May Bruins captain Brad Marchand be headed to Colorado so as to add some veteran management to the Avalanche? Will we see a shock Lightning reunion in Tampa Bay?
This week, The Athletic requested its NHL employees for his or her daring predictions forward of the March 7 commerce deadline that’s lower than per week away, and people have been simply a few the engaging (and generally contradictory) eventualities we heard about in response.
Right here’s one decide for every group.
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Anaheim Geese
Prediction: They are going to lastly commerce John Gibson.
The key phrases with this are “prediction” and “daring.” Is it a assure that it’ll occur? No. The Geese have made it clear that they’ll commerce Gibson on their phrases and which means groups assembly a excessive asking worth. Anaheim can improve the curiosity degree if it retains a large portion of Gibson’s $6.4 million cap hit, if not half of that. What helps the Geese is Stanley Cup-contending groups equivalent to Edmonton and Carolina have authentic questions in objective. Gibson’s upper-body harm isn’t anticipated to maintain him out lengthy. He’s having a bounce-back season and is likely to be open to a change the place he’d be the clear No. 1 once more. — Eric Stephens
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Boston Bruins
Prediction: They are going to commerce Brad Marchand.
Marchand is the group captain. He’s the one remaining member from the 2011 championship group. Marchand stays an essential participant. Nonetheless, he’s unsigned after this season. The group may contemplate future returns they may obtain for Marchand as being price buying and selling their captain. If they don’t seem to be thinking about bringing Marchand again past this season, the Bruins may transfer him for belongings. — Fluto Shinzawa
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Buffalo Sabres
Prediction: They are going to commerce Jason Zucker.
Zucker has been a superb free-agent pickup for the Sabres. He has 44 factors in 54 video games whereas taking part in on a one-year deal. That the Sabres haven’t prolonged him but places him on the commerce radar within the subsequent week. His worth is as excessive because it has been in years, so the Sabres ought to get a very good asset if they’ll’t get him below contract. — Matthew Fairburn
Calgary Flames
Prediction: They are going to emerge as the largest commerce dealer on the deadline, and so they’ll purchase.
The Flames are in an fascinating state of affairs. They’re competing for a playoff spot because of their rookie goaltender however don’t have a potent offense. They usually have tons of cap house to play with (almost $18 million in projected cap house, based on PuckPedia). The Flames are keen to purchase, judging by the acquisitions of Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost (particularly if they’ll land one other younger ahead between 18 and 25). But when they’ll weaponize their cap house to land belongings for the longer term, too? That’s nearly as good of a commerce deadline because the Flames can have. — Julian McKenzie
Carolina Hurricanes
Prediction: They are going to prolong Mikko Rantanen.
A lot of the noise surrounding Rantanen is that Carolina is already exploring methods to flip the star ahead, nervous that he is not going to signal a contract extension with the Hurricanes. Carolina, nevertheless, stays assured it will possibly get a deal performed with Rantanen, and I believe an eight-year, $106 million contract — which might work out to a $13.25 million AAV — is the candy spot. — Cory Lavalette
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There are a number of hurdles for the Blackhawks to clear to commerce Seth Jones. (Michael Reaves / Getty Photos)
Chicago Blackhawks
Prediction: They are going to commerce Seth Jones.
There are a number of hurdles for the Blackhawks to clear to commerce Jones. Odds are they gained’t earlier than the deadline, however there’s a slim probability they could. What it will take is discovering a Cup-contending group that wishes Jones, doesn’t require the Blackhawks to retain an excessive amount of of his cap house and for the Blackhawks to get one thing in change. — Scott Powers
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Colorado Avalanche
Prediction: They are going to commerce for Brad Marchand.
These are alleged to be daring. Marchand has mentioned his plan is to play his total profession in Boston, however he solely has an eight-team no commerce listing within the last 12 months of his deal, and it’s unlikely Colorado is on that listing. The Avalanche want depth scoring and a few veteran management, and Marchand would offer each in a giant manner. — Jesse Granger
Columbus Blue Jackets
Prediction: They are going to purchase a top-nine ahead.
When this season began, no one may have anticipated Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell to be a purchaser on the deadline, however right here we’re. The Blue Jackets have been one of many NHL’s nice surprises this season and Waddell desires to reward them with a roster enhance down the stretch. Don’t count on him to maneuver a first-round decide or a prime prospect for a rental. He’s extra cagey than that. However a mid-round decide is smart. Hold former Blue Jackets ahead Gustav Nyquist, at present a pending UFA with Nashville, in thoughts. — Aaron Portzline
Dallas Stars
Prediction: They are going to stand pat.
