2016 NHL Trade Deadline: 25 Hypothetical Trades
By Ryan Ritchie
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.
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