Looking at five NHL superstars who could be traded this offseason (Image credits: Imagn)

5 NHL superstars who could be traded in 2024 offseason ft. Mitch Marner

Modified Jul 05, 2024 17:52 GMT

So far, a Mitch Marner trade has yet to come to fruition for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Following the team's first-round exit from the playoffs, it's been no secret that Toronto is looking to shake things up.

Considering he has just one year left on his deal, Marner seems likely to be traded at some point during this offseason. In addition, a number of NHL stars find themselves on the trade block as well.

With budding contenders eager to make a push and compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs and other teams looking to compete for a title, offseason action is heating up around the league.

With some blockbuster trades already taking place and plenty more to come, there's no telling how this offseason will change the league's landscape. Given that, let's take a look at five NHL superstars who could be traded this offseason, featuring Mitch Marner.

5 NHL superstars who could be traded this offseason

#5. Patrik Laine

NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Columbus Blue Jackets

Patrik Laine has been in trade talks quite a bit this offseason, with the winger and the Blue Jackets looking to mutually part ways. Last season, he struggled to find consistency, appearing in just 18 games after dealing with a fractured clavicle.

While he has shown other teams around the league flashes of brilliance, Columbus's biggest hurdle in trade talks is his contract, which carries an $8.7 million cap hit for this season.

#4. Nikolaj Ehlers

Another name that should come as no surprise in regard to trade talks is Nikolaj Ehlers. Given the Jets' disappointing Stanley Cup Playoff run and the fact that the standout winger has no desire to sign an extension, it seems to be only a matter of time until a deal is finalized.

The big question, of course, is where he will land. With the Jets looking to bolster their defensive line, it seems as though the team will likely try to prioritize trading him in exchange for a defenceman.

#3. Martin Necas

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes

Martin Necas has been a part of trade talks for weeks now. Initially, it appeared as though he would be traded around the draft. However, a deal never came to fruition.

Given that the Hurricanes are actively looking for a team willing to engage in trade talks, it seems to be only a matter of time before a deal is finalized. Given his impressive two-way play, there's certainly no shortage of teams to which Necas can provide valuable contributions.

#2. Aaron Ekblad

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers

While the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup Final with Aaron Ekblad, it has continued to appear as though he will be traded this offseason. So far, Nashville has shown interest in the star, who is entering the final year of his eight-year contract.

Given that the Panthers have been taking an offer on Ekblad, it shouldn't come as a surprise that he's likely to be traded this offseason.

#1. Mitch Marner

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs experienced yet another disappointing exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the team's latest first-round exit. While the team underperformed as a whole, Marner's play left quite a bit to be desired.

Although he wants to stay in Toronto, given that the team is preparing to shake things up this offseason in a big way, a deal is likely to come to fruition in the coming days or weeks. While his production may not have opposing teams scrambling to make offers, he has plenty of upside to offer.