Assuming that no one gets fired in the next few minutes...it’s time to talk sellers!
The trade deadline is driven by the teams’ motivations to take the next step. That step could be a motivation to make the playoffs, make a playoff run, or in the case of our sellers…Motivation to take advantage of the buyers to build for the future…
Top Sellers…
#1 Nashville: I have been covering this sport for the entire history of the Predators and there have been remarkably few seasons where the Preds have been outright sellers. This year the Preds are absolutely at the crossroads and while they aren’t at a true rebuild, they are looking to sell. Of course, they can’t move the 16 Million Bucks tied up in Duchene and Johansen. For Sale: Ekholm (probably the top D-man available) Granlund (a top 6 forward) Haula (I hear they may extend him) Richardson (great depth help) Sbisa (always seems to move at the deadline)
#2 Detroit The Red Wings and Yzerman are in the midst of a rebuild, they are better than last year, hard not to be, but Yzerman is sharp and knows how to make a deal… For Sale: Bobby Ryan (Inexpensive and Scoring) Glendening (Could be moved and return in the summer) Sam Gagner (underrated difference-maker) Nemeth (Dman with a lot of NHL people who like him) Bernier (a good option if you lose a keeper)
#3 Ottawa The Sens are starting to look more and more competitive...It is possible that they try not to break up too much chemistry...however, they have some players they are listening on for sure… For Sale: Stepan Anisimov Gudbranson Coburn
#4 Arizona The Coyotes have almost their entire defense as pending UFAs. They have some value for sure. And they are holding perhaps the biggest chip out there… For Sale: Kuemper (huge value. Bidding war) Goligoski Demers Brassard
#5 Anaheim The Ducks aren’t without young talent, but they have too many of the same kind of player..They could move some non-UFA’s here.. For Sale: TBD
#6 Buffalo The Sabres are not that far out, but they need to find their way soon. They have a few really nice chips to move… For Sale: Taylor Hall (Calgary continues to be a possibility….Montreal as well) Eric Staal (could possibly help with his playoff experience0 Brandon Montour (they’d like to extend)
#7 San Jose Sharks The Sharks could get very creative I am told...the obvious play in Dubnyk...but beyond that they could make some really interesting hockey trades...They need alot of change… For Sale: Dubnyk
#8 NY Rangers: They aren’t really “Sellers… yet, but they do have one player they’d love to move..I don’t see them moving him...but... For Sale: DeAngelo
Next up...Who is shopping?