Guerin's Summer Trade Targets: Matthews, Tkachuk, More

0:00It's March 19th, here's your NHL news in two minutes. The Minnesota Wild pulled off the biggest trade of the regular season back in December, landing superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver, canucks in a huge deal. Now, with the Aussies in approaching, General Manager Bill Gwerrin might go for another blockbuster to boost the roster even more. Speculation is heating up about possible targets, including Toronto Maple Leaf Center, Austin and Matthews, who just suffered a season ending knee injury. Gwerrin has been a big fan of Matthews ever since coaching him to gold with Team USA at the Winter Olympics last month. Other names floating around include Ottawa's Brady Ticketchuck, St. Louis's Robert Thomas, or even New Jersey's Nico Hissier and Jack Hughes. Fans and insiders are buzzing about the connections, but plenty of hurdles stand in the way. Matthews and Ticketchuck have full no-movement clauses. This has a no-trade clause, and the Hughes brothers have lists that limit deals.

1:00Still, the lack of star power in this summer's free agent class means trades could be the hot ticket. Gery held on to key assets at the trade deadline, likely eyeing bigger opportunities ahead. That strategy makes sense with so few impact players available on the open market. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are dealing with a crowded crease, holding four goalies under NHL contracts, Anthony Stolars, Joseph Wall, Dennis Hildobee, and the newly extended Artur Octiyamov. Experts figure they'll trade one soon to avoid waiver risks, probably not the prospect Octiyamov leaving the others as prime candidates in a thin, goalie market. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all, solypillow.com