NHL teams discuss trades ahead of draft and free agency

Several NHL teams are actively discussing trades and contract extensions ahead of this week's draft and next month's free agency period. The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup on June 14. Since then, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired negotiating rights to one player and signed that player to an eight-year contract.

Trade discussions The Florida Panthers acquired one player in exchange for three first-round picks and one second-round pick. League sources indicate additional trades could occur before Friday's first round. One player remains in discussions with his current team over an extension. If no agreement is reached this week, other teams may pursue the player as an unrestricted free agent.

Additional developments A goalie has informed his team he is unhappy with current conditions, prompting the club to field calls from other organizations. The same team has already used multiple draft picks in a separate transaction. Officials with one club submitted a list of preferred destinations for their captain.

The expectation is the player will be traded before next season. Another team is considering using recently acquired draft picks to obtain a top-six forward.