METROPOLITAN DIVISION PLAYERS WHO COULD BE TRADED FOR THE 2022-23 NHL SEASON

Ethan Bear - After Bear was given permission to talk to other teams this summer, he ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Canes. If the Carolina club feels its defense is adequate without him, then he could be dealt at the deadline. His poor performance (five goals, nine assists) post-COVID-19, didn't help his stock.

Kaapo Kakko - He may be the target to be traded if the Rangers need additional cap space, they are down to $1 million of the limit. The second overall selection in the 2019 draft has not impressed... yet. He only has 26 goals, 32 assists in 157 games. He's still young, and some team may want him.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph - The former 23rd overall pick of the Arizona Coyotes has some offensive talents, but can't seem to get ice time on the Pens blueline. If he can display his abilities by playing some early in the season, the Pittsburgh club could include him in a larger package to upgrade.

Lars Eller - Much can depend upon on how well three prospective forwards will do if they get a chance this season. Connor McMichael, Aliasei Protas, and Hendrix Lapierre could break into the lineup making Eller, who is 33 and has one more year on a $3.5 million deal... expendable. Then, if Nicklas Backstrom returns earlier from his hip surgery, that must be factored into things.

Anthony Beauvillier - Determining how the Islanders season will go may require a crystal ball, but Beauvillier could be a valuable trade asset for the Isles. His 2021-22 didn't show that though with just 12 goals, 22 assists in 75 games. Some team may see a future for him, and the New York club will move him if it helps them going forward.

Gustav Nyquist - He is a valuable veteran player who gathered 18 goals, 35 assists in 82 games. Even at 33 he can be a contributor. If the Blue Jackets are out of playoff contention near the deadline, he could be dealt. The addition of Johnny Gaudreau has to help this Columbus club, with or without Nyquist.

Damon Severson - The addition of John Marino could make it difficult for the Devils to retain Severson. He wants to stay, but there's just no room on the New Jersey blueline to accommodate him. In addition, the Devils will want to see what their second overall pick, Simon Nemec can do.

James van Riemsdyk - It doesn't seem that the Flyers will be in the playoff hunt, so van Riemsdyk will be an attractive addition for some club who needs power play help or offensive improvement. He is 33, and his $7 million cap hit is rich, but by trade deadline time some team may be interested in adding him, especially with salary retention.

That concludes this segment of our series on players who could be traded. We'll do the Pacific Division of the Western Conference next.