NHL Trade Rumors: Ducks and Predators Will Be Active

The NHL trade rumor mills is getting hot, and now it has gone beyond just tossing players into the mix. Pro Hockey Talk has put out a video talking about the Ducks and Predators. Both teams are leading their respective divisions and both teams are making their way into the favorite’s category for a Stanley Cup run. While the makeup of the teams is different there is no arguing that both teams will need to be active and add a few key pieces to make their dreams come true.

Nashville Predators: The Predators have clawed their way to the top of the NHL and are turning heads while doing it. Their +35 goal differential is second best

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in the NHL and with one of the best goaltenders in the game (Pekka Rinne) the Predators have become what every “small” market wants to be; a contender. Nashville may have a team that is ready to take down teams like the Blackhawks and Blues, but they need to be active at the deadline.

Yes, Nashville has Shea Webber, and Seth Jones not to mention Roman Josi as their top three defensemen, but the addition of a bigger defenseman is needed. Of the three blueliner mentioned Josi is the biggest at 6’4 233 pounds. When I say bigger I mean meaner and a player with playoff experience. Something that is hard to find on the Nashville roster.

*Nashville has made the NHL playoffs in seven of their sixteen seasons, and has missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons.

Like every team that thinks they are ready for a Cup run the Predators will look to sure up their blueline and I’d assume try to add a strong third line forward. One player I could see the Predators attempting to walk away from is Paul Gaustad. If you remember correctly Nashville sent a first round pick to the Sabres for Gaustad, and while his grit is helpful his production is not. An upgraded would not be too hard to find.

As the deadline looms Nashville will make some moves the question is can they make the moves without messing with the team’s chemistry?

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks can be a scary team, and they are looking to make a run this year. Anaheim seems to always be in the conversation, but fall short. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2006-2007 the Ducks have struggled to advance in the playoffs. Making it out of the first round only twice (2008-2009, 2013-2014).

This year they are looking to change that and once again hold up Lord Stanley’s Cup. But, to make that happen they will need to get in on the NHL trade rumors and make a move. Not unlike Nashville the Ducks will need a top four blueliner and some additional role players. Long rumored is a Tyler Myers deal, but I see that unlikely at this point.

One possibility for the Ducks is to give the Panthers a call; Tomas Fleischmann is rumored to be available and could be an option. He would add some depth to the

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roster. A better target would be the Sabres Chris Stewart, but his name is everywhere so who knows if the Ducks want to get involved in that. On the blueline Toronto could be a nice trade partner. The Maple Leafs seem willing to part with Dion Phaneuf, and that could be an attractive player for the Ducks to target.

If I was a Ducks fan I’d be like a duck on a pound. I’d appear calm on the surface, but my feet would be turning a mile a minute under the water. Anaheim needs a deep run, and they have the talent to do it.

The hard part for these two teams are their needs are very similar, and if things play out they both could be facing off in the Western Conference Finals. At least for the Ducks and Predators NHL trade rumors have become a game of cat and mouse.