With the NHL's March 21 trade deadline now history, the focus shifts toward the remainder of the regular-season schedule. Playoff contenders are jockeying for the final positions in the standings while those outside the postseason picture begin to evaluate their rosters for next season.

Once the offseason begins and general managers start making moves to improve their rosters, several younger players could find themselves the subject of trade rumors. One of them could be the New York Rangers winger Vitali Kravtsov, who spent this season playing in Russia awaiting a trade.

Kravtsov could become a trade chip by the Rangers to address a potential roster need as they attempt to build upon this season's impressive development into a playoff club. Several rebuilding clubs, meanwhile, could attempt to speed up the process by dangling a promising young player as trade bait in hope of adding a talented veteran.

Here's a look at five promising NHL youngsters who could be traded for a star this summer. You can weigh in with your thoughts on this topic in the comments section.  

Erik Brannstrom, Ottawa Senators

Erik Brannstrom was part of the return the Ottawa Senators received from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Mark Stone trade in February 2019. Selected 15th overall in the 2017 draft by the Golden Knights, he appeared on course for a promising future as a top-four NHL defenseman. However, it's taking longer than anticipated for him to reach his full potential, which could make him a trade candidate.

At 5'9" and 181 pounds, the 22-year-old Brannstrom is part of the recent wave of smaller, but highly-skilled offensive blueliners making their way into NHL lineups. He's a superb skater with excellent playmaking abilities but has had difficulty with his defensive play. Brannstrom saw action in 30 games last season and has been a full-time part of the Senators' lineup since mid-January.

On Dec. 9, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek wondered if the Senators might move Brannstrom as things hadn't gone as planned since acquiring him. That was before he started seeing regular ice time and second-line minutes over the second half of the season. With promising Jake Sanderson expected to join the Senators' roster next season, Brannstrom might not have a long-term future in Ottawa. 

Brannstrom is completing his entry-level contract, lacks arbitration rights and won't be exempt from waivers next season. He could end up part of a package deal if the Senators feel they need more immediate help on their roster to turn them into a playoff club next season. A team trying to shed salary and add depth to their defense could give him a better opportunity to thrive within a different system.