2016 NHL Trade Deadline: 25 Hypothetical Trades

2016 NHL Trade Deadline: Hypothetical Trades (20-16)

20. Toronto Trades F P.A. Parenteau and D Roman Polak to Chicago in exchange for F Kyle Baun and 2016 1st Round Draft Pick

Chicago’s hoping to add more of an impact left winger to play alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. There’s no guarantee they’re willing to pay the asking price to obtain one of those guys. Plenty of second-tier options that can help down the stretch – Toronto’s P.A. Parenteau comes to mind. Perhaps he doesn’t fit on that top-line, but he would add depth even in a third line capacity. Roman Polak is a perfect fit for what Chicago would love to add in an attempt to capture back-to-back Stanley Cup’s. He plays with a gritty edge, and playoff-like intensity that would fit in nicely on the bottom pair.

If Toronto can fetch a 1st round draft pick for Parenteau and Polak, anything else involved is simply a throw-in. The Baun name has deeply seeded roots in the Maple Leafs organization with Kyle’s distant relative being Leafs great Bobby Baun. There’s no guarantees he’ll ever be a full-time NHL’er – but he’d certainly have a better chance/more opportunities of having an impact on Toronto’s roster.

19. Vancouver Trades D Dan Hamhuis VAN and F Alex Burrows to Dallas in exchange for D Stephen Johns and 2016 1st Round Draft Pick

Latest rumors suggest Vancouver is yet to approach Dan Hamhuis about waiving his no-trade clause. The Canucks are moving in a younger direction – so there’s a possibility of him being moved before February 29th. Burrows would also need to waive his no-trade for this to work, but one would imagine that both veterans might be interested in joining a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Both Hamhuis and Burrows are experienced players that fill two holes in the Dallas’ roster down the stretch. This is the type of move Jim Nill needs to make if he believes his team can win now.

Johns was originally acquired from Chicago last summer in the Patrick Sharp deal. He’s a promising young blueliner that’s near NHL ready. He could presumably step into Vancouver lineup in 2016-17. The Canucks should be stockpiling draft picks to help strengthen their prospect pool – that’s likely the main target when moving veteran pieces out.

18. Philadelphia Trades F Sam Gagner, F Matt Read, and D Nick Schultz to Los Angeles in exchange for F Adrian Kempe, F Michael Mersch, and 2017 1st Round Draft Pick

Philadelphia’s biggest overall weakness depth-wise from a positional standpoint is left winger. They’ve gotten away with plugging natural centers up the left side – but that only works for so long.

Both Kempe and Mersch are left-wingers. Mersch is closer to being NHL ready – but might be nothing more than a bottom six forward. Kempe is the Kings top prospect who shined at this year’s World Juniors with his strong skating and excellent two-way play. He’s got top six potential – the trick is convincing Los Angeles to trade him.

You’re rolling the dice with Sam Gagner. He’s proven a productive forward in the past, but struggles with consistency. Strictly a rental that could be signed to a new contract – why not roll the dice on a player with his skill-set? Matt Read is perhaps the most important piece in this deal. He’s long been one of the NHL’s most productive 3rd line right winger’s – with top six capabilities. He’s never had a long enough opportunity to prove he can be that player. If you’re looking for a replacement for Marian Gaborik, he’s a guy with some term at a very affordable cap hit. Nick Schultz is a 33-year-old veteran that would fill a need on the Kings blueline. He has a bit of term left on his contract as well – but again, very affordable cap hit.

17. Calgary Trades F David Jones to Florida in exchange for F Jayce Hawryluk and 2016 2nd/or 3rd Round Draft Pick

By all indications, Calgary would prefer to sign David Jones to a new contract. Keeping him isn’t a necessity – they could live without him. His $4 million dollar cap hit is slightly north of what he’s worth, and he’ll likely seek similar money in the summer. If Florida can add an impact piece without sacrificing too much, that’d be ideal. For a franchise whose revenue can be greatly impacted by playoff success, the saying “gotta spend money to make money” comes to mind.

Hawryluk seems to be an ideal fit for Calgary. He’s a WHL forward that survived until the last cuts of Team Canada’s World Junior squad. Hawryluk is a smart, offensively gifted center. The Panthers also own Minnesota’s 2016 3rd round pick, making the 2nd, or either of the two 3rd’s an option.

