The latest Edmonton Oilers speculation now suggests the team wants another defenseman sooner rather than later. Could a former Oiler be that addition? Each NHL season sees clubs make a splash on the trade front with pending free agents or draft capital, so it seems safe to expect the same in 2024-25. NHL teams are always looking to improve their rosters, for the short term or long term, depending on a team's competitive cycle. This is especially true once the trade deadline approaches. However, which teams are best positioned to make notable upgrades this upcoming campaign? Let's discuss three NHL clubs that stand out now. NASHVILLE PREDATORS Last week, the Nashville Predators traded top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks. One of the main pieces the Predators received from the Sharks is the Vegas Golden Knights' 2025 first-round pick. The Predators are now an expected playoff team with three first-rounders for next year alone. They are also entering 2024-25 with more than S3 million in cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/nashville-predators], according to PuckPedia, so they are in a nice place to make a significant trade next season. The Nashville Predators made significant free-agent additions after a first-round appearance in last season's playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4ODQzNTc1ODQ3Mjk4MzU1/usatsi_23100349.jpg] The Nashville Predators made significant free-agent additions after a first-round appearance in last season's playoffs. Predators GM Barry Trotz made several notable additions to the club's roster this summer, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei in free agency. Trotz clearly has faith in the Predators and views them as a genuine threat in the Western Conference already. That could mean they can aggressively add NHL-ready talent with their draft capital. UTAH HOCKEY CLUB The Utah Hockey Club's first off-season was a smashing success. GM Bill Armstrong wants the NHL's newest team to be more competitive out of the gate, as he added Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, Ian Cole and Kevin Stenlund this summer. However, given Utah's current situation, it would not be surprising in the slightest if Armstrong stayed busy during the season. Gary Bettman looks on as Utah Hockey Club is on the clock during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4NDU1Nzc2MDAyMzg1MjAz/usatsi_23643890.jpg] Gary Bettman looks on as Utah Hockey Club is on the clock during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. Utah is still in an excellent position to add to the group with three second-round picks in 2026 and a strong prospect pool [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-prospect-pool-overview-2024-25-the-utah-hockey-club-has-towering-expectations]. They are also projected to have just under $10 million of cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/utah-hc] heading into 2024-25, per PuckPedia, so they could likely add one or two players without having to move out another contract if the opportunity arises. BUFFALO SABRES Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams boosted the Sabres' forward depth this summer, adding Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Jason Zucker, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Beck Malenstyn. Yet, the Sabres have yet to add that highly coveted top-six scoring winger they have been searching for. Don't be surprised if Adams looks to change that this season, especially if Buffalo is in the hunt to end its 13-year playoff drought. The Buffalo Sabres finished 12th in the Eastern Conference in 2023-24 despite being one point behind the second-wild-card Florida Panthers in 2022-23. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTA1Mjk4NTU3ODM4ODg2/usatsi_22929640_168400847_lowres.jpg] The Buffalo Sabres finished 12th in the Eastern Conference in 2023-24 despite being one point behind the second-wild-card Florida Panthers in 2022-23. Even after making multiple additions this summer, the Sabres are still in a great place financially, sporting just more than $8.4 million of cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/buffalo-sabres]. The Sabres also possess all their draft picks in the next three drafts, and they already took advantage of their stellar prospect pool to trade Savoie. They have a golden chance to make a significant trade next season if the right opportunity arises to move the needle now while developing a promising group for the future. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
