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NHL teams may find more help than usual at next trade deadline |
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The NHL doesn't yet have an official trade deadline for the 2021-22 season because we need to see what is happening with the Olympics. But if we stick to the 40 days before the end of the season, it will be near March 22.
It's certainly not too early discuss who might be available. The projection: there will be a more bountiful group of potential trade candidates than we usually see.
Here are 10 players who could be available to contenders looking for missing pieces:
Nick Leddy, Detroit Red Wings: Contenders are always looking for difference-making defensemen at the trade deadline and Leddy is a savvy offensive defenseman with a championship ring. There's certainly a chance GM Steve Yzerman could extend him. But Leddy could fetch a first- or a second-round pick. Don't think Yzerman will want to give up that pick.
Marc-Andre Fleury, Chicago Blackhawks: He's in the last season of his contract and you could see the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche, etc. interested, depending upon the standings and the performances of their goalie.
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators: If the Predators decide to get even more serious about the changing of the guard in Nashville, Forsberg could fetch a handsome price on the market. Could see the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild being first in line if he is available.
Mark Giordano, Seattle Kraken: Imagine if Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello can figure out how to make Giordano's acquisition work with the New York salary cap. Barry Trotz could turn him into the missing piece.
Joe Pavelski, Dallas Stars: If the Stars aren't locked into the playoffs, Pavelski could be the hottest forward in the market place. Given Pavelski's playoff history, GM Jim Nill could have a dozen teams calling.
Hampus Lindholm, Anaheim Ducks: Presuming the Ducks will be dreadful again, Lindholm would be among the desired defensemen. But would guess he will be re-signed.
Josh Manson, Anaheim Ducks: Manson might be the Anaheim defenseman that could get moved. He's just a little bit easier to fit into a salary cap. He's a right shot, and he's 224 pounds.
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames: If the Flames were going to get him signed, wouldn't they have done it by now? Plus, Gaudreau is past his expiration date in Calgary. It would be good for both parties if he were dealt. But if the Flames are in the playoff hunt this could end up being a difficult decision.
Patrik Laine, Columbus Blue Jackets: This is more of a hunch. The Blue Jackets will be out of the playoff race and he will be a restricted free agent next summer. Unless he looks again like a 30+ goal scorer, can't imagine the Blue Jackets wanting to give him the kind of money he will want.
Phil Kessel, Arizona Coyotes: Kessel is coming off a strong season (20 goals, 43 points in 56 games). As long as Arizona retains half of his cap hit, he will move at the deadline. Carolina, Minnesota, Islanders, St. Louis. Plenty of possible destinations.
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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