16. Carolina Trades D John-Michael Liles and F Kris Versteeg to Los Angeles in exchange for Michael Mersch and 2017 conditional 1st Round Draft Pick

If Ron Francis is able to acquire a 1st round draft pick in exchange for pending free agents Versteeg and Liles, he needs to pull the trigger. John-Michael Liles had some of his best NHL years playing in the Western Conference (for Colorado). He’s a little undersized for a defenseman, but skates extremely well – a solid puck-moving blueliner. He can log big minutes, and is an immediate upgrade on several of the Kings players on the back-end. A streaky player, Chicago was almost ready to give this guy away for nothing at the start of 2015-16. He’s proven an extremely productive player in the past, and has the experience to fit in with Los Angeles.

At 6’2 198lbs, Mersch was originally taken 113th overall back in 2011. As mentioned in another trade, Mersch is near NHL ready – but may be nothing more than a bottom six forward. In comparison to the main piece (the draft pick), Mersch is more a throw-in to help equal out trade value. Carolina already acquired the Kings 2016 1st rounder in 2014-15 when Los Angeles was looking to add to their blueline with Andrej Sekera. It didn’t work out as hoped last season, but the Kings are in better shape to make a deep run at this point than where they stood at this time last year.

Next: 15-11

2016 NHL Trade Deadline: Hypothetical Trades (15-11)

15. Detroit Trades G Jimmy Howard and F Joakim Andersson to Arizona in exchange for G Anders Lindback and F Tobias Rieder

Reality is beginning to set in for Detroit as Petr Mrazek continues to shine, while Jimmy Howard struggles. With Mrazek due for a pay raise in the summer, the Red Wings cannot afford Howard’s $5.292 million dollar cap hit. They may get away with it for one year, similarly to Dallas – but it’s not a relationship that can co-exist long-term. It’d be tough to convince Coyotes fans to take on this struggling goaltender, but he’s proven himself a quality starter in the past. If anyone can fix Jimmy Howard’s game, it’s the goaltending guru’s down in Arizona. Joakim Andersson is more of a throw-in piece that would provide depth in Arizona’s bottom six.

Going to Detroit is Anders Lindback. He’ll be a UFA in the summer, and could always be re-signed if the Red Wings want. One of many Coyotes breakout players in 2015-16, Rieder would be an ideal target for many GMs in trade talks with Arizona. They’ve got enough offensive depth to trade Mikkel Boedker, plus another forward (Tobias Rieder, Martin Hanzal, etc.) without being phased. Not ideal for Coyotes fans, but the only way to acquire that quality goaltender is sacrificing a talented piece of the puzzle.

14. Columbus Trades F Scott Hartnell and D Fedor Tyutin to Ottawa for F Zack Smith, D Fredrik Claesson and D Mikael Wikstrand

Largely rumored to be on the trade block, both Hartnell and Tyutin’s days in Columbus may be numbered.

If Jarmo Kekalainen can package the pair, one of the few teams that could use both guys is the Ottawa Senators. There’s a gaping hole up the left side in Ottawa, and they’re one decent defenseman away from being a team that can compete in the playoffs.

Going to Columbus is one of Ottawa’s many center’s. Any subtraction up the middle opens a bigger opportunity for players such as Curtis Lazar – and Ottawa could do without Zack Smith if Hartnell comes aboard. Both Claesson and Wikstrand are near NHL ready defenders. At this point, both project to be bottom pair defenders/depth guys. Columbus is loaded with talented defensive prospects – but you can never have too much depth.

13. Calgary Trades F Jiri Hudler to New York Rangers in exchange for G Magnus Hellberg and F Ryan Gropp

There’s still a chance that Calgary signs Hudler to a new contract – although one career year in 2014-15 isn’t enough reason to keep him. He’s proven a good temporary option on the top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan playing well for stretches – then disappears. He wouldn’t have to walk into New York and assume a top-line role. He can slide into Jesper Fast‘s spot on the second-line, offering an upgrade in scoring productivity.

Heading to Calgary is a pair of talented prospects. Originally a Predators draft pick, Hellberg is a 24-year-old, big, (6’5) Swedish goaltender who’s progressively improved with AHL experience. Gropp was taken in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL draft from WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. He’s a productive left winger that continues to see increases in his point totals. He had 58 points in 67 games in 2014-15, and is now scoring above a point-per-game pace in 2015-16 with 56 points in 53 games.

