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Kevin Allen>10 good fits for teams seeking new look in UFA or trade markets |
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Here are 10 team and player pairings that I believe would be a good fit as teams contemplate moves in the trade and free agent markets:
Colorado Avalanche, defenseman Seth Jones: Jones is being honest and saying he won’t consider extending his contract unless he is dealt to Colorado. He developed his love of hockey growing up in the Denver area. His dad, NBA player Popeye Jones, played briefly for the Nuggets. You can argue the Avalanche should wait until next summer to sign Jones. Why give assets to the Blue Jackets? But the contention window is open for the Avs and they don’t want to wait a season. The Blue Jackets aren’t in a position to ask for full price. Give them Devon Toews, a draft pick and a prospect and everyone moves on
Seattle Kraken, defenseman Dougie Hamilton: Not many teams can pay Hamilton a seven-year contract at $8 million per season, but the expansion Kraken can. Hamilton will be the lead dog on the sled. Fans will appreciate his offensive gifts. And it’s not like he’s going to a team with no chance of winning.
Anaheim Ducks, Jack Eichel: It’s time for the Ducks to step up and build an offensive team to give John Gibson run support. The Sabres want their No. 3 pick and the Ducks will give that up. The fight will come over Jamie Drysdale or Trevor Zegras. The Ducks don’t want to give up either one.
Pittsburgh Penguins, Freddie Andersen: The Penguins want a veteran goalie to play alongside Tristan Jarry, or (maybe to take over as No. 1). Director of Hockey Operations Brian Burke knows Andersen well. It would be a good fit as long as Andersen’s asking price isn’t over-the-top.
Buffalo Sabres, goalie Chris Driedger: The Sabres have to sell hope to an abused fan base. They can’t come back with the same look. Shake it up by bringing in two new goalies, including Driedger who played exceptionally well for the Panthers. How about Driedger and Jonathan Bernier?
New Jersey Devils, left wing Jaden Schwartz: Throughout his career, Schwartz has been a consistent 50-60 point producer. The Devils were 26th in goals per game.
Los Angeles Kings, right wing Kyle Palmieri: The Kings are looking for a couple of scorers to fit into their top six. Palmieri is a consistent performer.
Edmonton Oilers, goalie Elvis Merzlikins: He’s only 27 and has the potential to be a difference-maker in net.
Carolina Hurricanes, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen: If the Hurricanes lose Hamilton, Ristolainen might be an intriguing replacement. The ‘Canes are a contender. They will have to address Hamilton’s loss. Ristolainen has only one season left on his contract. But they can worry about that later.
Arizona Coyotes, defenseman Ryan Murray: The Coyotes are looking to rebuild their defense and Murray would be a good fit for the middle pairing. He m
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