As the NHL offseason progresses, the trade winds are swirling, and several veteran defensemen find themselves at the center of speculation. For those aged 35 and older, the window of opportunity to secure a move to a Stanley Cup contender or a team seeking a seasoned presence on the blue line may be closing.
One prominent name frequently mentioned in trade rumors is Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins. At 35 years old, Karlsson still has two seasons remaining on his hefty eight-year, $92 million contract, carrying a significant $11.5 million cap hit. While his offensive capabilities remain enticing, his age, contract, and full no-move clause complicate any potential deal. Despite these challenges, several teams have been linked to Karlsson, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, and Vegas Golden Knights. The Penguins are reportedly willing to listen to offers but are unlikely to retain a significant portion of Karlsson's salary. A trade might become more feasible closer to the March trade deadline.
Mattias Ekholm of the Edmonton Oilers is another 35-year-old defenseman whose future is under discussion. While the Oilers are reportedly exploring a contract extension for Ekholm, his age and recent injuries raise questions about the length and terms of any new deal. A short-term extension would be a logical option, but Ekholm may seek a longer-term deal to finish his NHL career. The Oilers must weigh his age, recent injuries, and overall importance to the team's defensive core when making a decision.
Ryan McDonagh of the Tampa Bay Lightning is also drawing interest from other teams. At 35, McDonagh has one year left on his contract with a $6.75 million cap hit and a modified no-trade list. Despite his age, he remains a highly effective defenseman, leading the Lightning with a plus-43 rating last season. The Detroit Red Wings have been mentioned as a potential suitor for McDonagh, as general manager Steve Yzerman has a history with the player from his time in Tampa Bay.
Jamie Oleksiak of the Seattle Kraken is another defenseman who may be on the move. While not quite 35 (he will turn 33 in December), Oleksiak is a seasoned veteran with an expiring contract and a manageable $4.6 million cap hit. The Kraken's signing of Ryan Lindgren suggests they are preparing for life without Oleksiak, making him a prime trade candidate. The Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets have been linked to Oleksiak, as both teams seek to add size and toughness to their defensive corps.
As these veteran defensemen navigate the trade market, several factors will influence their destinations. Their age, contract status, performance, and the acquiring team's needs and cap situation will all play a role. While the trade window may be closing for some, their experience and leadership could still make them valuable assets for teams seeking to contend for the Stanley Cup.
