James Guillory-Imagn Pictures
Because the NHL’s March 7 commerce deadline attracts close to, many gamers may use a change of surroundings.
This is not to say that the gamers we’ll checklist beneath are locks and even more likely to be traded by the deadline or that staying on their present squad would harm them. However there might be advantages for every of them to be traded to a distinct crew, corresponding to elevated alternative and crew competitiveness. On to it we go:
John Gibson, G, Anaheim Geese
Gibson has been long-rumored to be on the commerce block, and you may see why. The 31-year-old has plenty of time period and {dollars} left on his present contract, with two more seasons at a salary cap hit of $6.4 million. However after struggling on unhealthy Geese groups for a very long time, Gibson has had a profession renaissance with Anaheim this season, posting a 2.69 goals-against common and .915 save proportion in 23 appearances this season – the primary time since 2018-19 that Gibson has had an SP higher than .904.
Gibson was once the No. 1 choice in Anaheim, however the goalie rotation is now nearer to a 50-50 cut up with 24-year-old Lukas Dostal. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned Gibson would want to go to a team where he’ll be the starting netminder.
It most likely will take the Geese retaining a few of Gibson’s wage to make him palatable in a commerce. However Anaheim has all kinds of wage cap house, and so they can ask for a good quantity of draft picks or prospects in any Gibson deal. Gibson is clearly in a greater place this season, however he may gain advantage from taking part in extra video games on a aggressive crew in want of a starter.
Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest Trade Buzz On Alex Tuch, John Gibson And Jake Evans
Ryan Donato, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Donato is nearly sure to be dealt by the Blackhawks because the crew’s rebuilding, and he is a UFA at season’s finish. At 28 years previous, Donato is having a profession season on offense, with 19 objectives and 37 factors in simply 53 video games. He is additionally a really inexpensive asset, with a cap hit of only $2 million.
On a crew that is a real Stanley Cup contender – and never a dismal squad just like the Hawks – Donato has an opportunity to be a 25- to 30-goal scorer and a stable asset. Donato can’t drive up his wage asking value subsequent season and past however carry this momentum into the playoffs, and that is why many groups ought to be keen on his companies. It is smart for Chicago and for Donato to offer him an opportunity on a greater crew.
Related: NHL Trade Deadline: Middle-Six Centers Are All The Rage
Brock Nelson, C, New York Islanders
Nelson is arguably essentially the most enticing potential acquisition this 12 months, as he is a pending UFA with loads of expertise. His current salary of $6 million means a crew might need to filter out some cap house.
The Islanders are nonetheless preventing for a playoff spot, and Isles GM Lou Lamoriello might select to not solely retain Nelson but try to re-sign him. That does not imply a change of groups would not do him properly, although. On the contrary.
Nelson has 17 objectives and 35 factors in 55 video games this 12 months, which has him on tempo for his lowest scoring complete for the reason that shortened 2020-21 season. And whereas a sizzling streak improved the Islanders’ playoff probabilities, they continue to be 4 factors and three groups behind the Detroit Purple Wings for the second wild-card spot.
At 33 years previous, this might be Nelson’s greatest likelihood but to spend the remainder of the season competing for a Stanley Cup with one other squad earlier than determining the place he desires to signal subsequent, whether or not it is again with the Islanders or elsewhere.
Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Will Islanders’ Brock Nelson And Flyers’ Scott Laughton Stay Or Go?
Dylan Cozens, C, Buffalo Sabres
One of the talked-about gamers approaching this 12 months’s commerce deadline is Cozens, who’s having one other disappointing 12 months with Buffalo.
The 24-year-old has solely 11 objectives and 27 factors in 54 video games with the Sabres – numbers far decrease than the 31-goal, 68-point season he had in 2022-23. Cozens’ $7.1-million cap hit makes his scenario in Buffalo worse.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams must hit a house run in any Cozens commerce, and whereas there is no assurance a Cozens commerce will occur, the precise choice for Cozens’ future could also be someplace apart from Western New York. Cozens’ profession might be rejuvenated in a cope with one other group that has a extra offensive type. That is how the Sabres performed in 2022-23 underneath Don Granato earlier than switching to extra give attention to protection.
Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest On Sabres’ Dylan Cozens And Avalanche’s Casey Mittelstadt
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