As the NHL’s Feb. 25 trade deadline draws nearer, media speculation keeps growing over which players could be on the move.
Some, such as Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin, Ottawa Senators forwards Matt Duchene and Matt Stone, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds, are among the most likely to be moved. All are slated to become unrestricted free agents in July and could be shopped if they insist on testing the market
In recent weeks, however, other names have surfaced as potential trade candidates. While some could be on the move by deadline day, there are several who are probably staying put.
Artem Anisimov, Chicago Blackhawks
As the Blackhawks stumbled into the New Year, Anisimov was considered a possible trade chip. On Feb 8, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported hearing the Blackhawks could make the 30-year-old center available.
Anisimov’s $4.55-million annual cap hit through 2020-21 plus his 10-team no-trade list makes him difficult to move. With the Blackhawks surging in the standings, they’ll likely keep him around for the remainder of this season. Perhaps they’ll consider moving him in the offseason when he’ll no longer have that no-trade list.
Tyson Barrie, Colorado Avalanche
In a recent mailbag segment, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post suggested there’s a good chance Barrie could be traded by the deadline or the offseason. With promising young right-handed defensemen Cale Makar and Connor Timmins in their system, Chambers feels the 27-year-old veteran could be the odd man out.
As long as the Avs remain in the playoff chase, however, they’re unlikely to move their best offensive defenseman. Maybe general manager Joe Sakic will peddle him in the offseason, but not now.
Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers
After an impressive NHL debut in 2015-16, Gostisbehere‘s struggled to play up to his potential. “The Ghost Bear” followed up last season’s career-best 65-point performance with just 25 points in 54 games thus far in 2018-19.
Earlier this month, TSN’s Bob McKenzie was asked if he felt Gostisbehere could be traded. While noting the Flyers were willing to entertain trade offers on nearly everyone, he cautioned against giving away a good young defenseman. With the Flyers climbing back into the playoff chase, Gostisbehere probably won’t be moved at the deadline.
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
The 34-year-old goaltender has put up solid stats on the rebuilding Wings, winning 16 of 37 starts with a 2.76 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. He would be a tempting target for playoff contenders seeking depth in goal.
Howard, however, might not be available. On Feb. 8, MLive.com’s Ansar Khan reported the Wings are hoping to re-sign Howard, as well as pending UFAs Gustav Nyquist and Nick Jensen. Factor in the rumored asking price of a first-round pick and his own willingness to stay in Detroit and Howard will likely still be wearing a Wings jersey after Feb. 25.
Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers
TSN’s Frank Seravalli recently raised eyebrows by including Huberdeau in his updated trade-bait board. He suggested the 25-year-old left wing as a potential trade chip if the Panthers were to pursue Columbus’ Artemi Panarin. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said he’s heard mixed reports on Huberdeau’s availability.
Huberdeau, however, is signed through 2022-23 at an affordable $5.9 million per season. He’s also one of the Panthers’ core players. Shipping him to the Jackets for a pending UFA would be a huge gamble by Panthers GM Dale Tallon, one probably too risky to attempt at the trade deadline.
Chris Kreider, New York Rangers
The rebuilding Rangers are expected to trade pending free agent forwards Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes before the deadline. Kreider, 27, still has a year on his contract but there is some talk of teams pursuing him at the deadline. The Boston Globe‘s Matt Porter recently included Kreider among his suggested trade targets for the Bruins. The Tennessean‘s Paul Skriba included him among possible options for the Nashville Predators.
Kreider’s physical scoring style would certainly make him attractive to playoff contenders. However, it also makes him worthwhile for the Rangers to keep around beyond next season. The asking price for Kreider is also likely to be much more than for Zuccarello and Hayes.
Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues
Trade speculation dogged the Blues as they struggled through the first half of this season. Schenn, 27, was among those considered a possible trade candidate. With a year left on his contract ($5.125 million AAV) and lacking no-trade protection, he seemed a good option for clubs pursuing depth at center.
But with the Blues surging in recent weeks from the bottom of the overall standings into a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, they’re unlikely to be sellers now. Don’t expect Schenn to be going anywhere at the deadline.
Nikita Zaitsev, Toronto Maple Leafs
Earlier this month, the Toronto Sun‘s Steve Simmons speculated the Leafs would attempt to include Zaitsev in every trade discussion they have leading up to the deadline. He also wondered if the Buffalo Sabres, in dire need of blueline help, would have interest in the 27-year-old rearguard if the Leafs agreed to pick up part of his $4.55-million salary-cap hit.
It’s unlikely, however, the Sabres (or anyone else) will be interested in Zaitsev before the deadline. The lengthy tenure of his contract (signed through 2023-24) and his erratic performance should ensure he remains a Leaf beyond Feb. 25.
