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Luke Glendening Drawing Trade Interest

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The Detroit Red Wings are one of the expected sellers at this year’s trade deadline, with Mike Green leading the way in terms of players they could move. Another name, Luke Glendening, may be getting some interest as Frank Seravalli of TSN reports that both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars have asked about the forward.

Luke GlendeningGlendening, 28, would represent the depth center that we listed recently as a potential need for the Maple Leafs and Stars, and could give both teams another penalty kill option. Signed to a four-year contract extension in 2016, he has three years left on the deal that carries a cap hit of $1.8MM per season. That number is more than reasonable for a fourth-line option, even if Glendening doesn’t offer much in terms of offense.

In 337 career games—many of which came under Toronto coach Mike Babcock when he was still with Detroit—Glendening has just 74 points. It’s his impact in the faceoff circle that is more impressive, as he’s won 53.1% of his draws throughout his career, including 57.8% this season.

Toronto has had a revolving door of sorts at the fourth-line center position for the last few years, with Dominic Moore staking the latest claim. Though Moore has done relatively well in that role lately, he’s an unrestricted free agent in the summer and will turn 38 in the summer. Frederik Gauthier, the heir apparent to the role, has struggled at times in his short NHL stints, and could be falling out of favor with the organization.

Dallas has had similar problems with their center depth this season, uncertain of the consistency Jason Spezza can provide and dealing with injuries to Martin Hanzal. Though Radek Faksa has emerged as a quality checking center, the team could still use an addition to strengthen their group for a potential playoff run. Glendening doesn’t come with a ton of playoff experience, but could likely fit into Ken Hitchcock’s system with ease.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Nikita Soshnikov To St. Louis Blues

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As we wrote yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves with an excess of wingers heading toward the trade deadline and today have moved on from one of them. The team has traded Nikita Soshnikov to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 2019 fourth-round pick. Soshnikov is technically still on injured reserve, though he has completed a conditioning stint in the minor leagues and from all accounts is ready to return to NHL action.

Nikita SoshnikovThe Maple Leafs had been at the 50-contract limit for some time, and needed to make a trade to open up room for some flexibility into the deadline. Moving Soshnikov not only gives them that flexibility, but also an asset in exchange for a player who would have a hard time cracking the lineup. The 24-year old winger has dealt with injury for much of the last calendar year, including a concussion suffered when he collided with Zdeno Chara at the end of last season. That has clouded his future, but there remains upside for the Blues.

In Soshnikov, they’re acquiring a hard working winger capable of engaging physically and playing a few different roles on the team. Though he’s not guaranteed to score at the NHL level, he has shown that ability in the minor leagues and possesses a good shot with a quick release.

Unfortunately, two things made a departure seemingly inevitable in Toronto. First, Soshnikov lost his waiver-exempt status earlier this season and would have likely been snatched up had they tried to pass him through. Second, his contract includes a European Assignment clause, meaning he could choose to go back to Russia if sent to the minor leagues. Though Soshnikov has not made any indication he would exercise the clause, it likely played into the Maple Leafs decision.

The Blues will have to decide in the next few days whether Soshnikov is fit to return from injured reserve, and where he fits into their plan for the last part of the season. As a pending restricted free agent, his camp will surely be pushing for an opportunity to show that he can contribute in a meaningful way down the stretch.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Deadline Primer: Toronto Maple Leafs

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With the trade deadline fast approaching, we will be taking a closer look at the situation for each team. Where do they stand, what do they need to do, and what assets do they have to fill those needs? Next up is a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Two years ago the Toronto Maple Leafs were at the very bottom of the NHL. After winning a lottery for the right to select Auston Matthews, and seeing a half-dozen other rookies make big impacts last season, the team is now locked into a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division and looking to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Record

34-19-5, third in Atlantic Division

Deadline Status

Moderate Buyer

Deadline Cap Space

$4.71MM full-season cap hit due to LTIR, 1/3 retained salary transactions, 50/50 contracts per CapFriendly

Draft Picks

2018: TOR 1st, TOR 2nd, SJS 2nd, SJS 3rd, TOR 4th, TOR 5th, TOR 7th, ANA 7th
2019: TOR 1st, TOR 2nd, TOR 3rd, TOR 4th, TOR 5th, TOR 6th, TOR 7th

Trade Chips

"<strongThe Maple Leafs have seen an incredible amount of young players make an impact in the last 18 months, and because of it there is a log jam of talent on the wing. The team has recently resorted to sticking Matt Martin in the press box as a healthy scratch, while Josh Leivo and Nikita Soshnikov can’t work their way into the lineup for various reasons. All three players are likely available for the right price, though Toronto has been known to demand high prices from inquiring teams in the past.

