Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Trade Candidate Profiles

Trade Candidates: Jarome Iginla

at CDT | by 2 Comments

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

Jarome Iginla is a legend with very bad luck. He’s a six-time All-Star, a two-time Maurice Richard winner, and a past Art Ross recipient. He’s third among active players in points, second in goals, and fourth in assists. He’s a sure-fire future Hall of Famer. However, in his 20-year NHL career, Iginla has not won a Stanley Cup. The face of the franchise for the Calgary Flames for 16 seasons, Iginla holds just about every career offensive record for the team. But, when the Flames made a Cup run in 2004, his 22 points in 26 games were not enough to seal the deal as the Flames fell in Game 7 of the Finals to the Tampa Bay Lighting by a score of 2-1. After years of first rounds exits in Calgary following that close call, Iginla asked for a trade in 2013 at the age of 35 in his hunt for a title. Ironically, Iginla vetoed a trade to the Boston Bruins, instead opting to join the Pittsburgh Penguins, only to have the Bruins end his Cup hopes in the Eastern Conference finals. The Bruins would then fall to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup. Many have opined that if the Bruins had Iginla rather than Jaromir Jagr in 2013, they would have won their second Stanley Cup in three years. Iginla tried to erase his mistake by signing with the Bruins for the 2013-14 season, but it was too late. A much better fit in Boston than in Pittsburgh, Iginla’s efforts again were still not enough, as the President’s Trophy-winning Bruins lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round.

While Iginla had some close calls in Calgary, Pittsburgh, and Boston, his next decision was as far off as possible in his search for Lord Stanley. Iginla signed a three-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche, expecting the young team to grow into strong contenders during his tenure. In 2016-17, his third year with the team, the Avalanche are instead the worst team in the NHL. Mere games away from statistical elimination, Colorado stands no chance at making the playoffs this season and, if he’s not traded, Iginla’s title championship dreams may forever remain unfulfilled. His play has dropped off as he approaches 40 years old, with just 14 points in 50 games. It is expected that Iginla will call it a career at the end of this season. With nothing to lose in trading the valuable veteran and with a General Manager in Joe Sakic who understands the importance of a respected veteran winning a title (see: Ray Bourque, 2001), the Avalanche seem likely to move Iginla.

Contract

Iginla is in the final season of a three-year, $16MM contract that he signed with Colorado when free agency opened in 2014. His $5.33MM cap hit will be pro-rated to about $1.5MM at the Trade Deadline.

2016-17

Iginla has been a high-end point producer deep into his playing years. With Boston in 2013-14, Iginla had 61 points in 78 games and in his first two seasons in Colorado, he had 106 points combined while playing every single game. In 2016-17, Iginla has hit a wall. The 39-year-old has just seven goals and seven assists through 50 games for the Avalanche. It is almost a foregone conclusion that, traded or not, Iginla will have the lowest scoring season of his career. His shooting percentage is also a career-worst and significantly below his average and his hits are way down as well; Iginla is no longer an elite sniper nor an elite checker. As could be assumed, all of this has led to Iginla averaging his least amount of ice time in 18 years.

Despite all of this, one of the game’s great veterans is still a valuable asset. He may not be a high-end scorer or defensive player any more, but on the right team and fueled by a desire to finally win a Cup, he can still be effective in those areas. His leadership and locker room presence is also invaluable, especially to young teams. Iginla may be at the end of the line in his career, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t go out with a bang.

Season Stats

50 GP: 7 goals, 7 assists, 14 points, -16, 100 shots, 7% shooting percentage, 59 hits, 14:44 ATOI

Potential Suitors

Iginla has made it known that he would like to be traded. Obviously, he will only be interested in top teams with realistic shots at making it out their respective conference, giving the 20-year veteran a final shot at the Stanley Cup. However, these teams will also have to have the cap space to squeeze in his pro-rated cap hit. The Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, and a return to the Pittsburgh Penguins would all be logical destinations and have previously expressed interest in one way or another, but all three teams would need to make other roster changes to fit Iginla in under the salary cap.

Instead, two teams that jump out as having the space and the need for some bottom-six depth and playoff experience are the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets. The two biggest surprises of the season are also in need of some additional depth and have the cap flexibility to add Iginla without having to surrender too much trade capital. With solid goaltending and defense already in place in Minnesota, Iginla likely has his best shot at a Stanley Cup by joining the Wild and strengthening their forward corps.

