Trade deadline 2013
It is now 4:27 AM. I stayed up all night to get this shot off before the buzzer. I can’t WAIT until my alarm clock goes off in 3 hours. Anyhow….TSN has their “countdown to trade centre” or whatever its called on tonight so I figured I would beat them to the punch at least with calling my own shots here. I tried to give 2 guys per team. Basically I gave the guy likely to go but if there wasn’t a guy then I suggested what the team would peddle (picks and/or prospects). Then I gave a guy who was less likely to go. Some of those are much more pie in the sky things than anything else. So yeah, read this because I typed a lot and my thumbs hurt so it better be worth it!
Anaheim Ducks
Likely to be dealt: Corey Perry
I don’t know if likely is the right way to put it, but I’m sure this will be heavily discussed on TSN tonight. Do you really want to let a player of this ilk get away for nothing? Pittsburgh, Toronto and Ottawa all could be likely suitors. However without an extension the price drops quite a bit. I would bet on Pittsburgh here, I would be shocked if they dealt him in conference.
Could be dealt: Ryan Getzlaf
Same story, although Getzlaf is the more vital guy to get locked up for the Ducks and according to Bob MacKenzie he believes the easier to get locked up as well. However, if no extension has happend by the deadline teams will be calling and I would guess Bob Murray by that time would at least entertain the idea. I more so believe this team will still really look to buy, but you can’t ingore that until these 2 sign extensions they will have all the attention on them. While Bob believes Getzlaf will be easy to sign, I think that’s true only if Perry is re-signed. Just a theory, but I believe that is the hold up.
Boston
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
I don’t really see anyone off the main roster going anywhere. They’ll simply look to add. I almost guarantee between now and April 3rd they will acquire a veteran backup netminder and like most teams they’ll look to add to their blueline. Not a lot of glarring holes on this roster, 1 prospect to keep an eye on them dealing would be Ryan Spooner. He could intrigue some teams.
Could be dealt: Adam McQuaid
I was going to say Dougie Hamilton but when you got a kid who is already a stud on defense for you at 19 years of age you just don’t deal him unless the Pens offer up Crosby. It’s not that Hamilton will be a hall of famer or anything, but having guys that are productive on their ELC’s are just so valuable ESPECIALLY to contending teams like the Bruins. McQuaid is a valuable d-man but if a big time player is out there like a Jay Bouwmeester then perhaps McQuaid goes as part of the package.
Buffalo
Likely to be dealt: Robyn Regehr
He has a NMC (although I’m not sure if that’s done once he waived it the first time, sometimes they are and sometimes they aren’t), but he is on the last year of his deal and barring the Sabres going on a big late season run they’ll be sellers. A guy with Regehr’s experience will get a lot of attention from teams. He isn’t what he used to be, but he can still be very effective.
Could be dealt: Ryan Miller
I could have a lot of guys on this list for them. Thomas Vanek only has another year left on that massive deal Kevin Lowe gave him in the summer of 2007, Tyler Myers name has been in the rumor mill every now and again since he has been a big dissapointment since signing his massive extension, and Steve Ott is a guy I’m sure a ton of teams will call about has he is exactly what teams need in the playoffs. But Miller gets the nod from me here. He only has another year left on his deal, he is seemingly becoming a headache for the Sabres. He has been better this season but since 2010 he hasn’t been very consistent. This might be the highest his value will be. His name was rumored last year. St.Louis, Chicago, Detroit, San Jose….a lot of teams need goaltending.
Calgary
Likely to be dealt: Lee Stempniak
You know who won’t be dealt. This could set the franchise back 4 or 5 years in a rebuild if they don’t, same goes for Kipper. I have zero faith Feaster will do the right thing in this situation. So he deals Stempniak who has been playing very good this season and has a manageable 2.5 mil cap hit next season. They will get a 3rd round pick for him, maybe a 2nd if a team is in dire needs of scoring.
Could be dealt: Jay Bouwmeester
He only has another year left on his deal and has actually played pretty good this season. In fact, the only years Jay Bouwmeester hasn’t looked like a top 2 d-man in this league have been while playing for Brent Sutter. There would be a lineup for his services and teams would overpay to get him. This would be a shrewd move….so I highly doubt Jay Feaster does this.
Carolina
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
They’ll be a buyer, unless the injury to Cam Ward completely blows up their season. Winnipeg is only 4 points out of the lead in the Southleast (and man alive is it ever earning that nickname again this season). As long as they’re within 2 or 3 points of a playoff spot come April 3rd they’ll be buying. I would watch mostly for them to try to land a veteran backup who can perhaps help weather this storm (no pun intended).
Could be dealt: Alexander Semin
He’s played great for them so I highly doubt it, but he’s a UFA so maybe if Rutherford can’t sign him to an extension they deal him for whatever they can get on deadline day and then go after a winger who has a few more years left on his deal.
Chicago
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
See above. This could get pretty boring saying this for a boat load of teams. They’re buyers obviously, and I would suggest a 2nd line center with size and a top 4 d-man would be high on Stan Bowman’s list. I listed them as a possible team for Miller earlier, I stand by that. I know Corey Crawford has had a great season, but Miller is more of a sure thing so if it was possible and the price was right I believe Bowman would be in on him.
Could be dealt: Nick Leddy
If that top 4 d-man became available I’m sure he would be right up there for a guy teams would want in a package from the Hawks. Again, not like I’m expecting the Hawks to move the kid, but for the right guy I’m sure they would listen.
Colorado
Likely to be dealt: J.S. Giguere
Another year left on his deal, Carolina and Boston would be prime targets here. He’s not seeing much playing time at all, but he has a lot of big game experience so he would be the perfect backup for a team looking to make a run.
Could be dealt: Paul Stastny
Now might be the right time to move his deal out of town. This is a budget team right now and they just gave Ryan O’Reilly 10 mil over the next 2 years. Stastny has had his issues with the organization, 2nd line centers aren’t easy to find at the deadline and he only has 1 more year left on his deal. Could be the perfect time to move him.
Columbus
Likely to be dealt: Vinny Prospal
Nothing flashy about this but he is a UFA at seasons end. He is very versatile and has a lot of experience so a guy like him would be a nice pickup for any team. I could see him going back to Philly….simply because that is what Philly does. Why address needs when you can bring a favorite home for the 3rd time?
Could be dealt: Steve Mason
Like the Sabres, so many guys qualify for this. Maybe the Oilers try to pry Ryan Johansen out of there now that new management has stepped in and Johansen hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far? Mason has bounced back ok this season, at least his save percentage is above .900, but he is an RFA at seasons end. Lots of teams looking for goaltending so if a team paid the right price I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them move Mason and look to upgrade the posistion in the summer.
Dallas
Likely to be dealt: Eric Nystrom
They SHOULD sell. This team is starting to get stuck in mediocrity, always missing the playoffs but not low enough to land that great pick. I don’t think Nieuwendyk is stupid enough to start dishing out his 1st and the few prospects that he has, but I don’t see the big UFA’s being dealt unless they have a major skid this month. Oh yeah, Nystrom will help your bottom 6, they will get a 3rd or 4th for him.
Could be dealt: the 3 big UFA’s
Out of Morrow, Jagr and Roy I would guess that Morrow is the most likely to go….and why that is I just don’t know. He’s not what he was, but he’s still a great leader both on and off the ice and can still play in a teams top 6 he just can’t carry a line like he once could. Contenders would pay big for any of these 3 guys.
Detroit
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
Fully expecting them to buy despite currently being 10th in the West. They desperately need d-men, the amazing and incredible “next Nik Lidstrom” Brendan Smith has been a lot more like Willy Lidstrom than Nik Lidstrom. I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, perhaps the hockey world should have noticed that a kid who was such a highly rated prospect wasn’t coming close to sticking in Detroit that MAYBE he got overrated simply because everyone thought the Wings kids were amazing. So to sum up, they need a d-man or two.
Could be dealt: Jimmy Howard
Impending UFA has once again been very hit or miss this season. They won’t deal him unless they can get an upgrade, but I would guess he would go in a trade for a goaltender rather than become the backup.