They also carry some of the more interesting rental names heading into the deadline, as James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Leo Komarov, Dominic Moore and Roman Polak are all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the summer. While it seems like Toronto will try to hold on to most of this group to help in a playoff run this spring, there could be an opportunity to move one or two out depending on what’s available to bring in.

Their prospect pool, while weakened because of recent graduations, still has some very interesting names like Timothy Liljegren, Carl Grundstrom, Jeremy Bracco and Andreas Johnsson. If Toronto gets into any high profile bidding (which seems unlikely), you can be sure some of these names will be discussed.

There is also some NHL experience playing for them at the AHL level, with Martin Marincin and Calvin Pickard big parts of the dominant Toronto Marlies team. Marincin has had his chance with the Maple Leafs and blown it, Pickard has barely played for the team since being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights earlier in the year. If any team feels they can turn one of them into a playoff performer, the pair of 25-year old second-round picks—or fellow AHL goaltender Garret Sparks—could be included in a potential deal.

Five Players To Watch For: F Josh Leivo, F Nikita Soshnikov, F Dominic Moore, G Calvin Pickard, D Martin Marincin

Team Needs

1) Defensive Depth: Travis Dermott has made an immediate impact on the Maple Leafs, and looks poised to stay in the lineup down the stretch and into the playoffs. While he’s locked down the left side on the third pair, the right side is still a rotating door. Connor Carrick and Roman Polak have each struggled at times, and could be supplanted if another option becomes available. The ability of Dermott, Morgan Rielly and Ron Hainsey to play their off-side makes it possible for the Maple Leafs to acquire whoever they want.

2) Fourth-Line Center: Similar to the acquisition of Brian Boyle last season, the Maple Leafs could still use an upgrade in their fourth-line center role. Though Moore has been effective the last few weeks, the team is still razor thin at the position and would likely have to move Patrick Marleau or William Nylander to the middle if faced with injury. That’s not an ideal situation, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Toronto add another body down the middle before February 26th.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Trade Candidates: Nick Holden

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With the trade deadline approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that have a good chance to be dealt by February 26th.

The New York Rangers are selling. That much is well-established. While the main focus of the media is on big names like Ryan McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello, the reality is the only deals that are more likely than not include the team’s impending unrestricted free agents. One such player, and the only Rangers defenseman that fits that description, is Nick Holden. While Holden is not the swift, puck-moving defenseman emphasized by today’s NHL, he still holds value in many facets of the game. In fact, it’s fair to say that Holden has been routinely under-rated throughout his career (at least Patrick Roy thought so). New York knows this too, after acquiring him from Colorado for just a fourth-round pick back in the 2016 off-season only to watch him play a key role on the blue line the past two seasons. Now that they’re on the other side of the table looking to trade him away, they’ll try not to make the same mistake. However, with a “fire sale” potentially about to begin for the Rangers, Holden seems destined to be shipped out for the best offer.

Contract

Holden is in the final season of a three-year, 4.95MM contract extension signed with the Colorado Avalanche in 2014. His cap hit in 2017-18 is $1.65MM, but will count for under $500K at the deadline.

