Devils getting interest in Johansson
Pierre LeBrun: New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson could be a “sneaky good trade deadline pickup for a contender.” He is finally healthy. His five-team no-trade list shouldn’t matter much.
Pierre LeBrun: Trade interest in Johansson has picked up over the past few days.
Devils GM Ray Shero is not one to wait until the deadline to get things done.
Avs have a couple defensemen they could move
Adrian Dater: Have been hearing more talk of the possibility Colorado Avalanche trading defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
Adrian Dater: It’s would likely be very difficult for the Avalanche to acquire a top-six forward from a contender at the deadline for either defensemen Tyson Barrie or Zadorov.
They could get first round picks for either player and would dominate the first round this year.
Adrian Dater: They could wait until the offseason and have an easier time making ‘hockey trades.’
Kings as the deadline approaches
David Pagnotta: It’s doesn’t sound like the Los Angeles Kings are interested in trading forward Tyler Toffoli unless they get a significant offer for him.
John Hoven: The Kings are not just focusing on acquiring picks. They need to fill organization holes and need prospects too.
They’ll be looking to acquire three levels of assets – “almost NHL ready, non-pro prospect, draft pick.”
John Hoven: With star players rarely coming available, the Kings have to at least look into the possibility of Artemi Panarin. In opinion he’s more of an offseason type of move as opposed to the trade deadline “unless they found a very creative way to part with some assets.
Dennis Bernstein: “Aligned w Mayor (John Hoven) on gathering of/type of assets Kings need to acquire. Difference of opinion on off season free agent play, they should be aggressive on players like Panarin and Stone (assuming he doesn’t re-sign in OTT). Just not enough high end forward talent in organization.”