Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: Looking at five players who might welcome a change of scenery.
Criteria used by Larkin” “(a) the list obviously doesn’t include 2017 unrestricted free agents who can change teams of their own free will; and (b) the list only involves players not currently in playoff spots.”
5. Tyler Johnson – Tampa Bay Lightning – The Lightning have a Johnson replacement in Brayden Point and they could look to move Johnson for a defenseman.
The Lightning have 13 players signed for next year with just $17.9 million in cap space. If the Lightning don’t lose a higher priced cap in the expansion draft – like Alex Killorn – the Lightning might look to deal Johnson.
4. Justin Faulk – Carolina Hurricanes – Jaccob Slavin is turning heads, Brett Pesce and Noah Hanifin are evolving and prospects Haydn Fleury and Jake Bean are coming.
They could use some help up front. Faulk hasn’t had a great season, but he’s only 25 years old and under contract for another three years at a $4.83 million cap hit.
GM Francis could ask for a lot for Faulk. Matt Duchene would be a realistic asking price.
3. Many Colorodo Avalanche players – Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog and Semyon Varlamov are the big names to watch.
Teams will be interested in Duchene and Landeskog, not as many in Varlamov. The Stars and Flyers will be looking for help in net.
2. Daniel and Henrik Sedin – Vancouver Canucks – Moving both would help bottom out the Canucks next year and add a few more prospects/picks to their pipeline.
It wouldn’t be easy for a team to fit in their $7 million cap hits though. The Canucks can only retain salary on one more player – retaining salary for Jannik Hansen and Roberto Luongo.
1. Cory Schneider – New Jersey Devils – He’s 31-years old and the Devils aren’t close to being a Stanley Cup contender.
The Devils could use some high end defensive prospects, as well as some help upfront. Schneider would help a team like the Stars get back into the playoffs.