Rumor: Norris Trophy nominee generating trade interest

In his latest 31 Thoughts article for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman cites a report from colleague Nick Kypreos in which the latter speculates that Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson could hit the trade market before his current contract runs out in June, 2019.

Friedman followed up with Coyotes GM John Chayka who, unsurprisingly, insisted that Ekman-Larsson is “not available.” Still… with unrestricted free-agency pending in the near future for the 26-year-old blue liner, the speculation surrounding his future will continue until he’s either moved or he inks a new long-term deal in the desert. 

With Los Angeles Kings blue liner Drew Doughty and Ottawa Senators superstar Erik Karlsson also set to hit the open market the same month, the 2019 UFA market could be a gold mine for top-end defensemen.