NHL trade rumors: One player each team should trade
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks – Robin Lehner
Robin Lehner has performed quite well for the Chicago Blackhawks. They might even be interested in giving him a long-term deal. However, even if this is the case, the Hawks would be wise to see what teams would give up for Lehner. Just because they trade him doesn’t mean they can’t circle back once teams are allowed to start talking to free agents. Goalies are usually hard to trade, especially as rentals, but I think contenders could be interested in adding Lehner.
Colorado Avalanche – Nikita Zadorov
This one is tough. The Colorado Avalanche have a great cap situation, as they have a ton of cap space. On top of that, most of their best players are locked up long-term. To top it all off, they have enough picks and prospects to get just about anyone they want. All of that said, I think it would be wise for the Colorado Avalanche to see if anyone’s interested in defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who’s due for a raise this summer.
Dallas Stars – Blake Comeau
The Dallas Stars, much like the Colorado Avalanche, are in relatively good shape. However, Blake Comeau is someone they should look to move. He’s a bit pricey for his role and his production (11 points in 34 games).
Minnesota Wild – Jonas Brodin
It appears the Minnesota Wild are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. There are a number of players they could trade, but with Dougie Hamilton’s recent injury, the Wild should call the Carolina Hurricanes and offer Jonas Brodin. According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Brodin is someone the Canes have been interested in even before Hamilton’s injury.
Nashville Predators – Mikael Granlund
Mikael Granlund has been a square peg and the Nashville Predators are a round hole. He just hasn’t been a good fit there since they traded for him last year. According to sources, the Predators are trying to trade him.
St. Louis Blues – Zach Sanford
This one was really tough. The St. Louis Blues have a very well-balanced roster that is capable of repeating as Stanley Cup champions. Though Alex Pietrangelo is a UFA after this season and the Justin Faulk extension all but guarantees he won’t be around, keeping him around is the right move. Same with backup goaltender Jake Allen, who has a year left on his deal after this one.
Sadly, young forward Zach Sanford might be the guy who has to go if the Blues want to make a significant upgrade at forward. Keep in mind they’ll have Vladimir Tarasenko, who is the most consistent goal scorer in the NHL not named Alex Ovechkin, coming back for the postseason.
Winnipeg Jets – Adam Lowry
The Winnipeg Jets need a shakeup. This could come in the form of getting rid of Paul Maurice, but the Jets have been incredibly patient with him to this point. Why would they change now? Anyway, that’s likely a move that will happen in the offseason.
If the Jets want to shake up their roster, Adam Lowry might be the guy to trade. It would make sense for them to clear some cap space. They have just 11 players under contract for next season and before accounting for the inevitable rise in the salary cap, they have a shade under $8 million of cap space available. Clearing Lowry’s nearly $3 million cap hit would give them some breathing room.