The first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs will soon draw to a close. As more teams fall by the wayside in the chase for hockey's holy grail, we can expect an increase in media trade speculation.
It's been quiet in the NHL trade market since the March 8 trade deadline, but non-playoff clubs are now allowed to make deals between themselves. However, most will likely wait until the playoffs end in June when all 32 teams can resume trading.
Meanwhile, there's already media conjecture regarding trade candidates among the current non-playoff teams. Some, such as Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markström and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun, are no strangers to the rumor mill.