NHL trade rumors: Top 3 teams who should trade for Sami Vatanen
According to the latest NHL trade rumors, New Jersey Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen is one of the hottest names on the trade market. Here are the three best fits for him.
With the NHL trade deadline coming up on Feb. 24, the trade market is starting to heat up. The best rental defenseman available is New Jersey Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after this season. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, Vantanen’s name is drawing interest.
On TSN‘s latest “Trade Bait” column, Vatanen ranked fifth. Alec Martinez (second) was the only defenseman who ranked above him. Vatanen has a cap hit of $4.875 million this season and is the best right-handed defenseman on the trade market. He also has experience playing on his off-side, which should increase his trade value.
This season, Vatanen has 5 goals and 23 points in 47 games. With the Devils far out of contention and extension talks being non-existent, trading him makes a ton of sense. I don’t think they’ll get a first-round pick for him, but a second-round pick is quite plausible.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Which teams are the best fit for Vatanen? Here’s a look at the three teams who should trade for him.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes need a spark. They haven’t been the same since Dougie Hamilton‘s injury. That injury has left them a bit punch-less from the blueline. It’s not a surprise that the Hurricanes have been checking in on various defensemen on the trade market. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Devils are one of the teams they have called.
It wouldn’t surprise me if a deal gets worked out. The Hurricanes really need to add someone to their defense and Vatanen would help. Also, they have two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the 2020 NHL Draft, which means they’ll probably be a bit more willing to part with a second-round pick for him.