NHL Trade Rumors: Hypothetical Rival Deals That Make Sense

Nov 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Amalie Arena. Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Amalie Arena. Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks defensemen Alex Edler (23) during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks defensemen Alex Edler (23) during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL Trade Rumors: 2 Captains Were Traded to a Division Rival in 2015-16, Proving That Unlikely Foes Can Do Business With One Another. We’ve Got 5 Potential Deals Between Rival Clubs That Could Make Sense With Free Agency/Expansion in the Distance.

Instead of taking the usual approach of tackling the latest NHL trade rumors, I’ve decided to introduce a slight twist. Remember early in 2016 when the Toronto Maple Leafs shipped their captain down the 401 east to their rival Ottawa Senators? Closer to the deadline, the Winnipeg Jets also sent their captain Andrew Ladd as a rental to the Chicago Blackhawks.

These are classic examples of unlikely teams putting their differences aside when a fit makes sense and both clubs can benefit. Given the current landscape that includes a trade deadline, expansion draft, and free agency, more rival deals could be on the horizon in 2016-17.

Let’s take a look at five potential deals that could make sense for divisional teams given the current state of their roster:

NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Rival Deals That Could Make Sense

NHL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) defends the net against Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Pittsburgh won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) defends the net against Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Pittsburgh won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Fleury to the Flyers

On that list of NHL teams that don’t engage in deals, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are right up there near the top. Still, you’ve got to wonder how long the Flyers can insist on mediocre goaltending. Truth be told, it’s a position they’ve failed to address since the 80s/90s – names like Roman Cechmanek and Ilya Bryzgalov come to mind in the years since.

No offence to Steve Mason, who has admittedly looked sharp early on, but you’d be fooling yourself if you think he can be the long-term solution. They’ve got a ton of promising netminders in the pipelines, including Carter Hart, Alex Lyon, Anthony Stolarz, Felix Sandstrom, and Matej Tomek (among others). For the time being, Philly might be wise to invest in a proven elite number one who can serve as a stop-gap option until a young guy emerges.

I realize Flyers fans might have a difficult time imagining themselves cheering for Marc-Andre Fleury – but that could change in a hurry the moment Philly faces off against Pittsburgh in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The final look of this deal would be interesting. Pittsburgh could add an additional piece or more, while the Flyers would likely be sacrificing a nice package that could include prospects and/or draft picks.

Hypothetical Deal:

Pittsburgh trades G Marc Andre-Fleury and D Justin Schultz to Philadelphia in exchange for G Steve Mason, D Michael Del Zotto, F Pascal Laberge, and 2017 1st round draft pick

NHL Trade Rumors: Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Avalanche won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Trade Rumors: Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Avalanche won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Avs-Wild Blockbuster

From an Avs point of view, this team is struggling and no matter what Joe Sakic says, this team core simply doesn’t work. I’ve been saying it over and over for more than a year now, but this two number one center system isn’t working for Colorado. It works for a team like Pittsburgh because they have a pair of legitimate superstars. Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon are quality players, but not on the same level whatsoever. To start to fix the problem, the Avs need to trade Matt Duchene before his value starts to dip.

Nov 17, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) and forward Mikael Granlund (64) wait for the faceoff in the first period against the Boston Bruins at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) and forward Mikael Granlund (64) wait for the faceoff in the first period against the Boston Bruins at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

On the Wild end of things, Minnesota faces a serious conundrum on the blue line with expansion around the corner. As much as they’d love to save four defensemen in expansion, it might not be possible with the abundance of forwards on the roster. So, once the Wild protect Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, and Matt Dumba, it leaves both Jonas Brodin and Marco Scandella on the outside looking in.

Minnesota fans are starting to believe they can compete for a Cup on goaltending/defense alone. That’s just not possible. Devan Dubnyk has been unbelievable between the pipes and Ryan Suter should be in the mix for a Norris Trophy at this point. But there’s not enough offensive pop in this lineup. When push comes to shove in mid-April and beyond, Minnesota could see another early exit.

They might not be able to stop Las Vegas from plucking a quality d-man in the expansion draft, but they can always trade the better blueliner and force George McPhee‘s hand on a guy like Scandella.

Hypothetical Deal:

Colorado trades F Matt Duchene and D Duncan Siemens to Minnesota in exchange for D Jonas Brodin, F Erik Haula, F Mario Lucia, and 2017 1st round draft pick

NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler (23) looks on during the overtime period against Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler (23) looks on during the overtime period against Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Edler to California

It’s time for Jim Benning and Trevor Linden to cut out the lunacy behind this boggling philosophy in Vancouver. Aside from the Sedin twins, the Canucks don’t exactly have a ton of guys that other teams are dying to get their hands on. Seeing as there’d be no point in moving someone like Ben Hutton, Erik Gudbranson, or Chris Tanev, that leaves us with the 31-year-old veteran. Alexander Edler’s name has come up in trade rumors before and he could be a decent fit for a contending team.

The only catch here: Edler is currently on the IR and isn’t expected to return until January. So, while teams can still deal injured bodies, other GMs may want to see him play a few games first. He also has a no-trade clause in his contract.

If any California team could use a defenseman like Edler, it’s the San Jose Sharks. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve got enough depth at the moment. But it lacks top talent beyond Burns and Vlasic. Who knows how many more kicks at the can this team will have with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau – mid as well go for it.

Hypothetical Deal:

Vancouver trades D Alex Edler to San Jose in exchange for F Melker Karlsson, D Brenden Dillon, and 2017 3rd round draft pick

NHL Trade Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena. The Avalanche won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Trade Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena. The Avalanche won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Blue Jackets-Capitals Swap

It’s no secret that GM Jarmo Kekalainen needs to find a way to rid himself of Scott Hartnell’s contract. By no means is it a reflection on Hartnell himself, as it’s more about the no-move clause than anything. If Columbus if forced to protect Hartnell next June, they’ll certainly leave unwanted players exposed. That one extra spot could be the difference in saving William Karlsson or Lukas Sedlak for example.

Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the San Jose Sharks at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the San Jose Sharks at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

So what makes Washington a good fit for a 34-year-old on a $4.75 million dollar contract for three more seasons? Well for one, the Caps are still in that Stanley Cup window looking to get over the elusive hump. Two, they essentially have an extra forward spot if the 7-3-1 protection scheme is used. At this point, players such as Brett Connolly and Lars Eller are vying for it. So here’s a situation that doesn’t hurt the Capitals in expansion and gives them a solid veteran presence at a very important time.

Seeing that Washington is doing Columbus a bit of a favor in the deal, it should bring the overall value down slightly. Columbus might even retain 25 percent salary for the remainder of the contract. This would give Hartnell a $3.5625 million dollar cap hit with Washington.

Hypothetical Deal:

Columbus Blue Jackets trade F Scott Hartnell (25 percent retained) and a prospect/or draft pick to Washington in exchange for F Lars Eller (and a draft pick/or prospect?)

NHL Trade Rumors: Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) makes a save against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Trade Rumors: Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) makes a save against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Bishop Can Stay in the Sunshine State

Safe to say the analytical approach has not worked thus far down in Florida. Give them some credit, they’ve been without a star player in Jonathan Huberdeau. Nick Bjugstad also spent a significant amount of time on the IR. Still, the Panthers have some problems. A year after sitting atop the Atlantic Division, it’s already beginning to look like Florida may struggle to win a Wild-Card spot.

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Now, none of that fault falls on the shoulders of 37-year-old Roberto Luongo. In fact, he’s been one of the few bright spots on the Panthers in 2016-17. He has a record of 9-8-2 with a 2.25GAA and .923 save percentage.

This proposal isn’t exactly ideal on the surface with the prospect of Luongo and Bishop in competition with one another, but you need to look at the bigger picture here. This could Lu’s final year, and if not, at some point his play will decline. James Reimer was signed to be the guy to fill that role, but it was a farfetched idea from the beginning.

Florida would be wise to invest a little more now to solidify the position for the foreseeable future. With guys like Huberdeau, Barkov, Reilly, and Trocheck coming into their own, the next few years will be absolutely vital.

Next: 4 Hypothetical Blockbuster Trades

Hypothetical Deal:

Tampa Bay trades G Ben Bishop to Florida in exchange for G James Reimer, D Ian McCoshen, and 2017 1st round draft pick

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