In case you thought the NHL trade season was drying up, think again! Elias Lindholm was the appetizer, Sean Monahan is munching on poutine in a new zip code, and Andrei Kuzmenko’s waving bye-bye from Tinseltown. But hey, the fun’s just getting started.
So, let me lay down the who’s who for your trade deadline Fantasy Hockey dreams. Important to remember, this isn’t purely a skill contest – how easy it is to ship these guys off matters too. However, don’t kid yourself, it’s not all about likelihood. Talent’s still got its VIP pass to this party.
Let’s kick it off with the old guard in Chris Tanev. He’s a blueliner for Calgary who’s skating on thin ice with that Flames jersey. We’re talking about a thirty-four-year-old right defenseman whose name’s as hot as a sidewalk in July. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are practically drooling for his services. He’s got a no-trade clause, but come on, for a shiny new extension, you think he won’t budge?
Next on the list, Tanev’s corner-man, Noah Hanifin. Now twenty-seven, playing left defense, he’s playing the extension dance with Calgary, but his footsteps seem a little off. No new ink on paper means he’s a prime cut for teams hankering for talent at the blue line.
Sliding into third is Adam Henrique, a thirty-four-year-old with experience out the wazoo. The Anaheim Ducks have this gem at left wing or center. That cap hit might raise an eyebrow, but teams will pay up for this first-line slicer.
Say hello to Sean Walker, twenty-nine and cruising the right defense for Philly. He’s not breaking the bank and has got his game on lock – his stats say so. The Flyers would be cuckoo not to cash in on him.
Vladimir Tarasenko’s the talk of the town in Ottawa, but let’s be real, with the Senators sinking, he might as well pack his bags now. At thirty-two, he’s still got the magic and a fat $5M contract about to expire. Tick tock.
Jake Allen between the pipes in Montreal—he’s thirty-three and considered top-dog among goalies likely taking a trip. With an extension that goes past high school proms, he’s got experience and a pretty friendly asking price.
Now, if you’re gossip hungry, Jake Guentzel’s stirring the pot. The man’s injured and twenty-nine, but come deadline, he’s golden for any team dreaming of a shiny cup.
Let’s talk Scott Laughton, twenty-nine and ready to grind on left wing or center. The Flyers might cling to him for dear life, but they’ve tossed his name around before.
Then there’s Alexandre Carrier, with a cap hit that won’t leave your wallet crying. At twenty-seven, this Preds right defenseman does his job without the limelight and fireworks.
Josh Hokem… Ahem, I mean Jakub Chychrun – he’s the dude who went to Ottawa and probably wishes he hadn’t. At twenty-five, he’s got skills and a contract that’ll keep him cozy till twenty-four, twenty-five—but the Sens might sneak him out the back door.
Frank Vatrano, want goals? He’s your man-o. This left winger is turning twenty-nine and crushing it with Anaheim. Not a rental guy, but who wouldn’t want his firepower?
Nick Seeler, Flyer, aged thirty. You want defense and a price tag that’s barely there? Nick’s your guy, no fluff, all business.
Enter Jordan Eberle, aged thirty-three, with Seattle. Totting a chunky $5.5M and a taste for goals, his skates on fresh ice are a possibility.
Alexander Wennberg, tick tack toe, make it Swedish and sell high. Seattle’s centerman is likely to pack up his special teams’ talent if the right offer comes knocking.
If you like your defenseman like your coffee, strong and a little rugged, Joel Edmundson’s your cup of Joe. Washington is watching the standings and ready to deal.
Ilya Lyubushkin might not light up the scoreboard, but Anaheim’s right defenseman blocks more shots than your local bouncer. At twenty-nine, he’s prepped for a change of scenery.
Let’s not forget Pat Maroon, a thirty-five-year-old with enough Stanley Cup sparkles to light up any team’s playoff dreams.
Marc-Andre Fleury, that’s “Future Hall of Famer” to you. His contract lets him stay put, but contenders love himself a three-time champ—bet on that.
St. Louis might not want to part ways with Pavel Buchnevich, but stranger things have happened. When you’ve got a $5.8M point machine, you best keep that phone charged.
Anthony Duclair, Magic Duclair? Well, he’s wishing his stats this season had a little more sparkle. But with a history of sniping, someone’s gambling.
Tyson Barrie could teach a masterclass—on offense, that is. If your power play’s sputtering, this right D might be your shock therapy.
Philly’s looking to play mix and match with their roster, and Morgan Frost could be the wild card. Youthful, cap-friendly, and lately, he’s heating up.
Dominik Kubalik, the Senator you probably forgot about, could be this year’s unsung hero with a past glint of goal-scoring lustre.
Last on the list, it’s Kaapo Kahkonen. He’s a goalie with promise, a cap hit you can stomach, and a no-trade clause that’s as flexible as my great uncle after two gin and tonics.
So there you have it, the who’s who of NHL trade bait, served with a side of snark. Keep your eyes peeled; the line-up’s bound to change faster than a goalie’s mood on game day.