from the previous season, where he lost his starting position late in the year to Alex Nedeljkovic. The Athletic's Josh Yohe suggests that the Penguins might consider parting ways with Jarry in favor of Nedeljkovic and promising prospect Joel Blomqvist. Despite his substantial cap hit of $5.4 million annually through the 2027-28 season making a trade complicated, there are suggestions of swapping goalies with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are similarly struggling with their own starter, Elvis Merzlikins. Jarry has been assigned to the Penguins' AHL affiliate for a two-week conditioning stint, reflecting a hope for him to regain his confidence and performance, though a trade appears improbable in the immediate future.

John Gibson, also mentioned in the October NHL Trade Block Big Board, finds himself at the center of trade discussions as well. The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender has faced difficulties this season, compounded by his $6.4 million contract lasting through 2026-27. He is currently recovering from an emergency appendectomy, sidelining him for three to six weeks while he travels with the team. There have been reports of the Colorado Avalanche's goaltending struggles prompting speculation about Gibson's potential move to Denver. Hockey analysts are also considering whether other playoff contenders with goaltending issues might show interest in Gibson, particularly if he demonstrates strong performance upon his return in November. The situation remains fluid as teams evaluate their options and potential fits in the trade market.

Arber Xhekaj, a 23-year-old defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, entered the NHL with enthusiasm after a strong training camp in 2022. Known for his physical style of play, Xhekaj quickly became a favorite among Canadiens fans, providing one of the few bright spots during the team's rebuilding year. This season, however, he has faced challenges and is reportedly on a short leash with head coach Martin St. Louis, who expects improvement from him in his third year in the NHL. As the Canadiens consider adding to their roster with either a defenseman or a forward, there is speculation regarding Xhekaj’s possible trade value. The remark by former Canadien George Laraque about the potential for Xhekaj to be traded adds to the context as he looks to secure more ice time to enhance his game.

Another name emerging in trade speculation is Trevor Zegras, once regarded as a foundational player for the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old forward has increasingly been linked to trade talks since January, particularly following the Ducks' ongoing rebuilding phase. Despite being in the second season of a three-year contract averaging $5.4 million per year, questions about his future have been raised due to last season’s struggles. Analysts reported a quiet period regarding Zegras's trade talks, though inquiries about his role within the team have been made, especially as he finds himself on the wing while younger players fill the center position. If his production continues to decline, Zegras may again gather attention as a trade candidate, particularly for a team seeking offensive support and depth.

The San Jose Sharks, similarly undergoing a rebuilding phase, have had a rough start to the 2024-25 season, marking a historic loss of nine consecutive games. Trade rumors surrounding goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood have emerged as he enters the final season of a two-year contract valued at $2.4 million annually. While the Sharks have struggled, analysts suggest that Blackwood could draw interest from teams searching for goaltending depth. Initial speculation linked him with the Colorado Avalanche, though the team's recent improvement reduces the urgency for such a trade. Blackwood's situation should be monitored as the season progresses, as he could become a sought-after asset for clubs needing additional goaltending options.

The Utah Hockey Club has dealt with injuries to key defensemen Sean Durzi and John Marino, prompting them to bolster their lineup by acquiring Olli Määttä from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. With depth issues in their defense corps, there are indications that Michael Carcone, who scored 21 goals last season, could see his name emerge in trade discussions. Although Carcone has participated sparingly this season due to the team's forward depth, his affordable contract and previous scoring prowess make him an attractive option for teams seeking middle-six wingers. Analysts note that Carcone might be involved in trades aimed at acquiring either a defenseman or future draft assets, as his role within the Utah lineup becomes increasingly precarious.

Regarding Cam Fowler, the 32-year-old defenseman and former mainstay for the Anaheim Ducks has seen his future in question due to ongoing discussions with Ducks management. His name continues to surface in trade conversations as teams assess their needs for blueline support. Analysts have previously touted his potential fit with the Detroit Red Wings, particularly if they are pursuing playoff contention later in the season. Despite preliminary interest from the St. Louis Blues at the beginning of the season, it appears that Fowler's trade dialogue has quieted down for the moment. Nonetheless, with the March 7 trade deadline approaching, interest in Fowler could once again escalate as teams navigate their financial situations and cap space.

Ivan Provorov, traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, finds himself back in the spotlight as trade talks heat up. The Utah Hockey Club reportedly made inquiries about acquiring Provorov as they seek replacements for their injured defensemen. While the Blue Jackets have since secured a defenseman, indications suggest that Provorov could still attract attention from playoff contenders due to his substantial skill set and favorable cap situation. While the Blue Jackets are in no rush to move him, the combination of his talent and manageable contract make him a prominent name as the trade deadline approaches.