Likelihood Of A Trade

The Avalanche have no reason not to trade Iginla and actually would face some significant backlash if they chose not to. Assuming someone with space and need comes calling, Iginla will almost surely be traded. Finishing off a phenomenal career with a championship would certainly be a fitting end for Iginla.

Trade Candidates: Dennis Wideman

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

Calgary Flames defenseman—and pending unrestricted free agent—Dennis Wideman puts the team in a difficult situation. With the Flames hanging on to the final wildcard playoff spot, the team needs to decide whether to keep Wideman for a playoff run and potentially lose him for nothing in the offseason, or trade him and potentially miss the playoffs. It is a situation fringe teams are all too familiar with, and one that wreaks havoc with any trade deadline predictions.

Contract

Final year of a five-year, $5.25MM a year contract with a No-Movement Clause. Will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.

2016-17 Stats

48 GP, 3G, 13A, -1, 30 PIM, 20:08 ATOI, 59 BLK, 51.5 CF%

Season Overview

Wideman mans the second-pairing defensive unit for the Flames and provides much-needed defensive help for the playoff bubble team. After last season ended with a suspension for cross-checking an official, Wideman was probably chomping at the bit to hit the ice and start a new season. He’s played on the second power-play unit this season but is unable to consistently find the net. He has 2 G and 3 A on the powerplay so far.

Potential Suitors

Playoff-bound teams with some cap room. Wideman is an attractive rental asset for any team looking to make a deep postseason run this season. And because Wideman’s contract comes off the books this summer, he won’t restrain any team’s long-term cap situation.

The problem lies with Wideman’s No-Movement Clause. The Flames hope Wideman would waive his NMC to go to any playoff team, but it’s possible that the defenseman chooses to stay close to home. In that case, the Edmonton Oilers appear to be likely suitors. Kris Russell has disappointed this year, and Wideman could step into his place and help Edmonton in the organization’s first playoff appearance 2005–06’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals—coincidentally led by the then newly added defenseman Chris Pronger.

Does Calgary trade Wideman to its most-hated rival and risk seeing Edmonton achieve playoff success? It’s a question team officials must weigh as the deadline approaches.

Likelihood Of A Trade

Any trade depends on whether the Flames decide to sell. Right now they are hanging on to the last Western Conference wild card spot, but anything can happen from now until the trade deadline. As stated above, this puts the Flames brass in a difficult situation. No team wants to lose assets for nothing, but teams also have to consider how selling off assets affects current performance and image. The Flames’ record over the next few weeks will determine whether Wideman is traded.

 

Trade Candidates: Brian Boyle

at CDT | by 1 Comment

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have largely underachieved but some of their players are quietly having big seasons.  One of those is Brian Boyle who is quietly positioning himself for a nice pay day while giving GM Steve Yzerman one of the more intriguing trade options on the market.

Contract

Final year of a three year, $6MM deal – Will be a UFA in July.

2016-17

May 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Brian Boyle (11) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Lightning won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsBoyle quietly sits in the top five in goals on the Lightning this season, continuing his upward trend in offensive production that he has shown since signing with them in the 2014 offseason.  He’s on pace for over 30 points, something he hasn’t done since 2010-11 with the Rangers.  Injuries to several forwards up front have resulted in Boyle seeing more ice time than usual as well; he’s averaging 13:42 per game, his highest since 2012-13.

Simply talking about his production is selling him short though.   He’s above the 50% mark at the faceoff dot once again and can play both center and the wing.  Boyle logs a regular shift on both special teams as well.  That type of flexibility in terms of position and role has made him a very valuable role player for Tampa Bay this year.

Season Stats

47 GP, 12 goals, 7 assists, 19 points, +7 rating, 41 PIMS, 87 shots, 13:42 ATOI, 54.6 CF%

Potential Suitors

The list of teams that would be interested in a versatile 6’7 forward in Boyle would be longer than the list of teams that wouldn’t have a use for him.  Here are a few teams in particular that would likely value his services though.

In the East, the Blue Jackets jump out as a good fit.  Boyle has plenty of postseason experience (something that can’t be said for many on their roster) and he played his best hockey under John Tortorella back when both were with the Rangers.  Columbus also has the cap space to fit him in without sending any money back or having the Lightning retain salary.  The Capitals may be an all-in team this season and have a vacancy in their bottom six, though it may have to be on the wing.  GM Brian MacLellan made a move to add a veteran penalty killer last year in Daniel Winnik and could conceivably do the same here with their top six in solid shape.  They don’t have the cap space to take him on, however, which could complicate things a bit.