Edmonton
Likely to be dealt: Ryan Whitney
Oh man I feel such homerism coming on here!!! Ryan Whitney should net them Columbus 3 1st round picks and Ryan Murray. He’s the best defenseman since one Steven Staios graced us with his pressence and this is just a fluke that the Oilers haven’t seen the playoffs since June 19th, 2006 (but who’s counting?) Dan Tencer said the other night he gets you a 4th or 5th rounder, I bet because of reputation you get a 3rd…MAYBE a 2nd if a team is desperate. I wouldn’t give it up for him, but d-men are impossible to come by.
Could be dealt: Nail Yakupov
WOAH!!! I’m going to be shot by Oiler fans for saying this one! Hear me out, and again remember I’m not saying he will be, just that I could see it possibly happening (pie in the sky). This team is desperate to take that next step. The fan base is livid with how this season has gone and they need a big shakeup on the ice. Down the line they can’t sink a large chunk of their money into 3 wingers (Hall, Eberle and Yakupov). 1 will have to go. Yakupov for a team that needs to sell tickets like a Dallas, Columbus, Florida, Phoenix, etc would be a heck of a kid to get. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Nords/Avs deal Sundin for Clark. They lost that deal, but who cares because they won a Cup because of it. Wendel Clark changed the culture in Quebec and then he turned into Claude Lemiuex who was a large part of the Avs 96 Cup winning team. Tambellini will need to make a move like this eventually.
Florida
Likely to be dealt: Stephen Weiss
No brainer here, he might be the most talked about impending UFA that will be on the move. He is a very underrated player. Plays 200 feet, great playmaker, great shot, high hockey IQ, a coaches dream really. Taking his talents out of South Beach could be the best thing ever to happen to Weiss.
Could be dealt: Filip Kuba
Not a sexy name I know, but he only has another year left on his deal and with d-men at such a premium it might be smart to deal him now and get something for him and allow a kid like Petrovic perhaps to see some NHL minutes to finish the season.
LA
Likely to be dealt: Dustin Penner
Another struggle of a season for Penner. I don’t know why he can’t produce in LA. I know people think of him as a big underachiever, but he was on pace for his 2nd straight 30 goal season in Edmonton when he got dealt there. It would have been 3 of 4 seasons where he had over 50 points. That’s not great, but it’s not that bad either considering how valuable he can be just with his size down low. He’s a UFA, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Kings move him but make no mistake this team is a buyer.
Could be dealt: Jarret Stoll
“Look at the Oiler homer talking about his Oilers!” Yep. Stoll has been centering the 4th line this season. An awesome luxury for Sutter to have, but to me that makes him expendable. Colin Fraser and Trevor Lewis can both fill that role, you don’t need 3.5 mil centering your 4th line even if he is a beast. They wouldn’t give him away, but I bet for the right deal Lombardi would absolutely do it. And the Kings could use some skill in their top 6.
Minnesota
Likely to be dealt: Matt Cullen
They’re a buyer too, but they could easily move Charlie Coyle to the middle on that 3rd line and then get something for the talented but underahieving Cullen. He’s a weird guy, he has the talent to be a 2nd line center on a good team. But he just seems to lack drive or focus or something.
Could be dealt: Niklas Backstrom
He’s a UFA so anything is possible, but unless they were to land someone to take his place it would be stupid to do this. They do have guys in the system like Darcy Kuemper and Matt Hackett who look really promising, but if you want to go anywhere in the playoffs (should they get in) then you need Backstrom.
Montreal
Likely to be dealt: Michael Ryder
This wouldn’t stun me at all. I think they were just looking to dump Erik Cole’s salary and the Stars just happened to give them Ryder. I don’t believe the Habs want anything to do with Ryder, so I believe they dump him before the deadline for a 5th round pick or so. Maybe I’m wrong here, but I don’t think they need him too much.
Could be dealt: Tomas Kaberle
The only reason I say “could” is because nobody wants him. If the Habs COULD deal him he will be gone, but he has another year left at 4.25 mil….disgusting. This is one odd duck. He never wanted to leave the Leafs when they were a complete dumpster fire, and since he has completely mailed it in.
Nashville
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
Nobody really stands out on the roster as a likely candidate to move. I actually don’t believe the Preds will do anything. They aren’t playing well right now and remember Shea Weber could be dealt this summer. It was widely speculated that once the Preds signed that offer sheet they were doing it only to deal him away a year from then to get a better return then they would have got at the time. Weber’s agent even said it at the time “you don’t sign an offer sheet because you want to stay where you are”.
