NHL Rumors: 3 Metropolitan 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, we have you covered as it's expected to be a busy summer of players swapping jerseys. For this segment, let's showcase three forwards from the Metropolitan division who are expected to soon be changing teams:

Josh Bailey, New York Islanders

Someone needs to tell Josh Bailey, his agent dropped the ball as he's one of the only top-nine forwards on Long Island who doesn't hold any trade protection. Bailey has two seasons left on his deal, making $5 million annually, and the Islanders are expected to shake things up this offseason, making Bailey a prime target. He's coming off a season where he recorded 44 points in 74 games, so they may be in tough to get full value on the deal. The Islanders could use a shake up and it likely starts here.

Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ron Hextall has a ton of business to handle this offseason and it's likely going to include finding a new home for Jason Zucker. The oft-injured veteran appeared in 41 games last season, recording only 17 points and if you're making $5.5 million against the salary cap, that type of production is not good enough. Zucker holds a no-trade clause against 10 teams he'd like to avoid and if you're looking for a favorite suitor at this point, expect the Los Angeles Kings to have some interest this summer. 

Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers

While the Philadelphia Flyers want to move James van Riemsdyk, they may have to settle for Travis Konecny as there's a ton of interest in the pesky forward. The Toronto Maple Leafs tried numerous times to acquire the Flyers winger last season, and those talks could eventually pick up again this offseason. Konecny collected 52 points in 79 games in 2021-22, and is signed for the next three seasons at $5.5 million, meanwhile he doesn't hold any no-trade protection. The Flyers are expected to re-tool on the fly and look for them to try and shake up their forward group.

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