Out West, he would be a terrific fit in Chicago.  The Blackhawks have been forced to use a lot of youngsters in the bottom six for cap reasons and could benefit from an experienced veteran who can fill a big role.  GM Stan Bowman has a history of dealing for bottom six upgrades at the deadline as well.  That said, as is always the case when it comes to the Blackhawks, making the finances work would be a challenge.  The Oilers are believed to be looking for an upgrade over rookie Drake Caggiula on their third line and Boyle would fit that bill well while giving them some more experience on a team that doesn’t have a lot of playoff-tested players.  They also have the cap space to bring him in while leaving enough room for the expected bonuses of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Likelihood Of A Trade

There’s little doubt that Yzerman would like to keep Boyle around but unless he’s willing to take a discount on his market rate and sign early, there probably won’t be an extension forthcoming.  As a result, there’s a very good chance he gets dealt unless the Lightning go on quite a run this month to get back into the playoff race.

Boyle could command one of the top prices at the deadline in a trade market bereft of top six rental talent and with a lot of teams fairly tight to the cap.  Accordingly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be one of the most-targeted players over the next month which will set the Lightning up for what should be a fairly significant return in a deal.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Trade Candidates: Jannik Hansen

at CDT | by 3 Comments

The Vancouver Canucks can choose from a few different reasons why they should trade Jannik Hansen. 1) The injuries are becoming a concern; after missing 15 games last year, he’s played in only 18 games this season. 2) They probably won’t end up protecting him in the upcoming Expansion Draft and would then very likely lose him for nothing. Hansen has been a hard-working and loyal contributor, but you don’t risk losing a Sven Baertschi or Markus Granlund to keep an injury-prone 30-year-old. 3) Whether they think so or not, the team is in a rebuild and they can get a quality return for a forward with a year remaining at $2.5MM who scored almost 40 points and posted a +16 in 2015-16. The playoffs always seemed to be out of reach for this Canucks team this season, and despite their best efforts, it just doesn’t seem likely to happen this year. If there is any consolation, Vancouver can become bona fide sellers at the Trade Deadline, of which there are very few, and can find a fair deal for Hansen.

Contract

Hansen is in the third year of a four-year, $10MM extension with the Canucks. While his cap hit will count for under $900K at the deadline, any team that acquires him will be on the hook for another year at a $2.5MM cap hit and $3MM salary.

2016-17

Hansen’s 2016-17 season has been forgettable to this point, due primarily to the fact that he has barely played. Hansen missed all but three games in the month of November with broken ribs and returned in mid-December, only to suffer a knee injury just two weeks later. Hansen has not played since December 22nd, and there has been little noise about an impending return. While you can say he was on a career-high pace with nine points through 18 games, that’s a lot of speculation based on a small sample size. It’s more fair to call this season a wash for Hansen, at least so far. Lucky for him, last season was one of the best of his career and the last five years tell the story of one of the most under-rated players in the NHL. Hansen had 157 points in 348 games over the past five seasons and before that was a key piece of the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup run, all while making under $2MM per year on average.

Season Stats

18 games: 5 goals, 4 assists, 9 points, even +/-, 30 shots, 16:11 ATOI

Potential Suitors

The Edmonton Oilers would be an excellent fit for Hansen. The team is playoff-bound and lacks a right-shot scorer other than Jordan Eberle. They also have a young team, but not much cap flexibility, and a good, affordable veteran for next season and possibly beyond could go a long way. By March 1st, Vancouver should be far enough outside the postseason picture that they would be willing to deal even with their division rival.

However, if the Canucks are uncomfortable with the thought of facing Hansen, a nice bargain that they have kept to themselves all of these years, on a regular basis in 2017-18, they may seek an option outside of the Pacific. The Montreal Canadiens could be willing to move some capital to make Hansen part of the team. Another team in a cap crunch and in desperate need of a right-handed scorer behind Brendan Gallagher, Hansen would be able to help the Habs in the postseason this year and help them to get back to the postseason next year. Other Atlantic teams like the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins could also use another scoring winger, and both have plenty of cap space next season, such that $2.5MM would hardly make a dent. Watch out for the Columbus Blue Jackets as well, who need a right-shot forward this year and may need one even more next year if they are unable to retain Sam Gagner.

