NHL Trade Deadline is one week away; who are the top trade bait candidates

nhl trade deadline
Jan 2, 2020; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (23) passes the puck against the New York Rangers during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL Trade Deadline is April 12th, 2021 at 3:00 PM ET. In an effort to help our readers keep track of all the latest rumors we present our first annual Trade Bait Tracker. To date we are tracking 47 players with more expected to come.

We will update this daily adding new names, interested teams, trade status, and links to the latest info.

For more NHL news and rumors check out The Daily Goal Horn.

NHL Trade Bait Tracker: April 5, 2021

April 5: One week until the NHL Trade Deadline and more names continue to be added. The Bruins are hunting for defense and Anaheim’s Josh Manson or New Jersey’s Dmitry Kulikov could be a fit. The Flames are also looking to shake things up and Sean Monahan could be moved in the right deal. New trade destination added for Scott Laughton (TOR). Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

Note: Previous updates can be found at the end of the article.

ryan getzlaf

Ryan Getzlaf (C), Anaheim Ducks
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Penguins, Hurricanes
Latest News

josh manson

Josh Manson (D), Anaheim Ducks
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Bruins, Jets
Latest News

nhl trade rumors rickard rakell

Rickard Rakell (F), Anaheim Ducks
Trade Status: Available/Injured
Destinations: Maple Leafs, Bruins, Islanders
Latest News

Alex Goligoski (D), Arizona Coyotes
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Flyers, Bruins, Jets, Panthers, Penguins
Latest News

Niklas Hjalmarsson (D), Arizona Coyotes
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Panthers
Latest News

darcy kuemper

Darcy Kuemper (G), Arizona Coyotes
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Capitals
Latest News

jake debrusk

Jake DeBrusk (F), Boston Bruins
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Predators, Sabres, Flames, Blues
Latest News

taylor hall trade rumors

Taylor Hall (W), Buffalo Sabres
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Islanders, Panthers, Maple Leafs, Blues, Jets
Latest News

nhl trade rumors sabres

Brandon Montour (D) Buffalo Sabres
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Flyers, Jets, Panthers
Latest News

nhl trade rumors sabres

Eric Staal (C), Buffalo Sabres
Trade Status: Traded to Canadiens
Destinations: Hurricanes, Panthers, Penguins
Latest News

sam reinhart

Sam Reinhart (C), Buffalo Sabres
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Islanders
Latest News

Rasmus Ristolainen (D), Buffalo Sabres
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

Linus Ullmark

Linus Ullmark (G), Buffalo Sabres
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Maple Leafs
Latest News

johnny Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau (F), Calgary Flames
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Flyers
Latest News

TSN TRADE BOARD

Sam Bennett (C), Calgary Flames
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Penguins, Hurricanes
Latest News

sean monahan

Sean Monahan (F), Calgary Flames
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

nhl trade rumors maple leafs

Nick Foligno (F), Columbus Blue Jackets
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Maple Leafs, Islanders
Latest News

David Savard (D), Columbus Blue Jackets
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Maple Leafs, Flyers, Jets, Lightning, Panthers, Avalanche
Latest News

Elvis Merzlikins

Elvis Merzlikins (G), Columbus Blue Jackets
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Oilers
Latest News

nhl trade rumors stars

Anton Khudobin (G), Dallas Stars
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

nhl trade rumors red wings

Bobby Ryan (F), Detroit Red Wings
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Maple Leafs, Bruins, Flames, Vegas, Avalanche
Latest News

luke glendening

Luke Glendening (C), Detroit Red Wings
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Penguins, Oilers
Latest News

marc staal trade rumors

Marc Staal (D), Detroit Red Wings
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Bruins, Flames, Jets, Flyers
Latest News

