The trade deadline is still months away. But some teams have already played one-third of their games. Some general managers are already getting antsy about making the playoffs.
It is certainly not too early to discuss the leading trade candidates.
Because it is early, we haven't included some potential UFAs who could re-sign with their team or be too valuable to their team to move. For example, Thomas Hertl isn't listed, even though he could be dealt. Just want to make sure he isn't going to re-sign.
Here is Part 1 of the “Big Board of Possible Trade Candidates.”
Kevin: Don't know what the Blackhawks are telling teams about their plans for Fleury. Don't know either if Fleury wants to pack up and move again. But I do know that Fleury would be a desirable option for contenders such as the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche. Fleury owns 90 playoff wins. He's had some impressive victories over the last couple of weeks. He's 37. This could be his last chance to make a run for another Cup. Sooner or later, the Blackhawks and Fleury will talk about a trade. People root for Fleury because he is a genuinely nice person. Would be nice for fans to see him on a final playoff run.
Eklund: Never has there been a better goalie for a playoff run available. Fleury is money in the big game and Colorado knows this first hand after Fleury was the reason the Avalanche were knocked out last year. Edmonton is a very interesting spot too… The Hawks do still have some hope for the playoffs and they didn’t get MAF to flip him. Also keep an eye on Minnesota here. They are a top team, they did try hard two years ago to get Fleury right before they settled on Talbot. They also have a history of playoff goalie issues. Pittsburgh is always a longshot, but it would take an injry to Jarry
2. Defenseman Ben Chiarot, Montreal Canadiens:
Kevin: His contributions to the Habs' run to the Stanley Cup Final last season were significant. Don't the Oilers have to make a run at him to improve their defense? It will likely cost them a first-round pick or a quality prospect.
Eklund: Chiarot;s stock grew a lot last year in the playoffs and he had simply gotten better and better each year with development. This year it is easy to give him a pass as Montreal has struggled mightily.
3. Defenseman Mark Giordano, Seattle Kraken:
Kevin: He's 38, but he's still a 20-plus-minutes defenseman. He played more than 23 minutes in his last game. Several top teams seem like they are one defenseman short. He can help offensively and defensively. Smart player, perfect for the playoffs where every decision matters.
Eklund: Gio is a leader and a fierce competitor. There would be great irony if he were to once again get caught up in a battle of Alberta withe Edmonton and Calgary both looking. I have heard another Canadian team, Toronto with interest, and I also wouldn’t be shocked if Florida were to get in on him. The Caps and Bruins also will poke around, but what if the Islanders, yes the Islanders were to make a VERY early move for him in an attempt to save their floundering season?
4. Left wing Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins:
Kevin: Everyone watched Sam Bennett go from the Calgary Flames to the Florida Panthers and suddenly become the player scouts thought he could be. Could that happen with DeBrusk? The only issue here is the Bruins are looking for a player back who can help them. That won't work for most contenders who want to pick up a player who can help them now by giving up draft picks.
Eklund: At some point the dysfunctional relationship between Debrusk and Boston will come to an end… The Bruin know they have a valuable player and I have heard the Predators as a team with interest. But what’s weird about Debrusk is there is always a lack of jam when it comes to his name around the league. I think that is more due to the fact that the bruins have out a pricetag that appears higher than they themselves appear to feel he is worth…based on the way the Bruins play him,
5. Defenseman Nick Leddy, Detroit Red Wings:
Kevin: The Red Wings aren't interested in trading him right now because they want to stay competitive. They can't stay competitive if they give up Leddy. He's a solid two-way defenseman who can still skate the puck out of trouble. He knows how to defend. Because he will be a UFA, the Red Wings will eventually have to move him. There is a chance they could re-sign him.
Eklund: The Islanders, and admittedly many of us, didn’t know what they had in Lexy and they have paid dearly for losing him. He is not THE answer for a team, but what he does is incredibly important. The Lightning are a team that always bolsters with a Leddy-like player at the deadline.
6. Right wing Vitali Kravtsov, New York Rangers:
Kevin: Word is he is playing impressively for Cheylabinsk Traktor. Several teams are interested in him, although no team has been able to get a deal done. Still believe it's a mistake to trade him.
Eklund: People are nervous on this player. I have heard Alex Semin comparatives from some, while others feel the Rangers have missed the boat and will regret moving him. The Knights look to be stacked when Eichel returns., but this is the kind of move they usually would LOVE to make. You know the Penguins and Carolina would be interesting, but the Rangers would think twice before moving him in the division. He might be the kind of player who moves to a team NOT in the playoffs as a long range deal…LA, San Jose, Seattle?
7. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets:
Kevin: Elvis Merzlikins has made himself the guy in Columbus and Korpisalo has been inconsistent this season. He's only 27 and could end up with a team that seems him in their long-term plans.
Eklund: I have heard the Flyers, Colorado, and Edmonton for both Joonas and Anton below. Korpisalo impressed everyone with his 5 OT performance back in the bubble showing clutch play and an ability to rise to the moment. Philly may not be a playoff team, but they still believe they could be…They won’t be with Martin Jones as their backup.
8. Left wing Evander Kane, San Jose Sharks:
Kevin: It's said he will be hard to move, but a handful of NHL scouts showed up for his first AHL game. The Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars all requested a seat for their scout. If the Sharks are willing to pay half of his freight, maybe it's possible.
Eklund: I could see Pittsburgh. Burke likes to take on reclamation projects with talent. He has plenty of skill, and that locker room has serious leaders. Hard to slack around Crosby.
9. Goalie Anton Khudobin, Dallas Stars:
Update: the Stars placed Khudobin on waivers today…
Kevin: The Stars need to move him. He could be an insurance policy acquisition for a general manager who isn't confident with his goaltending.
Eklund: Philly very HIGH on him, but his price goes higher because he too has shown he can lead a playoff run.
10. Right wing Phil Kessel, Arizona Coyotes:
Kevin: He's put up 15 points in 27 games playing for a poor team. He has Stanley Cup rings and 81 career playoff points. There is room for him on some contender's roster.
Eklund: He is still missed in Pittsburgh and nothing would breathe more life into Malkin then bringing back Kessel. I wonder if Carolina looks at this possibility…
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