Likelihood Of A Trade

Hansen is a rare commodity in this market. He is not an impending free agent, nor does he carry a long and expensive contract. Instead, he has just one year remaining at an affordable cap hit, and with many concerns over the salary cap not increasing next season, that is very valuable. The Canucks are often believed to be disillusioned with the state of their franchise, seemingly trying to build a contender when their success implies a need for a rebuild. It’s possible that Vancouver passes on moving Hansen and decides to protect him over a younger asset in the Expansion Draft. However, GM Jim Benning is not that short-sighted. If he can figure out a way to keep Hansen without hurting his squad, he probably will, but the odds are that his best bet is to trade the career Canuck a get a good return for him. Teams may not be lining up for a player with only 18 games under his belt this season, but Hansen’s value extends past the stretch run and the postseason and several squads will surely jump at that opportunity.

Trade Candidates: Cody Franson

at CDT | by 1 Comment

If the summer of 2015 taught hockey fans anything, it was that there is no league-wide consensus about Cody Franson. The defenseman was expected to be one of the top blue liners on the market, but instead of jumping on a big offer early in free agency, his negotiations dragged on into September before he finally agreed to a deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

Two years later, Franson’s production has fallen off at both ends of the ice and his value is even more unpredictable.  In need of a change of scenery, Franson is not re-signing with Buffalo this summer, so if the Sabres’ playoff hopes continue slip out of reach, they should be more than willing to move the big defenseman.

Contract

Franson is in the final year of a two-year, $6.65MM deal and will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. At the trade deadline, Franson’s $3.325MM cap hit will be down to just over $1MM.

2016-17

Franson’s time in Buffalo has not gone according to plan. Reports in the summer of 2015 were that Franson was weighing offers between affordable, short-term deals with contenders or more money and more term from rebuilding teams. What he ended up with was a short-term deal, likely for the most money on the table though, with a rebuild. The lack of talent around him in Buffalo has certainly stifled Franson’s output, but most of the blame lies with him and not making the most of his situation. The 2015-16 season was the worst of Franson’s career. Although injuries limited him to just 59 games, Franson still scored less than half of the 36 points he had registered in 78 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators the year before. He also saw a massive drop-off in his defensive stats like hits and blocks. Buffalo fans were hoping for a rebound year when Franson returned to full health in 2016-17, but so far it has not come. Franson is on pace for just 25 points, which would be the lowest full-season total of his career. It would even be less than the 29 points he scored in 45 games in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. He’s also way off pace from matching the dominant defensive numbers he put up in Toronto. Add in that these shortcoming are also going along with almost 19 minutes of ice time per game, the third highest average of his career, and clearly something is off with Franson.

Season Stats

47 games: 3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points, -1, 62 hits, 43 blocks, 18:46 ATOI

Potential Suitors

The first team that should jump out as a prime candidate is the Toronto Maple Leafs. A return to Toronto, where Franson had the best years of his career, could be exactly what he needs. When the Leafs dealt him away at the 2015 trade deadline, they were in full rebuild mode. However, they’ve turned it around faster than anyone could have imagined and are now looking for affordable help in trying to reach the playoffs. At a bargain price, Franson would be great value for Toronto as a player comfortable with the city and with several former teammates. Even in the midst of a down year, Franson would present an upgrade over any of Matt Hunwick, Roman Polak, Connor Carrick or the recently-claimed Alexey Marchenko.

The Los Angeles Kings are another club that could really use Franson’s services. The team has had to make due with the likes of Kevin Gravel and the recently-waived Tom Gilbert all season long on their bottom pair, but they are not a lock to make the playoffs and an upgrade on defense would go along way. As of now, Drew Doughty is the only right-handed defenseman on the roster. The Kings would gladly take Franson to add some depth and balance on the back end.

Other contenders that could be interested in Franson for the right price and purely as some added depth include Eastern Conference powerhouses like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers, but they might have to match the offers of teams in more dire need. The Sabres’ playoff chances are slim at this point, and they won’t be afraid to trade Franson to the division-rival Maple Leafs if that is who makes the best offer.

Likelihood Of A Trade

If a market develops, which it likely will, Franson will almost definitely be moved. He has been a disappointment with the Sabres and a rebuilding team will take any help they can get by moving out veterans with expiring contracts. It’s possible that Franson’s struggles will cause teams to shy away from acquiring him, but at just 29-years-old and with very good numbers in his past, the big blue liner has potential. Buffalo will not ask for much, but some team will pay to bring in what amounts to a very good depth defenseman for the stretch run. Still capable of solid two-way play with offensive upside in the right system, Franson is more valuable than his numbers indicate.

