The focus of hockey fans and pundits during the annual NHL draft is on where the world's most promising young prospects will end up.

With the general managers of all 32 teams in the same location, though, it's also a time when trades involving established talent can take place.

Several deals involving NHL players took place during the 2022 draft in Montreal. Among the notables on the move were Alexander Romanov from the Montreal Canadiens to the New York Islanders followed by the Canadiens acquiring Kirby Dach from Chicago.

With this year's draft approaching on June 28-29 in Nashville, Tennessee, several noteworthy names are floating around in the rumor mill.

For the second straight year, Ottawa Senators winger Alex DeBrincat could be on the move, while San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson has been the topic of speculation throughout this season.

Here's a look at the five biggest NHL stars who could be on the move during the 2023 draft. We'll examine the reasons why they might be shopped and the potential destinations. You can express your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

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Alex DeBrincat, Ottawa Senators

On the eve of the first round of the 2022 draft, Alex DeBrincat was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Ottawa Senators.

A restricted free agent who's a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility, the winger seemed reluctant about signing a long-term extension with the Senators during his end-of-season press conference in April.

On Wednesday, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported DeBrincat's agent presented Senators management with a list of preferred trade destinations. If they decide to move him, they could maximize their return if any of the teams on his list are willing to sign the 25-year-old to a contract extension as part of the trade.

DeBrincat earned an average annual value of $6.4 million on his current contract. In actual salary, however, he earned $9 million in 2022-23, meaning it will cost the Senators (or another club) that much to qualify his rights for 2023-24 unless he agrees to a new deal before July 1.

On April 24, we listed the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins as potential destinations for DeBrincat.

Those five clubs have a need to boost their scoring. The Senators could seek an affordable young forward or right-shot defenseman along with one or two draft picks and a quality prospect in return.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, Winnipeg Jets

Completing a one-year, $6 million contract, Pierre-Luc Dubois is entering what could be the most significant offseason of his six-year NHL career.

The Winnipeg Jets center is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He's also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

It appears Dubois intends to force the issue with the Jets. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Wednesday that his agent informed management that his client isn't inclined to sign even a one-year extension. His camp would like to work with the Jets on a trade to another club.

At 6'4" and 214 pounds, the 24-year-old is a big, skilled forward who plays well at both ends of the rink. Clubs seeking a reliable second-line center could come calling, especially if he's willing to sign a contract extension with them.

On May 11, Sportsnet's Ken Wiebe acknowledged the trade rumors that have linked Dubois to the Montreal Canadiens for almost a year. But he also believes the two-way center could end up with a team near New York or perhaps with the Colorado Avalanche or Los Angeles Kings.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Entering the fifth season of his eight-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, John Gibson could end up with a new club by the time the 2023 draft is over.

On June 2, The Orange County Register's Lisa Dillman reported the goaltender met with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek to discuss moving on to another club.

Gibson's stats have suffered during Anaheim's decline. Nevertheless, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on March 8 that there are clubs that still believe he could be a difference-maker. Some of them could be teams that aren't on his 10-team no-trade list.

On May 15, LeBrun's colleagues, Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek, speculated that the 29-year-old's preferred trade destinations are the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights or Los Angeles Kings. But it's doubtful the Ducks would ship him to a nearby division rival such as the Golden Knights or Kings.

The Penguins seem the optimal choice as Pittsburgh is Gibson's hometown. They may need a new starting goalie if Tristan Jarry departs via free agency and they have $20.2 million in salary-cap space for 2023-24.

Whether Kyle Dubas, their new president of hockey operations and interim general manager, would make that deal remains to be seen.

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

Big changes could be in store for the Winnipeg Jets.

Since reaching the 2018 Western Conference Final, they have made it to the second round of the playoffs once (2021) and failed to qualify in 2022.

Their quick elimination from this year's postseason drew criticism from head coach Rick Bowness as well as speculation about the futures of their core players.

Connor Hellebuyck is among that group. Winner of the Vezina Trophy in 2019 and a finalist for the award this season, the goaltender is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He's earning an average annual value of $6.2 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Given the 30-year-old's status among the NHL's elite netminders, his trade value should be high this summer. He might become the Jets' most valuable trade chip if they're unable to re-sign him to a contract extension or if they decide to shake up their roster. He could fetch a solid return, including a first-round round pick or a good young NHL player.

On May 15, The Athletic's Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek reported hearing the Buffalo Sabres had an interest in Hellebuyck.

Eleven days later, Sportsnet's Ken Wiebe suggested the goalie could be a good fit with the Carolina Hurricanes if they part ways with pending free agents Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta.

Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks

This was a career-best season for Erik Karlsson. After being hampered by injuries since joining the San Jose Sharks in 2018-19, he's a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy after becoming the first defenseman to record a 100-point season (101) since Brian Leetch in 1991-92.

However, the Sharks are now rebuilding after missing the postseason for the fourth straight season. Karlsson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $11.5 million and a full no-movement clause. Nevertheless, he's been the subject of frequent trade speculation this season.

In November, Sharks general manager Mike Grier indicated he was willing to entertain trade offers for the 33-year-old. During his end-of-season media availability, Karlsson said he hadn't spoken with Grier about his future but reiterated his desire to play for a winner.

The Swede's hefty contract and movement clause makes him difficult to trade. The Sharks are sure to set a high asking price.

So far, there are no recent reports linking him to specific teams. Nevertheless, there could be contenders keen to add a defenseman with his offensive skills willing to try to work out a deal during the draft.

Stats and award info via NHL.com. Salary-cap information via Cap Friendly.