The NHL trade deadline is now just over a month away. On February 26th, teams from around the league will definitively lay forth their plan for the rest of the season. Sellers, will send expiring or aging assets off to contenders while trying to build for the future while buyers will happily snatch up players and give them a taste of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
So, who is the most valuable asset out there?
There is obviously a lot of debate over who really is on the market, so if we’re to answer the question above we’ll have to choose from some sort of list. Luckily Frank Seravalli of TSN maintains such a list on his Trade Bait board, a ranking of the top assets based on skill and availability. Right now that list is headed by Evander Kane, as it seems nearly guaranteed that he’ll be moved to a contender before next month’s deadline. After all, the Sabres haven’t even approached him about a potential contract extension.
It also includes some players who haven’t heard there names in the news much, but seem like logical assets that might be available for the right price. Below we’ve listed the top-10 options from TSN’s board, but feel free to add an option in the comments. If you feel as though Erik Karlsson or John Tavares are truly on the market, vote for the “other” option and make sure you explain why. You can also leave a comment if you don’t think one of the players listed is actually available.
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It really depends on what your team is looking for. If you’re in need of one final piece, Kane or Green would likely hold more appeal. If you’re looking for a possible core piece to help widen your window(and bettering your chances) and are lacking in cap space, then a guy like Pacioretty and Hoffman would be your target.
Maybe not most valuable, but if the Red Wings make Mrazek available, he could make a big difference down the stretch. He’s been hot and has a some playoff experience.
Michael Grabner
This 100 times over. His salary is small enough to fit pretty much anywhere, and he’s a perfect compliment to just about every roster.
I’m interested to see what Grabner fetches if he’s dealt prior to the deadline. Him and Paul Byron are very similar players, with identical production the last 2 years(64 points) and both have minimal salaries($1.65 for Grabner, $1.16 for Byron).
Pacioretty and Hoffman have to be up there as well.
In terms of total value, the answer is Tavares. If the Isles can’t re-sign him, and I hope and expect them to, then they can’t afford not to deal him and get something.
Brent Seabrook. wishful thinking…
I don’t see how the leafs don’t move JVR he could bring in almost as much as Kane
Then I would target maroon from Edmonton would likely only cost half as much as you would get for JVR
And leafs have the scoring ability there just missing the grit that maroon could bring