 

 

 

Trade Candidates: Teddy Purcell

at CDT | by 2 Comments

When Teddy Purcell was putting up 51 points in Tampa Bay in 2010-11 and leading the team with 17 points in 18 playoff games, many though that the Lightning had found a hidden gem. When he backed it up with 65 points in 2011-12 and then scored at the same pace in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign, they believed he was a star-in-the-making. The past three years, Purcell has put up back-to-back-to-back solid seasons despite moving from Tampa to the Edmonton Oilers to the Florida Panthers. Yet, in 2016-17 Purcell has played in just 12 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings. Something doesn’t add up, and both Purcell and the Kings would like to end their disastrous partnership as soon as possible.

Contract

Purcell was smart to quickly accept the Kings’ one-year, $1.6MM deal on July 1st of last year, as many similar players waited and became victims of a stagnant market, waiting until much later in the summer to sign even cheaper deals. However, the hit proved to be too much for the rest of the league, as Purcell cleared waivers in December. At the deadline, Purcell will be an impending free agent rental with an accumulated cap hit of under $200K.

2016-17

After signing Purcell, who they had originally signed out of the University of Maine back in 2007, to a reasonable deal to add some depth to their forward corps, L.A. quickly fell out of love with their free agent acquisition. The 31-year-old right winger had just two assists through 12 games and had been outplayed by tryout signee Devin Setoguchi and depth players like Trevor Lewis and Nic Dowd. He had dropped down to a spot on the third line, but even there the Kings had options they preferred more. The L.A. homecoming ended as quickly as it had started, as Purcell was placed on waivers in early December, and with many teams across the league tight against the salary cap ceiling, the former 41-assist play-maker extraordinaire cleared and was sent to the AHL. Yet, after the same amount of time with the Ontario Reign as he had played with the Kings, Reign coach Mike Stothers came out and said that Purcell was simply “too good for this league.” At the time,  Purcell had 14 points in his first 12 games. As of now, he has maintained a point-per-game pace with 22 in 22 and has boosted the Reign to the top of the Pacific Division. Still a valuable NHL asset, Purcell does not belong in the AHL and should be back in the big leagues by the end of the season.

Season Stats

12 NHL games: 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, even, 10 shots, 12:54 ATOI.

22 AHL games: 7 goals, 15 assists, 22 points, +6, 50 shots, 19:38 ATOI.

Potential Suitors

Purcell is attractive to two types of teams as the Trade Deadline creeps closer: those who are only fringe playoff teams and those who are contenders, but just need depth and not a high-end contributor. Purcell is affordable and very low-risk/high-reward. The last thing the Kings would want is to send Purcell down to the AHL all year only to trade him to a Pacific rival and have it come back to bite them, so a divisional move seems unlikely. However, several other teams could be in the mix.

The Boston Bruins are not in any position to go wasting assets on big playoff rentals this season, as they currently are fighting just to qualify. The team has been playing better of late though, partly due to finally finding some good balance in their forward lines. One hole that remains is the need for an offensive weapon on the third line to help out Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey. While the team (second in shots per game, 23rd in goals per game) could use a finisher more than a passer like Purcell, the cost of a Thomas Vanek or Radim Vrbata may be too high. Purcell could help the team out and at a cheap price. The Bruins have enough cap space to add he and a more goal-prone player if they so choose. Count the New York Islanders as another team who could use Purcell to balance out their forward lines. The team has just recently slipped into the playoff conversation, but could definitely use some depth, particularly on the right side where Ryan Strome presents the only righty option in the top-nine. The Toronto Maple Leafs are another teams that could have interest in Purcell. Many have opined that the Leafs should not sell off any young assets this year, but trading for Purcell to help out would likely cost very little and would add a veteran presence, playoff experience, and a great play-maker for their young scorers.

The other team to (always) look out for is the Chicago Blackhawks. As they do seemingly ever year, the GM Stan Bowman and the ’Hawks bring in some washed-up veteran or young no-name who then performs exceedingly well with the likes of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Purcell fits the bill as a player who has always performed his best when surrounded by great talent. Chicago has little cap room and is running out of trade chips, which makes the affordable Purcell a great fit. It also helps that they have struck deals with the King for two years in a row, swapping Michael Latta and Cameron Schilling last month and Rob Scuderi and Christian Ehrhoff around this time last year. If the Blackhawks land Purcell and he is a point-per-game player down the stretch or in the playoffs, would anyone really be surprised?

Likelihood Of A Trade

The Los Angeles Kings still stand a good chance of making the playoffs this year, but if they had any interest in bringing Purcell back up to help them get there, they would have done so already. The only good that Purcell can do for them now is in a trade return. Similarly, Purcell will go just about anywhere to get back into an NHL game and show what he can do before he hits the free agent market again this summer. With both sides in agreement that Purcell should be moved, the only other factor is the market.

