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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which forwards teams should avoid at the trade deadline.
Todd Cordell
I think Wayne Simmonds is someone whose perceived value currently outweighs his actual value and, thus, teams need to be careful with.
While he is still effective on the power play, his 5v5 game has fallen off a cliff over the last few years and it's at a new low this season.
On the year, Simmonds is averaging 1.09 points per 60. That's less than Melker Karlsson, Marcus Kruger, Kyle Clifford, Barclay Goodrow, Troy Brouwer, and Ryan Reaves, among many others – not exactly guys you'd be lining up to trade for.
His on-ice numbers (47.59 CF%, 48.06 SCF%, 42.59 GF%) are also bad across the board and among the worst on the Flyers.
If Simmonds could be had cheap, I'd have no problem with a team bringing him in to provide grit, depth, and help out on the power play. I doubt that'll be the case, which is why I think contending teams might be better off spending their assets elsewhere.
Adam French
I would avoid Panarin. Not because he isn't a superstar, but because he seems destined to test Free Agency. He's going to get 10-11mil on a huge deal and you know he's going to take it at a place he wants to raise his kids. As well as a team that could be poised for contention.
Sure it's great that you get one of the best wingers in the game for a playoff run, but who has the prospect pool, picks and probably roster depth to make acquiring him worthwhile for the Blue Jackets? Can Nashville really afford losing Tolvanen or Fabbro, a 1st, and a roster player? (Jarnkrok?) After those two, they're dangerously close to having nothing left.
Does Boston have what it takes? A lot of their top prospects have lost some shine to them this year with poor years from Donato, Forsbacka-Karlsson, and Bjork struggling to produce in the NHL. I can't imagine given their teams structure that they would trade Vaakanainen.
Vegas already gave up one of their premium young prospects for Max Pax. Would McPhee throw away the free quality he received that would keep Vegas dangerous for years for a toss of the dice? Glass, Brannstrom and Hague are major prospects.
I would be hesitant putting everything on the line for a guy that looks like he will walk.
Peter Tessier
Thomas Vanek. Just don't. Your GM might be still dazzled by his name and reputation but look at his recent years in the post season. In his last 3 playoff years Vanek has played in 33 games with 6 goals and 10 assists for 16 points. Seems okay right nearly .5 points per game but what's he actually done for the teams he's been on- all three different ones?
Oh yeah of those 16 points 12 have been on the PP so he's pretty one-dimensional and that's why you stay away from him.
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