NHL 2023-24 Prediction: 5 Defensemen Who Will Be Traded This Season

We're back for another 2023-24 NHL prediction. While the trade market is already heating up across the NHL, we showcased five forwards who will be getting dealt this summer. This time around it's the blue line where are attention sits as these five defensemen are very likely getting traded at some point this season. They include:

Tyler Myers, Vancouver Canucks

The towering 6-foot-8 d-man is entering the final season of his contract and after a dismal 2022-23 campaign, the trade chatter has already picked up out of western Canada. Myers is set to make $6 million against the cap this season and holds trade protection against 10 teams of his choice. Last season he recorded 17 points in 78 games and he's hopeful a full season with Rick Tocchet behind the bench will do wonders for his game. If Vancouver is out of it early this season, look for Myers to be moved before 2024.

Noah Hanifin, Calgary Flames

This one is a bit tricky because there's been several reports out of Calgary that Hanifin wants to return to playing hockey in the United States. Meanwhile, the Flames blueliner admitted he's taking a wait-and-see approach to this season with new head coach Ryan Huska. If Hanifin gets moved before the deadline, it will be a significant package heading back to Calgary. He's on the books for $4.95 million this season and holds an 8-team no-trade clause. Hanifin recorded 38 points in 81 games last season and could hit 45 points this year.

Ilya Lyubushkin, Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks are an interesting team to watch this season as their management may think they're further ahead in the rebuild than they actual are. Many scratched their heads when the team signed Radko Gudas, Alex Killorn and then GM Pat Verbeek went on to trade for Lyubushkin from the Buffalo Sabres. The physical d-man is in the final season of a two-year deal, making $2.75 million against the cap. 'Bushk' doesn't hold any trade protection and is likely getting moved at the deadline to a contending team looking for some more sandpaper on the back end for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Logan Stanley, Winnipeg Jets

Stanley asked for a trade last season but the request was essentially denied. That could all change this season, especially out of training camp depending on how the chips fall on the Jet's defense. The former first-round pick is a towering presence at 6-foot-6 and at just 25 years old, still has a long NHL career ahead of him. Stanley just needs some consistent ice time and a coaching staff that believes in his game. He may need to get out of Winnipeg to make that happen.

Sean Walker, Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers are expected to be among the bottom feeders in the eastern conference and will be looking to move out some assets before the trade deadline. This could mean newcomer Sean Walker is only sticking around town for a few months before the deadline. Walker was acquired in a deal from the LA Kings and will get a shot at some minutes among the Flyers' top four d-men. He's shown in the past he can contribute in all facets of the game and Flyers management is hopeful he does so they can package him up for some future considerations. Expect lots more movement out of Philly this season.

Photo credit:  Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports