Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Archives for February 2018

Deadline Primer: San Jose Sharks

at CDT | by 3 Comments

With the trade deadline now less than a week away, we continue our 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 San Jose Sharks.

After losing Patrick Marleau to Toronto in free agency, many have been waiting for the Sharks to make some kind of move to replace him.  It didn’t happen on the open market nor has it happened during the season as they have opted to try some of their younger players in Marleau’s old spot instead.  With San Jose in a tight battle for a playoff spot, will this be the time that they make a splash?

Record

32-19-8, second in Pacific Division

Deadline Status

Buyer

Deadline Cap Space

$24.4MM full-season cap hit, 0/3 retained salary transactions, 46/50 contracts per CapFriendly

Draft Picks

2018: SJ 1st, SJ 4th, SJ 5th, SJ 6th, SJ 7th
2019: SJ 1st, SJ 2nd, SJ 3rd, SJ 4th, SJ 5th, SJ 6th, SJ 7th

Trade Chips

Aaron DellGoaltender Aaron Dell has long been suggested as San Jose’s best card to play in a trade.  He’s having a strong season (2.51 GAA, .917 SV% in 24 appearances) and with unrestricted free agency on the horizon, the belief is that they won’t want to pay him the type of money he should be able to get on the open market.  However, San Jose’s depth between the pipes behind Dell isn’t the strongest so moving him would be quite a risk if Martin Jones was to get injured down the stretch.  Accordingly, any deal involving Dell would have to have a goalie coming back (or they would at least have to have a follow-up swap in place to replace him).

While most buying teams would be shopping draft picks and prospects, GM Doug Wilson has already stated that he has no intention of moving those top assets for rentals.  As a result, they may be more inclined to deal from the outskirts of their roster to try to tweak things, especially since they’re already down two of their top three picks for this season.  Defenseman Paul Martin had been in the AHL until earlier today and is an option to be moved depending on San Jose’s willingness to take a similarly high-priced contract in return or how much of his deal they’re willing to retain on.

Five Players To Watch For: G Aaron Dell, D Dylan DeMelo, RW Jannik Hansen, D Paul Martin, RW Joel Ward

Team Needs

1) Center Depth: The injury to Joe Thornton has forced them to shift Logan Couture back to the middle and he is better served as a winger.  While the Sharks are optimistic that Thornton will be back in time for the postseason, that doesn’t appear to be a guarantee at this point.  The challenge here will be the lack of trade bait to land a top-six replacement so Wilson may be forced to look for a third-line option instead to at least shore up the depth.  They were linked to Montreal’s Tomas Plekanec earlier this month and while he is more of a checker than a scorer at this point in his career, he can still log a heavier workload than most bottom-six players.

2) Top-Six Winger: The fact that Marleau was never really replaced comes into play here, as does the fact that Couture has had to be shifted down the middle.  The Sharks have given youngsters Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc chances in the top six and, as expected, the results have been mixed.  Mikkel Boedker and Joonas Donskoi are better suited as third liners which means there still is a hole to be filled on one of their top two lines.  If they’re willing to take on contracts beyond this season, they could be a team to watch for in the non-rental market as there are several wingers available that could fill this void.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

West Notes: Jets, Brodin, Niederreiter, Canucks, Bellemare

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

While many teams would prefer to add an impact player that is signed beyond this season, that isn’t the case for the Jets.  In an appearance on TSN 1290 (audio link), TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that Winnipeg’s preference would be to add rental players, or at least someone that is signed short-term.  The Jets have several youngsters that will be vying for full-time roster spots in the near future and they will not want to block their paths to the NHL.  McKenzie also suggests that General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff might be more open to dealing his first-round pick by the February 26th trade deadline than he has been at other times during his tenure as GM.

More from the West:

  • Wild blueliner Jonas Brodin has already resumed puck-handling drills just two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured hand less than two weeks ago, notes Sarah McLellan of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. While the initial timeline for his return was three-to-four weeks, he could return slightly ahead of schedule.  The news isn’t as good for winger Nino Niederreiter, however.  He acknowledged that he won’t be fully healthy until next season after dealing with multiple leg issues this year including a fractured fibula that he just returned to the lineup from.
  • Canucks GM Jim Benning would like to add a top-nine forward with size and grit to their roster, he acknowledged to Postmedia’s Ben Kuzma. Vancouver has several skilled prospects on the horizon and adding a player like that would complement them nicely.  Benning also stated that they are not shopping defenseman Chris Tanev but that he will listen to offers if other teams call.  The team views the 28-year-old as someone that will mentor their younger blueliners including 2016 first-rounder Olli Juolevi.
  • The Golden Knights have placed center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, notes Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. There is no timetable for how much time he will miss but the IR placement means he’ll miss the next week at a minimum.  Vegas has recalled a pair of forwards from their AHL affiliate in Chicago to take his place on the roster in wingers Tomas Hyka and Stefan Matteau.

