The NHL offseason is often hyped up with the idea that there could be major movement via trade and the free agent market, only for fans to be let down by a rather underwhelming summer of activity.
That very well could be the case again this offseason. However, with the upcoming UFA class being rather weak and the uncertainty around several superstar players across the league, insider Frank Seravalli believes this time truly could be different.
He specifically pointed to Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, Connor McDavid, and Zach Werenski as situations to watch over the coming months.
“I think this has, like—I’m not playing it up—I think this truly has like a lottery ticket chance to be one of the most incredible NHL offseasons we’ve ever had. What happens with Auston Matthews in Toronto based on the manager or managers that they pick? What happens with Brady Tkachuk? What happens if the Oilers lose tomorrow night? How does Connor McDavid feel? Are we absolutely 100% certain that Zach Werenski wants to stay in Columbus? I’m not kidding, like I think this could be a massive, massive offseason,”
Matthews, 28, Tkachuk, 26, McDavid, 29, and Werenski, 28, all have two years remaining on their current contracts with their respective teams, lining up for the potential that they all hit unrestricted free agency following the 2027–28 campaign.
The buzz around Matthews’ future in Toronto and Tkachuk’s in Ottawa has already drawn plenty of attention in recent months. McDavid’s, on the other hand, will depend on whether the Oilers can get out of a 3–2 hole to beat the Anaheim Ducks in Round 1, while Werenski hasn’t been talked about much at all, though he remains a fascinating case as well.
Any of these four being moved remains more unlikely than not; however, it only takes one to shake up the hockey world.
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