5 underrated NHL players who could be on the move this coming offseason ft. Martin Necas 

By Ryan Gagne

Modified May 30, 2024 02:03 GMT

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The 2023-24 NHL season is winding down as the final four teams battle for a right to be in the Stanley Cup Finals, which begin on June 8. Although 28 teams have already started their offseason plans, the rumor mill is alive with possible moves that could take place this summer.

Although free agency doesn't begin until July 1, it's never too early to discuss who is on the move and which free agents will remain or depart from their current teams.

Here's a closer look at five players under 30 who are critical members of their respective teams and whose tenures may end over the coming weeks.

5 underrated NHL players could be on the move this coming offseason

#1. Martin Necas (Carolina Hurricanes)

Martin Necas has netted 124 points in the past 159 NHL games, including 52 goals. At 25, he is already one of the core members of the Carolina Hurricanes offense, with 362 games of experience over the past seven seasons.

As a restricted free agent, Necas' name has been in the rumor mill for weeks, especially with nine points in 11 playoff games.

Although he can't just sign a new deal with a team, an opponent can send him an offer sheet or submit a trade and request him as part of the package.

#2. Kaapo Kakko (New York Rangers)

Kaapo Kakko was the New York Rangers' No. 2 pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft. Since debuting as an 18-year-old, he's tallied 117 points with 57 goals in 300 NHL games.

Despite not finding his groove in North America, especially during the playoffs, where he scored just nine points in 45 games, Kakko's time on Broadway may end. As the Rangers advanced to the third round in 2024, he's been almost invisible on the ice, becoming a recent healthy scratch.

Ultimately, New York may be looking to move him in the offseason to give him a fresh start with another franchise and allow the 23-year-old to reach his potential.

#3. Jake DeBrusk (Boston Bruins)

The Boston Bruins selected Jake DeBrusk as the No. 14 pick in the 2015 NHL entry draft. After seven years, he is now a three-time 20-goal-per-season scorer. With 266 points in 465 games, including 138 goals, he's never scored more than 50 points in a season, reaching 40 or more five times.

Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins

As an unrestricted free agent, DeBrusk's time with the Bruins may end this summer as the team could be looking to move on from him. Even though DeBrusk's name is not attached to any trade rumors, he's free to sign with anyone, and many insiders believe he could end up back home in Edmonton.

#4. Chandler Stephenson (Vegas Golden Knights)

Chandler Stephenson is a two-time Stanley Cup champion. After switching from Washington to Vegas in 2019, he has been a critical skater in the Golden Knights' lineup, especially during their championship season in 2023.

However, with a lineup loaded with stars and hefty contracts, there is not enough to keep everyone. Stephenson will likely be a salary cap casualty due to their current setup.

As a solid bottom-six forward, Stephenson won't be available long since veterans with multiple titles on their resume will be highly sought after. In 495 NHL games, he has 270 points, including 39 in 95 playoff games.

#5. Tyler Bertuzzi (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Tyler Bertuzzi is about to suit up for his third NHL team in the past two seasons. He began the 2022-23 season with the Detroit Red Wings before a trade to the Bruins in March 2023. Ultimately, he priced himself out of Boston, becoming a free agent and signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto is right up against the cap, especially with new deals for Auston Matthews and William Nylander kicking in. With little to no money to afford Bertuzzi's potential $5 million salary, he will likely be free again.

As a one-time 30-goal scorer and four-time 20-goal scorer, Bertuzzi will find a team that wants his remaining prime seasons and his ability to be physical and contribute offensively. Through 406 NHL games, he has 261 points with 113 goals.