The Florida Panthers are currently facing a salary cap crunch, exceeding the limit by over $3 million. Evan Rodrigues, who carries a $3 million cap hit, is emerging as a potential trade candidate, drawing interest from several teams. The situation may be alleviated if Matthew Tkachuk is placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) while he continues to recover from a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia, which could potentially delay the team's cap issues.

Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson, the Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman, has also sparked trade discussions, particularly as the Penguins explore options to maximize their roster amid a tight cap situation. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators are considered possible landing spots for Karlsson, given their various needs for defensive talent. However, any potential move would require salary retention or trades to accommodate his substantial $10 million cap hit.