In this edition of the hotstove we discuss which potential deadline rentals teams should target.
Todd Cordell
Radim Vrbata is a guy I'd really look at. He has quietly put up 36 points in 53 games and has been a one-man shooting gallery firing more than three pucks on net per night. His underlying numbers, at least relative to the team, are pretty good too.
Another underrated option would be P.A. Parenteau. He can play both wings and is on pace for better than 20 goals. He's a guy who could be had at a reasonable price and make an impact.
Jan Levine Patrick Sharp. Unsure he will come cheap but he is someone who has a strong playoff pedigree and can play on the top three lines, bringing some grit and sandpaper. As a UFA, the price might not be as high as some of the bigger names, but he would appear to be the perfect add to a playoff team. Don't think he will go for a first round pick but a second and a mid-tier prospect might be enough to get him from Dallas.
Peter Tessier Rentals are for loading up, adding depth and security if something goes wrong, or at least that's how I see them. In this case, it depends where you feel that security blanket is best needed so I'll divide them between forward and defence.
Forwards
Vanek Boyle Stalberg Sharp Hanzal
Defence
Oduya Franson Smith Kindl Polak Tyutin
Again,though, these are players who are true 'rentals' with expiring deals as UFAs. Are they the right guys, that all depends on the team interested and what role they expect for the player.
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