It’s not terribly daring, and the Stars may use one other top-four defenseman, with Miro Heiskanen’s future murky. However Dallas already made its large transfer, buying Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from San Jose. And the actual fact is, the Stars don’t have an entire lot left to surrender aside from a third-round decide within the 2025 draft. To land a real affect participant at this level, a commerce associate would most likely need Mavrik Bourque or Lian Bichsel included within the deal, and that’s virtually definitely a nonstarter for GM Jim Nill. — Mark Lazerus
Detroit Pink Wings
Prediction: They are going to add a defenseman.
The eye in Detroit has been on the middle place, particularly after Andrew Copp was dominated out for the season after present process surgical procedure on his left pectoral tendon. They usually may look to do one thing there. However the Pink Wings have extra inner choices out there at heart than they do on the blue line, which is already thinned out after Jeff Petry’s harm. We’ll see if the Pink Wings do something main on the deadline (in an analogous place final 12 months, they stood pat), but when they do, protection looks like the higher guess. — Max Bultman
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Edmonton Oilers
Prediction: They are going to purchase a top-nine winger.
There’s been a ton of angst about the necessity to change Stuart Skinner in internet, however GM Stan Bowman has been steadfast in his view that goaltending isn’t a giant downside. Right here’s betting he turns his consideration towards one other challenge. Zach Hyman is the one high-end scoring winger the Oilers have based mostly on the mix of efficiency and utilization, and his manufacturing is manner down in comparison with final season. The Oilers want extra choices there. The standard of participant they purchase may depend upon if Evander Kane will stay on LTIR via the top of the common season. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman
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Florida Panthers
Prediction: They are going to ship Matthew Tkachuk to LTIR.
Paul Maurice mentioned Tkachuk will play once more for the Panthers this season. Truthful sufficient. But when what’s believed to be a groin harm he sustained within the 4 Nations Face-Off is certainly a several-week affair, there’s no purpose for Florida to not shut him down till Spherical 1 and use the resultant cap house to meaningfully enhance, notably on the blue line. Seth Jones? Erik Karlsson? Why not? The Panthers are chasing glory, and so they’re not afraid. — Sean Gentille
Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: They are going to add a scoring winger.
The NHL’s finest dwelling group is in good condition with 16 of their last 23 video games at Crypto.com Area and may use that to attempt chasing down both Vegas or Edmonton to realize dwelling ice benefit within the first spherical. However the deadline might be about higher positioning themselves for a matchup towards both the Oilers (once more) or the Golden Knights. Regardless that they’ve perked again up throughout a surge, the Kings aren’t resistant to a scoring drought. That’s the place one other winger who can put the puck within the internet is a perfect add. Particularly one who can play with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. — Eric Stephens
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If traded, Islanders’ Brock Nelson has the power to assist up the center and on the penalty kill. (Bob DeChiara / Imagn Photos)
Minnesota Wild
Prediction: They are going to commerce for Brock Nelson.
The Wild didn’t seem like consumers per week in the past on account of a scarcity of cap house. However the harm to Joel Eriksson Ek and uncertainty over Kirill Kaprizov’s return date immediately give them potential room to be gamers on the deadline. If Minnesota determines that Eriksson Ek can be out for the remainder of the common season, it will possibly use his $5.25 million cap hit to go searching for a middle. Nelson matches the invoice. The pending unrestricted free agent (and native Minnesotan) has the power to assist up the center and on the PK. He’ll probably have a number of suitors if the Islanders determine to maneuver him, although, which may drive the value up. — Joe Smith
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Montreal Canadiens
Prediction: They are going to purchase a roster participant with time period.
The Canadiens are open to doing a number of issues. They’ve long-term wants at heart, proper protection and even perhaps a top-six winger. In addition they have a ton of draft picks and prospects they might be keen to maneuver. Hockey trades at deadline time are uncommon, however the Canadiens are in a spot the place they’re keen to be inventive and daring. They acknowledge they should enhance and wouldn’t be afraid to make a giant splash nearer to the draft, but when that chance arises now, I see no purpose why they wouldn’t pull the set off. — Arpon Basu
Nashville Predators
Prediction: They are going to recall Joakim Kemell and he can be a giant story by season’s finish.
Is that this wishful pondering bordering on fantasy? Maybe, and particularly as a result of the 20-year-old ahead has not been lighting it up within the AHL (30 factors in 47 video games for the Milwaukee Admirals getting into the week). However the dreadful previous couple of weeks of this misplaced season want one thing, and it stands to purpose he’ll get known as up and get a chance to point out he’s a part of this group’s future core. — Joe Rexrode
New Jersey Devils
Prediction: They are going to purchase a top-six ahead.
