NHL Trade Deadline: Best Deals for Central Division Teams

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Feb 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Roman Josi (59) during the third period against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Nashville Predators

The Predators are back in the playoff conversation after a rough start to the season. Turns out, you can’t just trade away your captain and not expect deleterious events. But, the Predators behind Roman Josi and all-star Captain PK Subban have picked up their game. They’ve effectively rejoined the race in the Central.

The thing about the Predators is that they have just a ton of deadline cap space. They come in just under 19 million. And the Predators already have made a deadline move – Vernon Fiddler has joined the team. But is that enough? Come on.

Predators Give Up: Ryan Ellis, D

Predators Get: Daniel Sprong, RW; Penguins 1st; Trevor Daley, D

The Predators need to trade one of their top 4 defensemen before the expansion draft, because they will be taken. Ryan Ellis seems to be the odd man out, as Mattias Ekholm has a longer contract and is a better defensive defenseman.

The Penguins desperately need better defense. It’s the one ingredient missing from their could-be dynasty. Kris Letang is great, and Olli Maatta is better than he’s currently playing. But that’s where the defense ends. If the Penguins could get their hands on a player like Ellis, it would be worth a lot.

And that’s why the Predators get a top prospect, a first round pick, and a current defenseman to replace Ellis.

Feb 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are set offensively. They’re pretty good defensively. And they lack goaltending entirely. I mean, that makes my job pretty darn simple.

The Jets desperately need a goaltender not just now, but for the future. A move for a goaltender has to come with a contract, otherwise, the Jets will have wasted the trade return. They’re the youngest team in the Central, and thus have the longest expiration date. I don’t think they should be a seller, because even though they’re currently out of the playoffs, next year could be very different.

Jets Give Up: Josh Morrissey, D; Marko Dano, LW; 2018 1st

Jets Get: Ben Bishop, G; Alex Killorn, LW

The Lightning get rid of two pieces they could lose in the expansion draft for a big return. The Jets get leadership and skill in Killorn and a goaltender in Bishop. It’s their job to re-sign the guy.

Tampa should do this deal because they get younger, cheaper, and a first round pick, albeit one that will be a pretty high first round pick – the Jets are making the playoffs next year with this deal.

Winnipeg should do this deal because Killorn is a talented wing on a long-term contract. Ben Bishop is a talented goaltender who should re-sign with Winnipeg. They can part with next year’s first round because they should make the playoffs, and the prospects might not pan out, while Killorn is a known quantity.

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