With a few of the big names already snatched up this year’s NHL Trade Deadline Day looks to be very interesting. There are a few key players that are on the trading block. Will the big names be moved or will teams stay put? The pending expansion draft also is creating some interesting scenarios this deadline day. Here is a list of the key players available, and a few long shots.
1 – Matt Duchene – Colorado – The 26-year-old carries a $6 million-dollar cap hit, and is clearly the biggest fish available. He has two more seasons on his contract, and his potential is outstanding. The Avs hold the cards on this one, and may just wait until Draft Day to make this move. Their asking price is very high, and this may diminish the probability of this trade.
2 – Patrick Sharp – Dallas – The 35-year-old pending UFA will draw some attention. He has lots of Stanley Cup experience that many teams would love to have.
3 – Marc-Andre Fleury – Pittsburgh – What will the Penguins do with Fleury. Keep him for a draft day deal, or trade him at deadline. Because of the expansion draft rules, they would be forced to protect Fleury and expose Matt Murray. The Pens will not let that happen.
4 – Jannik Hansen – Vancouver – The Canucks will be in full dump mode, and Hansen is a player that will garner interest. The 30-year-old has one year left on his $2.5 million-dollar contract.
5 – Thomas Vanek – Detroit – The often critiqued and often moved Vanek is having a great season. Will the rejuvenated Vanek find a new home come deadline day. Will a contender be willing to take a risky chance on him?
6 – Radim Vrbata – Arizona – Vrbata is a pending UFA come season end, but 41 points in 51 games may just have teams lining up for him as a rental. The 35-year-old is sure to find a new home come Wednesday.
7 – Curtis Lazar – Ottawa – The young grinder has been rumored to be on the move for some time now. Lazar just may be the piece of the puzzle that will allow Ottawa to make a move for a big time forward. The Sens have cap space and are looking to make a solid run.
8 – Drew Stafford – Winnipeg – The big right winger would help a contender. He is far from a top liner but he will add depth to any roster. Stafford will be a UFA come season end.
9 – Jarome Iginla – Colorado – Will the future Hall-of-Famer land with a team that will give him one last chance at a Stanley Cup. Iginla is still effective and can bring experience and leadership to any team looking to make a long run.
10- Shane Doan – Arizona – Much like Iginla, Doan is looking for an opportunity to land with a contender. The question mark with Doan is his play. He has had a struggle this season, and there is question of whether he would be able to help a contender.
LONG SHOTS:
Evander Kane – Buffalo
Patrick Berglund – St. Louis
Jordan Eberle – Edmonton
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Edmonton
Ryan Miller – Vancouver
Mike Smith – Arizona
Zdano Chara – Boston
Gabriel Landeskog – Colorado
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.