On teams that could be sellers before the NHL trade deadline
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: Looking at four teams that could become sellers in the next couple weeks.
Arizona Coyotes: With the Coyotes likely looking ahead to the 2018 draft and Rasmus Dahlin already, anyone not named Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Niklas Hjalmarsson, as well as anyone on an entry-level contract could be up for grabs. Anthony Duclair has already requested a trade.
Montreal Canadiens: Max Pacioretty might be better with a change of scenery. It could become a fire sale on Montreal.
Buffalo Sabres: The LA Kings might be interested in winger Evander Kane, but they won’t be the only team. Jack Eichel and Casey Mittelstadt may be the only ones safe.
Ottawa Senators: Mike Hoffman, Cody Ceci, and Derick Brassard may become available.
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Looking at teams that could be sellers at the trade deadline.
Montreal Canadiens: Max Pacioretty’s name has already been in the rumor mill. He’s been a reliable 30-goal scorer and is under contract for one more season at $4.5 million.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks started the season off well but are falling back in the standings as many expected. The Canucks could move Thomas Vanek for a prospect or draft pick(s).
Defenseman Erik Gudbranson could be another trade option for the Canucks, possibly for a draft pick or two. Gudbranson isn’t the quickest of foot and has negative possession metrics this season. There have been no talks about re-signing him.
Ottawa Senators: Have been a disappointment this season. Mike Hoffman, Derick Brassard, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau are trade options. All are under contract beyond this season. Trading Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone are long shots.
Buffalo Sabres: Have the top rental player in Evander Kane, who is on pace for a 30-goal season. He’ll likely be dealt for a package of draft picks and prospects. Do the Sabres consider trading 2014 second overall pick, Sam Reinhart?
Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes made some moves this past offseason in the hope of making a playoff push, but it hasn’t worked out well for them. They will be sellers, and Anthony Duclair has asked for a trade. Teams would be lined up and ready to pay big if the Coyotes made defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Niklas Hjalmarsson available.
Detroit Red Wings: Defenseman Mike Green could be a top rental option for a team looking for power play help on the point. In the non-rental side of the things, forward Andreas Athanasiou could be another option. The Wings may be better off holding onto Athanasiou, but they didn’t go through a contract dispute this offseason.