NHL Trade Deadline is one of the most exciting days for NHL fans. Everybody thinks, and hopes that their favorite team will make that big move that will push them over the hump and lead them to the Stanley Cup.
It is yet to be determined how busy Monday will be, but early signs show that it will be fairly active. There are three players that I can almost guarantee to be involved in a trade come Monday at 3pm.
Jeff Petry, Edmonton Oilers, D
Petry has been rumored to be on the move all season long. Speculation and rumors reached their peak on Saturday night when he was a healthy scratch for the Edmonton Oilers versus the St. Louis Blues. There are numerous teams that are in play for Petry. The St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens have all showed interest in Petry. I am going off the board on this one and predicting that the Detroit Red Wings will be the team to land Jeff Petry.
Chris Stewart, Buffalo Sabres, W
Stewart has always been a strong power forward that has underachieved. Expectations were very high for Stewart while in St. Louis, and he did not meet expectations. The story stayed the same in Buffalo. Maybe a third change of address will result in success for Stewart. Five teams are in play for the services of Stewart. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets and Boston Bruins. I look for the Boston Bruins to land Stewart on Monday.
Ryan O’Reilly, Colorado Avalanche, C
O’Reilly has been a highly sought after player for years. He is a leader and super defensive forward that chips in points. In 63 games this season, O’Reilly has 10 goals, 26 assists, for 36 points. Colorado insists that they are trying to resign O’Reilly, and do not want to move him. The fact is they may not want to move him, but may have to move him. Teams interested in his services are Toronto, Montreal, Phoenix, Calgary, and Arizona. I am predicting that O’Reilly ends up in Montreal. He will add depth and be a key piece for the Canadiens. The question here is how will Montreal make it work with the cap.
It is always fun to speculate deadline moves, and have a little fun with them. It will be exciting to see how deadline day will come together.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.