Five players have officially been placed on the trade market, including one surprise

As we head into the second half of the NHL regular season, negotiations between the various general managers will gradually begin to intensify, and we can expect to see several trades concluded in the coming weeks.

Based on some informants' sources (and their lists), here are five players who could be involved in big trades by the deadline.

Five players who would officially be on the trade market:

1. Bo Horvat - Vancouver Canucks


The journey of the 9th overall pick in 2013 really seems to be over in Vancouver. This saga is even becoming almost embarrassing for the Canucks.

Horvat, 27, has 35 points, including 24 goals, in 33 games this season. He is sensational.

2. Jakob Chychrun - Arizona Coyotes

We've been talking about this for a long time, but it doesn't change. The question is not "if" Chychrun will be traded, but "when" will he be traded. The Coyotes' GM makes no bones about it, the talented defenseman is available.

Chychrun has been solid this season as well. He has 13 points in 16 games with the Coyotes in 2022-23.

3. Sean Monahan

We know this one well. Monahan is certainly useful to the CH, but he will be free as a bird next summer and Kent Hughes will receive some very tempting trade offers between now and March.

Would a 2023 first round pick for Monahan do it?

If not, the Habs could re-sign him, but that might be pretty expensive for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.

4. John Klingberg

The 30-year-old offensive defenseman will almost certainly be traded by the deadline. His contract runs out at the end of the year.

5. Patrick Kane

He too has a contract that expires at the end of this campaign and he will probably want an opportunity to play for a more competitive team than his poor Blackhawks.

It's a surprise to see him this high on the charts, especially considering his recent comments, but after all these years, his days in Chicago really seem to be numbered. This is big.

Special mention for Joel Edmundson.

The veteran defenseman doesn't seem to be at his best in Martin St-Louis' system, but he's still a great defensive defenseman with a Stanley Cup ring under his belt, and making a reasonable salary.

He could possibly be Kent Hughes' "Ben Chiarot 2023". To be continued!


Other source: Frank Seravalli's list

Credit: HABSolumentFan