Early NHL Trade Rumors You Didn’t See Coming

Some interesting, but unexpected names are already popping up in trade talks. Is there anything to these rumors?

The season’s barely underway, but front offices are already taking calls and looking at their respective rosters. It’s not yet trade-deadline season, yet the early smoke feels thicker than usual, some of which is quite surprising. From veterans quietly shopping to young defensemen possibly becoming available, the market is shifting faster than expected.

Here’s what’s surprising insiders — and it’s worth asking if there’s anything to the rumblings.

Brayden Schenn: The Blues Might Be Shopping Their Captain

The St. Louis Blues have struggled of late, and an aggressive GM like Doug Armstrong won’t sit on his hands for long. Armstrong is more than willing to have uncomfortable conversations, and it sounds like talks surrounding his captain have already begun.

After 15 games, Schenn has just two goals and six points— not exactly the impact you want from your captain and a $6.5 million forward.

Frank Seravalli reported that Armstrong has been “open for business” and has suggested that other teams now know Schenn could be had for the right return. He nearly moved at last season’s deadline but used his no-trade clause to stay put. That protection is now limited to only 15 teams, which makes a deal far more plausible this time around.

Contenders like the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils are believed to be circling. Schenn’s $6.5 million cap hit complicates things — the Blues won’t retain salary — but his leadership and playoff pedigree make him one of the most intriguing early-season trade chips.

Mason Lohrei: Would the Bruins Give Up On a Young Prospect?

Few expected Mason Lohrei’s name to pop up in trade chatter this soon, if at all. The 23-year-old defenseman has offensive upside — six points in 11 games — but his recent healthy scratches have raised eyebrows across the league.

Elliotte Friedman wrote:

“I don’t know that there’s anything going on trade-wise with Mason Lohrei. But I do know that when a talented, young player like him sits four games in a row, others call and ask what’s up.”

Bruins coach Marco Sturm insists the move to sit Lohrei is a “reset,” not a punishment, but rival GMs will smell opportunity, and the Bruins suddenly started winning.

Boston’s mandate should be to get younger, not trade youth away — unless they can swap Lohrei for a player of similar age and trajectory. For now, the situation looks more like a message being sent (if that) than a trade in progress, but it’s the kind of subtle story that can snowball fast. The more often he’s out of the lineup, the more teams will start asking what’s up.

Juuse Saros: One Of The Names Popping Up In Nashville

Nashville’s struggles have already sparked speculation about a major reset — and star goaltender Juuse Saros could be part of it. There’s no imminent talk that the Predators have seriously considered a move, but as Jeff Marek said, the Edmonton Oilers should be kicking tires. Specifically, he noted, “If you’re not talking about looking at Juuse Saros, then what are we doing here?”