NHL Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should be biggest sellers
As the trade deadline approaches, it looks like this is going to be a seller’s market, according to the latest NHL trade rumors. Here’s a look at the five likely sellers who hold all the cards.
The NHL trade deadline is getting close. Each year, teams are either buyers or sellers. If you’re the former, you want to load up for a Stanley Cup run. Meanwhile, if you’re the latter, you want to get future assets for players you might lose for nothing. The latest NHL trade rumors suggest this could be a strong market for sellers. Especially with the Western Conference playoff race being so close.
Here’s a quick look at five teams who should be selling. They have no real reason to hang onto certain guys. If these teams play their cards right, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them emerge from the trade deadline as a better team in the future.
5. New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have every reason to sell off assets right now. Frankly, they should even listen to offers for reigning Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall unless they are 100 percent confident he will re-sign. Just be clear that it would take the sun, the moon, and the stars (along with a few planets) to get him.
Realistically, the Devils will likely at least trade three of their pending unrestricted free agents – Marcus Johansson, Drew Stafford, and Keith Kinkaid. Johansson should net them a mid-round pick while Stafford and Kinkaid should get them a late-round pick each.
They might trade defenseman Egor Yakovlov, but they’d be wise to give him a longer look to see if he’s a part of their future. He’s shown enough to justify it. Depending on the health of Ben Lovejoy, the Devils could move him. Captain Andy Greene is another guy they could look to move, though they’d likely need to retain salary to make it happen.
The more they tank, the more likely it is they’ll win the draft lottery. A future with Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes down the middle is a bright one. Even one with Kappo Kakko and Hischier is pretty bright.