It’s NHL All-Star Weekend, but even if every team’s focus isn’t on that, they are plenty of teams that will be focused on the coming trade deadline. The NHL’s best will take to the ice in St. Louis tonight. While others could be on the move in the coming weeks. Pickswise will have plenty of coverage as the NHL returns to action, but with today being the All-Star Game it is time to look at possible trade options from each NHL division. Let’s dive into those options starting with the Metropolitan Division.
Trade Options in the Metropolitan Division
The Capitals might be the only team in this division, that won’t really be in need of anything before the deadline. Though a trade for some depth might not be out of the question. Alex Galchenyuk looks to be on the way out in Pittsburgh. They could target a top-nine forward as players such as Jason Zucker, Tyler Toffoli, and even Tomas Tatar as possible targets. One of those three could also fit what the New York Islanders are searching for. Brendan Dillon from San Jose looks to be atop the Hurricanes list. Leaving the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils looking to move players from their team.
Trade Options in the Atlantic Division
Boston looks to clear up their recent contract issues with David Backes, and to do so they could easily send him elsewhere, for a top-line forward, such as Tomas Tatar, as the Canadiens have shown interest to move him. Like Tatar, Montreal could easily ship Ilya Kovalchuk. Detroit and Ottawa are both likely sellers at the deadline, and for the Red Wings, that could mean Andres Athanasiou might be on the way out. The Sabres look to be stuck with what they got, and the Lightning will be looking to add some depth. Toronto needs a top-level defender with some years left on his contract.
Trade Options in the Central Division
The St. Louis and Colorado look pretty set, so they won’t likely take part, but the Avalanche could do with some depth defensively or at forward. The Stars need production from within at this point, so nothing is likely for Dallas at this point. Nashville will likely look to move the expiring contract of either Mikael Granlund or Craig Smith. Chicago has a decision to make about goalie Robin Lehner. Minnesota has already made Mathew Dumba and Jason Zucker available. It’s still unclear if Winnipeg will be a buyer or a seller at the trade deadline.
Trade Options in the Pacific Division
This division is full of competition, and with five teams deep in contention, it’s likely many of those teams will be looking for the missing piece that will help push them to the division crown. Vegas is an interesting team, and they could use a top-four defensive player. Jeff Petry from the Canadiens or Anthony DeAngelo from the Rangers could fill this void for Vegas. Arizona will fill a void with goalie Darcy Kuemper returning to the line-up. This will likely be the only chance for the Coyotes? The three teams from California will likely be selling players, but it will likely not be anything big. Brendon Dillon could be on the move from San Jose.
