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My preliminary Top 10 trade list |
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With 43 days remaining until the April 12, 3 p.m. EST NHL trade deadline, here is my ranking of the most intriguing players in the marketplace:
1. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm, Nashville
With many teams looking for defensive help, he could be the prize pick-up. He’s 6-foo4, 215, strong defensively, hard to play against and he will surprise you now and then with his offensive ability. His salary ($3.75 million) is manageable for most salary caps. Plus, he has another season left on his contract. The Predators will likely end up with a late first-round pick and a prospect for Ekholm. Would expect the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames and perhaps even the New York Islanders (if they can make it work in their cap space) to make a run at him.
2. Center Eric Staal, Buffalo
He’s 36, but he could help a contending team. Could be a missing piece for the right team. If Columbus can hang in the race, the Blue Jackets should be interested. Montreal has been mentioned as a possible destination. His $3.2 million contract is a plus.
3. Right wing Bobby Ryan, Detroit
He’s got six goals and 12 points for a team that struggles to score. His $1 million salary will work for any team. Plenty of teams in the hunt for scoring. Will director of hockey operations Brian Burke, who drafted Ryan in Anaheim, bring him to Pittsburgh?
4. Right wing Taylor Hall, Buffalo
In terms of talent, he's No. 1 on the list. But his salary and Buffalo's asking price probably moves him slightly down the list. Several teams want him, but his $8 million salary is challenging even on a prorated basis. Not often you find a top line scorer available as a rental.
5. Center Luke Glendening, Detroit
Not 100% sold that the Red Wings will trade him because GM Steve Yzerman likes what he brings to the team. He’s 31, but it wouldn’t be shocking if the Red Wings announce an extension for Glendening. He’s a strong defensive center and a career 55% faceoff man. He’s winning 67% of his draws this season. The offers for Glendening will be enticing.
6. Center/wing Sam Bennett, Calgary
The Flames aren’t in a hurry to trade him, but they will move him if they can improve their chances to make the playoffs. Some teams are interested in Bennett as a No. 3 center and others might give him a shot to play on the second line.
7. Mikael Granlund, Nashville
Granlund is the option for those teams that don't want to pay a heavy price, but wants to give their team a spark down the stretch.
8. Defenseman Marc Staal, Detroit
He’s been highly competitive for the Red Wings, playing gritty and hard every night. He could be a nice fit for a contender looking for a safe defenseman to play at No. 5 or No. 6.
9. Defenseman Tony DeAngelo, New York Rangers
If the Rangers give in and eat some of the cap space, several teams would be interested. DeAngelo’s offensive knack could help teams around the NHL
10. Defenseman Alex Goligoski, Arizona
He logs plenty of minutes for the Coyotes, and he brings considerable experience to a lineup. He can play in all situations.
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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