NHL Trade Rumors: 5 most likely buyout candidates

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Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images /

The first buyout window of the NHL offseason begins on Saturday, June 15. According to the last NHL trade rumors, these five players are the most likely candidates to be bought out.

In recent years, buyouts have been fairly popular in the NHL. However, last summer saw this trend go in the opposite direction. There were just eight buyouts last offseason, the fewest since the 2013 lockout. However, according to the latest NHL trade rumors, the number of buyouts is expected to increase.

Why could it change? Because teams are looking to create more cap space this summer. The free agent market is full of tempting options who could help teams win right now. There’s also the trade market, which should be overflowing with options.

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Buyouts, however, aren’t that simple. Let’s say a player has two years left on his deal. If his team buys out his contract, he now gets paid for four years instead of two. It does, however, cut down on his earnings, unless that player happens to have signing bonuses. Think of signing bonuses as guaranteed money in the NFL – you get it no matter what.

Let’s take a look at the five most likely buyout options, why they could be bought out, the financial ramifications of the buyout, and what could be in their future.

Scott Darling

The Carolina Hurricanes are most likely going to buyout goaltender Scott Darling. Even though they could lose both Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney in free agency, he hasn’t proven to be a reliable option, so the Hurricanes seem fine with letting him go. Earlier this season, Darling was excused from the team to deal with a personal issue.

The Cost

2019-20: $1,183,333
2020-21: $1,183,333
2021-22: $1,183,333
2022-23: $1,183,333

Annual Cap Hit

2019-20: $1,233,333
2020-21: $2,333,333
2021-22: $1,183,333
2022-23: $1,183,333

Potential Suitors

Darling could have a tough time finding an NHL job right now, even in a relatively weak goaltending market. He’d likely have to prove himself again in the AHL.

That said, the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche, to varying degrees, stand out as teams needing goaltending depth. Perhaps the Philadelphia Flyers as well.

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NHL Trade Rumors: 5 most likely buyout candidates in 2019

By Dave Stevenson | Jun 14, 2019