NHL trade deadline 2017: Top 10 players who could be on the move
The most talked-about player in the NHL trade market isn’t the most likely to be dealt before the March 1 deadline.
Several teams want Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene, but piecing together an in-season deal could be too complicated. Some Duchene suitors are playoff teams, and meeting the Avalanche’s needs of a young, established player, plus other pieces, without compromising their immediate competitiveness, could be challenging.
Unless a non-contending team makes an offer the Avs can’t refuse, it might be in their best interest to wait until the draft to deal Duchene or even Gabriel Landeskog, another player involved in rumors.
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Here are 10 others who have a more reasonable chance of being traded:
Kevin Shattenkirk, defenseman, St. Louis Blues: There’s considerable interest in a puck-mover like Shattenkirk. The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers are two of the contenders looking for a defenseman.
Shattenkirk is a pending unrestricted free agent who isn’t going to re-sign in St. Louis. Considering they lost two free agents (David Backes and Troy Brouwer) last summer, the Blues would like to get something in return for Shattenkirk. But the decision will depend on where they are in the standings. Shattenkirk has a cap hit of $4.25 million.
Martin Hanzal, center, Arizona Coyotes: He’s a 6-6 two-way center and that makes him attractive to a team such as the Montreal Canadiens. He’s not a top scorer, but he contributes offensively. He’s essentially a 40-point scorer. Hanzal's expiring contract has a $3.1 million cap hit.
Thomas Vanek, left wing/right wing, Detroit Red Wings: He has delivered 12 goals in 40 games , but if the Red Wings aren’t in a position to make a run at the playoffs, it would be foolish for them not to add a prospect in return for Vanek, who is on a one-year, $2.6 million deal.
Ben Bishop, goalie, Tampa Bay Lightning: He’s attractive because he is a big goalie with playoff experience. But does a goalie market exist? It won't be easy to fit Bishop's $5.95 million cap hit. Bishop would be an option for a team that suffers an injury to their No. 1. Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins) could also be available, but he has a couple of years left on his contract.
Michael Stone, defenseman, Arizona Coyotes: He’s 6-3, 210 pounds and he owns 318 games of NHL experience. He could fill a hole in a contending team’s top-six. Stone is a dependable player who is underrated offensively. He had 36 points last season. Stone is making $4 million on a one-year deal.
Radim Vrbata, right wing, Arizona Coyotes: He’s the ultimate rental. His salary is only $1 million, meaning the pro-rated portion fits in every salary-cap situation. Vrbata has produced this season, leading the Coyotes with 35 points in 51 games. He can provide the secondary scoring that every team needs.
Patrick Eaves, right wing, Dallas Stars: With 19 goals in 51 games, Eaves, on a one-year, $1 million contract, is having the best season of his career. He’s a versatile player capable of playing on a checking or scoring line.
Patrick Sharp, right wing, Dallas Stars: Sharp has six goals on 75 shots in 27 games this season, but he boasts 47 career playoff goals and three Stanley Cup rings. Sharp's contract expires this summer, but his $5.9 million salary cap hit, even pro-rated, could be an issue for some teams that might be interested.
Shane Doan, right wing, Arizona Coyotes: Doan’s best seasons are behind him, but he’s a high-character, physical player who could help a playoff team. In the past, he’s preferred to stay with the Coyotes. But it seems as if the time is right to take a shot at winning a Stanley Cup. Doan is playing on a one-year deal that carries a $3.88 million cap hit. Colorado’s Jarome Iginla is in a similar situation.
Brian Boyle, center, Tampa Bay Lightning: Everyone in the hockey world has expected the Lightning to make a late charge. But they are last in the Eastern Conference. If they don’t improve, teams are going to ask about the 6-6, 245-pound Boyle, who is making $2 million and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The gritty center has elevated his game during the playoffs in the past.
