2023 NHL Trade Deadline: Three players that need to be traded this year

The NHL Trade Deadline is less than a month away and teams have already begun making key moves to their rosters. A major trade so far has seen Bo Horvat traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Islanders in exchange for forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty, as well as a protected 2023 first-round draft pick.

"This is the biggest move they could've made for a goal scorer at this time." @KevinWeekes is hyped following the Islanders' trade for Bo Horvat. @EJHradek_NHL | #Canucks | #Isles | #NHLNow" - NHL Network

Some of the top names on the trade market are proven superstars such as Timo Meier, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Patrick Kane.

However, there are several younger players around the league who could use a change of scenery this trade season. Here is a closer look at some of those players, including Jesse Pulijujarvi, Brock Boeser, and Alexis Lafreniere, who could all be on the move before March 3rd.

1. Jesse Pulijujarvi may find a new home at the NHL Trade Deadline

It may not come as a surprise that Jesse Puljujarvi might be moved on this trade deadline, as Edmonton's General Manager Ken Holland sent a note to every team stating that the forward is available. However, there may be a surprise suitor for the former fourth-overall draft pick.

"Ken Holland says he’s in “win-now mode” ahead of NHL trade deadline. What does that really mean? My Q&A with the Oilers GM, which starts with what’s likely to happen when Kailer Yamamoto comes off LTIR. (Hint: it doesn’t sound good for Jesse Puljujarvi.)" - Daniel Nugent-Bowman

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Tampa Bay Lightning might emerge as a top trade candidate for Puljujarvi. The forward has failed to live up to the expectations thrust upon him after being selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the fourth pick of the 2016 NHL Draft. However, a change of scenery could pay off drastically for the Swedish forward at this NHL Trade Deadline.

2. Brock Boeser may be the next Canuck on the move

Following the departure of Bo Horvat, the Vancouver Canucks have made it clear that they will be selling off assets at the NHL Trade Deadline. Enter Brock Boeser, who emerged early in his career as a future star, however, he has struggled to remain healthy and productive over recent seasons.

"If there was ever a classic change-of-scenery guy available, it's #Canucks Brock Boeser. He's been through a lot. Time for a fresh start. A deep dive on one of the #NHL's pure shooters, seven potential landing spots and a ballpark trade return:" - Frank Seravalli

The Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, and New Jersey Devils have all been interested in the forward as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches.

3. Kasperi Kapanen's time in Pittsburgh may be coming to an end

Another player who could use a change of scenery is Kasperi Kapanen of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 26-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations after being acquired by the club during the 2020 season. The Finnish forward may now find himself on the move to the third club of his career before the March 3rd NHL Trade Deadline.

"I have a gut feeling that we see a Brock Boeser - Kasperi Kapanen trade in one of those obvious “change of scenery” deals. Both guys severely underperforming, and while this would’ve been a big loss for the Canucks a while ago, feels like Brock’s time here is just running thin." - CanucksPlace