Tkachuk, Matthews Named Offseason Trade Candidates

The NHL's trade market will be as interesting as ever this summer, as there's some very big names being tossed around.

Once the Stanley Cup Playoffs conclude and we put an end to this season, all the focus is going to shift heading into the summer on two big names, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

Recently, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco addressed the two trade candidates:

You nailed the two: the Ontario-team captains in Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk. Speculatively speaking, the Ottawa Senators’ feet are probably closer to the fire in having to move Tkachuk based on the off-ice drama that has gone on this year and his brother’s decision to exit stage left from the Calgary Flames four summers ago. Matthews’ situation feels far more up in the air and might be determined by the Leafs’ hiring decision on their next GM.

Matthews has given no indication at all that he's going to leave, which is why Leafs Nation must be frustrated with all of these reports that the new GM is going to trade him. Frankly, that's very likely not the case at all, as Matthews has stated numerous times he loves playing in Toronto, and it's expected the new GM will undergo a re-tool and not a rebuild, based on the CEO's sense of direction for the franchise.

Tkachuk on the other hand has enjoyed a season full of drama, on and off the ice, and it's obvious the heat is on in Ottawa. Tkachuk has full control of his destiny and there's growing speculation if he is moved this summer, it will be to either the Florida Panthers or New Jersey Devils.

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

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