If there are teams who still believe that Purcell can play at a high level, and his career numbers up until his limited showing in L.A. this year do little to dissuade that notion, then there is a very high likelihood that he will be moved. The Kings cannot possibly ask for much, having already placed him on waivers this season, nor would anyone be willing to pay much for a guy who hasn’t skated in an NHL game since early December. However, Purcell is hardly even an asset to L.A. as an impending free agent who is playing for their farm team, and it seems likely that they will take whatever they can get for him.

On the other hand, if teams are disillusioned by Purcell’s slow start this season and inability to earn a call-up to the Kings all season long, a market may never form for his services. That is the only way that Purcell doesn’t get traded by March 1st.

Trade Candidates: Ben Bishop

at CDT | by 2 Comments

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

Ben Bishop’s name was at the top of everyone’s “most likely to be traded” list to start the season. And with the trade deadline nearing, talk has only intensified as Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman contemplates a move. Bishop is another goaltending victim of circumstance on a team with expansion draft exposure concerns and upcoming RFA deals. A pending free agent goaltender used to be a hot commodity for teams looking to make a playoff push, but with more and more teams limited by the salary cap, veteran goalies have lost significant trade value

Contract

Bishop is in his final year of his 2-year, $5.95MM a year contract. It’s the 10th highest cap hit for an NHL goaltender.

2016-17

Bishop is not having the greatest 2016-17 season. Tampa Bay platoons its goalies, so Bishop shares time with Andrei Vasilevskiy. But even the reduced workload hasn’t helped increase the worst numbers Bishop has earned since playing backup for the St. Louis Blues in 2010-11. Part of the problem is that the team itself has been disappointing. The Lightning were a popular choice to lead the Atlantic this year, and right now they find themselves outside of a playoff spot. Lacking playoff hopes, however, bodes well for Bishop as the Lightning would be less hesitant to trade him knowing they do not need him for the playoffs.

Season Stats

27 GP, 11-12-3, .904 SV%, 2.83 GAA, 0 SO.

Potential Suitors

Fringe playoff teams or teams beset by goaltending injuries. The former exist, and the latter do not—for now. Most of the established playoff teams are set in net, but a season-ending injury to a starting goalie could do wonders for Ben Bishop’s trade market. Barring injury, though, Tampa has to look to those teams on the brink of playoffs and with little to offer in goal.

The Winnipeg Jets may want somebody more reliable that Connor Hellebuyck and Ondrej Pavelec. Hellebucyk is an RFA after this season, and Pavelec a UFA. The Jets also have ample cap room to work with. St. Louis could also show interest if starter Jake Allen continues his substandard season. The Blues will find it harder to fit Bishop in under the cap, so Tampa may have to either retain some salary or take a contract in return.

Likelihood Of A Trade

Very likely. The writing was on the wall on July 1, 2016 when the Lightning signed Vasilevskiy to a three-year, $3.5MM a year extension. That a trade hasn’t happened yet is the surprising part. Either the market is stagnant or GM Steve Yzerman is waiting for the deadline to maximize his return. With the Lightning potentially missing the playoffs, the team has no reason to keep Bishop beyond the trade deadline.

Trade Candidate: Michael Del Zotto

at CDT | by 7 Comments

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

Coming off an injury-plagued 2015-16 season, Flyers defenseman Michael Del Zotto was looking to not only stay healthy but show more offensive consistency as he headed into the walk year of his contract.  Neither of those have happened which is why he’s a candidate to be traded by the deadline even though Philadelphia currently finds themselves in a playoff spot.

Contract

One year, $3.875MM cap hit, $4MM salary – Will be a UFA in July.

2016-17

Nov 5, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (15) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY SportsThings couldn’t have gotten off to much worse of a start for Del Zotto who suffered a lower body injury late in training camp that resulted in him being placed on LTIR to start the season, where he missed 12 games.  Once he returned to the lineup, he made an early strong impression at the offensive end, picking up nine points in his first 15 games.

Unfortunately for him and the Flyers, it hasn’t been anywhere near as rosy since then.  In his last 15 outings, he has just a single assist and has spent time as a healthy scratch while the team has floundered in the standings.

Overall, his role has decreased compared to last year as well.  He’s averaging nearly four minutes less per game and instead of being a top pairing player regularly, he has spent a lot of time on the third pairing.

