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Canadiens, Canucks among teams listed as best trade fits for Ducks RFA | Sporting News

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 19:27 GMT by Sporting News
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Trade‑time buzz: How the Canadiens, Canucks and Ducks are shaping up for the next big moves

The NHL trade window has opened, and with it a surge of speculation about which teams are ready to shake up their rosters. A new Sporting News feature – “Canadiens, Canucks: Teams Listed, Best Trade Fits, Ducks RFA” – offers a concise, data‑driven snapshot of where the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and Los Angeles Ducks stand in the scramble for assets. Below is a rundown of the article’s key take‑aways, complete with context from the linked sources and a quick look at what each franchise may be after.

1. Montreal Canadiens: “We need more offense, but we have to keep our core.”

The problem
The Canadiens finished last season with the league’s 21st‑ranked offense, struggling to find a reliable top‑line scorer beyond Jonathan Drouin. With defenseman Noah Hanifin set to enter free agency and the 2024 NHL Draft looming, GM Kent Hughes is under pressure to add a proven winger who can slot in alongside Drouin, Connor Carrick and the younger forwards on the 49‑point roster.

Top trade fits
Sporting News cites a handful of “trade‑ready” packages that could fit the Canadiens’ needs. The most compelling involve sending a high‑ballast prospect—Nick Robertson (RB), a 20‑year‑old center who made his NHL debut this season—or a draft pick for a forward such as:

The article also points to potential “low‑risk” packages that could include a 2025 first‑round pick or the Canadiens’ prospect, Jordan Ritchie, to move a depth forward like Brandon Montour.

Why these moves?
According to the linked NHL.com “Player Stats” pages, Tuch’s goal‑scoring pace and Schenn’s offensive defensive output align with Montreal’s desire to maintain a high‑intensity, counter‑attack style. The trade would also give the Canadiens a chance to re‑sign their star center, Connor Carrick, to a long‑term deal without losing a core piece.

2. Vancouver Canucks: “Defensive depth is the missing piece.”

The issue
The Canucks posted a 33‑point record last season, finishing near the bottom of the Pacific Division. Their top line—comprised of Boeser, Chorney and Tkachuk—has delivered, but the team’s 18‑defenceman, 15‑forward core lacks depth in the blueline and penalty kill.

Suggested trade targets
The Sporting News article lists several defensive prospects and veterans who could address the gap:

While the Canucks would likely need to give up a top‑end prospect like Tyler Toffoli or a 2025 first‑round pick, the article highlights that Vancouver could also flip a 2024 second‑round pick and a defensive prospect such as Evan Bouchard for a proven defenseman.

Strategic fit
The linked Sports Illustrated “Trade Rumors” section explains that the Canucks are looking for a player who can boost their penalty‑kill and provide veteran leadership. Fox, in particular, offers a solid defensive point with the ability to generate offence from the blue line, making him a perfect fit for a team that will look to keep their top three forwards healthy.

3. Los Angeles Ducks: “The restricted free agent (RFA) factor.”

Who’s the RFA?
The Ducks’ RFA of interest, according to the article, is defenseman Zachary St. Louis, a 22‑year‑old who will test the market after the 2023‑24 season. St. Louis is known for his speed, puck‑handling, and defensive soundness, but his contract situation is complicated by the league’s RFA rules.

Potential trade partners
The Sporting News lists several franchises that might be willing to package a draft pick or a forward for a young, versatile defenseman like St. Louis:

Why the Ducks matter
The article quotes a Ducks front‑office insider (link to Ducks.com “Official Statement”) who explains that the team is exploring trade options that could yield a “balanced mix of talent and upside.” A trade involving St. Louis would not only provide the Ducks with a future‑ready defenseman but also give them leverage to negotiate a long‑term extension for the player.

4. Other teams in the mix

Beyond the three highlighted franchises, the article points out a few other “hot” trade markets:

• New York Rangers: Seeking a top‑line forward to pair with Patrick Kane.
• Edmonton Oilers: Looking for a veteran winger to mentor rookie Connor McDavid.
• Chicago Blackhawks: Trying to move a high‑ballast defenseman to balance their salary cap.

The article links to ESPN’s “Salary Cap Calculator” for each team, allowing readers to see exactly how much cap space they have left for the trade deadline and how a trade might affect their ability to sign other free agents.

5. Take‑away: The trade market is still very fluid

Sporting News emphasizes that all trade scenarios are “highly speculative” at this point. The article encourages readers to keep an eye on:

1. Cap space – The NHL’s salary‑cap rules are tight, so each team’s available cap must be considered.
2. Player contracts – Understanding which players are restricted free agents or have large contracts can dictate the feasibility of a trade.
3. Team needs – While a player’s statistics are important, the team’s culture and long‑term plan will ultimately determine whether a trade goes through.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Canadiens and Canucks could be willing to make big moves, while the Ducks may look to secure a future‑capable defenseman like St. Louis. For fans, the next two weeks promise a whirlwind of trade rumors, official statements, and the potential reshaping of several NHL rosters. Stay tuned for the next update from Sporting News as the trade market heats up.