Though the NHL's 2017 free-agent market doesn't begin until July 1, several players eligible for unrestricted free agency could become subjects of trade speculation this season. St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop could be among the notables playing for new clubs by the March 1 trade deadline.
The expense of re-signing players could lead to some free agents on this list hitting the trade block. Some could exit in a deal because they no longer fit into their current club's future plans.
In the following slideshow, we'll examine the pending NHL free agents most likely to be traded in 2016-17.