This is the time of year when NHL fans can play the game of “what if… with real players and some hope that the deals will occur. Fans may not know exactly what will happen before the March 21 trade deadline. But many know when a rumor makes sense and that allows them to project what their team will look like if the player is acquired.
Here is a look at which teams would improve the most if they do what is rumored:
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins Trying to land defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a top six forward like Tomas Hertl
The Bruins are expected to do more than any other team in the Atlantic Division. They seem committed to acquiring a top six forward and a top four defenseman. They would be interested in Hertl or Joe Pavelski. If they don’t get Chychrun, They also could also look at rentals Mark Giordano and Nick Leddy among others. There’s also rumors they are interested in Phil Kessel. The aggressiveness makes sense. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand are not getting younger.
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Florida Panthers Believed to be in the mix for defenseman Ben Chiarot or Mark Giordano
At various times this season, the Panthers have looked like the best team in the East. No reason not to add a piece to strengthen the defense. The Panthers are already the league’s best offensive team
Metropolitan Division
New York Rangers If the New York Rangers get Joe Pavelski or Hertl, plus Chychrun or Chiarot
Igor Shesterkin has been the NHL’s best goalie. He is a difference-maker. He can steal games. The Rangers have more cap space than other contenders. Shesterkin’s talent should inspire GM Chris Drury to go all in in his efforts to contend for the Cup. If they can land another impact center and a defenseman, the Rangers might be considered one of the favorites.
Washington Capitals The Capitals would love to acquire Marc-Andre Fleury or another veteran to upgrade their goaltending
This is a big ask, given that Fleury probably doesn’t want to line up opposite all of his friends in Pittsburgh. But Fleury’s options may be limited if he wants to compete in this season’s playoffs. Not many teams are looking for goaltenders. It could come down to Edmonton or Washington or stay in Chicago. Maybe Minnesota? It’s unsure what Fleury will do. There could be other options. If Dallas falls out, Braden Holtby, a former Cap, would be available. Also, the Caps could be interested in Semyon Varlamov, another ex-Cap. Would also expect Washington to tweak their defense. A goalie upgrade could significantly improve the Caps’ chances.
Central Division
Colorado Avalanche The Avalanche in the mix to trade for Claude Giroux from the Philadelphia Flyers
Lots of buzz about the possibility. Not a certainty. Not even close. But if Sakic can satisfy the Flyers needs and open up cap space, this kind of deal could take the already-dynamic Colorado offense to a higher level. Giroux can play center or wing. He’s having a strong season. We can guess that the Flyers prefer to move him to the Western Conference. If you are a Flyers’ fans, you would hate to see Giroux move to the Rangers and then sign there in the offseason. The Avs are also interested in Cal Clutterbuck.
St. Louis Blues The Blues are looking at Mark Giordano or Ben Chiarot to improve their defensive corps. Nobody is paying much attention to the Blues. But they boast the NHL’s eighth-best record of 32-14-6. This is a legitimate contender. Adding an experienced player like Giordano would strengthen the Blues defense. The only problem with this scenario is the Blues don’t have the cap space to accomplish this deal unless they move a salary. The Seattle Kraken would have to retain half of Giordano’s $6.75 million salary.
Pacific Division
Edmonton Oilers Oilers can be a greater factor if they acquire a goalie and a dependable defenseman
The Vegas Golden Knights don’t have the cap space to add any players and the Flames like their team, although coach Daryl Sutter would like another gritty player or two. If the Oilers could persuade Marc-Andre Fleury to come to Edmonton and add a strong defensive defenseman, they could be formidable. We all understand what Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can do.
Los Angeles Kings Kings want to make a major trade splash, adding a forward, defenseman and maybe a role players
The Kings, currently in second place in the Pacific, are serious about making the playoffs. They have called the Coyotes about Jakob Chychrun. They have been linked to Joe Pavelski and Giroux. Their offense is average and they would like to add another scorer. The Kings believe they have the goaltending (Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen) to be competitive in the postseason. They are also considering the available defensemen. It’s presumed they called Montreal about Ben Chiarot. Would guess ex-Montreal player Phillip Danault would lobby for that. Rob Blake could improve this team significantly