Five potentially contentious defenseman negotiations that could spur NHL trades

Noah Dobson, RHD, New York Islanders

Dobson, like Bouchard, is due for a major raise. AFP Analytics projects Dobson on an eight-year contract worth more than $10M per season. The Islanders have around $20M in cap space and likely could afford Dobson and the few depth signings they need to make. 

The issue here is Dobson's up-and-down play. His offensive numbers took a major step back this season, as he scored 39 points in his lowest output offensively since the 56-game 2021 season while struggling on the Islanders' 31st-ranked power play and 31st-ranked penalty kill. Despite a down season, the Islanders would likely recoup significant value in a hypothetical Dobson trade. 

Aaron Ekblad, RHD, Florida Panthers

Ekblad is the only unrestricted free agent to make this list. If Florida finds a way to retain the 2014 No. 1 pick, there will be a domino effect. AFP Analytics is projecting Ekblad on a seven-year deal worth around $7.8M per season. The Panthers could be forced to trade from the bottom of their forward lineup to keep their top two defense pairings together for another season. 

Forward Evan Rodrigues ($3M cap hit, no trade protection) would likely be the easiest for the Panthers to stomach in a trade, but they could be forced to also deal forward Eetu Luostarinen ($3M cap hit, no trade protection). The latter was a quiet force in these playoffs, scoring 19 points in 23 games. 

Thomas Harley, LHD, Dallas Stars

Harley has one more season remaining on a contract with an annual cap hit of $4M. He's proven to be indispensable, carrying Dallas' blue line while superstar Miro Heiskanen was injured to start the playoffs. 

Dallas has already been shedding space this offseason, and rumors surround winger Jason Robertson, which would be a massive domino to fall. AFP Analytics projects a long-term extension for Harley, eligible to sign on July 1, that could be worth around $10.75M per season.

K'Andre Miller, LHD, New York Rangers

Frank Seravalli of "The DFO Rundown" podcast indicated up to 15 teams are interested in acquiring Miller. The question feels less about whether Miller gets traded and more about what the Rangers would shake loose in a trade for the talented but inconsistent defenseman. 

The Rangers have been linked to Los Angeles Kings unrestricted free agent Vladislav Gavrikov, a signing they'd be more likely to afford if Miller is no longer with the team.