NHL Rumors: 3 Defensemen Expected to Be Traded This Summer

The NHL's offseason is off to a blazing start this summer. There's been a number of big trades already and the free-agent market has yet to open. While free agency is just around the corner, let's focus today's piece on a few more trades which could be coming, specifically involving defensemen. Here's three blueliners who have likely played their last game with their current team:

Jeff Petry, Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has admitted more than once Jeff Petry is available. The team continues to discuss the veteran defenseman with a number of teams and it's salary retention that could be holding up the talks. Petry has to battle playing in Montreal's spot light without his family who are back in the U.S and look for the Habs to move their blueliner to an American-based team this summer. Last season Petry recorded 27 points in 68 games and he's signed for three more seasons at $6.25 million on the books.

Tyson Barrie, Edmonton Oilers

Oilers general manager Ken Holland is after a goalie and once one or perhaps two are signed, look for the team to start trading. While forward Jesse Puljujarvi is certainly a prime trade candidate, so to is defenseman Tyson Barrie. The offensive d-man recorded 41 points in 73 games last season and was leap frogged by Evan Bouchard as the team's best option from the right-side. Look for the Oilers to potentially package Barrie and Puljujarvi together and save them some money to re-sign Evander Kane to a long-term contract.

Torey Krug, St Louis Blues

While the Blues almost landed Ryan McDonagh, turns out they also were close to moving Torey Krug. St Louis is looking to mix up the left-side of their blue line and have made Krug available for the right price. He's signed for five more seasons at $6.5 million annually and is coming off a year where he recorded 43 points in 64 games. Krug can still quarterback a power play and is one of the best offensive options in the league. Hockey insider Frank Seravalli had this to say about a potential Krug deal:

Blues GM Doug Armstrong has quietly explored the potential of moving Krug, whom he brought in two seasons ago on a $45 million deal. Most importantly: Krug has a full “no-trade” clause and can block a deal to any team, and to this point, it sounds as if he has not been approached about the possibility. However, Armstrong is juggling a lot of balls in the air at the moment (see: Vladimir Tarasenko at No. 5). The Blues are wondering how they can create some cap flexibility. Would Krug have significant value at is cost certainty?

Photo credit:  Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports