As the NHL Offseason Rollercoaster Continues

It's mid-August, and the NHL's offseason is in full swing, with 13 teams holding over $5 million in salary cap space. However, despite these favorable conditions, the trade market has seen little action since July 25. With training camps set to open in mid-September, speculation is ramping up as teams gear up for the upcoming season.

Our NHL Trade Block Ranking for July 2025 prominently featured eight players, but many notable candidates had already been moved or are no longer available. This absence of recent trades has fueled fresh speculation regarding various players, including those previously mentioned.

Who's Hot on the Trade Block?

The latest rankings have seen three players drop off: Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres has re-signed, Isaac Howard was traded to Edmonton, and the rumors surrounding Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues have fizzled out. However, significant names still float around, including Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. Joining their ranks are Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson and New Jersey Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

With the Dallas Stars coming off their third consecutive Western Conference Finals elimination, General Manager Jim Nill’s moves have attracted attention. He has traded Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken and Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins, actions prompted by the need to clear space to keep core players. Yet, speculation continues about Jason Robertson's future, particularly given his restricted free-agent status next year and substantial cap hit.

Meanwhile, Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens has piqued interest among pundits due to the addition of Noah Dobson to their roster, leading to questions about Matheson’s place on the team. The Canadiens' GM, Kent Hughes, however, has praised Matheson’s contributions, complicating any potential trades.

Adding to the intrigue is the ongoing trade speculation surrounding Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, who recently averred his happiness in Calgary despite being mentioned in rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kadri's value as the Flames’ leading scorer makes him a vital asset, even as his future remains uncertain.

More Notable Names in the Mix

Tristan Jarry’s performance as the Penguins’ goaltender has led to whispers of a potential trade, particularly after his struggles last season raised eyebrows. Despite being perceived as a candidate for the Edmonton Oilers, salary constraints may thwart any deal.

On the other hand, Dougie Hamilton's name has also surfaced in trade rumors as the New Jersey Devils explore options amid a salary cap dilemma. Similarly, Samuel Girard's role within the Colorado Avalanche could be reconsidered as they seek to optimize their roster.

Finally, with a substantial training camp invite on the horizon, players like Rasmus Andersson and Yegor Chinakhov are expected to remain in the rumor mill as their futures hinge on contract negotiations and team strategies. Both hold pivotal roles for their respective franchises, making their movements crucial to upcoming lineup decisions.

As we gear up for another NHL season, all eyes are on the trade market, observing which players will seize opportunities and which franchises will reshape their rosters before the puck drops in October.