Could be dealt: Ryan Ellis
If I were David Poile I would move him now for a lot rather than let him get exposed in the next few seasons. I’m not a big believer in this kid ever being anything more than a PP specialist. He lacks the quickness a kid who is 5’10 should have at the NHL level. He’s played all season with the big club, that looks good. I bet you could fleece a guy like Greg Sherman.
New Jersey
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
Even though they’re sliding without Brodeur, I still see them as a buyer. But they probably should be selling….
Could be dealt: David Clarkson
Not just Clarkson but Elias and Zidlicky too. 3 big time UFA’s and this team bleeds money (even though they somehow managed to pay Travis Zajac through his teeth right after the lockout). Clarkson has turned himself into a great player after entering the league as an enforcer. If he is available, Lamoriello could get a hell of a return.
NY Islanders
Likely to be dealt: Lubomir Visnovsky
He didn’t want to be there in the first place (who does?!) Garth Snow should get quite a bit back for the PP QB at the deadline. He might be the best defenseman available. Also Mark Streit is a UFA too, so perhaps both would go which would put the Islanders in an incredible position to be a disgrace rather than a joke….right where Charles Wong wants them.
Could be dealt: Josh Bailey
Nothing sexy here but perhaps they finally give up on Bailey. Not his fault, they ruined him plain and simple. Maybe he goes to another organization and gets his game going again?
NY Rangers
Likely to be dealt: Prospects
Notice I didn’t include picks there as they’ve already dealt their 1st to Columbus in the Nash deal. This team will be a buyer but they may need to buy just to get into the dance let alone compete for a Cup. On the outside looking in although they do have games in hand on Philly.
Could be dealt: Michael Del Zotto
Like McQuaid and Leddy before him, if the right d-man cam along for Slats he could put Del Zotto in a package for the right guy. A young puck moving defenseman like MDZ I’m sure would make another GM’s ears perk up.
Ottawa
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
Bryan Murray will buy not only because this team is hanging in there, but both Spezz and Karlsson could be back for round 1 of the playoffs. So as long as they can stay in the top 8 I believe he will see it as a big chance. Stephen Weiss will be high on his radar I’m sure, as will the recently mentioned Lubomir Visnovsky. Both guys are rentals and the Sens have the depth to go get guys like this to solidfy the team short term and give them great depth come the playoffs.
Could be dealt: Daniel Alfredsson
I’m sure you have all heard this one bounced around of late. I don’t see it happening. Alfredsson stated a few years back that he would rather retire with the Sens then go elsewhere to try to win a Cup. BUT…things change and maybe if they fall out of it this month that he will reconsider that stance. A lot of teams would be interested.
Philadelphia
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
Did you really expect me to say anything different here? It’s Philly, of course they’re going for it.
Could be dealt: Sean Couturier
They aren’t affraid to deal anyone, and Couturier could be viewed as expendable for the right price. It would have to be a heck of a return, but they’re pretty deep at center in the organization. I thought it was a coin flip between him and Brayden Schenn over which one Philly may deal down the road if they had to, but with Luke now there Brayden appears to be pretty untouchable. 6’4, 200 pounds, plays 200 feet and is only 20 years old. 29 teams would listen if he could be had.
Phoenix
Likely to be dealt: Mike Smith
Yep, I said likely. He is a UFA and hasn’t looked anything like the goaltender he did last season. Maloney has to deal him if he can’t get him locked up by the deadline. The league is trying to sell this franchise so I believe it’s a must they get all the value they can for their assets. Perhaps you deal Smith then flip that package for another goaltender like a Steve Mason?
Could be dealt: Keith Yandle
They’ve shopped him before, but apparently wanted the world for him. I don’t like Yandle personally, I think he is a number 3 or 4 who because of Tippett’s system looks like a 1 or 2. Still, lots of GM’s looking for d-men this time of year. They might not get what they want, but they could still get a ton. Plus, Ekman-Larsson has taken over as the number 1 guy, and Brandon Gormley is waiting in the wings to get his shot.
Pittsburgh
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
This team has the chips to play with that this deadline. They’re a buyer, they need to get Sid a winger, and there should be quite a few good ones available. Nice position to be in if you’re Ray Shero.