Season Stats

30 GP, 4 goals, 6 assists, 10 points, -10 rating, 16 PIMS, 19:35 ATOI, 49.2 CF%

Potential Suitors

Although Del Zotto is not having a great season, there should still be several teams with some interest in him as quality puck moving blueliners are typically something a lot of squads will be looking to add for a stretch run.  That said, his play will have those teams viewing him as more of a depth option than a sure fire top four player.

The Senators are a team that could have a use for the 26 year old in a third pairing spot and they do have the cap space to make a move.  However, they are one of the lower spending teams by design and may not have the budgetary space to take on his salary.  Columbus may also be a team that could have some interest as they don’t have the deepest back and head coach John Tortorella doesn’t play his bottom pairing blueliners too much; adding someone like Del Zotto who can eat some minutes while lengthening out their back end would be a prudent move.  They also have the cap space to take him on.

Out West, Chicago has a definite need to add defensive depth but their cap situation would make a trade a considerable challenge.  If St. Louis decides to move out pending UFA Kevin Shattenkirk for help up front or in goal, they could be a potential dark horse candidate as well as there are some similar characteristics between the two; he would give them a mobile replacement that can take a shift on the power play as well.

Likelihood Of A Trade

A lot will be determined by how the Flyers fare in the next month.  If they remain firmly in the playoff hunt, they may opt to hold onto Del Zotto.  It doesn’t seem likely at this point that he will be back with the team given his struggles this season so they could opt to move him anyways to ensure they get something now rather than lose him for nothing in July.  If Philly drops out of the playoff picture though, he becomes a player that would be very likely to move.

Trade Candidates: Curtis Lazar

at CDT | by 3 Comments

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

When the Ottawa Senators selected Curtis Lazar 17th overall in 2013, there were high hopes for the center out of the WHL. He lead the Edmonton Oil Kings to a Memorial Cup, scoring 169 points in 199 games in the WHL. Lazar also captained Team Canada to the 2015 World Junior Championships (nine points in seven games) during a break in his NHL rookie season.

Unfortunately for Lazar and the Senators, it hasn’t been an easy transition to the NHL. In 2015-16, Lazar scored 20 points, which represents his current career-high. Because of his slow development, the Senators could look to move Lazar to give him a fresh start.

Contract

Lazar is a pending RFA, following his entry-level contract. His AAV is $895K.

2016-17

It’s been a trying year for Lazar. He started the season in the AHL after battling mononucleosis late in the summer. After 13 games with the Binghamton Senators, where he scored four points, he was recalled to the big club. Stuck on the fourth line, he has just one assist in 27 NHL games this season. His most common linemates are aging veterans Chris Kelly and Chris Neil. While the former first-round pick Lazar is expected to drive a line against weaker competition, Neil and Kelly aren’t exactly known for their offensive abilities, even at the peak of their careers.

Season Stats

27 games: 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point. 39.7 CF%, -6, 8:22 ATOI.

Potential Suitors

It’s unlikely that any playoff contenders will be interested in adding a one-assist fourth liner, but some tweener-teams could look to add Lazar with the hopes that a fresh start re-boots his career. The Islanders, Hurricanes, Lightning, Sabres, Devils, Flames, and Canucks are mid-range teams who could look to add a young player with solid potential.

The Lightning could use a young and cheap forward going into next year, after what is sure to be a tough summer. The Islanders, Hurricanes, and Sabres are all building teams who could use a young forward with potential. The Devils, Flames, and Canucks desperately need offence to take strides forward.

The Oilers could be a wildcard team in the Lazar sweepstakes, as he impressed during his time with the Oil Kings and there are former Oil Kings management members in the Oilers front office. Could the Senators look to acquire a different Oil King alum/ first-round pick looking for a fresh start in Griffin Reinhart?

Likelihood Of A Trade

Because of Lazar’s minimal impact on the Senators this season, it’s not impossible that Pierre Dorion would take a long look at trading the former first rounder, especially if the trade would benefit his team this season. Lazar is eligible to be selected by Vegas in this summer’s expansion draft, meaning the Senators will likely have to decide between Lazar, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Ryan Dzingel. Because Lazar has the highest pedigree, he would likely get the most in a trade. The Senators could trade Lazar and recoup at least a second round or equivalent asset, avoiding losing him for nothing to Vegas.

Trade Candidates: Ryan Spooner

at CDT | by 5 Comments

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

Throughout the Claude Julien reign in Boston, one which has been wildly successful overall, but has had more than a few bumps in the road over the past three seasons, there has been a stigma that Julien does not work well with young players. Often the reasoning behind confusing trades, like those of Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton, has been that they “don’t fit the system”. It has been apparent that many young players have spent time in Julien’s “dog house” and if you don’t play the way he wants, it’s often your ticket out of town.

