Bold predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason

Credit: Clayton Keller (© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

So we have just three teams alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs and most of the league is switching toward offseason mode, with hirings and firings starting to happen. It’s not too early to think about what could be a wild five weeks of activity.

So I’m wondering: What is your boldest offseason prediction?

MATT LARKIN: I think we’re going to see three or more first-round picks traded in time for the 2023 NHL Draft. We know the NHL is a copycat league, and after seeing the success of Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk gambit last summer, I expect a few GMs will try to shoot their shot as well. The Carolina Hurricanes are long overdue to take a swing for a superstar acquisition. An experienced GM taking over the Toronto Maple Leafs could put their (Bruins) first-rounder, acquired from the Washington Capitals, into play. The St. Louis Blues have three first-round picks to play with, and it’s already common knowledge that GM Doug Armstrong eyes a retool rather than a rebuild. I expect the 2023 Draft order to look very different from its current state by the time the names get called June 28.

NICK ALBERGA: My boldest offseason prediction is that we see two or more blockbuster trades. And for the record, I’m talking Calgary/Florida on the Richter Scale. The logic for this is very simple, too. For starters, it’s a copycat league. All it takes is for one GM to look at what Bill Zito pulled off last summer and wonder if they can do the same. On top of that, I’m forecasting lots of trade activity anyway. It seems like there’s a lot of marquee talent potentially up for grabs this summer. The two teams I’ll be watching the closest are the Winnipeg Jets and the Toronto Maple Leafs. In general, it just feels like there are numerous teams open for business and open to making a substantial transaction. Having said all that, I vote for chaos.

STEVEN ELLIS: Matt had my choice, so here’s a follow-up: I’m not expecting any blockbuster trades after the NHL Draft. I think the Tkachuk/Huberdeau one was a one-off. And that’s not speaking with any insider knowledge, but I’ve been burned into believing way too often that we’ll get these big offseason trades that never happen. I DO fully expect teams to overpay in free agency with the weaker class, but in terms of big, blockbuster moves? I just can’t see it happening. But just for saying that, watch Pierre-Luc Dubois get traded for Cole Caufield or something like that.

MIKE MCKENNA: First up, Coyotes forward Clayton Keller soft-requests a trade. You know, when a player wants out but doesn’t want to look bad in the process. And once he says ‘uncle’ others will follow. I think the Coyotes are going to have a terrible time drawing any players of substance to Arizona given the dismal outlook of the franchise. They might have to take on even more dead weight to make the salary floor. As a former Coyote, it pains me to see the current situation. Hockey should work in Phoenix. But it hasn’t. And the players have finally had enough.

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Bold predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason

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