Here is a rundown of the original content over the past week at PHR:
Impact centers are always in high demand but there aren’t many prominent ones available, especially compared to recent years. That should bode well for the Senators when it comes to Jean-Gabriel Pageau. I took a look at his situation and while he’s in the midst of a career year which bodes well for his free agent case, that still may not be enough to pry a guaranteed first-round pick from a contender. A contract extension can’t entirely be ruled out either as Ottawa does have some interest in keeping him around.
We wrapped up our tour of the Pacific Division in our deadline primers as Gavin examined the situation in Vegas as the Golden Knights are once again looking to buy in their third season of existence. Our focus has shifted to the Atlantic Division as Gavin previewed Detroit and Florida while Holger did the same for Montreal and Ottawa. The Red Wings and Senators will certainly be sellers as they sit in the basement of the division. The Canadiens are likely to sell unless their recent hot streak continues while the Panthers are likely to try to add to their roster but could also move one of their prominent pending unrestricted free agents as well over risking losing them for nothing.
Tyler Toffoli is no stranger to trade speculation as for a time last season, it looked like he’d be on the move. The Kings ultimately held onto him but as they sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, the pending unrestricted free agent is quite likely to be on the move. I assessed the long list of potential suitors for his services as he’ll be one of the top offensive players dealt between now and February 24th.
Gavin held his weekly Thursday chat. Topics included Kyle Palmieri’s future with New Jersey, what an extension for Jake Muzzin could cost, some surprise players to watch for in trade speculation, Dustin Byfuglien’s situation in Winnipeg, possible defensemen for Vegas, and much more.
Defensive depth is one of the most sought after commodities at every trade deadline. Some teams will be looking to upgrade their third pairings while others will be seeking some injury insurance. Ottawa blueliner Ron Hainsey falls in the first category as a capable veteran that can still log upwards of 20 minutes a night. I profiled which teams could be in the market for the 38-year-old if the Sens don’t sign him to an extension first.