Trade Candidate: Evander Kane

at CDT | by 1 Comment

As the trade deadline continues to creep closer and closer, we continue our profiles of players that have a good chance to be dealt by February 26th.

Sabres winger Evander Kane is no stranger to the spotlight both on and off the ice.  He also has certainly become accustomed to being the focal point of trade speculation as his name has been in the rumor mill all season long.  At some point over the next week, it’s highly expected that he will be dealt.

Contract

Kane is in the final season of a six-year, $31.5MM contract he signed back with Winnipeg in 2012.  He is receiving a $6MM salary with his $5.25MM cap charge and he will be an unrestricted free agent in July.

2017-18

Evander KaneEven though the Sabres struggled out of the gate, Kane got off to a fantastic start offensively and was hovering around the point-per-game mark through the first 35 games of the season (33 points).  Accordingly, GM Jason Botterill set a very high asking price, one that involved a first-round pick, a conditional selection, plus a top prospect.  Based on how he was playing, it was certainly a justifiable ask as well.

Unfortunately for Buffalo, Kane hasn’t been able to sustain that level of play over the past two months.  In fact, he hasn’t even come close.  In the 25 games since then, he has just six points (4-2-6) despite still averaging over 18 minutes per night of ice time.  Now, instead of being a player providing top-line production, he has produced as a bottom-six winger despite still seeing top-line minutes.  That certainly has hurt Botterill’s leverage and has undoubtedly played a role in Kane sticking with the Sabres to this point in time.

Season Stats

60 GP, 19 goals, 20 assists, 39 points, -14 rating, 57 PIMS, 224 shots, 19:22 ATOI, 50.7 CF%

Potential Suitors

In the East, Pittsburgh has expressed an interest previously but their salary cap constraints would require them to free up a considerable amount of space before they could make a deal even if Buffalo retains on his cap hit.  In terms of a fit though, he would fit in well in a secondary role which may be the best role for him to play.  The Bruins are known to be looking for help on the wing although the acquisition cost for Kane may be higher than they’re willing to pay.  The Islanders make some sense in terms of where he could fit in but GM Garth Snow has ruled out trading top picks and prospects for rentals which takes them out of the equation.  Columbus is looking for scoring help and while he’s not a center – the position they’d prefer to add to, they’ll take help putting the puck in the net where they could get it.

Out West, his former team in Winnipeg is looking for a scoring winger but there’s no way a reunion is happening with Kane.  Nashville is also on the lookout for help on the wing but Rick Nash is believed to be their preferred target at the moment.  If a deal can’t be reached there, they could get involved in talks for Kane.  The Blues could benefit from another top-six winger but like Pittsburgh, salary cap constraints would make a deal particularly challenging as things currently stand.  If Anaheim decides to be buyers at the deadline, they would be an intriguing fit for Kane and have some prospect capital to deal from on the back end, a position that Buffalo needs help with.  However, the Ducks could turn around and be sellers depending on how these next few games go.

Likelihood Of A Trade

Considering there have been no talks about a contract extension, the odds here have to be quite high that Kane will eventually be moved.  Botterill has indicated previously that Buffalo will be willing to retain to help facilitate a trade but they may have to drop their asking price before a deal actually happens.  That’s something that the Sabres won’t want to do until they have to so this is a case that could drag out right until deadline day on the 26th.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Atlantic Notes: Green, Helm, Lightning, Dzingel

at CDT | by 6 Comments

Red Wings defenseman Mike Green is willing to waive his no-trade clause if the team can strike a deal to trade him to Tampa Bay, reports MLive’s Ansar Khan.  Detroit is seeking a first-round pick from Tampa Bay, one that is expected to fall in the last few spots based on the current standings.  If Lightning GM Steve Yzerman isn’t willing to pay that price, Khan notes that the Wings will be seeking a young roster player that can step into their lineup next season in addition to a second-round selection.  Green, who is currently day-to-day with a neck injury, carries a $6MM cap hit this season and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in July.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic:

  • The Bruins inquired about the availability of Red Wings center Darren Helm, reports Craig Custance of The Athletic (subscription required). However, talks appear to have not gone far as Boston was looking to send a bad contract to Detroit as part of the return.  Helm is in the second season of a five-year deal that carries a fairly steep cap hit of $3.85MM while he also holds a full no-trade clause through next season.
  • While unrestricted free agent winger Brian Gionta is optimistic about securing a contract before the trade deadline, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times notes that the Lightning will not be one of the teams interested in his services. Gionta is currently suiting up for Team USA at the Olympics and his playoff pedigree and experience should result in him receiving some offers.  In order for him to be eligible to play in the postseason, the 39-year-old would need to sign by next Monday.
  • Senators winger Ryan Dzingel is expected to rejoin the team on Tuesday, notes Postmedia’s Ken Warren. He has missed the last two games due to a family matter.  The 25-year-old is in the midst of a career year as he is on pace to hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career.

