Ben Chiarot is still in Montreal. Mark Giordano hasn’t left Seattle. San Jose is not in Tomas Hertl’s rearview mirror. None of the big name rentals have filed changes of address.
Aside from Tyler Toffoli going from the Canadiens to the Calgary Flames, there hasn’t been any real action in the trade market.
One reason: Most contenders don’t have much cap space. They want to wait as long as they can to push the button, just in case they lose players to long-term injury list. That would open up more space.
But perhaps the biggest reason why all is quiet in the Western and Eastern Conference fronts is that several teams haven’t yet decided whether they are sellers or not.
Here are important facts that have not been revealed:
Are Joe Pavelski and John Klingberg available in Dallas? The Stars are a point out of a playoff position and they may be able to hold that position. Don’t see GM Jim Nill moving those players if the Stars are going to make the playoffs. One truth that general managers all know is that if you have an invitation to the postseason, then you have a chance to make a lengthy run. Nill understands that better than most because his Stars made a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. The other variable here is whether the Stars might persuade Pavelski to sign an extension. Will the Ducks be major sellers? The Ducks have Nicholas Deslauriers, Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson and Rickard Rakell who are going to be unrestricted free agents. They are still in the playoff race, although it feels like they are sliding out of it. Plus, they would like to extend some of these players, particularly Lindholm. The best guess is they will end up trading one or two of these three players. What’s up with the Winnipeg Jets? The Jets are on the outside edge of contention. But GM Kevin Cheveldayoff can’t be a seller until he’s mostly sure. If they are out, Andrew Copp and Paul Stastny are probably in play in the trade market. Hearing there is considerable interest in Copp. Which teams are in the goalie market?
We know the Washington Capitals are exploring the goalie market. But are the Edmonton Oilers really looking for a goalie? Some rivals don’t believe they are. Could there be a surprise like Minnesota or Toronto inquiring about Marc-Andre Fleury? Minnesota might go for it this season because the Ryan Suter and Zach Parise buyout money becomes more of a burden next season.
Hertl’s decision seems to be an unknown Have to believe the Sharks are trying aggressively to sign him. Who are the Sharks if they don’t re-sign him? But if he does, there will be a couple of teams in the East that will be disappointed they couldn’t make an offer.
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