The Devils have a robust assortment of forwards, however yet another authentic one within the prime six would buoy one of many first two traces and have a trickle-down impact on the lineup. Somebody equivalent to Ondrej Palat or Tomas Tatar may transfer right down to a bottom-six position. Clearly, top-six forwards aren’t low-cost, however the Devils have a robust assortment of picks and prospects they’ll work with to get a deal performed. — Peter Baugh
New York Islanders
Prediction: They are going to commerce Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
He’s nonetheless bought a 12 months left on his deal and he’s a helpful No. 3 heart, as he’s been since Lou Lamoriello acquired Pageau forward of the 2019-20 deadline and signed him to a six-year extension on the spot. However these qualities, plus the meager heart market, make Pageau an ideal deadline chip — particularly if the Isles retain half of Pageau’s $5 million cap hit. — Arthur Staple
New York Rangers
Prediction: They are going to be sellers.
This prediction isn’t as daring these days, however it will’ve been within the preseason. The Rangers are nonetheless inside placing distance of a playoff spot, however they haven’t proven a lot purpose for the entrance workplace to imagine they’ll make a deep playoff run. Promoting off pending UFAs for future belongings is smart. — Peter Baugh
Ottawa Senators
Prediction: They gained’t do something as a result of they’ll’t.
The Senators desperately have to make some sort of transfer on the deadline to maintain tempo with fellow groups. However with a crippling wage cap construction and only a few belongings to make a big transfer, there’s a world the place GM Steve Staios stays quiet on the deadline. As an alternative, he appears at his gamers getting wholesome (Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, Shane Pinto) and thinks of them as “additions.” — Julian McKenzie
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Philadelphia Flyers
Prediction: They gained’t make a commerce.
Groups which are within the midst of rebuilds don’t typically stand pat on the commerce deadline. However the Flyers don’t have any pending unrestricted free brokers aside from newcomer Andrei Kuzmenko, who they appear to wish to give an actual probability to make an affect, and veteran defenseman Erik Johnson, who wouldn’t return a lot anyway. The Flyers may very nicely hold onto defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and ahead Scott Laughton — the 2 gamers most frequently in commerce rumors — if their asking costs aren’t met, after which reevaluate the standing of each this summer season. — Kevin Kurz
Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: They are going to preserve Rickard Rakell.
Clearly rebuilding, regardless of what GM Kyle Dubas says publicly, the Penguins are in asset acquisition mode. Rakell, 31, is having one in all his finest seasons and may assist any contender. However he has a fame of being streaky, has cooled a bit in the case of objective scoring and has a number of years left on his contract. For all of these causes, to not point out the unlikelihood of him commanding a first-round decide, he’ll stay a Penguin after the deadline. — Rob Rossi
San Jose Sharks
Prediction: They are going to store Mario Ferraro, however gained’t transfer him.
The specter of Ferraro getting dealt goes again to final spring and that is one other Sharks season that’s gone down the drain. This might be a deal that’s extra prone to happen subsequent 12 months when his contract expires however the 26-year-old defenseman is enticing for his age, inexpensive contract ($3.25 million cap hit) and talent to take in minutes together with his skating and willingness to place his physique in entrance of pictures. The Sharks ought to take calls and perhaps even kick tires on their very own, however can hold onto Ferraro in the event that they don’t like what’s being provided. — Eric Stephens
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Seattle Kraken
Prediction: They are going to commerce Yanni Gourde regardless of his harm.
Gourde hasn’t performed since Jan. 2 because of surgical procedure to restore a sports activities hernia, and time is getting quick on him to return to the lineup earlier than the commerce deadline. Gourde has been skating, however gained’t be capable of play many video games previous to the deadline — if he makes it again in any respect. Whereas this uncertainty will make buying and selling Gourde considerably difficult, the dearth of heart choices available on the market and Gourde’s fame as a playoff performer will nonetheless allow the Kraken to internet good worth in a commerce deadline deal as a traditional vendor group. — Thomas Drance
Blues captain Brayden Schenn’s identify has been concerned in commerce conversations, however is a deal lifelike? (Patrick Smith / Getty Photos)
St. Louis Blues
Prediction: They are going to commerce captain Brayden Schenn.
