The NHL season is one of the most exciting times of the year, as teams look to trade for new players, rebuild their rosters, and position themselves for a chance at the Stanley Cup.
With the season underway, the trade market starts to heat up and we could see players on new teams. With rumors heating up, these are the biggest NHL trade targets that could still be traded this season.
The Top NHL Trade Targets to Watch Right Now
Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck is one of the best goalies in the NHL. Hellebuyck has been the starter for the Winnipeg Jets for several seasons and has been one of the biggest reasons for their success.
Hellebuyck could still become one of the biggest trade targets this season. There are a lot of teams that could use a goalie like him, especially teams that believe they are one player away from making a Stanley Cup run.
Hellebuyck has played his entire career with the Jets. He was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round, 130th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft. Since then, he has become one of the best goalies in the league and has won the Vezina Trophy.
A trade involving Hellebuyck would be a big move for any team. The Jets would likely want a big return for their star goalie, which could include young players, prospects, and draft picks.
If Winnipeg decides to move Hellebuyck, several teams could be interested. A team looking for an experienced starting goalie could make a big push to acquire him before the trade deadline.
Adin Hill, G, Vegas Golden Knights
Adin Hill was the starter for the Vegas Golden Knights and has been an important goalie for the team.
There are a lot of teams that could use him, including the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and the Utah Mammoth.
Hill has played most of his career with the Golden Knights. Hill was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the third round, 76th overall, in 2015. Hill also spent one season with the San Jose Sharks before coming to Vegas.
Hill could still be a trade target during the season if the Golden Knights decide they want to make a change in net. His experience and Stanley Cup experience could make him valuable to a team looking for a goalie before the trade deadline.
The biggest question is whether Vegas would actually want to move him. If the Golden Knights decide they need to make a trade to improve their roster, Hill could be one of the players that gets attention from other teams.
Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews was drafted in 2016 as the first pick overall. Matthews shined during his rookie year with 40 goals and 69 points.
Matthews is one of the biggest stars in the NHL and has been one of the most important players for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthews is still only 29 years old, but trading him for younger players or picks would not be a horrible idea if Toronto decided it was time to rebuild its roster.
Matthews has a very high cap hit, which could complicate a trade. However, trading Matthews could also give the Maple Leafs significant salary cap space while bringing back young players and draft picks.
Matthews would be a valuable addition to any team. He is one of the best goal scorers in the NHL and has shown that he can score at a high level throughout his career.
Matthews, Hill, and Hellebuyck are three players who could still be involved in trades this NHL season. If any of these players are moved, it could have a major impact on the NHL and the Stanley Cup race.
The trade deadline is still a long way away, but as teams figure out what they need, these three players could become some of the biggest names to watch on the trade market.
Main Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
