NHL Rumors: 3 Atlantic Division Forwards Expected to be Traded This Summer

Welcome to the latest series at NHLTR where we'll dive into each division across the NHL and examine the most likely trade candidates. Forwards, defensemen and goaltenders, you will see them all as it's expected to be a wild and wacky summer of transactions. For today's segment, let's dive into forwards from the Atlantic division who are expected to be moved this summer:

Alexander Kerfoot, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't expected to make any blockbuster moves this offseason but they are expected to tinker with their roster. The team needs to create some more cap flexibility to re-sign Jack Campbell and Alexander Kerfoot and his $3.5 million annual salary is a prime target. Kerfoot is a top-9 forward for the Leafs but is someone that doesn't sniff a lick of power-play time. Most of his 51 points in 82 games came at even strength and with the 27-year-old hitting free agency after the 2022-23 season, Toronto may be looking to cash in on their asset before he comes to expensive to pay. Starting July 1, Kerfoot can submit a 10-team trade list of teams he'd like to avoid, as it's the first time in his career he's held trade protection. Timing is everything and it's worth pointing out the actual cash of the final year of his deal is only $750,000, which will generate a ton of interest from other teams.

Christian Dvorak, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes will be putting his fingerprints all over the Canadiens roster this summer and one player to watch is forward Christian Dvorak. With Montreal having Nick Suzuki and landing the #1 overall pick, to like take Shane Wright, someone like the 26-year-old Dvorak is now becoming expendable. He's set to make $4.45 million through the 2024-25 season and last year tallied 33 points in 56 games. It appears management wasn't thrilled with his season and his name is now a hot topic on the trade market. There's lots of potential still left in his game and at times in Arizona, Dvorak was the team's best two-way forward. The Canadiens are expected to explore a number of trades and this will certainly be one of them.

Patric Hornqvist, Florida Panthers

With one season left on his deal paying him $5.3 million, Florida Panthers winger Patric Hornqvist is a prime trade candidate who could find himself in buy out talks if no deal materializes. The 35-year-old veteran forward has slowed down considerably over the years and last season managed 28 points in 65 games. He holds no-trade protection against eight teams of his choice and with the Panthers wanting to bring back Claude Giroux, along with the likelihood they will have to retain salary to make a change in net, Hornqvist's money needs to be reallocated. Expect to see him involved in trade discussions early on this summer as free agency begins July 13 and teams will want their finances in order by then.

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