Since the NHL implemented the salary cap in 2005, off-season trades involving notable players tend to occur between mid-June and early-July. As teams run out of salary cap space, significant trades usually peter out by now. This summer, however, there's been more busine s than usual. involving at least one NHL roster regular. The biggest move was during the 2019 NHL EntryDraft when the Nashville Predators shipped defenseman . Other significant swaps saw the Winnipeg Jets send blueliner Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers while the in a multi-player deal to the Colorado Avalanche for rearguard Tyson Barrie. Trade activity has continued throughout July. On July 9, the Buffalo Sabres sent winger Alexander Nylander to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Henri Jokiharju. A week later, the Blackhawks dealt center Artem Anisimov to the Ottawa Senators for center Zack Smith. NHL trade grades: Last Friday saw two noteworthy names on the move. In a rare trade between two longstanding rivals, the Edmonton Oilers shipped left wing . In most cases, these deals were done by one club to free up sufficient salary cap space for other moves, such as signing free agents. A need for sufficient wiggle room under the $81.5 million cap before the season opens in October could result in more players getting traded before training camps begin in September. TheRangers recent re-signing of Trouba . With restricted free agents Pavel Buchnevich, Brendan Lemieux and Anthony DeAngelo to re-sign, they must free up extra dollars. winger Chris Kreider ($4.625 million) or center Vladislav Namestnikov ($4 million) could be shopped. Blueliners Kevin Shattenkirk ($6.65 million) or Brendan Smith ($4.35 million) could be traded or bought out. Phil Ke sel, who has played every game for 8 straight seasons, scores his 15th goal of season and 345 of his career. Bucci Mane (@Buccigro s) Pittsburgh Jackson Satterwhite Jersey Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford already made two salary-dumping moves this summer, and blueliner Olli Maatta to Chicago for center Dominik Kahun. and defenseman Marcus Petter son to re-sign, he could be shedding salary before training camp. Rutherford could bury some salary in the minors but that could make it difficult to recall players or make other moves during the season. forwards Bryan Rust and Nick Bjugstad and defenseman Jack Johnson as po sible trade candidates. The trio carries annual average values between $3.25 million to $4.1 million. Several clubs could face moving out a salaried player to make room to re-sign a notable restricted free agent. All eyes are on the Toronto Maple Leafs efforts to re-sign Mitch Marner. With speculation putting the winger's asking price in exce s of $10 million annually, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas could end up getting creative to free up sufficient room. The Leafs presently don't have .But with winger Nathan Horton ($5.3 million) and now permanently sidelined winger David Clarkson ($5.25 million cap hit) on long-term injury reserve, the addition of Zach Hyman and Travis Dermott sidelined until December and by putting a few lower-salaried players in the minors, Dubas could have enough room to re-sign Marner. NHL FREE AGENCY 2019: The eventual return of Hyman and Dermott, however, could mean trading away another salaried player.That move could involve shipping out a young forward such as the recently re-signed Kasperi Kapanen ($3.2 million) or Andreas John son ($3.4 million). Dubas has thus far pulled off an impre sive juggling act with his cap payroll without weakening his roster. Perhaps he has one more surprising deal up his sleeve. The Calgary Flames have over , most of which will be taken up by re-signing power forward Matthew Tkachuk. That won't leave much for utility forward Sam Bennett and goaltender David Rittich. Meanwhile, the but that won't be enough to re-sign RFA winger Brock Boeser. In Boston, with young blueliners Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo likely to cost a combined $10 million to sign. Unle s they can find a taker for fading veteran forward David Backes ($6 million), they could be forced to move a more valuable member of the lineup. Earl Bostick Jr. Jersey