Jonathan Bernier (G), Detroit Red Wings
Trade Status: Available/Injured
Destinations: Capitals, Avalanche, Hurricanes, Flyers
Latest News

ryan nugent-hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (F), Edmonton Oilers
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

chris driedger

Chris Driedger (G), Florida Panthers
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Flyers
Latest News

nhl trade rumors avalanche

Jonathan Quick (G), Los Angeles Kings
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Penguins, Capitals, Oilers
Latest News

dustin brown

Dustin Brown (F), Los Angeles Kings
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Islanders
Latest News

nhl trade rumors predators

Matthias Ekholm (D), Nashville Predators
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Bruins, Flyers, Jets, Canadiens
Latest News

mikael granlund

Mikael Granlund (F), Nashville Predators
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Blues, Wild, Penguins
Latest News

ryan ellis

Ryan Ellis (D), Nashville Predators
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Flyers
Latest News

ads on nhl helmets

Kyle Palmieri (F), New Jersey Devils
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Bruins, Maple Leafs, Islanders, Oilers
Latest News

pk suburban trade rumors

PK Subban (D), New Jersey Devils
Trade Status: TBD
Destinations: Bruins
Latest News

dmitry kulikov

Dmitry Kulikov (D), New Jersey Devils
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Bruins
Latest News

tony deangelo trade rumors

Tony DeAngelo (D), New York Rangers
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Kings, Red Wings, Flames, Ducks, Panthers
Latest News

ryan strome contract

Ryan Strome (C), New York Rangers
Trade Status: Unavailable
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

brendan smith

Brendan Smith (D), New York Rangers
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Jets, Penguins
Latest News

erik gudbranson

Erik Gudbranson (D), Ottawa Senators
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Jets
Latest News

ryan dzingel

Ryan Dzingel (F), Ottawa Senators
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

scott laughton

Scott Laughton (C), Philadelphia Flyers
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Pittsburgh, Maple Leafs
Latest News

nhl trade rumors blues

Mike Hoffman (F), St. Louis Blues
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Boston, Buffalo, Islanders
Latest News

Devan Dubnyk (G), San Jose Sharks
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: Avalanche, Oilers, Capitals
Latest News

Patrick Marleau (F), San Jose Sharks
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

leafs flames trade rumors

Alex Kerfoot (F), Toronto Maple Leafs
Trade Status: Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

Tanner Pearson (F), Vancouver Canucks
Trade Status:
Available
Destinations: Oilers, Islanders, Penguins
Latest News

brandon sutter

Brandon Sutter (C), Vancouver Canucks
Trade Status:
Available
Destinations: Oilers
Latest News

nhl trade tracker

Dmitry Orlov (D), Washington Capitals
Trade Status:
Available
Destinations: TBD
Latest News

April 4: No notable updates.

April 3: It’s been awhile but Sam Bennett is finally back on the board. The Flames are racking up losses and the Penguins and Hurricanes are snipping around. Another new name is Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark who the Maple Leafs called on per Elliotte Friedman. New trade destinations added for Ryan Getzlaf (CAR) and Alex Goligoski (PIT). Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

April 2: Two more names are added to the list with Panthers goalie Chris Driedger and Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. Florida has been getting calls on Driedger with the rumor mill pointing at Philadelphia as one of the suitors. Meanwhile the Panthers could be looking at Arizona for Ekblad’s replacement with either Hjalmarsson or Alex Goligoski. New trade destinations added for Taylor Hall (WPG) and Alex Goligoski (FLA). Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

April 1: The Penguins are looking for help at center and could be interested in Mikael Granlund, Luke Glendening and our newest name, Scott Laughton. Also added is Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen whom teams are calling on. New trade destinations added for David Savard (COL), Mikael Granlund (PIT), and Jonathan Bernier (PHI) listed below. Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 31: No notable updates.

March 30: No additional names have been added today – so a bit of a breather. However plenty of updates made to trade destinations based on the latest TSN’s Insider Trading and recent rumor news! New info for David Savard (TBL, FLA), Brandon Montour (FLA), Tony DeAngelo (FLA), and Jonathan Bernier (PHI) listed below. Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 29: This update adds the name Mike Hoffman to the mix. He was a healthy scratch and the rumor mill started churning fast that he could be moved at the deadline. Updates made to some trade destinations for Taylor Hall (STL), Jake DeBrusk (BUF,STL), Tanner Pearson (PIT) and Alex Goligoski (WPG). We also removed Toronto as a destination for any listed goalies. Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 28: No notable updates.