2017-18

Nothing that Holden does on the ice jumps out, though for a defenseman, that can be a good thing. In no way does Holden play a flashy, offensive possession game and his numbers this season prove that. He has just a few goals and a handful of assists on the year, below average Corsi numbers, and almost no role on the power play. Perhaps the most telling detail of his playing style is that the casual hockey fan likely has never heard of him, as his play rarely garners attention. Why then is he playing top-four minutes for the Rangers this year and playing top-pair minutes last year? Holden simply has a solid, no-nonsense game. He plays a safe, dependable style in his own end and can thus be relied on for major minutes without risking a breakdown on defense. Holden is also a physical, but clean player. He has led the Rangers in hits in back-to-back seasons, but does so while taking few detrimental penalties. When given the chance, Holden also has quite the shot and led all Blueshirt blue liners in goal-scoring in 2016-17. It’s easy to say that Holden has taken a step back this season. His offensive totals are way off his pace set last year and his plus/minus and ice time are down as a result. However, as for the hallmarks of his game, Holden is playing just as physical, is blocking more shots, and has improved greatly in turnovers, with fewer giveaways and more takeaways. Holden’s 2017-18 season would give no team any reason to think that he is a game-changer or the answer to all of their problems, but could he be a reliable asset to a contender? Absolutely.

Season Stats

51 GP, 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points, +4 rating, 12 PIM, 48 shots, 19:00 ATOI, 45.0 CF%

Potential Suitors

Holden fits the bill of a player who gets traded every deadline season –  a responsible depth defenseman who can play reliable hockey when called upon. Every season contenders seems to add a player like this simply out of convenience rather than necessity. Holden is not the type of player who will radically change the fortunes of a contender, but – especially at that cap hit – he is one worth the asset investment as he can provide reliable defense if necessary. Look for the top teams in the league to take a look at Holden in the next two weeks. The Atlantic trio of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs could all use depth on the blue line and while at times they have all been connected to bigger targets, surely one or more will decide to settle for a lesser addition. In the Metro, the Washington Capitals could really use some defensive depth and experience and the New Jersey Devils could particularly use a more safe, reliable defender given their current goal-tending crisis. In the Pacific, the Los Angeles Kings would make a nice fit, so long as their playoff position is a little firmer by the deadline.

However, the best fit for Holden seems to be the Central’s Dallas Stars. The Stars have little cap space to work with and have admitted that they won’t be major buyers, but the affordable contract of Holden paired with the responsible, hard-nosed game that head coach Ken Hitchcock appreciates makes for a nice match. Dallas is in good position to at least clinch a wild card spot this season and perhaps play spoiler in the postseason, but regardless of the status of Marc Methot, the team is known to be looking for a defenseman and Holden fits the bill for the type of guy they want and can afford to acquire.

Likelihood of a Trade

If the Rangers are serious about their fire sale, then a Holden trade is nearly a certainty. There has been no word on any extension talks, meaning Holden’s days in New York are numbered; no point in keeping him around just to fade away into free agency at the end of the season. The Rangers got Holden for a fourth-rounder in the off-season two years ago and now, two solid campaigns later and at deadline prices, they should be able to get at least that back. If the fire sale is on, they should take what they can get and move on.

Toronto Maple Leafs On Rick Nash Approved Trade List

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The New York Rangers have a group of 12 teams that they could send Rick Nash without his approval, after they asked him recently to submit his 18-team no-trade list. It isn’t clear who most of those 12 teams are, but Frank Seravalli of TSN confirms that the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of them. Nash recently said he had included Canadian contenders in his approved group, of which really there are only three: the Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets. It’s unclear if the latter two are among the dozen teams, though Seravalli writes the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars are both “believed to be” among the approved destinations.

It doesn’t seem like the Maple Leafs have much use for the winger as they continue to deal with a roster crunch of their own, but there is a connection to head coach Mike Babcock from international competition. Nash was on two gold-medal winning clubs with Babcock, exquisitely playing a checking role alongside Jonathan Toews at times.

Nash will almost certainly be dealt by the February 26th trade deadline, and could even set the market for rental forwards by landing the Rangers a hefty package. There have been reports that New York is looking for as many as three assets for the 33-year old forward, a big ask for someone who can only give you a few months of production. While Toronto is now confirmed to be on the list, they don’t seem like a match to enter the bidding, even if the price does drop to a reasonable amount.

Snapshots: Leivo, Danault, Smith

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Not so long ago it was reported that Josh Leivo had requested a trade away from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 24-year old forward has barely played over the last few seasons, spending more time in the press box than the bench. It was natural for him to want a fresh start somewhere, and a chance to prove he is a full-time NHL player.