12. Boston Trades F Loui Eriksson to Los Angeles in exchange for F Andy Andreoff and F Valentin Zykov

One of the bigger names for rentals heading into this year’s NHL trade deadline is Boston’s Loui Eriksson. Having a highly productive season in the last year of his contract – the Bruins need to decide whether to re-sign a player who largely disappointed since coming over for Tyler Seguin, or sign him to a new contract? Boston has enough RW talent in their prospect pool to easily move on from Loui Eriksson – so why not get something for him? There’s perhaps no better fit than Los Angeles for Loui Eriksson. He could slide into Marian Gaborik’s spot for the time being, and provides extra depth upon Gaborik’s return.

The Kings have several of those physical players that play with a high intensity on their roster, which makes sacrificing one a little easier. This team won two Stanley Cups largely due to four lines of skilled forwards. They’re since featuring a more intimidating and physical group – sacrificing some of that past skill. Andreoff is no Milan Lucic, but he could help add that element that made the Bruins so successful for many years. Zykov is a top three prospect in the Kings system. He’s a winger that can play either side. Largely known for his skating abilities – Zykov has a ton of offensive upside.

11. Toronto Trades F Nazem Kadri to Montreal in exchange for G Zachary Fucale, F Devante Smith-Pelly, and conditional 1st/or 2nd Round Draft Pick

There’s no indication that Toronto has any interest in moving Nazem Kadri. Speculation arose following the Dion Phaneuf trade based on the way the organization “talked up” both Phaneuf and Kadri to the media this year. It’s difficult to find a good fit for Kadri, but Montreal works for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the London, Ontario born player grew up a Canadiens fan (largely publicized from childhood photos). Second, and more importantly, Montreal needs help up the middle. Ideally, they’d prefer a proven number one center – but sometimes you make do with what’s in front of you. Whether he’s a 1st or 2nd line talent (more likely the latter), he or someone else can always traded at a later date. Any quality offensive depth down the stretch could make a difference in those one-goal games.

If Toronto had its choice, logic dictates Fucale would rank highly on their list of prospects for Montreal. With several question marks in the crease, it’s conceivable Toronto could target a goaltender on the trade market. Smith-Pelly is a more of a throw-in for this deal. He hasn’t exactly panned out with Anaheim or Montreal, but is a Toronto-born kid. The draft pick would be lottery protected, perhaps even top-24 protected, which turns into a 2nd if Montreal has a top 24 pick.

Next: 10-6

2016 NHL Trade Deadline: Hypothetical Trades (10-6)

10. Vancouver Trades F Radim Vrbata and D Yannick Weber to Pittsburgh in exchange for F Dominik Simon, F Bryan Rust, and ’16/or ’17 2nd/or 3rd Round Draft Pick

It’s almost a guarantee that Radim Vrbata is dealt before the trade deadline.

Blue Line Station

He hasn’t done much to help the club of late, and fans are ready to push him out the door. He’s a tremendously skilled sniper that would be a perfect fit for any team looking for scoring depth down the stretch. He has a tendency to disappear for games at a time, but still has a lot to offer playoff-bound teams. Vancouver sent Weber down to Utica to give younger players more ice-time (along with veteran Chris Higgins). He’s capable of playing 16-20 minutes a night, and would be a perfect fit for the Penguins.

Simon is a Czech born 2015 draft pick that continues to climb Pittsburgh’s prospect depth chart. He’s having a lot of success in his first year of pro with AHL Wilkes-Barre and looks poised to be an everyday NHLer in the next season or two. Bryan Rust has 35 games of NHL experience over the past two years. He’s a speedy winger that struggles with consistency from game-to-game, and shift-to-shift. He has the potential to assume full-time duties – if he can figure at a way to put it all together. Again, as mentioned before, presumably Vancouver would like to add draft picks.

9. Arizona Trades F Mikkel Boedker to Chicago in exchange for D Ville Pokka and 2016 1st Round Draft Pick

If Chicago is truly on the market for an impact left winger to play alongside Toews and Hossa, Arizona’s Mikkel Boedker is the best fit among available players. A pending free agent, there’s no commitment to him beyond 2015-16 (unless there’s money to sign him to a new contract). He was a late bloomer down in the Desert, but has proven himself a productive top six forward over the past few years.

Heading to Arizona is one of Chicago’s top defensive prospects in Ville Pokka. He has some NHL experience, and can be a full-time player in the next year or two. At 6’2 214lbs, Pokka is best described as a two-way defenseman. He’s using his time in the AHL to develop his defensive play in his own end. It would also make sense that Arizona seeks a 1st round draft pick in any deal for Mikkel Boedker.

