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Kevin Allen:Claude Giroux the prize rental property in the NHL trade market |
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Ek’s Note: I am updating the rumor chart throughout the day today and will have a blog later on…but first, a great piece from Kevin..
More than one NHL general manager likely is disappointed that the Dallas Stars have found their way back to an NHL playoff position. It’s not that they don’t like Stars general manager Jim Nill. He’s actually one of the nicest men in hockey.
But GMs are guilty of coveting thy neighbor’s prize forward and defenseman. Some contenders were already thinking about the possibility of trading for Dallas players Joe Pavelski and John Klingberg.
Their absence changes the look of the rental market.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks want to sign Tomas Hertl and the Anaheim Ducks are still trying to get Hampus Lindholm signed. No one, particularly goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, seems ready to say he’s willing to go anyway.
Bruce Boudreau has the Vancouver Canucks believing they can make the playoffs. We may not have anything close to a clear picture by the March 21 trade deadline. So let’s talk about the rental players we do know will be changing uniforms:
The Top 15 Available Rental Properties
1.Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers: He has become the top prize in the NHL Trade Deadline Sweepstakes. He is still viewed as a player who can be a difference-maker in a seven-game series. Still playing at an elite level. He can play center or wing. The Colorado Avalanche are interested, as are the Florida Panthers, Imagine adding Giroux’s skills to either of those rosters. Some of the team officials I’ve talked to believe the Minnesota Wild might make an offer. Their playing level has slipped a bit and GM Bill Guerin has already demonstrated he is a man of action.
2. Ben Chiarot, Montreal Canadiens: What you see is what you get with Chiarot. He’s a no-frills second-pairing shutdown defenseman. He was in the Stanley Cup Final nine months ago. The Habs have made it clear that they want a first-round pick and a prospect. This is the kind of player who pulls your defense together. The Rangers, Panthers, Bruins, perhaps the Colorado Avalanche want him. There are others in the mix.
3. Mark Giordano, Seattle Kraken: He’s 38, but only three three years removed from winning the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman. Will help a team in many different ways. The contenders are all interested, particularly the New York Rangers. You wonder if the Flames are interested in bringing him back to Calgary.
4. Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers: He’s 6-foot-4 and plays with an edge. Will play the body. That’s the inducement for teams to step up and offer a first-round pick.
5. Josh Manson, Anaheim Ducks: Not sure what the Ducks will do with Lindholm and Rickard Rakell, but it seems like they won’t get Manson re-signed. The Maple Leafs are interested, maybe the Dallas Stars.
6. Andrew Copp, Winnipeg Jets: Plenty of teams interested because he has 32 points in 50 games. One of the sleepers in the trade market.
7. Nick Leddy, Detroit Red Wings: He is probably the Plan B for most teams looking at Giordano and Chiarot. Good skater, experienced transition defenseman, didn’t have an exceptional season. His salary cap hit of $5.5 million is an impediment, but the Red Wings will eat half.
8. Justin Braun, Philadelphia Flyers: Wouldn’t be surprised if more teams are interested in Braun than any other player on this list. He’s experienced, dependable, in the midst of a good season and he only has a $1.8 million cap hit. With Anthony DeAngelo out, the Carolina Hurricanes might be interested. Don’t rule out the Maple Leafs or Lightning
9. Cal Clutterbuck, New York Islanders: GM Lou Lamoriello still hasn’t waved the white flag, but several teams have been in to scout him. His crash and bang style is a good fit for a team that needs to be harder to play against. The Avalanche have looked at him. Believe the Flames might be interested.
10. Vladislav Namestnikov, Detroit Red Wings: Versatile, skilled, defensively responsible. Can play on a scoring line or a checking line. Boasts 13 goals this season. Kills penalties. Comfortable on the power play. The Lightning might be interested because the Red Wings will retain half of $2 million salary.
11. Marc Staal, Detroit Red Wings: Logged close to 1,000 games and competes hard in every practice and every game. Dependable. Good leader. Quality person. Could provide a lift to a contending team. Won’t cost you much.
12. Calvin De Haan, Chicago Blackhawks: With 502 NHL games on his resume, he could be a strong fit for a team looking for a third pairing or depth defenseman.
13. Nick Paul, Ottawa Senators: He’s a 225-pound winger with 10 goals. That’s more than enough to earn him notice in the trade deadline marketplace.
14. Zach Parise, New York Islanders: Only scored seven goals this season, but a playoff run might be what he needs to rediscover his fountain of youth. Feels like he would be a good fit for the Dallas Stars who could use an offensive charge.
15. Phil Kessel, Arizona Coyotes: If Kessel was a $1.5 million cap hit, he would be very intriguing. The Penguins would be all over him. But he’s $6.5 million. That puts him way down the list.
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