March 27: This update adds the name Brandon Sutter and Brendan Smith to the mix. Vancouver may opt to move some players at the deadline and the Oilers are interested in a right handed center. Also the Rangers are opening room for younger players and Smith is available. Updates made to some trade destinations and latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 26: We have a trade! Eric Staal is off the board and headed to Montreal. This update adds the name Darcy Kuemper to the mix. Elliotte Friedman notes that Keumper should be back by the deadline and if the Capitals are still in the market for a goalie, this could be a fit. Updates made to some trade destinations for Alex Goligoski (BOS) and Kyle Palmieri (PIT). Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 25: This update adds the name Luke Glendening to the mix. Based on the latest TSN Insider Trading, Glendening will not be returning to Detroit and the Oilers could be interested. Updates made to some trade destinations for Kyle Palmieri (EDM), Bobby Ryan (VGK, COL) and Mikael Granlund (STL, MIN). Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 24: This update adds the names Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Dzingel to the mix. Getzlaf will not be traded unless asked but there’s an idea floating around that Brian Burke could look to try and bring him in for a playoff run in Pittsburgh. Also with the Senators to be sure fire sellers again, they are putting Dzingel back on the table. Updates made to some trade destinations for Taylor Hall (TOR) and David Savard (WPG). Latest news links have been updated for some players as well.

March 23: This update adds the names Ryan Ellis and Dustin Brown to the mix. Per Elliotte Friedman, the Predators may be thinking about keeping Mattias Ekholm and moving Ellis instead. He also thinks that the Kings Dustin Brown could be an Islanders trade target. Also included is an update to the trade status of Ryan Strome who is not available per my sources. Trade destinations updated for Taylor Hall (FLA), Sam Reinhart (NYI) and Marc Staal (PHI). Latest news links have been updated as well.

March 22: This update adds the names Patrick Marleau and Eric Gudbranson to the mix. Marleau is now on record saying he is open to be traded to a contender after Sharks announced reset with youth. The Senators are also going to be sellers and Gudbranson will be a defenseman teams will want. Also included are updates to the trade statuses of Nick Foligno and Tanner Pearson. Latest news links updated as well.

March 21: This update adds the names PK Subban and Johnny Gaudreau to the mix. The Devils are said to be sellers at this deadline and Subban’s name is resurfacing again. He has no protection against a trade and with the Blackhawks eager to help teams with cap trouble Subban could be moved. Either that or he’s heading for exposure in the expansion draft. The Flames Johnny Gaudreau is being talked about again with the Flyers being the destination. Will he be traded is the question. Also included updates to trade destinations for Jonathan Quick and the latest news available for some of the players on the list.

March 20: This update adds the names Sam Reinhart and Jonathan Quick to the mix. Another member of the Sabres gets added but the ask is high for the 25 year-old Reinhart. Teams are interested but the ask is a similar age player who plays top six. Goalies are heating up and the Kings may be ready to move Quick. There was a connection earlier with the Penguins but keep your eyes on the Caps and Oilers here. Also included updates to trade destinations and the latest news available on some of the players on the list.

March 19: This update adds the names Elvis Merzlikins to the mix. With the Avalanche close to acquiring Sabres goalie Jonas Johansson and Detroit’s Jonathan Bernier injured, Merzlikins who is available will start to heat up. Also included updates to trade destinations and the latest news available on some of the players on the list.

March 18: This update adds the names Jonathan Bernier, Ryan Strome, and Dmitry Orlov to the mix. Bernier could be an option for the Avalanche, meanwhile both Orlov and Strome are questionable to be move but some experts see as possible. Also included are updates to trade destinations and the latest news available on some of the players on the list.

March 17: This update adds the names Anton Khudobin and Alex Kerfoot to mix. The Stars may lose Khudobin to expansion and may opt to move him. Kerfoot could be a piece moved in order to upgrade at forward for the Leafs. Also included are updates to trade destinations and the latest news available on some of the players on the list.

March 16: This update adds the names David Savard and Devan Dubnyk to mix. Also included are updates to trade destinations and the latest news available on some of the players on the list.

March 15: This update includes the addition of Jake DeBrusk, the removal of Canadian teams as possible destinations for Eric Staal per Elliotte Friedman, and adding the Maple Leafs as a potential destination for Mattias Ekholm.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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