Some trade deadline news and notes…
Tracey Myers of NHL.com: Several teams buying at the trade deadline being active already. The Nashville Predators acquired Brian Boyle and Cody McLeod on Wednesday for a second round and seventh-round pick respectively. The “first round, pick, and prospect” mantra repeated by David Poile still seems standard among sellers.
Then, there is Minnesota, who lost Mikko Koivu for the season after a torn ACL and meniscus. Needless to say, the Wild need a center badly. Derick Brassard and Kevin Hayes remain possible targets along with Adam Henrique. Their trade deadline became more active quickly.
Colorado carries some subplots because of their nosedive and need for help in several areas. Joe Sakic noted:
“We’re looking at the big picture here. We love what’s coming,” Sakic said. “It’s a process, and we’re not going to deviate from that plan. If there’s a player that can help us that isn’t going to include one of those (first-round) picks and top prospects, then we’ll look at that.
Trade deadline prices can come down in a New York minute or rise like a 100 mph slap shot.
Speaking of the New York Rangers…
Rick Carpinello of The Athletic: Kevin Hayes putting his best foot forward only helps the Rangers. Hayes knows he is out the door. There have been no serious negotiations as far as a contract extension. It becomes just a matter of time and a trade could happen sooner than expected. Being one of the few offensive players the Rangers have carries some extra trade value. What can Hayes fetch the New York Rangers?
Rick Carpinello of The Athletic: Again, Kevin Hayes getting traded makes too much sense. The New York Rangers do not want a forward who could decline in his early 30’s quickly. While Hayes will not fetch the value he should, New York could at least get something rather than nothing.
After that, Adam McQuaid and Mats Zuccarello are also easily expendable. More importantly, they save on cap space for the summer. Watch for feelers on Chris Kreider and even Pavel Buchnevich. Jeff Gorton possesses more options than most expect.