8. Anaheim Trades D Sami Vatanen and F Andrew Cogliano to Colorado in exchange for F Gabriel Landeskog and D Brandon Gormley

Rumored to be offered earlier in the season with plenty of interest, the Ducks were never able to find a deal that worked for Sami Vatanen. The apparent asking price was astronomically high. Cogliano would need to waive his no-trade clause for this to work – perhaps he’s ready for a fresh start? Not a flashy player, but as consistent as can be, Cogliano is one of the NHL’s best 3rd line forwards – with an ability to assume a top six role for short stretches of time.

Give Colorado credit, they’ve pulled things together of late, threatening for a playoff spot. It doesn’t change the fact there’s something wrong with this core group of players. One big piece still needs to be moved to help get this organization back on the right path. They’ve got a promising crop of prospects that’ll have an NHL impact in coming years, but are still missing something on the blueline. Although Matt Duchene‘s name came up in rumors earlier in the season, Avs fans would consider Landeskog more available (youngest captain in NHL history or not). He also fits a desperate need of Anaheim’s on the left-wing, making this a natural fit. Brandon Gormley was acquired at the beginning of 2015-16, but he’s more of a depth guy that helps even out the trade value.

7. Anaheim Trades G Frederik Andersen, F Julius Nattinen and 2016 3rd Round Draft Pick to Toronto in exchange for G Jonathan Bernier and F Leo Komarov

The Ducks could still use an upgrade up the left side – “Uncle” Leo can help fill that void based on his 2015-16 All-Star season.

Flame for Thought

There’s not enough games in an NHL season to give both John Gibson and Frederik Andersen their due minutes co-existing. Jonathan Bernier is signed through 2016-17, and is capable of playing 25-30 games in a backup role for Anaheim.

Andersen is only 26-years-old, putting him in the same age range as many of Toronto’s building blocks for the future. There’s a lot of question marks in goals this season – but Andersen would solve that. In this instance, Toronto could re-sign James Reimer and stick him in the backup position. He’s a little better than your typical backup, while Andersen is more of a 1A type goalie anyways – suggesting the pair could more closely split duties in 50/30 range. To help even out the deal, Toronto would seek a prospect in Nattinen’s range (2015 2nd rounder center from Finland). Whether it’s a 3rd or 4th round draft pick – Toronto is simply accumulating as many as possible.

6. San Jose Trades F Patrick Marleau and D Dylan DeMelo to NY Rangers in exchange for D Keith Yandle and F Kevin Hayes

Among Marleau’s three-teams he’d accept a trade to was Anaheim, Los Angeles, and NY Rangers.

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Rumors have since disappeared – but it doesn’t mean he’s off the table. San Jose should be kicking the tires on both Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton. The New York Rangers are one impact forward away from being legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, and Eastern Conference powerhouses. The opportunity to add of player of Marleau’s skill-set is rare – age should not be a factor. DeMelo is a promising 2011 draft pick that ideally fits in long-term as a depth blueliner. He’s got the potential to be something more as his game continues to develop.

Heading to San Jose is pending free agent Keith Yandle – latest rumors suggest he has no interest in signing a new contract with New York. After losing Anthony Duclair to acquire him, the Rangers cannot afford to lose him for nothing. San Jose is a natural fit with a desperate need for a true top four defenseman that can log big minutes. Kevin Hayes is under-performing in 2015-16, and rumors have suggested his name in being linked to trade talks. Subtract Hayes, add Marleau – it’s a no-brainer.

Next: 5-1

2016 NHL Trade Deadline: Hypothetical Trades (5-1)

5. Edmonton Trades F Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and F Teddy Purcell to Minnesota in exchange for D Jonas Brodin and F Tyler Graovac

It would have been easier to trade RNH prior to his injury – making this type of deal more likely to happen in the offseason. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl locked in to Edmonton’s 1-2 spots up the middle, RNH becomes expendable.

Rumors already suggested Edmonton offered Nugent-Hopkins to Nashville for Seth Jones. It makes sense that Edmonton is seeking a quality young defenseman in return. The addition of Teddy Purcell is additional depth for Minnesota down the stretch. His contract expires at season’s end, at which point he can walk into free agency.

