So far today I have updated 21 players on the Rumor Chart.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2018-19 TRADE DEADLINE RUMOR CHART
I spend a lot of time chasing the rumors of the big guys like Panarin, Stone, Duchene, Simmonds, Kessel, etc... and for good reason... These are the kind of players everyone is interested in talking about. The kind of players that can take a bubble team into the playoffs. The players who can turn a contender into a Cup.
And yet, as we have seen, the big trades don't often happen...or if they do they rarely make that kind of difference. Of course sometimes they do, and for that reason GMs won't ever stop risking a player, a prospect, and a first for their chance at glory.
And yet, in terms if impact in the playoffs, it is quite often the non-stars, solid second tier players picked up at the deadine who end up making a proportionately larger impact. I always have these guys on the Rumor Chart, but I don't spend enough time deep diving into these almost-certain-to-be-moved players...So welcome to Second Tier Saturday.
On Ryan Dzingel...
With all that is going on in Ottawa with Stone and Duchene it could actually be Dzingel who plays the biggest role at the deadline. Dzingel is having a great year and on pace for 30 goals and 60 points an he also plays a position, LW, that is in demand right now. When you hear a team, and you WILL hear teams, say they are looking for a top 6 forward...Dzingel fits that bill. Currently, I am hearing the Wild, who need scoring badly, the Hawks, and the Blues are tracking Ryan.
On Micheal Ferland...
Another LW, scoring at a .60 PPG, and a +4 on a Carolina team where not everyone is trending that way...Ferland has 12 goals in only 33 games and is the Canes 4th leading scorer. Ferland brings a lot and Carolina would LOVE to extend him, but they might be able to get him back next year after getting some assets at the deadline...The team to look at with Ferland is Vegas. The Knights are suddenly hot and a factor again...They love Ferland...The Bruins are also more than a little interested I am told. The Penguins could be.
On Niklas Kronwall...
You know what NEVER loses value in the playoffs? Depth experienced D-men...and Niklas Kronwall is exactly that..very underrated...You know who loves to get this kind of player? Lou Lamoriello...The Islanders are looking all over for depth D-men who can help shut it down in the final minutes of games... But don't forget Dallas...Jim Nill knows Kronwall well from his time in Detroit...They will also be looking to beef up.
On Gustav Nyquist...
Another Red Wing, only Larkin has more points...Nyquist has played very well this year and has been solid in key situations...I hear Montreal connected to him the most...but the Sabres are also watching...
On Michael Del Zotto...
He has not really worked out in Vancouver, but MDZ does have ability and if you need some extra scoring from your back end, along with experience and speed he is more than worth a shot...The Isles, Jackets, and Bruins are all tracking MDZ per my sources..
What's the Buzz??
What are some of your favorite Tier 2 Deadline Pickups of the Past?
More to come...
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