This morning, speaking with reporters including Jonas Siegal of The Athletic, Maple Leafs’ GM Lou Lamoriello expressed that he never did receive a trade request from Leivo despite the widespread reports. When asked about the trade request earlier this month, Leivo’s agent wouldn’t confirm it but did say that the forward “simply needs to play regularly.”

  • Phillip Danault is back travelling with the Montreal Canadiens, and says the only symptom he suffered after taking a Zdeno Chara shot to the head was vertigo. Danault hasn’t played in nearly a month, but was actually having a nice season for the Canadiens with 23 points in 43 games. He could rejoin the lineup on Wednesday evening.
  • Eric Francis of Sportsnet reports that Calgary Flames goaltender Mike Smith’s injury may not be as bad as it looked, though no clarification past that is given. Smith had to be helped off the ice by the training staff and two teammates, just at the end of their game against the New York Islanders. Smith has been a huge part of the Flames season so far, and a long-term injury could be devastating to their playoff hopes.

Minor Transactions: 02/12/18

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Just two weeks remain until the NHL trade deadline, and the rumor mill is starting to heat up. To make room for trades, teams often make minor moves to open up a roster spot or change the make up of the team. We’ll keep track of all those minor transactions right here.

  • The Dallas Stars have sent Jason Dickinson and Dillon Heatherington back to the AHL, at least for the next few days. The Stars don’t play again until February 16th, and can save some cap space by sending the pair down. The Texas Stars don’t play until the 17th, so they won’t be needed during that time. We’ll have to wait and see if they are recalled in a few days.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs plan on recalling Nikita Soshnikov from his conditioning stint later today, but will keep him on injured reserve for the time being. Though there has been some confusion over a “deadline” of sorts to activate Soshnikov, players on long-term injury conditioning loans do not have to be activated when such a loan ends. Instead, Toronto will take their time to decide how to fit Soshnikov back into their roster picture.
  • The Calgary Flames have recalled Jon Gillies from the AHL under emergency conditions, thanks to Mike Smith’s injury last night. The team also moved Troy Brouwer to injured reserve retroactive to February 8th. Gillies and David Rittich will have to hold the net while Smith recovers from an injury that isn’t as bad as expected.
  • Cory Schneider is finally on injured reserve for the New Jersey Devils, retroactive to his last game on January 23rd. In the meantime, the club has used the roster spot to recall forward Nick Lappin from the minor leagues. The 25-year old Lappin has 29 points in 42 games for the Binghamton Devils this season.
  • Paul Thompson has been returned to the Chicago Wolves after just one day up with the Vegas Golden Knights, and will have to wait for another opportunity to make his 2017-18 NHL debut. The 29-year old forward has 24 games of NHL experience, but has been a solid AHL offensive player for years.

Eastern Notes: Hurricanes, Nash, McDonagh, Van Riemsdyk

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The Carolina Hurricanes are by no means out of the playoff hunt. Afterall, they have won two in a row and currently are clinging to the second and final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the team might end up being sellers at the trade deadline as the young team have quite a few trade chips that could help this team down the road, according to The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek (subscription required).

The scribe writes that the Hurricanes have quite a bit of depth on the blueline and it should get deeper soon. The team already has captain Justin Faulk leading the defense and although he’s not having as good of a campaign as a year ago, he might make for a good trade chip especially as the defensive salary cap will rise for the team next season. Carolina already have Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce under contract and both their extensions will kick in next year at a combined $9.325MM. Defenseman Noah Hanifin will be a restricted free agent next year and should get a solid raise. The team has rookie Haydn Fleury back next year and likely will have 2016 first-rounder Jake Bean coming in. This might be the right time to make a move for a scoring forward.

Duhatschek also notes that the team, who recently waived Marcus Kruger and Josh Jooris, could also look to move another pair of veterans at the deadline including Derek Ryan and Lee Stempniak. Ryan is an excellent face-off specialist and would make a solid bottom-six center and is an excellent story, while Stempniak, is starting to find his groove after missing much of the season. Ryan has 11 goals and 26 points this season, while Stempniak has played in just 14 games, but has one goal and five assists so far.