Heading to Edmonton is the 22-year-old Jonas Brodin. If Minnesota is trading a defenseman, it’s either Jonas Brodin, or Matt Dumba. Rumors suggest Brodin’s name has been dangled in trade talks this year. He’s a responsible two-way defenseman capable of logging big minutes and matching up against an opponent’s top line. Tyler Graovac is a promising young prospect that was in-line for full-time duties in 2015-16 before going down with injury to open the new season. He’s since spent his time with AHL Iowa. He’d be an upgrade on both Mark Letestu and Anton Lander at center in 2016-17.

4. Tampa Bay Trades F Jonathan Drouin and D Slater Koekkoek to Colorado in exchange for D Tyson Barrie and F Joey Hishon

Rumors continue to swirl around the status of pending restricted free agent Tyson Barrie. It sounds as though negotiations aren’t progressing, and there’s a chance Joe Sakic needs to consider moving the promising young blueliner. Jonathan Drouin in Colorado is a natural fit due to his QMJHL connections with former teammate Nathan MacKinnon and head coach Patrick Roy.

The thought process behind the additional players is that Colorado is giving up slightly more trade value with Tyson Barrie. Slater Koekkoek is a near NHL ready defenseman that should be ready for full-time duties in 2016-17. Joey Hishon is slowly sliding down the Avs prospect depth chart, but he’s still a talented undersized forward.

3. Winnipeg Trades F Andrew Ladd and D Tyler Myers to NY Islanders in exchange for D Travis Hamonic and F Josh Bailey

If the rumors are true that Winnipeg will be unable to re-sign their captain – then it’s better to get something for him opposed to nothing. The best way to move Ladd might be packaging with a player that has long-term value. Jets GM Tim Cheveldayoff expressed prior to 2015-16 that he had no interest in moving newly acquired D Tyler Myers.

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Perhaps he’s changed his tune on that after Dustin Byfuglien‘s hefty new cap hit. Ladd is an immediate upgrade on the left side for New York heading into the playoffs. Garth Snow would also have time to offer a new contract before July 1st. Myers is the piece with guaranteed long-term value, and is a suitable replacement for Hamonic.

Subtracting Ladd, and adding Bailey helps permanently slot Nikolaj Ehlers as the 1st line LW. Bailey also slides right into Ladd’s spot on the second line – he also has a few years of term left on his contract.

Hamonic makes sense from several angles:
1) Honors his request to be closer to his Manitoba home
2) Excellent shut down defender capable of logging big minutes
3) Long-term contract with cheap, affordable cap hit

2. Carolina Trades F Eric Staal and G Cam Ward to Montreal in exchange for G Zachary Fucale, F Nikita Scherbak, and 2016 Conditional 1st Round Draft Pick

Marc Bergevin must be feeling pressure these days. The fan base’s confidence in their head coach and general manager is dwindling. This a team that has proven it can compete with a quality goaltender. Why not Cam Ward – a former Conn Smythe/Stanley Cup winner? Add Eric Staal up the middle, and the Montreal Canadiens have that element that was missing to help make them true contenders. Of course, this would all hinge on the status of Cam Ward – who is currently day-to-day dealing with a lower body injury.

Fucale was rumored to be part of trade talks earlier in the season when Eric Staal’s name was linked to Montreal. It would make sense to add another prospect goaltender besides Alex Nedeljkovic. If the Canadiens are unwilling to part with Scherbak, other potential prospects of interest are Mike McCarron and Charles Hudon. The conditional 1st would be lottery protected.

1. San Jose Trades F Joe Thornton, F Noah Rod and 2017 Conditional 1st Round Pick to Minnesota in exchange for D Jonas Brodin, F Mikael Granlund, and 3rd/or 4th Round Draft Pick

The thought process here is fairly simple. Joe Thornton is nearing retirement within the next few years or so. Minnesota has a couple of core veterans on the decline with only a couple decent seasons of productivity left (Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek). While there’s a promising crop of prospects destined to be the future core, the window for Chuck Fletcher to win with his assembled roster is quickly closing. He’ll need to make a splash similar to this to not only save his job, but fix Minnesota’s gaping void up the middle.

Next: 2016 World Cup of Hockey: Preview, Projected Rosters

Since Minnesota is trading two very good players in their early 20s, San Jose needs to offer something with more long-term value along with Thornton. Noah Rod is a promising young Swiss forward who shined at this year’s World Juniors. The conditional first round pick is simply lottery protected (in case something were to happen where they fell out of playoff contention).