Could be dealt: Chris Kunitz
Basically if they find Sid a winger, he might be part of the package going back the other way. That said, I would more so lean to them moving him elsewhere in the lineup and he is a gritty player that can play a good 2 way game.
San Jose
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
Getting boring I know but they’ll buy. This is the last shot in their minds I’m sure. The window closed a few years ago, but that glass is so clean they haven’t noticed yet that it’s there. They’ve some what got things back on track, but unless Doug Wilson pulls a rabbit out of his hat, I still think they end up missing the playoffs.
Could be dealt: Ryane Clowe
He’s a UFA so that is always possible, but you don’t trade a guy this good if you’re going for it. They would recieve a lot for his services however. Maybe if they go completely in the tank this month it is a blessing in disguise for Wilson and he pulls the trigger on something like this?
St. Louis
Likely to be dealt: Picks and prospects
We get it, they’re buyers
Could be dealt: Brian Elliot or Jaroslav Halak
I couldn’t decide which guy they would move if a goaltender that they liked became available. Halak is better so either side would want him. Elliot would be a throw in, this kid once again has completely lost his confidence. He actually lost it last year against the Kings. He’s fine as a backup, but he can’t handle being “the guy”.
Tampa Bay
Likely to be dealt: Mathieu Garon
Not sexy in any way again I know. But teams will be looking to sure up their goaltending. Garon when he’s on can be great, so some team will be interested. He is a UFA after this season.
Could be dealt: Vincent Lecavalier
This is a theory I’ve had since the lockout ended. Tampa deals him along with something good to a team that will buy him out. That way, he can go sign back in Tampa where he wants to be, and the Lightning get a much more cap friendly deal. However now with Vinny having a decent bounce back season, I could see a team doing it for the stretch drive without Tampa having to give up anything on their end. They wouldn’t get much for him if there is an understanding that the team will have to buy him out, but still a great move for Tampa. I would look at Chicago as a prime candidate to do a move like this.
Toronto
Likely to be dealt: Nobody
I don’t see Nonis making any moves at this deadline. You’ve had a surprise season to this point. As long as this team maintains their position in the standings I would just roll with what you have into the first round and make the upgrades in the summer time with the cupboard full.
Could be dealt: Tyler Bozak
He’s a UFA and they could get something pretty good for him. But on the other hand things are rolling along just nicely so unless someone knocks their socks off I would just stand pat. I’m a big Bozak fan. He’s not a 1st line center, but more of a good 2nd or elite 3rd line center. RH shot too.
Vancouver
Likely to be dealt: Roberto Luongo
I’m not sure I believe it’s “likely” anymore, but it’s more likely than most so I will go with this. I will say, he has won me over. Strombone1 is maybe the best athelete follow on twitter.
Could be dealt: Cory Schneider
Maybe Gillis does a total 180 on this whole situation and decides he can get what he feels Schneider is worth so why not deal him instead? Again, “could be dealt” in this blog means it’s highly unlikely, but the theory does make some sense.
Washington
Likely to be dealt: Roman Hamrlik
Last year of his deal, veteran defenseman, the team isn’t likely to make the playoffs, it’s the same old story. Still, he would be a great addition to any blueline. Anywhere he goes, Hammer seems to make the d-men he plays with much better.
Could be dealt: Mike Riberio
Thought I was going to say Ovechkin? Yeah, I did think about it. But it won’t happen. He sells way too many tickets and despite what Mike Milbury says it’s not all about Ovechkin. Backstrom has been terrible the last few seasons, and wingers have trouble scoring if they don’t have a guy that can get them the puck. As for Riberio, I could see them hanging onto him for a playoff push, but he’s a UFA.
Winnipeg
Likely to be dealt: Nik Antropov
Borat’s favorite hockey player, Kazakhstan’s own Nik Antropov might be on the move come deadline day. He’s a UFA, and this team has really beefed up over the last year and so I believe he will be expendable.
Could be dealt: Evander Kane
Trouble coming up with a guy in this case but I guess if there was a guy it might be Kane. Definitely don’t see it coming these days, he’s been great. But perhaps Cheveldayoff knows it won’t last and so he pulls the trigger on something now while his value is sky high?
Follow me on twitter….like hell anyone got to this point of the blog but anyway….@TJ_Soups