  • The New York Post’s Larry Brooks writes that New York Rangers winger Rick Nash has set his 12-team trade approved list and the veteran revealed that he chose teams based on their chances to win the Stanley Cup this season. “I included the teams that I think have the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup and are also places I think would be good for my family,” the 33-year-old father of two young children said. “And, yes, that does include teams in Canada. I’m not excluding that as a possibility.” Nash says he would consider changing the list if a certain team not on the list shows interest in him. Brooks adds that several teams have shown interest including the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, Tampa Bay Lightning and possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • Brooks also notes that the Tampa Bay Lightning have quite a bit of interest in adding defenseman Ryan McDonagh at the trade deadline. They believe that with Victor Hedman and McDonagh at the blueline, the chances Tampa Bay could win a Stanley Cup would increase heavily. However, the scribe notes that the Rangers should demand 19-year-old defensive rookie Mikhail Sergachev as the asking price for the veteran defenseman.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have gotten some interest in veteran forward James van Riemsdyk recently, Sportsnet’s Mike Johnston said during Saturday’s Headlines’ segment on Hockey Night in Canada. Johnston said two teams were told they have no plans to trade van Riemsdyk before the deadline. The 28-year-old goal scorer, who has 22 goals so far this year, will be an unrestricted free agent this year, but according to Johnston, has not received any contract extension offers yet. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos added on the segment that the main reason is because van Riemsdyk refuses to take a hometown discount.

Toronto Has Offered Matt Martin To The Islanders

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Maple Leafs winger Matt Martin is slated to be a healthy scratch for the eighth straight game on Saturday and unsurprisingly, there are questions as to whether he is part of Toronto’s future plans.  Accordingly, Postmedia’s Lance Hornby mentions that there have been rumblings about the Leafs offering Martin to the Islanders, his former team.  He adds that they would likely have to retain some of his $2.5MM cap hit to facilitate a trade.  It’s worth noting that the 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract beyond this season and that Toronto already has one of their three retained salary slots tied up through 2021-22 in Phil Kessel.  However, with the team having plenty of depth on the wing already and a quickly-diminishing role, it still may be worthwhile for GM Lou Lamoriello to consider holding back some of Martin’s contract to get a deal done.

Morning Notes: Maple Leafs, Rangers, Prospects

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are comfortably in a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, sitting fifteen points up on the Florida Panthers. As they try to catch Boston or Tampa Bay down the stretch for home ice advantage, head coach Mike Babcock clearly wants some help at the trade deadline. As Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports, Babcock has let “the people who need to know, know” what he’d like to see added.

In his latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman mentions three names on the Maple Leafs that could easily be removed in the next few weeks instead. Josh Leivo, who has asked for a trade after being passed over again for playing time, Nikita Soshnikov, who will force the Maple Leafs into a roster move once he completes his conditioning stint, and Matt Martin. Martin has two more years on his contract at $2.5MM per season, but hasn’t been able to crack the lineup recently and could be moved to create some roster flexibility.

  • As the New York Rangers prepare to sell off some assets at the trade deadline, they got some good news on the injury front today. While Marc Staal was absent from practice due to a neck injury, Jimmy Vesey (concussion), Pavel Buchnevich (concussion) and Chris Kreider (blood clot) all skated. Kevin Shattenkirk, who underwent knee surgery a few weeks ago, is now off crutches. Amazingly, the Rangers are still just three points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and with some returning players and new blood there is no telling what could happen in the latter part of the season.
  • Craig Button and TSN have released their ranking of the top-50 prospects that have already been drafted, with Elias Pettersson coming in at the very top. The Vancouver Canucks first-round pick has been arguably the best player in the SHL this season with 45 points through 35 games and looks poised to make an impact in North America as soon as next season. Beyond that is Eeli Tolvanen at #2, despite falling nearly out of the first round entirely last June. Tolvanen turned a disappointing decision at Boston College into an opportunity, and has broken nearly every record for an 18-year old player in the KHL. The entire list is interesting, and is quite different than Corey Pronman’s ranking at The Athletic (subscription required) which had Casey Mittelstadt in the top spot.

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