Adam Proteau lists five U-24 players currently in the NHL who have been subjects of trade speculation leading up to the deadline, including centers in Anaheim and Philadelphia.

With the NHL’s 2024 trade deadline now three weeks away, speculation on who could be moved is increasing. 

There will be deals for pure rental players with familiar names, including Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, Anaheim’s Adam Henrique, and Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel, on the tip of some people’s tongues. 

However, for various reasons, some fascinating younger players are rumored to be on the trade block. Teams are always happy to add cost-certain assets, and for the most part, that’s what the youngsters below will be considered as.

Here are this writer’s top five picks of the best-available NHLers aged 24 or younger. 

5. Arthur Kaliyev, RW, Los Angeles Kings

There have been whispers that Kaliyev has worn out his welcome in Los Angeles, with the 22-year-old winger producing only six goals and 14 points in 38 games. He was a healthy scratch under now-former Kings coach Todd McLellan, and he hasn’t played a game since Jan. 28. That can’t make either the team or the player very happy.

Kaliyev would be a good fit for a team with the time and patience to allow him to hit his stride and develop into a legitimate scoring threat, but the Kings aren’t that team anymore. If Kings GM Rob Blake can move Kaliyev while either freeing up salary cap space or bringing in a veteran who can help out his team right away, we can definitely see a Kaliyev trade happening. Time is on his side at the moment, but like all the players on this list, Kaliyev needs a fresh start to rebuild his confidence.

4. Kaapo Kakko, RW, New York Rangers

The 23-year-old Kakko came into the NHL with a lot of hype and expectations, but he hasn’t lived up to them in Manhattan, producing only five goals and eight points in 32 games. The Rangers are in win-now mode, and Kakko is averaging just 13:16 of ice time per game, so it makes sense that Blueshirts GM Chris Drury is listening to offers for Kakko.

Would it make sense for him to land in a market that doesn’t have major expectations? A team like the Buffalo Sabres? We think so. 

Kakko still has time to realize his potential, but on a Rangers team with little room for passengers, he’s facing a squeeze that may spell the end of his time in New York City. Rangers fans want to see him succeed, but they want to see wins more than that. As it stands, Kakko just isn’t doing enough to justify his $2.1-million salary – and the raise he’d be due when he becomes an RFA this summer. It feels like the team and the player would benefit from a change of scenery.

3. Nicholas Robertson, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Robertson has been in the spotlight since Toronto drafted him 53rd overall in 2019, but the 22-year-old’s improvement has not been linear since he turned professional. With the Leafs looking to improve their defense corps, Robertson’s name has been bandied about in trade rumors. 

He’s produced seven goals and 15 points in 33 NHL games this year, and those numbers are unlikely to drastically improve, considering he averages just 11:05 of ice time per game.

Robertson has the soft hands and fast speed you want to see in a top-two-lines-type player, but he won’t be that kind of player for the Buds. Perhaps Leafs GM Brad Treliving sends him to a developing squad like the San Jose Sharks, or maybe the Anaheim Ducks see him as a long-term fit. Regardless, the Leafs could move him if he can bring in a return that addresses their needs, and right now, Robertson is expendable in the big picture.

2. Morgan Frost, C, Philadelphia Flyers

There are very few NHL-caliber centers available as the trade deadline draws nearer, and young centers are even rarer to find on the trade block. But the 24-year-old Frost is quietly having a decent season in Philadelphia, generating nine goals and 26 points in 43 games while averaging only 15:34 of ice time. 

With a cap hit of $2.1 million this season and next season, Frost is an affordable investment for any team, and his RFA status makes him all the more attractive to potential Flyers trade partners. 

For instance, would a team like the Boston Bruins pursue Frost to solidify their center position for the foreseeable future? It’s a tantalizing proposition and one that could come to pass.

Frost is on pace to improve on his career-best 27 assists last season, and while he’s not large in stature, Frost is fast enough and smart enough to be a positive influence on a new team. 

The Flyers are on a long-term rebuild, and though Frost is young enough to be part of that rebuild, he could bring back a high draft pick and/or an above-average prospect to Philly. Flyers GM Daniel Briere can sit back patiently and wait for the market for Frost to heat up, but if Frost is a Flyer past the trade deadline, more than a few NHL observers will be surprised.

1. Trevor Zegras, C/LW, Anaheim Ducks

Admittedly, trading Zegras is a long shot, as the 22-year-old forward has produced 23 goals and at least 61 points in the 2022-23 campaign as well as the season prior. 

A broken ankle has sidelined Zegras, but when he was healthy, he amassed only four goals and seven points in 20 games – hardly a good amount considering his $5.75-million cap hit that runs through the 2025-26 season. 

He’d command a lot on the trade market, with teams lining up to make a bid to Ducks GM Pat Verbeek. Zegras could be an acquisition for an up-and-coming organization like the Detroit Red Wings, or perhaps a team early in its rebuild – say, the Montreal Canadiens – would be a great new home for him. 

Verbeek may choose to let Zegras continue to develop in Anaheim, but if Verbeek does put Zegras on the block, the Ducks would get a terrific package of draft picks and prospects in return. It’s a tempting situation, so don’t be shocked if Anaheim does move in a different direction than Zegras is headed in right now.