Ryan Spooner deserves all the credit in the world for lasting this long. The 24-year-old center has had to work extra hard to be an impact player in Boston, as it is clear that he is not one of Julien’s preferred players. Spooner struggled to carve out a role for himself in 2013-14 and 2014-15, despite playing well when called up. Last season, he finally broke through with a 49-point campaign and had seemingly cemented himself as the Bruins’ third-line center of the future. Julien had other plans though. The head coach has had more success with young players this year than ever before, with Brandon Carlo, Frank Vatrano, and Austin Czarnik all playing big roles. Even a former “dog house” tenant in Colin Miller has earned the coach’s respect. However, it’s been a rough year for Spooner. Julien has moved him all around the lineup, often avoiding playing him at his natural center position, and Spooner’s numbers have felt the impact of this mismanagement. A cerebral play-maker with great vision, Spooner has a lot of skill and many teams would be interested in his services. GM Don Sweeney and the Bruins won’t give him away for nothing, but if the right deal for top four defenseman comes around, they won’t hesitate to offer up Spooner.

Contract

Spooner is in the final year of a two-year, $1.9MM contract, a “show me” deal signed with the Bruins back in 2015, and will be a restricted free agent this summer. With a cap hit of just $950K, the deal paid off when Spooner was one of the best value players in hockey last season. At the deadline, the young offensive weapon would count less than $500K against the salary cap and would be under team control going forward as a restricted free agent. Spooner does have salary arbitration rights this summer, however, and could likely seek a contract similar to the Carolina Hurricanes’ Victor Rask, who got six years, $24MM.

2016-17

Spooner is a natural when it comes to reading the ice and making plays and performs his best when he is able to hold the puck and find open line mates. Spooner is a true center. However, he has spent far more time playing left wing on the Bruins second, third, and even fourth lines this season than he has as their third line center. His statistics show the impact. His assists are down and he’s taking more shots, which is not his strong suit. With the return of Matt Beleskey from injury, Julien and the Bruins finally have a completely healthy forward group, and it has led to Spooner finally getting back to his spot as the third-line center. As long as he stays there, expect his numbers to improve. Additionally, Spooner continues to show this season, after scoring half of his goals with a man-up last year, that he is a power play ace. However, the reasons that he hasn’t earned Julien’s full trust are also clear. Spooner struggles to play a solid two-way game, though he has become tougher along the boards, and is very bad at the face-off dot.

Season Stats

51 games: 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, -5, 38.5 FO%, 11 powerplay points, 14:29 ATOI

Potential Suitors

The Bruins can benefit more long-term from retaining Spooner, especially with Julien’s future in doubt, than they can from trading him. That is, unless someone is willing to deal a top-four defenseman to get him. The Bruins do have a very deep prospect system, especially down the middle, and could replace Spooner if they needed to. However, someone will have to make it worth their while.

The West-leading Minnesota Wild are an intriguing possibility. Staring down an almost certainty that, without making a move, they will lose a great defenseman in the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft, the Wild need to be open to moves, even as they fight for a Stanley Cup this season. Though free agent acquisition Eric Staal has worked out immensely and captain Mikko Koivu isn’t going anywhere, the Wild have made it know that they would like to add another top-nine forward and a skilled, young center like Spooner fits the bill. If Minnesota asks Sweeney for Spooner as part of a deal for Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella, or Matt Dumba, it seems likely that the former NHL defenseman would say yes. The same situation could apply to the Anaheim Ducks, who had talks with the Bruins this summer concerning Cam Fowler, but their salary cap situation and Expansion Draft situation make it more unlikely that they could find a sensible way to trade for and extend Spooner.

Outside of Bo Horvat, the Vancouver Canucks have almost no promising young centers or center prospects. Henrik Sedin is 36 years old and Brandon Sutter is better suited for a bottom-six role. Spooner would look good as the team’s future #2 pivot, but is GM Jim Benning willing to move Chris Tanev to make it happen, or would the Bruins settle for Alexander Edler or Ben Hutton?

Likelihood Of A Trade

It’s unfair to say that the Bruins would need to be blown away to trade Spooner, but someone will have to make them a very good offer. If the season continues to be short ups followed by long lows for the B’s, they’ll be outside the playoff picture come Trade Deadline day and more willing to shake the team up with a deal. However, Spooner’s skill is undeniable and he is still under team control at the end of the season as a restricted free agent. They won’t trade him just for a trade’s sake.

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

scroll to top