Colorado Dealing With Big Changes On Defense

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Colorado Avalanche are one of this year’s best stories, coming back from a historically bad season in 2016-17 to be a potential buyer at the upcoming trade deadline. The team sits five points behind the Minnesota Wild for the last playoff spot, but does have a game in hand. Today, that playoff chase took a big hit when the team announced that both Erik Johnson and Anton Lindholm would be out indefinitely due to injury. In their place, the Avalanche have recalled David Warsofsky and Andrei Mironov from the AHL, pushing their depth to the limit.

Whatever you think of Johnson’s value versus his long-term contract, his impact on the Avalanche is immense. Logging more than 25 minutes a night, the 29-year old sits fifth in league average time on ice and plays in all situations for Colorado. While Tyson Barrie has a bigger impact offensively, Johnson is the glue that holds the entire blue line together and his presence will be sorely missed.

The team now has to weigh their options, and decide whether adding another defenseman is worth the price. Making the playoffs would be a huge accomplishment for the young team, especially after trading Matt Duchene earlier in the year, but there are some impact prospects on the way and this team is nicely set up for future success. Selling off some assets wouldn’t cripple that future, but there’s no guarantee it results in a playoff run this year.

Paul Martin Recalled By San Jose Sharks

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The San Jose Sharks have brought veteran defenseman Paul Martin back to the NHL, recalling him along with Rudolfs Balcers today. In a corresponding move, the team has moved Joel Ward and Tomas Hertl to injured reserve.

Martin, 36, was waived earlier this season after battling injury and assigned to the minor leagues for the first time in his career. Since jumping right from the NCAA to the NHL in 2003, Martin had played 859 NHL games split between three clubs. A stay-at-home defenseman capable of a good first pass, Martin had been a key member of the Sharks blue line and a perfect complement to Brent Burns’ roving style.

No one took a chance on Martin when he was on waivers, mostly because of his hefty $4.85MM cap hit this year and next. He took the demotion in stride and tried to prove his worth at the AHL level, and has now been given another chance in the NHL. He’ll still be eligible to be sent back down without clearing waivers for some time, and another team could reach out to try and acquire him if he shows well. It’s not clear where exactly he fits into the Sharks lineup right now, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction for the veteran defenseman.

Deadline Primer: Chicago Blackhawks

at CDT | by 2 Comments

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 Chicago Blackhawks.

2018 looks like it will bring the end of a decade of playoff appearances for the Chicago Blackhawks, who came as close to a dynasty as you can in today’s NHL by winning three Stanley Cups in six seasons. The team sits last in the Central Division and started selling today by moving Michal Kempny for a third-round pick. That should be followed by several other moves, but more substantial changes may have to wait for the summer.

Record

25-26-8, seventh in Central Division

Deadline Status

Seller

Deadline Cap Space

$3.9MM full-season cap hit, 0/3 retained salary transactions, 46/50 contracts per CapFriendly

Draft Picks

2018: CHI 1st, CHI 3rd, WSH/TOR 3rd*, CHI 5th, CBJ 5th, CHI 6th, CHI 7th
2019: CHI 1st, CHI 2nd, CHI 3rd, CHI 4th, CHI 5th, CHI 6th, CHI 7th, ANA 7th

*Chicago will receive the earlier of the two picks

Trade Chips

Ryan HartmanDespite some interest from Blackhawks fans in a rebuild, Chicago isn’t in a position to tear it all down. With Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith all still signed through at least the 2022-23 season it will be some time before a new leadership group comes to town.

That said, there have been interesting rumors surrounding several of the other top names on the club. Brandon Saad’s name has surfaced after he hasn’t made the immediate impact expected, and Artem Anisimov has drawn interest despite his full no-movement clause (which drops to a 10-team no-trade list after this season). Both could bring back nice packages, but are tough trades to make in-season.

Beyond the top names, expiring contracts like Lance Bouma, Tommy Wingels and Cody Franson (who is currently in the minor leagues) could all be swapped for a draft pick before the deadline. Restricted free agents like Ryan Hartman and Tomas Jurco could also draw interest, as could Connor Murphy if a team is willing to take on his long-term deal.

