In this edition of the hotstove we discuss which potential deadline rentals we would stay away from.
Todd Cordell
Martin Hanzal.
Management types seem to swoon over the idea of adding the 6'6, 225-pound pivot to their lineup for a playoff run but I don't think he'd be worth the cost of acquisition, nor worth re-signing given the money it'd cost.
Since the beginning of the 2015-16 season, Hanzal ranks 193rd in 5v5 points per 60 among 300 forwards who have played at least 1,000 minutes at full-strength. Some of the names he sits below include Jamie McGinn, Shane Doan, Devante Smith-Pelly, Cal Clutterbuck and Paul Byron.
Hanzal is a 3rd line player. Trading a 1st round pick and/or quality prospects to get him for a few months isn't a good idea. Paying big money to keep the 29-year-old around long-term isn't a good idea, either.
All things considered, Hanzal is a guy I'd stay away from.
James Tanner There are two players that I think teams should avoid: Iginla and Doan.
The NHL is a speed game, and both are too slow to help. They have name brand cache, but beyond that, I don't think either is effective enough to help a playoff team.
Additionally, because of their reputations, it may be awkward to have to healthy-scratch either, and it could just end up being disruptive.
Peter Tessier The challenge with rentals is determining why you want them. Is it a short term fix for a hole or is the need for depth in case of injury etc?
I've never been a fan of goalie rentals for the playoffs. That whole position is voodoo so you really make a huge gamble going down that road. The players I would stay way from are the guys with names and decent careers who want that last chance at the Cup. Looking at you Iginla and Doan.
The players you want are the unsung guys- ones who don't bring a ton of expectations with them. Drew Stafford might fit that mold now but his injuries are risky so I'd stay away from him too.
Even Shattenkirk has some downside too depending on where he goes but he's likely be the best of iffy bets for rentals on contending teams.
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