The Vegas Golden Knights landed the No. 1 center they’ve been seeking. The Chicago Blackhawks unve a new coach. The Buffalo Sabres landed a potential third first-round pick and a possible new top line center in Peyton Krebs.
The season isn’t quite a month old and teams are already adding assets off their want lists.
Here are some needs and wants for other NHL teams:
Chicago Blackhawks: Feels like the offense and goaltending will come around, but the Blackhawks need to trade for a veteran defenseman.
New York Islanders: It is no secret general manager Lou Lamoriello is looking for a veteran defensemen. The defense isn’t where Barry Trotz wants it. But he may wait a while before he strikes. Does anyone else feel like the Islanders could end up with Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm from Anaheim or Nick Leddy back from Detroit? If the Colorado Avalanche are willing to move Samuel Girard, I think Trotz would love him.
San Jose Sharks: This organization needs to figure out how to make Evander Kane’s absence permanent. The Sharks are playing better than expected. Do they need the drama associated with his return from suspension? He’s a quality player, but he has repeatedly caused problems for his team. It might be best for him as well to have a fresh start. The problem: He has this season and three more at a $7 million cap hit. Don’t see that contract being moved without the Sharks, or a third party, eating some of it.
Edmonton Oilers: Mikko Koskinen is 7-1 with a .920 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average, and yet it still seems like they should explore goaltending options. The Oilers are playing too impressively not to see who is available.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Now that we’ve watched Cole Sillinger as a first-year pro in the NHL, their most pressing need may not be a center. Their biggest need now may be to get Patrik Laine signed to a long-term deal. He’s looked quite dangerous this season and the Blue Jackets could use another key player tied up to a long-term deal.
Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks announced that GM Bob Murray has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an independent investigation of accusations of “improper professional conduct.” Depending upon the findings, the Ducks’ most pressing need might be a new GM.
Dallas Stars: The Stars need another scorer or two. This team isn’t going to make the playoffs
scoring 2.18 goals per game.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Not sure the Lightning need to do anything to have a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup. They are a contender, just not the No. 1 contender. But they are only 12th in scoring. Adding another scorer could help, especially with Kucherov out.
Florida Panthers: GM Bill Zito has to pick the right guy to replace Joel Quenneville. The Panthers have too much going well to make a mistake on the coach hire.
Detroit Red Wings: They need 2021 first-round pick Simon Edvinsson to continue to play in Sweden like he intends to be on Detroit’s blue line at some point next season. He has been impressive in the early going.
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