Five Players To Watch For: F Ryan Hartman, F Tommy Wingels, D Cody Franson, D Connor Murphy, F Artem Anisimov

Team Needs

1) Draft Picks & Prospects: Despite it not being a full tear down in Chicago, the team still needs to keep restocking their system with young players. That’s the only way to compete when so much of your cap is committed to an aging quartet, and they’ve dealt away much of their future in previous seasons. If GM Stan Bowman believes the Blackhawks can still compete next season, prospects close to NHL-ready could be more valuable than draft picks, though tough to acquire with certainty.

2) Defensive Help: After watching players like Trevor van Riemsdyk and Niklas Hjalmarsson forced out of town over the past few seasons, the team hoped that Murphy could handle a large role and grow with the team. Instead, they’ve had to lean on a rapidly declining Seabrook and install Jordan Oesterle as one of their top options. While Oesterle has performed better than anyone could expect, the Blackhawks need to find the next group of defenders to take some of the strain off Keith as he heads into his mid-thirties.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Montreal Canadiens Sign Nicolas Deslauriers To Two-Year Extension

at CDT | by 1 Comment

The Montreal Canadiens have apparently liked what they’ve seen from Nicolas Deslauriers this season, and have signed the forward to a two-year extension worth $950K per season. Deslauriers was set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, but will now stay with the Canadiens through the 2019-20 season.

Deslauriers, 26, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the start of the season in exchange for Zach Redmond, and has made quite the impact in Montreal. The third-round pick has played a heavy game for the Canadiens, finishing his checks and providing a bit of secondary scoring. With seven goals through 36 games, Deslauriers has already set his career-high in goals and actually is tied with or has more than other more high profile players like Tomas Plekanec, Artturi Lehkonen and Phillip Danault.

Though he’ll never be expected to be a top line option, locking in a useful bottom-six forward for less than $1MM per season doesn’t pose much risk. Even if Deslauriers takes a step backwards, the Canadiens can easily bury his cap hit in the minor leagues. Though this won’t fix Montreal’s problems, it’s a nice reward for a player that has performed admirably even in a minor role.

Michal Kempny Traded To Washington Capitals

at CDT | by 5 Comments

The trade market is heating up once again, with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Kempny on his way to Washington to join the Capitals. The Blackhawks will receive a conditional 2018 third-round pick in return, the higher of the two Washington currently has (their own, and Toronto’s).

Kempny makes sense as a target for the Capitals, who don’t have much cap room for additions at the deadline. The 27-year old defenseman is earning just $900K this season, and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

For a team like the Capitals that is heading to the playoffs, defensive depth is a huge issue. Everyone around the league is trying to add pieces that could step into an NHL role should injuries arise, and Kempny fills that for Washington. Though he’s not really a top-4 option, he can provide a team with a stable option for a third pair that won’t be noticed much at either end. With 15 points in 81 games since coming over from the KHL in 2016, he won’t be asked to run a powerplay or contribute much offensively.

He’ll slide into the group on the left side for Washington, that also includes Brooks Orpik, Dmitry Orlov and Christian Djoos. Though he may not play every game for them down the stretch, it’s a much needed addition to a defense corps that has seen several pieces leave over the last year.

For the Blackhawks, a third-round pick is an excellent return for a player who was headed for free agency. Kempny had played just 31 games this season, and with Chicago sitting in last place in the Central Division, selling off expiring contracts is the only thing left to do.  The third-rounder will help replace the two selections—second and fourth—that the Blackhawks are already missing for the upcoming draft.

Scott Powers of The Athletic was first to report the deal, after being told by Kempny himself. Bob McKenzie of TSN added the third-round pick return, 

Winnipeg Jets Talking To Several Teams

at CDT | by 2 Comments

The Winnipeg Jets are one of the best teams in the league this season, and just got Mark Scheifele back to add to their impressive attack. Now, they might be looking to get even better. Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the Jets are talking to several teams, and mentions Rick Nash, Mike Hoffman, Patrick Maroon, Mark Letestu and Ryan Hartman among those the team has looked into.

That list of players includes both rentals and those with years remaining on their contracts, meaning the Jets could be open to acquiring just about anyone available around the league. The team has plenty of cap space both this season and next, and look like legitimate contenders already.

The team also has several promising young prospects coming through the system, and could pull from that group in order to land some NHL talent right away. Players like Nash and Hoffman will come with hefty price tags, making an acquisition of their level something new for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. In his tenure with the team, they’ve never really been buyers at the deadline, with sending Andrew Ladd back to Chicago and the Tyler Myers–Evander Kane swap his biggest two in-season moves.

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

scroll to top