On nine NHL trade candidates for this season …
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Looking at some NHL trade candidates heading into this season and some potential destinations for them.
Matt Duchene – Colorado Avalanche
GM Joe Sakic is listening to offers. The asking price is believed to be a first round pick and a couple of young assets. The Avs need defense.
Potential Destinations: Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Boston, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins.
James van Riemsdyk – Toronto Maple Leafs
GM Lou Lamoriello could use JVR for defensive help. van Riemsdyk is entering the last year of his deal and could be looking for around $6 million a year on his next deal. The Maple Leafs could get a second pairing defenseman for him.
Potential destinations: Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks
Jonathan Marchessault/James Neal – Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas likely aren’t interested in re-signing either and could move for draft picks and prospects.
Potential destinations: Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins
Thomas Vanek – Vancouver Canucks
Fitting in with the Sedin’s could help raise his trade value at the deadline, though the return won’t be huge.
Potential destinations: NY Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Montreal, Buffalo Sabres — as long as they’re in the playoff race
Jason Demers – Florida Panthers
Demers didn’t deny that he nixed a trade to the Canucks. He has a modified no-trade clause.
Potential destinations: Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars
Jacob Trouba – Winnipeg Jets
He’s in the last year on his two-year deal – one he signed after asking for a trade. The issue for the Jets would be that they would need a young defenseman in return.
Potential destinations: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks
Carlina Hurricanes Defenseman
The Hurricanes may have too many good young defensemen and could use one for help up front. Justin Faulk has three years left at $4.8 million a season. Unlikely they move Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce. Might add Noah Hanifin to that group.
Potential Destinations: Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens
John Tavares – New York Islanders
Not saying the Islanders will/should trade John Tavares, but the longer he goes unsigned … If they did move him, they’d get a huge return for him as a trade would likely come with an extension. It is a long shot that he’s traded.
Potential destinations: Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames … let’s be honest: anywhere.
