In today’s Rumor Rundown we take a look at some teams rumored to be active as the trade deadline approaches. Are teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres ready to start pulling the trigger on some of the trade most insiders are expecting will happen?
If so, who will that be? The top of TSN’s trade list includes Evander Kane, Mike Green, Patrick Maroon, Mike Hoffman and Max Pacioretty.
Mike Green and The Red Wings
Helene Elliot of the Detroit Free Press has reported that the Detroit Red Wings are not in a mad panic to start trading assets. Even if they fancy themselves as sellers, the Red Wings believe the prices on players will rise as the deadline gets closer. They’re content to take a wait and see approach to this year’s trade market and that might be wise.
The big name to watch out for in Detroit is offensive-defenseman Mike Green. Elliot believes a team thinking they need his style of play could give up something valuable to go for it. She believes it could be a mid-to-late round first pick.
Ottawa Senators Ready to Deal
Chris Nichols of Fan Rag Sports recent post goes into detail discussing Elliotte Friedman’s appearance on Sportsnet 960 and his proclamation that trade talk amongst NHL teams is starting to build. Friedman reported that Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion already has a side-burner deal for Mike Hoffman that includes prospects. But, like some other teams with talented players that could be moved, Ottawa is trying to create a bigger market for Hoffman than what’s currently being offered.
Friedman has noted the St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins are teams to watch for. Bob McKenzie thinks the Senators will more than likely trade forward Hoffman and he’s placed the odds at well over 50 percent.
Related: NHL Trade Rumors: Pacioretty, Smith, Oilers, Bruins
Oilers Advertising Their Players?
It wasn’t much of a secret that the Edmonton Oilers would be willing to move forward Anton Slepyshev from the roster but it appears things have taken the next step as reports have surfaced general manager Peter Chiarelli has emailed every NHL team to let them know that Slepyshev is available via trade.
Slepyshev has been a disappointment in Edmonton and a healthy scratch in a number of games this season.
Speaking of Edmonton, forward Patrick Maroon has been added to the trade list. He could have value to a team looking for a forward who can score and while this season hasn’t been great, he’s coming off a 2016-17 season where he scored almost 30 goals. If things in Edmonton don’t turn around, depth center Mark Letestu may also be on Edmonton’s list of names worth moving.
Related: NHL Trade Rumors: Neal, Jagr, Tavares, More
Evander Kane Atop TSN’s List
Bob McKenzie is reporting the Buffalo Sabres are looking for a first-round pick, a good prospect, and perhaps a conditional pick for Evander Kane. That might seem like a high asking price but if you consider what players like Andrew Ladd and Martin Hanzal went for at last season’s trade deadline, the ask is in the same ballpark.
The interesting thing here is if Kane goes first, he could set the rental market. If someone else does, he could be acquired for more or less than the ask. The key will be a GM’s gamble at the right time for his services.
Friedman also suggested Buffalo is trying to create a market for Evander Kane.
Montreal Not Giving Up Yet
Friedman reported that there is still a lot of interest for Max Pacioretty out of Montreal but that he believes general manager Marc Bergevin has not given up all hope on the season yet. Friedman thinks Bergevin’s state of mind is more, ‘We’re not out of it yet, so I’m not giving up.’
If the Canadiens do give up on the season, the players to watch for are Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk, and Andrew Shaw.