Rental defensemen are often a hot commodity leading into the NHL Trade Deadline and this year is set to be no exception. While there are several depth players available, there are also some blueliners that could be moved that would be impact acquisitions for their new teams. Here’s a closer look at how the market is shaping up.
Top Player Available
Kevin Shattenkirk – St. Louis – Last season, the Blues lost wingers David Backes and Troy Brouwer for nothing in free agency and the belief is that GM Doug Armstrong isn’t willing to let the same thing happen here even though they have climbed right back into the playoff picture.
Shattenkirk, who was ranked as the top UFA this year in our midseason power rankings, would be a top pairing player on quite a few contenders and would step onto the top power play unit just about everywhere. Not surprisingly, the asking price is believed to be quite high with a first rounder and a top prospect among the assets the Blues are seeking.
What’s particularly interesting is that St. Louis is amenable to let teams speak to Shattenkirk’s agent regarding a possible extension in a sign-and-trade scenario. If an agreement could be reached prior to a trade, the Blues would likely be in line for a stronger return for their top scoring blueliner.
Potential Top Four Options
Ron Hainsey – Hurricanes – While his numbers don’t jump out at anyone, Hainsey has quietly been an effective minute-munching defenseman for several years now. He doesn’t have the offensive upside that some of the others do but teams looking for stability on their second pairing will likely have some interest in adding him to the fold.
Dmitry Kulikov – Buffalo – He hasn’t fared particularly well with the Sabres after being acquired back at the draft from Florida and lingering back issues are certainly a concern as well. However, he has shown himself to be capable of logging considerable minutes (over 22 per game). He’s also one of the younger players believed to be available at just 26 years of age.
Johnny Oduya – Dallas – The Stars haven’t used him as a top four player too often this season but the veteran has been one dating back several years now and there are buyers where he would fit in on a second pairing. Like Hainsey, the two-way upside isn’t really there but Oduya can anchor a penalty kill and be a reliable presence in the defensive end.
Michael Stone – Arizona – After a breakout season offensively last year, Stone has yet to make anywhere near the type of impact he or the Coyotes were expecting this season. He also has seen his ice time drop by two minutes a night but is still over 20 minutes on average. After taking a one year, ‘show me’ deal in the summer, Stone will be motivated to show he still can be an effective offensive threat wherever he winds up.
[Closer Look: Trade Candidate Profiles for Hainsey, Kulikov, Oduya, and Stone]
Notable Depth/Role Players
Michael Del Zotto/Mark Streit – Philadelphia – Both players have been top four options in the past but Streit is better served as a power play specialist and a third pairing player at this point while Del Zotto’s inconsistency has resulted in a drop in usage this season. If teams are looking to add someone that they could envision themselves re-signing in the summer, the younger Del Zotto (he’s 26) will likely be the preferred option.
Cody Franson – Buffalo – After struggling to find a new contract in 2015, Franson wound up with the Sabres where he hoped he’d be able to continue the offensive progression he showed with Toronto beforehand. That hasn’t happened and as a result, he has been more of a third pairing player with the Sabres. With the shot he has though, he could still be an intriguing option on a power play.
Brendan Smith – Detroit – Smith has been a player that has left the Wings wanting more over the past few seasons. While he has flashes of strong play, he also has been prone to some poor decision making which makes him a bit of a wild card. He’s still fairly young at 28 and should have several suitors but because of his inconsistency, it’s hard to forecast him as more than a third pairing option on a new team.
[Closer Look: Trade Candidate Profiles for Del Zotto, Franson, and Smith]
Others That Could Move
These players would all serve as lower-end depth options for an acquiring team and would likely be available for a mid-round draft pick.
Matt Hunwick/Roman Polak – Toronto, Kyle Quincey – New Jersey, Nick Schultz – Philadelphia, Fedor Tyutin – Colorado
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.