NHL Trade Market: Defense Availability

NHL trade market has been slow thus far to begin the new 2015-16 season. It can be largely attributed to the fact that many teams need defensive help on the blue-line, when there’s simply not enough defenseman available.

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Many of the defenseman deemed “available” on the NHL trade market are simply too expensive, either contract wise or teams likely asking too much.

Released a week ago, on Bleacher Report, Writer Mike Chiari reported a few available names on the back-end, through sources. A couple of the names are unlikely candidates to be moved, but it sparks an interesting question. Just who is available on the NHL trade market for blue-liners?

* Note: salary cap information was obtained from GeneralFanager

Defensive NHL Trade Market According to Bleacher Report, via Bob McKenzie on TSN Insiders,

Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks (cap hit $4 million)

Bleacher Report reported that while GM Bob Murray is listening to offers on the young defenseman, he’s unlikely to move Fowler unless he receives an offer that’s difficult to refuse.

They’re not wrong, Cam Fowler is the most likely of any defenseman to be moved in Anaheim. The thought process may be that too many offensive defenseman is a bad complexion, especially with Shea Theodore knocking on the door.

Nashville has proven you can succeed with a cast of offensive defensemen. They’ve also had much longer to develop those guys into better defensive defenseman. Remember how long it took Ryan Ellis to develop into an NHL quality defenseman? It would be surprising to see Anaheim sacrifice a piece of their defensive core, at least before some of these other young guys develop.

Dennis Wideman, Calgary Flames (cap hit $5.25 million)

This one is interesting, as Calgary was expected to be a top defensive team in 2015-16. An early injury to T.J. Brodie looked to be the contributor in the team’s sloppy defensive play, although it hasn’t improved much since his return. Newcomer Dougie Hamilton has had a tough transition period with his new team.

Call this rumor more likely, as Calgary has holes both in net and up-front lacking true top-line talent outside of a couple young guys. GM Brad Treliving has made it clear he has no interest in dismantling this team, although how many bad performances before that thought process changes?

Roman Polak, Toronto Maple Leafs (cap hit $2.75 million)

Feb 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Roman Polak (46) skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Another guy that has long been rumored to be available on the trade market. Maple Leafs management likes Polak, so they’re in no rush to trade him, but he’s not also not part of the future plan.

Polak simply isn’t the same player he once was during his tenure in St.Louis. The contract value compared to what he brings to the table, simply doesn’t match. This could be a tough sell right now.

Come trade deadline, there could be a team looking for another third pairing or depth defenseman. For now, the only teams that may have interest in a player like Roman Polak is the Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks.

Others Potentially Available on the Defensive Trade Market

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins (cap hit $6,916,667 million)

He was rumored to be on the trade block, but call this one very unlikely, for now at least. The only way Boston moves Chara is if, come trade deadline, the Bruins look destined to be in the lottery. Otherwise, this is a move easier to make in the offseason.

Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers (cap hit $7,142,875 million)

November 4, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell (51) controls the puck against Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Likely not available until the trade deadline, everything hinges on whether or not Florida is in a playoff position.

If they’re destined to be a lottery team, it’s likely the Panthers would move the 2016 free agent as a trade rental.

But if there’s still hope for the postseason, don’t expect Campbell to go anywhere.

Jared Spurgeon, Minnesota Wild (cap hit $2,666,666 million)

The truth is, Minnesota is loaded on the back-end with Ryan Suter, Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella, Jared Spurgeon, Matt Dumba, Christian Folin, Nate Prosser, and Mike Reilly down in the minors. It’s not that Minnesota necessarily would want to move one of Spurgeon, Brodin, or Scandella, but there’s not enough ice-time with five guys competing for the top four spots.

Kevin Klein, New York Rangers (cap hit $2.9 million)

Another tough sell here. The Rangers are unlikely to move any of these defense, considering it was assembled with Stanley Cup aspirations. However, if New York felt comfortable moving forward with Dylan McIlrath and Brady Skjei, a trade could be possible. Pending 2016 FA Dan Boyle would be the most sensible move, but carries a no movement clause. Keith Yandle is another 2016 FA, but considering the cost paid to acquire him, re-signing the defenseman should be a top priority. That leaves Kevin Klein, and you could imagine teams such as San Jose or Colorado would be extremely interested.

Nick Schultz, Philadelphia Flyers (cap hit $2.25 million)

Yes all the rumors have swirled around Luke Schenn, even though he carries a no trade clause. With Philly carrying eight defenseman, wouldn’t it make more sense for them to shop their 33-year-old blue-liner that carries a relatively decent cap hit that lasts through 2016-17? This could be a decent target for Chicago, who’s currently looking to add another defenseman.

Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs (cap hit $7 million)

Nov 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) skates with the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The no movement clause poses an issue, although it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that Dion will at some point be dealt. He’s just not part of the Maple Leafs re-building plan.

He’s shown improvement in 2015-16 with less minutes, and less responsibility not matching up against other teams top lines. Phaneuf carries a rich cap hit for someone better suited in a second pairing, but considering the soft defensive market, perhaps moving Dion is easier than once thought.

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets (cap hit $5.2 million)

Dustin owns a no-trade clause, but the pending 2016 free agent has been no stranger to trade rumors this season. The thought process from many experts is that Jacob Trouba is the future of the Jets blue-line, so it wouldn’t make sense to pay Byfuglien that type of money. It would still be surprising to see Winnipeg trade him, because he’s a rare type of player. Dustin plays with a nasty edge that makes him so effective, not to mention offensive/defensive versatility that can only be matched by one other in the NHL, Brent Burns.

Next: Carolina Hurricanes Trade Scenarios

So which defenseman do you think is most likely to be moved first? Which players will be moved closer to the trade deadline? Are there any other guys that could become available on the NHL trade market, depending on their team’s success in 2015-16? What happens to Dion Phaneuf and Dustin Byfuglien, do either get moved? Let us know what you think below! Don’t forget to like us on facebook or follow us on twitter.