The Anaheim Not So Mighty Ducks…and Toronto too
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Anaheim faces the unenviable task of tanking unofficially as teams circle around for offers. Anaheim’s middle-tiered players look the most likely to move and not the big names.
Toronto may be in the market to make a couple trades. One scout said:
“I figure they’ll make two trades between now and the deadline,” said one veteran scout on Monday night “That’s what I’m hearing, anyhow.”
What Toronto gets and wants are two different things. Anaheim, even as a seller, may find that out the hard way also.
Chicago question and answer time…
Jimmy Greenfield of the Chicago Tribune (Q&A): The questions on if Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith will move will linger. The answers are a resounding no. Their no-movement clauses cement that.
Also, Chicago finds themselves just a few points out of a playoff spot suddenly. Expected returns on both players — especially Seabrook — would be diminished.
Coaching has helped Chicago rise from the ashes but they have about a half dozen teams to pass. It is possible that selling may be avoided if Chicago keeps winning. Stay tuned between now and the deadline.
Budget forwards available at the deadline…
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: Not everyone can afford the big names so a few budget forwards may garner huge attention.
One of the popular options is Micheal Ferland. Ferland provides a big body who can score some goals.
Ryan Dzingel may provide the biggest bang for the buck. He has 38 points in 48 games — including 20 goals. Ottawa will not sell him cheap.
Alex Chiasson could be had for a mid-round draft pick even though he has 17 goals and 24 points in 41 games. Chiasson comes at a dirt cheap cap hit and has Stanley Cup “experience”.
Patrick Maroon among budget forwards is interesting just because he has struggled so much in St. Louis.
Brian Boyle was among the budget forwards. However, he was traded to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday for a second round 2019 pick.