NHL Trade Deadline Primer

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During one of the most straining and unclear NHL seasons in the history of hockey, teams around the NHL are prepping for a trade deadline where the moves that are made could make or break the rest of this campaign, as well as seasons to come.

2021 is a different animal when it comes to the trade market and the approach of the 31 general managers league-wide. With the shortened season and obscure playoff format that sees the first two rounds consist of divisional series’, there is plenty of hesitation to determine whether someone is a buyer or a seller.

There are many complications to keep in mind as we enter this year’s deadline. Trading over the USA/Canada border is one scenario that is of concern to mainly Canadian teams, as any player brought in could be forced to not enter the lineup for a week or longer.

Another is the recent surge in active COVID cases within the NHL players circle, examples in Vancouver and perhaps Colorado to name a few that make it difficult to judge the status of players after missing so much time.

Last but not least, the NHL expansion draft set for this summer and the emergence of the Seattle Kraken provides an angle of trade possibilities as teams have more than likely already created their protection lists and maybe looking into trimming the fat and gaining some value or capital for these extra players.

The Latest:

There have already been a few moves that have transpired in the days leading up to the Monday deadline, and a couple involving some contenders that are clearly wanting to bolster their lineup with eyes on a deep playoff run.

Today the Toronto Maple Leafs sent a conditional 7th round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for center Riley Nash, a gritty, depth forward that can provide a steady defensive presence and penalty killing help.

The New York Islanders made the biggest headline yet in the trade market, acquiring Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the Devils for NYI’s first-round pick in this June’s draft and a conditional fourth.

In Montreal, GM Marc Bergevin picked up some depth in center Erik Staal from the Sabres last week for a third-round pick, and Staal took little time to make him look good for it after potting the overtime winner in his second game for the Habs.

These are all moves that make sense for the teams involved in the matter of rebuilders being sellers and playoff teams being buyers, meaning it also may be a sign of things to come.

On the Watchlist:

With every trade deadline comes plenty of speculation and rumors that get brought into the spotlight by nature of the occasion. Although maybe not always true, the rumors are what make the sport so intriguing off the ice and also keeps the TV panels and radio hosts busy.

At the top of TSN’s trade bait board, we see a big defensive defenceman that could be of value to almost every good team in the NHL. David Savard of the Blue Jackets would be able to bring in quite the lucrative haul for GM Jarmo Kakkolainen, but with the recent injury news of Zach Werenski being done for the season, it may give CBJ second thoughts.

Back on the board like he was last season, Taylor Hall is just looking for a place to find himself again. What will be his fifth team in his career, you can almost guarantee Hall will be moved before the deadline. Keep an eye on the Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders in respect to the services of Hall, both teams who could use the offensive upside he provides.

Also on the board are solid additions like Mike Hoffman (STL), Nick Foligno (CBJ) and goaltender Jonathan Bernier (DET).

Buyers?

This term is thrown around on a yearly basis to teams that consider themselves in the hunt for either the playoffs or even the Stanley Cup. As evident as ever was last season’s deadline, where the Tampa Bay Lightning shipped out a large portion of their future capital and brought in players that eventually enabled them to win it all.

With the COVID-19 pandemic overshadowing a lot of potential moves, we may not see something quite of that magnitude this year, but that’s not to say there won’t still be plenty of active market watchers.

The Florida Panthers currently find themselves in a three-horse race for the top spot in the central division. come playoff time, the number one seed in this division may be the most valuable of all, as it means the team at the top can avoid the dreaded 2 vs. 3 matchup in round one.

With the injury to captain and top defenseman Aaron Ekblad, it is believed that the Panthers could be kicking the tires on blue-line help around the league, perhaps the likes of David Savard or Josh Manson of Anaheim.

Another possible buyer? The Nashville Predators, who have fought themselves out of an early-season stumble and currently sit in a playoff position. Rumors that they were interested in shipping away stud defenseman Mathias Ekholm have vanished, and they might be a team to watch in regards to acquiring talent.

Sellers:

I think it is finally time for the Calgary Flames to relieve themselves of their unreachable expectations. After going on a spending spree this offseason, the Flames are more than likely going to miss the postseason by a country mile, meaning it may be time to explore a more future-oriented deadline.

Whether it is Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, Sam Bennett, or even team captain Mark Giordano, don’t be surprised if we see Flames GM Brad Treliving start to move some major pieces knowing his job may be in jeopardy.

Finally, a team that literally has no choice, the Buffalo Sabres.

I will state the obvious, this team isn’t making the postseason. With an extensive soul-search and house-cleaning needed in Buffalo, they should start with this Monday’s deadline and send away anything of value, from Taylor Hall to Sam Reinhart, anything at this point…

Evan Power, Evolution 107.9

 

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