NHL Trade Rumors: 5 bold trade deadline predictions

2. Rangers Emerge As Biggest Sellers

Everyone thinks the Senators are going to be the biggest sellers at the trade deadline. If you’re talking quality, you’re likely right. Duchene and Stone are arguably the best available at their respective positions. Ryan Dzingel isn’t a slouch either. But as far as quantity, the New York Rangers should come out on top.

As discussed earlier, we think Hayes will be traded to whoever loses out on Stone between the Predators and the Jets. This should net them a first-round pick. That’s the price for a top-six center these days.

Mats Zuccarello is another big name who will be shipped out. It will be interesting to see if they can manage to squeeze a first-round pick out of him. Zuccarello would be a great fit for the Calgary Flames, who don’t have a second-round pick in 2019. They could just defer it to 2020, but maybe if the Rangers toss in a mid-round pick, they’ll part with the first rounder.

Even defenseman Adam McQuaid is getting quite a bit of interest. The Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams, have been linked to him. Teams love veteran depth defensemen this time of the season and McQuaid fits the bill.

But their biggest trade will be a bit of an unexpected one.