Schenn’s identify has been concerned in commerce conversations, however the query is: Are the Blues dangling their captain or are groups merely calling about him? It’s probably the latter. Both manner, you’ll be able to’t rule out the opportunity of him transferring, as normal supervisor Doug Armstrong continues to seek for methods to maximise the group’s retool. Schenn does have a no-trade clause and must be talked into accepting a deal. But when there’s a group keen to unite him with brother Luke (Predators) someplace, that is likely to be of curiosity. — Jeremy Rutherford
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Prediction: They are going to reunite with Yanni Gourde.
The Lightning solely have so many belongings to spend on the deadline, however want reinforcements up entrance. Whereas they may attempt to swing large for Brad Marchand, who matches their wants on the wing, Tampa Bay most likely must look a tier decrease. Whereas facilities typically are expensive on the deadline, his harm standing may make this extra possible for the Lightning. Tampa Bay doesn’t want a middle, but it surely wouldn’t damage to have choices. Plus, the Lightning know precisely what they might be getting from the disruptive ahead. — Shayna Goldman
Toronto Maple Leafs
Prediction: They are going to make a giant splash.
It’s daring as a result of it’s by no means actually been GM Brad Treliving’s factor to make main trades in-season. We noticed a reasonably protected deadline from Treliving in his first 12 months with the group. The top consequence was one other first-round loss. I’ve to imagine the organizational stress to do extra can be greater this time round, what with Keith Pelley now working the present atop MLSE and group president Brendan Shanahan within the final 12 months of his contract (or so we expect). The East can also be broad open, and with an impactful addition or two, the Leafs may soar to the entrance of the pack. — Jonas Siegel
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Utah Hockey Membership
Prediction: They are going to purchase a top-six ahead.
It could be a obscure reply, however that’s as a result of Utah has choices. The group stockpiled picks and prospects over time, and now administration ought to really feel prepared to begin utilizing their pipeline so as to add extra NHL-caliber expertise. Utah additionally has rental defensemen to ship to others within the playoff combine, if it helps thread the needle up entrance. The bottom line is that this can be a new possession group that has already proven a willingness to swing large through commerce — so their identify can be within the combine for all the prime facilities and wingers out there over the subsequent week. — Shayna Goldman
Vancouver Canucks
Prediction: They are going to each purchase and promote.
The Canucks are locked right into a tooth-and-nail combat for the second wild-card spot within the West. Throughout the board, although, all of their finest gamers are coping with both nagging accidents or baffling underperformance. They already bought J.T. Miller, getting into a transitional part of their team-building cycle. My prediction, then, is that they’ll each purchase and promote. Whether or not it’s Brock Boeser or Pius Suter or Carson Soucy, the membership will make at the least a vendor commerce earlier than the deadline. Nonetheless, like with the Miller return, the Canucks will flip round and use that asset to ensure they don’t take a step again within the quick time period. — Thomas Drance
Vegas Golden Knights
Prediction: They are going to commerce two second-round picks for Brandon Tanev.
It definitely wouldn’t be the boldest transfer the Golden Knights have made at a deadline, however after buying and selling two first-round picks and a first-round prospect final season, Vegas will probably be in search of match over flash at this deadline. Tanev checks a number of packing containers with physicality, playoff expertise and robust skating. He would instantly plug into the Golden Knights penalty kill and assist stability the lineup. — Jesse Granger
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Washington Capitals
Prediction: They are going to get their third-liner.
The Caps don’t need to do something, actually; they’ve turned the Jap Convention right into a race for second place. We’re not speaking a few group with obvious holes. Nonetheless, even with Sonny Milano and (presumably) prospect Ryan Leonard on the way in which, they may use a medium-term reply at 3C. Buying Jake Evans — a younger, stable participant who matches their timeline and makes simply $1.7 million towards the cap — would make them higher for the playoffs and down the road, assuming they work out a contract extension. — Sean Gentille
Winnipeg Jets
Prediction: They are going to purchase each Rasmus Ristolainen and Scott Laughton from the Flyers.
Ristolainen checks off a number of packing containers as a giant, sturdy and bodily defenseman who helps Philadelphia eradicate scoring possibilities in entrance of the web. Laughton is a flexible Flyer on the ice and glue man off of it. Buying each prime Flyers could be daring as a result of it will take a giant package deal, forcing the Jets to half with a first-round decide or prospect that they in any other case would favor to maintain, whereas filling two of the one holes on a deep Jets group. It may additionally relegate 6-foot-7 defenseman Logan Stanley to the press field come playoff time; he gives some physicality however leaks scoring possibilities to an extent that Ristolainen doesn’t. — Murat Ates
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(High images of Yanni Gourde and Brad Marchand: Trinity Machan / Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos and Bob DeChiara / Imagn Photos)
