Despite the trade deadline being more than a month away, rumors are flying around the NHL. TSN’s Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, and Bob McKenzie appeared on Insider Trading this evening to discuss the rumblings they’re hearing from around the league…
- Rangers wingers Rick Nash and Michael Grabner are expected to be highly sought after prior to the deadline, and Dreger says the Rangers are “leaning towards being open for business.” Of course, the reporter cautions that it would take a lot for a team to acquire Nash, who has yet to be asked for his 12-team trade list. The 33-year-old has 13 goals and 10 assists this season, while the 30-year-old Grabner has compiled 20 goals and four assists.
- There’s also a lot of trade speculation surrounding Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh, but it’s believed the veteran won’t be moved until the offseason. The 28-year-old has spent his entire NHL career in New York, and he’s on pace to set a career high in assists this season.
- Many fans thought Colorado would end up being a seller prior to the deadline, but the Avalanche are currently riding a 10-game win streak. The team could ultimately be buyers prior to the deadline, but general manager Joe Sakic is debating whether he wants to disrupt team chemistry by adding another player to the roster.
- The Canadiens predictably won’t be adding add big names prior to the deadline, and the team is still finalizing their trade deadline strategy. However, it’s believed the team could be active in trade talks as they look to improve their roster for next season.
- The Predators are looking to add a top-six winger to their roster, but they’re willing to wait before jumping on a trade. LeBrun mentions Max Pacioretty, Mike Hoffman, and Evander Kane as potential targets.
- The Red Wings are telling teams that defenseman Xavier Ouellet is available. The former second-round pick has been a bit underwhelming this season, compiling only four goals and four assists.
Who on God’s Earth would be interested in Nash?
some people said the same about Eric staal also will see
He’d be a great addition to a teams middle six and he’s a threat on the PK
Spot on. He’s not a top line winger anymore and is best suited for a middle six role. But he’s really developed a nice two-way game since coming over to New York and can contribute on the PK and still be a threat on the PP (whether he is used as a big body screener or something else).
New York would be smart to get ahead of the market, they aren’t winning it this year.
Make sure they get something for their expiring contracts .
If Filip Forsberg is healthy, I really don’t think the Preds need another top 6 winger. The asking prices for Kane, Pacioretty & Hoffman are going to be high. They don’t need to give up a ton to add one of those guys. Their top two lines are pretty good when Forsberg is healthy
Rangers, at the very least, should move Grabner. He’s definitely going to get a better offer in free agency so a mid round pick or a young-ish player with top 9 forwards/bottom two pair dmen/NHL goalie potential in return is a fine return. Nash should be moved as well, but I could see teams being hesitant about taking on his cap hit meaning the Rangers would need to eat some of his money.
The Avalanche shouldn’t make any drastic, win-now moves. Their story is nice and they could sneak into the playoffs, but I don’t think they’d be able to do enough at the deadline to make them a serious contender this year. If they make a move, it should be for a guy with some control. A winger who they could throw onto a second scoring line would be ideal.
Should get second round picks for Nash and Grabner- maybe a 1st for Grabner if a club is really desperate.